What to expect: Guests are welcomed into the sun-filled lobby with a glass of white wine or a red apple. Four columns from 13th-century India adorn the reception area, and sofas and silver-topped coffee tables await guests who need a break before heading to their rooms. Cathedral-worthy archangel statues and carved wooden horses also decorate the lobby.

Amenity highlights: The Quinta Real’s stone façade and arched entryways are examples of classic Mexican architecture. Though it was built in 1990, the hotel has an authentic hacienda-style atmosphere. Guests shop at a gift boutique for souvenirs and silver jewelry and relax in a large courtyard or around the swimming pool. The hotel’s semi-formal restaurant serves local, regional, and international specialties.

Insider tip: Though the hotel isn’t in the center of town, there are many attractions within walking distance. The Aguascalientes Theater and Discovery Museum are 1 block away, and the Heroes Park, with tennis courts, jogging trails, and other recreational options, is a half-mile away.