Hotels in Patzcuaro

In choosing properties, I generally went with those that best reflected in some way the character of the town. Most of these are small properties; a good choice among the large hotels is La Parroquia, Plaza Bocanegra 24 (tel. 434/342-2515). Another option would be to stay in Casa Santiago, a small B&B in Ihuatzio, one of the lakeside villages (discussed later). Rates include 18% tax.

If Pátzcuaro's Packed Solid . . . -- During Easter week and Day of the Dead, Pátzcuaro's hotels fill up; visitors should be aware of three inexpensive hotels in the nearby town of Santa Clara. The Hotel Oasis, Portal Allende 144 (tel. 434/343-0040), is the better of the two on the town's main plaza; Hotel Real del Cobre, Portal Hidalgo 19 (tel. 434/343-0205), has a restaurant. The third hotel, Camino Real (tel. 434/343-0281), is a few blocks away and is comparable to the Oasis.