Puebla's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Las Animas' Unforgettable Stay
Puebla's Hidden Gem? Courtyard Las Animas - A Review That's Finally, Finally Real.
Okay, buckle up buttercups. I just got back from Courtyard Las Animas in Puebla, and let me tell you, reviews don't ever quite capture the experience, do they? They're so… sterile. So let's ditch the generic hotel jargon and, like, actually talk about it.
First Impressions (and a bit of a stumble – literally):
Finding the place was easy – score one for accessibility! (Wait, is that how this works? Okay, I'll try to be organized…kinda). It’s got a decent parking situation, car park [on-site] and free for the guests, right. Driving through the cobbled streets of Puebla I was already expecting the worst, and for a moment, I was right, I tripped on the cobbleston and nearly fell. Ok, maybe they should add some CCTV outside the property. They've got security [24-hour], and what felt like a whole platoon of staff waiting to greet you, but I’m getting ahead of myself…
The entrance is pretty swanky; the doorman gives you the whole, "Welcome, señorita," and opens the door with a flourish. Inside, it's all polished surfaces and… well, I'm not sure what aesthetic they were shooting for, but it's definitely something. It kind of feels like a very well-dressed but slightly bland museum, you know? Not bad, just…safe. This is a hotel chain, by the way, so if you're after something truly unique, maybe keep looking. But, let's go in, shall we?
Accessibility & Getting Around (The Good, The Okay, and The "Hmm…"):
Accessibility is a big deal for me (and, let’s be honest, should be for everyone). The lobby, elevators (yes, they have an elevator!), and common areas were generally wheelchair accessible. But here's where it gets a little messy. The walkways, especially towards the pool, felt a tad narrow. While they proclaim Facilities for disabled guests, I didn’t feel 100% sure about the whole experience. I am not disabled, but I'd recommend a careful look if that's a requirement here. Let's just say, maybe call ahead and ask for specifics.
Rooms: Comfort & Amenities (Wi-Fi, Blackout Curtains & My Quest for Coffee):
Okay, let’s go to the good bits. The rooms themselves? Pretty solid. Clean, spacious, and with a surprisingly comfy bed. They have everything: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, blackout curtains, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens. The Wi-Fi [free] was a godsend – especially for someone like me who needs to stay connected. They shout it from the rooftops: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes, they do! It’s fast, reliable, and I could actually get some work done. And, the blackout curtains. Chef’s kiss! After a long day of exploring Puebla, I can say that these can turn your room into a genuine cave which is exactly what I needed.
The coffee situation was…a journey. They do provide a coffee/tea maker in the room, but finding decent coffee was a challenge. The lobby coffee shop was… well, it was there. More on that later.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Buffet and the Poolside Bar's Siren Call):
The dining situation was a mixed bag. Let's start with the positives. They have a beautiful outdoor space [terrace], perfect for enjoying a drink. They have a Poolside bar, which is fantastic. A bar, they are several restaurants and Coffee/tea in restaurant. The breakfast buffet was, well, a buffet. Breakfast [buffet] with a wide variety of options – Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, lots of fruit and pastries, and the usual scrambled eggs / bacon / sausage situation. It was decent, offering options for different tastes, but like most buffet-style breakfasts, it started to feel a little… repetitive.
And that Coffee/tea in restaurant… okay, the coffee shop… Coffee shop, is actually pretty good. If you are a coffee person, this is your space.
For dinner, they have a few restaurants, including International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant and Vegetarian restaurant. I tried one of the Asian options one night and loved it!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa, Gym, and the Perfect Pool View):
This is where Courtyard Las Animas really shines. They've got a proper Spa with Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna. And a Gym/fitness.
But the pool with a view? Oh, that’s the money shot. The pool itself is pretty standard. But the view? Stunning. It looks like the hills of Puebla are watching over you. The perfect spot for a sunset cocktail, or just a few hours of lounging. They’ve got you covered. I spent a whole afternoon just floating around, trying to escape the world. If you need to chill out, this is the place.
