Hotels

Rates shown are the standard rack rates and include the 17% tax. In 2008 and 2009, promotional rates were fairly easy to find, especially with the larger hotels. In some cases, the published rate had fallen, too. Big hotels also are apt to offer business discounts. In some of the cheaper hotels, air-conditioning is a bit feeble.

Most of the luxury hotels in Guadalajara are on the west side, which has the majority of the shopping malls, boutiques, fashionable restaurants, and clubs. The Centro Histórico is also a good option because there's a lot to do, all in walking distance. And Tlaquepaque is a comfortable place to stay -- it's relaxing, in that it doesn't have the feel of a big city and is perfect for shoppers; the only drawback is that almost everything shuts down by 7 or 8pm.

Chain hotels not included here are Hilton, Marriott, Camino Real, Howard Johnson, Crowne Plaza, and Best Western.