Hotels in Merida, Venezuela

Moderate -- In addition to the places listed in this guide, the new Casa Milla (tel. 0274/657-5340; casamillaposada@hotmail.com), offers up comfortable, well-kept rooms in a converted house fronting the pretty Plaza Milla. In the foothills above Mérida, Hotel & Spa La Sevillana (tel. 0274/266-3227; www.andes.net/lasevillana) has the feel of a cozy B&B and offers great bird-watching all around.

Inexpensive -- A backpacker and adventure-tourist hot spot, Mérida has scores of inexpensive posadas geared toward backpackers. Many are congregated in close proximity to the Plaza Las Heroínas. In addition to the places listed in this section, I also like the Posada La Montaña (tel. 0274/252-5977; www.posadalamontana.com). It's quite easy to comparison shop and check out a handful before committing.