Cleanliness & Safety (Feeling Safe, But Not Obsessed… Mostly):
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. The good thing is that they take it seriously: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer, mask and hand sanitizers are available on site. You won’t have to stress yourself by trying to find a mask or hand sanitizer. But, the "Safe dining setup" thing felt a bit… overkill, to be honest. But hey, better safe than sorry, I guess.
Services & Conveniences (The Good Stuff, and the “Meh”):
They offer a range of services: they have a 24-hour front desk, Concierge service, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, iron service, laundry service, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, safe deposit boxes, terrace, wi-fi for special events, and so on.
Let’s see…Cash withdrawal. Cashless payment service. Elevator [I can already tell you what's going on in the elevator]. Luggage storage. The front desk was friendly, but sometimes a bit slow. The business facilities are available and the have the basics, but are not the main focus of the hotel.
For The Kids (Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal):
I don't have kids, so… I can't really comment. But they do have amenities like a babysitting service and kids meals available, so it seems like they are at least trying, right?
The Verdict (My Emotional Rollercoaster):
Courtyard Las Animas? It's good. It's very good. Not perfect, not mind-blowing, but a solid, comfortable, and reasonably priced option in Puebla. If you want a relaxing escape, a good pool, and a convenient location with all sorts of amenities and services, book it!
Would I go back? Probably.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Okay, 4.5, if you are nice to me.
Metadata (Because SEO is a Thing, Apparently):
- Keywords: Puebla Hotel, Courtyard Las Animas, Mexico Travel, Puebla Hotels, Accessible Hotel, Spa Hotel, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Travel Review, things to do in Puebla.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Courtyard Las Animas in Puebla, Mexico. Accessibility, dining, pool, and more – the good, the bad, and the funny! Read before you book!
- Title Tag: Courtyard Las Animas Review: Puebla's Hidden Gem or Hype? A Real Take!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is my trip to the Courtyard by Marriott Puebla Las Animas. And trust me, it wasn't all perfectly curated Insta-worthy moments. This is the real deal, warts and all… and probably a few tequila-induced hiccups thrown in for good measure.
Day 1: Arrival and immediate Imbecility (aka, jet lag and the quest for Chiles Rellenos)
- 14:00 – Touchdown Puebla! Oh, Mexico, you beautiful, sprawling beast. First impression? Hot. Really, really hot. And the air smelled… well, it smelled like adventure and exhaust fumes, a potent combination. The airport felt like a labyrinth designed by someone who hated tourists. Finding a taxi was a saga involving frantic waving, broken Spanish (mostly on my part), and the vague feeling I was being hustled.
- 14:45 – Hotel Arrival & Immediate Fail: Finally! The Courtyard. It looked exactly like the pictures, which is always a win. Check-in was smooth. The front desk guy was way too cheerful, and I was pretty sure I looked like a dehydrated zombie. Stumbled into my room, collapsed on the bed, and immediately fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. Jet lag, you magnificent bastard, you got me.
- 18:00 – Wake Up, Panic, and the Urgent Need for Food: Holy guacamole, where was I? The sun was sinking, the stomach was rumbling, and I remembered I had a mission: CHILIES RELLENOS. And not just any chiles rellenos. I needed the authentic, cheesy, pepper-stuffed goodness that had been haunting my waking hours.
- 19:00 – Dinner Fiasco #1: The "Restaurant" in the Hotel: Okay, the hotel restaurant was, well, let's just say it wasn't exactly bursting with local charm. I ordered a steak. It was… a steak. Edible, but forgettable. The service fluctuated between glacial and hyperactive, and I’m pretty sure my Spanish was getting worse with every attempt to order a second beer. I was desperately missing local food.
- 21:00 – The "Napkin Crisis" & Early Night: Tried to navigate the room service menu, face-palming myself over the menu choices, and decided I'd had enough. The hotel room felt strangely echoey. I fell asleep with an intense desire for actual, delicious Mexican food.
