The best Chiapas hotel hands down is the 18 suite Uvence Arte + Hotel, a totally intriguing blend of contemporary architecture by Julio Amezcua in the finest Mexican tradition. It encompasses an 18^th century flour mill converted to suites, its own museum and outdoor sculpture garden, all within walking distance of the historic center of San Cristobal de las Casas. Its special qualities will come as no surprise as soon as you hear it’s the passion of Mario Uvence, the foremost antique dealer in Mexico as well as collector and cultural figure. In case you missed part 1, things to do in Chiapas, click here.

Guests arrive at the lobby housing reception and an art decorated lounge and game room by way  of a long driveway with adobe walls with vertical gardens. The suites, restaurant, bar and bistro, massage area and museum are housed in several small structures accessible by paths that meander past deep green lawns and trees filled with song birds, an area with fire pit and chairs, and an herb and vegetable garden.

In this Chiapas hotel we stayed in one of six suites in its own complex, built around a simple and dramatic courtyard with a series of water mirrors and sculptures. Entering our suite we were met by soaring ceilings with rich, deep brown mahogany rafters, original art and hand loomed textiles from Eklektik, the owner’s shop, a comfortable area that can seat two, and a separate sleeping area separated by a bookcase filled with serious art books and electric fireplace. Behind a partial wall is the bathroom and large plunge pool and private patio. It was built for fine design and comfort with a blend of modernism and local Chiapas influences.

Guests can choose to dine in two restaurants, one indoor/outdoor helmed by a Mexican chef, and the other a bar and bistro with a Mediterranean menu. We enjoyed breakfast daily, some of the best eggs I’ve ever had (made “Mexican style) with fresh local fruit and delicious local organic coffee.

We only had dinner there one night, as there are numerous outstanding restaurants in San Cristobal so had to make the rounds. There’s also a small area for spa treatments which we enjoyed after our days spent walking.

Alongside the main all day restaurant is the pride and joy of Uvence, its  museum from the Mario Uvence Cultural Foundation. Its permanent collection features sculptures in various fine materials from Europe and the Hispanic world along with decorative arts, painting and sculpture from the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

Rotating exhibits, kicked off with a concert, feature painting and sculpture by local and international artists along with a permanent collection of serious baroque art and graphics. The Museum is directed by Luis Alberto Guillen Castaneda who is an art scholar, cultural promoter, and film producer.

We were fortunate to have a look at some of the print portfolios in the collection, one including a handwritten letter of recommendation by Diego Rivera and another engravings and lithographs by Jose Guadalupe Posada.

The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and guided tours by appointment.

Uvence Arte + Hotel has sister Chiapas hotels in the coast named Tonala, called Itaca Ecolodge and another on the way to the lagoons of Montebello The new hotel is called Parador Museo Santa Maria. Rates start at $165 USD.