Day 2: History, Beauty, and Tummy Troubles
- 08:00 – Breakfast: A Breakfast of Disappointment: Hotel breakfast. You know the drill. Scrambled eggs that tasted suspiciously like rubber, lukewarm coffee, and a desperate hope for something, anything, that would perk me up. I did grab a guava pastry. It was… fine.
- 09:00 – The Zocalo (Main Square) & Architectural Overload: Puebla's Zocalo is stunning. Seriously, gobsmackingly gorgeous. The cathedral. The colorful buildings. The vibe. This is what I came for! Wandered around like a stunned puppy, taking photos of everything and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer beauty. Felt like I was walking, not just in history, but through it.
- 10:00 – Talavera Pottery and the Quest for the Perfect Souvenir: Puebla is famous for Talavera pottery. I, of course, wanted to buy all of it. Walked through the little shops of this district, getting dizzy from patterns and colors. Fell in love with a ridiculously ornate ceramic dish. Bargained for it, feeling like a total pro (even though the shopkeeper was probably laughing at my attempts).
- 12:00 – Lunch: The Great Chiles Rellenos Hunt (Round 2): Okay, the hotel restaurant was a bust. I got a recommendation for a local place. Found a tiny, bustling, almost non-touristy restaurant. The air smelled of frying peppers. My hope peaked. I ordered the chiles rellenos. And… they were glorious! Melted cheese, perfectly cooked peppers, a flavor explosion. Worth the hunt, worth the jet lag, worth everything. Ate way too many.
- 14:00 - The Tummy Rumblings: The price for deliciousness, unfortunately, was a bit of tummy upset. This is my life now, I thought. Worth it.
- 15:00 – The Street of Sweets and Sugar Coma: Puebla has a street dedicated to candy. I almost had a panic attack from the sheer volume of sugary goodness. Bought far too many tamarind candies, chocolate-covered churros, and other treats. And then, promptly ate them all. Sugar crash incoming.
- 17:00 - Return to the Hotel. Rest.
- 19:00 - Dinner. Hotel again.
- 22:00 - Bedtime. It was needed.
Day 3: The Forts of Loreto & Guadalupe, and a dose of Perspective
- 09:00 - Morning exploration: After the initial shock of the day one, things are getting easier to navigate around. My Spanish is getting even worse but I am more confident in my attempts.
- 10:00 - The City of Puebla: Back to the city center. Going into the churches and buildings.
- 12:00 - Lunch: Tacos. Street tacos. Amazing tacos. I had tacos for lunch. And it felt right.
- 14:00 - Walking around in markets: I got more stuff.
- 18:00 - Back to hotel.
Day 4: Departure - A bittersweet goodbye
- 08:00 – Last Breakfast: The rubber eggs were somehow a little more tolerable this time. A final guava pastry. A sad farewell to the buffet.
- 09:45 – Hotel Checkout: Said goodbye to the overly cheerful front desk guy.
- 10:00 – Departure: The airport was less confusing this time.
- 11:00 – Heading Home: I didn't feel sad to be leaving. But I did wish I could stay a bit longer.
Final Thoughts:
Puebla, you beautiful, frustrating, delicious, and occasionally a bit… messy place. I loved you. I hated you (sometimes). I definitely ate too much. I learned a little, stumbled a lot, and came home with a suitcase full of recuerdos and a heart full of memories. And the memory of those chiles rellenos? That'll stay with me forever. Also, I need a nap.
Escape to Paradise: JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Tucson
Courtyard Las Animas, Puebla: You NEED to Know This! (or Maybe Don't... Depends on Your Vibe)
1. So, Is Courtyard Las Animas Really a "Hidden Gem"? Or Is That Just Marketing BS?
Okay, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is thrown around like confetti. And yeah, Courtyard Las Animas *kind of* fits the bill. It's not screaming-loud tourist central, thank god. You're not tripping over selfie sticks every five seconds. It's...quiet. Almost *too* quiet sometimes. Like that awkward friend at the party who just stands in the corner, observing. But in a good way, mostly. You're definitely not going to see this hotel splashed all over Instagram. Which, honestly? Is a HUGE win for some of us.
2. The Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? What's the Deal?
Okay, the rooms... They're...fine. They're clean, which is always a plus. The beds are actually pretty comfy, I gotta admit. I slept like a log – until the mariachi band from the restaurant downstairs started practicing at 10 PM. (More on that later. It's a saga.) Space-wise? Don’t expect a ballroom. Think...efficient. You won't be hosting a dance-off in there, unless you're REALLY into contact improv. But hey, you're in Puebla! You should be out exploring, not glued to your room, unless you're recovering from epic mole poblano consumption. Which, let's be honest, is totally understandable.
3. The Location: Is it Convenient or Remote? Do I Need a Car?
This is where things get interesting. The location is *sort of* convenient. It's in a nice, quieter area, away from the chaotic hustle of the historic center. You *can* walk to a few restaurants (the "Mariachi Massacre of 2023" restaurant being one – more on that later, I swear!). But...to get to the *real* action, the beautiful churches, the vibrant markets, the amazing street food (Oh, the street food!), you'll need a taxi or an Uber. Taxis are plentiful, but bargain first. Uber is generally easy and reliable. So, no, you don't *need* a car, but it might make things easier. Unless you factor in the parking fee, then maybe not. I'm on the fence.
4. Food, Glorious Food! What's the Breakfast Like? (And the Mariachi?!)
Alright, so breakfast. It's... standard Courtyard fare. Eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, the usual suspects. Nothing earth-shattering, but it'll fill you up. The coffee, however, could use some love. Okay, a lot of love. It's the kind that wakes you up with a jolt, but not in a "wow, this is delicious" way. More of a "Did I just accidentally drink battery acid?" kind of way.
Now, the Mariachi... Oh, the Mariachi. Okay, deep breath. The restaurant downstairs. *Sounded* promising. Live music! Authentic vibe! But the first night? They *started* practicing at 10 PM. TEN FRIGGIN' PM! And let me tell you, mariachi at that volume, through hotel walls? It’s an experience. An experience that involved me frantically searching for earplugs, then resorting to stuffing tissues in my ears like a deranged mole. It didn’t work. I swear, I could feel the vibrations in my fillings. The food was fine, by the way, but by the time I got my food I was in a state of half-caffienated, half-mariachi-induced delirium.
5. The Staff: Are They Friendly and Helpful? Or Just Going Through the Motions?
The staff... They're generally pretty nice. Friendly, polite, helpful enough. They're not, like, overflowing with effusive friendliness, but they're not surly either. Think…competent professionals who know their jobs. And that's perfectly fine! I had a minor issue with, uh, a very particular type of insect (let's just say I'm not a fan of things with more legs than me) and they promptly sent someone to take care of it. Kudos for that, seriously.
6. Amenities: Pool, Gym, Etc. What's the Vibe?
There's a pool. I didn't use it. It looked…clean. But I was too busy running away from the aforementioned insect and planning my escape route from the mariachi massacre. There's a gym. I'm pretty sure it existed. I saw a sign. That's about all I can tell you. I was on vacation. Vacations are for eating tacos and running frantically from musical ensembles. Not for exercise. Though I have to admit after all the mole poblano I probably *should have* hit the treadmill.
7. Would You Stay There Again? The Honest Truth!
Okay, the ultimate question. Would I stay at Courtyard Las Animas again? Hmmm... It's complicated. If I were visiting Puebla again, and I needed a reliably clean, comfortable place that wasn't going to break the bank, and I could control the mariachi situation..MAYBE. But I'd pack industrial-strength earplugs. And maybe a can of bug spray. And I’d probably request a room on the opposite side of the hotel from the aforementioned restaurant. And I'd definitely bring my own coffee. So, yeah, maybe. It's a solid, if slightly flawed, option. But hey, life is imperfect, isn't it? Just like my review of Courtyard Las Animas. Go with lowered expectations and you might be pleasantly surprised. Just be prepared for the Mariachi. You've been warned.
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