Hotel Frances — The city's oldest hotel open since 1610
If you want to sleep in the oldest hotel in the city at a light price — Hotel Frances is it. Open since 1610 in a colonial building in the heart of Centro, with a classic fountain courtyard and a 3-4 minute walk to Plaza de Armas and the cathedral; full of old-world atmosphere.
Hotel Frances sits on Calle Maestranza in the heart of Centro Historico — just a 3-4 minute walk to Plaza de Armas, the cathedral and Palacio de Gobierno. A truly prime spot for old-town wandering; step out and you're at the landmarks, and in the evening walk to Plaza de los Mariachis for live music.
Guests say the Centro Historico location and the feel here are exactly what they came for — it set the tone for their whole trip.
It claims to be the oldest hotel in Guadalajara, open since 1610. The old colonial building's heart is a central courtyard with a classic marble fountain, arched columns and chandeliers — old-world atmosphere that feels like stepping into history. Tourists come to photograph it even without staying.
Rooms are classic style — high ceilings, wood furniture, some looking over the courtyard. Understand this is a 400-year-old building, so rooms show their age; they're not crisply modern, but that's the charm. Fans love it for the value and atmosphere, not the luxury.
There's a courtyard restaurant and bar serving Mexican food, with live music some nights. Sipping a drink under chandeliers in a centuries-old building is an experience no modern hotel can match.
Things to know — being so old, some rooms are small, plumbing/air-con can show their age, and courtyard echo carries (especially on music nights). If you need crisp modern convenience, this may not be it, but lovers of historic atmosphere will adore it.
On value — from around MXN 1,100 (฿2,200)/night, very cheap for the most central location and a historic-building experience. If you value story and atmosphere over newness, this is a rare deal.
One practical note for Thai travelers: Mexico is not visa-free for Thai passport holders, but if you hold a valid US, Canada, UK, Japan or Schengen visa you can enter without a separate Mexican visa — confirm the current rules with the embassy before you fly. Guadalajara is also very Spanish-dominant; English is spoken at the front desk here and at tourist spots, but a few Spanish phrases (or a translation app) go a long way at markets, with Uber drivers and in smaller eateries. The city is the home of Mariachi and tequila, so even a short stay leaves room for a day trip to the UNESCO town of Tequila, an evening at Plaza de los Mariachis, and a wander through the crafts districts of Tlaquepaque and Tonalá.
In short, Hotel Frances sells history and price. If you love an ancient building, a prime location and aren't fussy about room newness — go for it; it's a long-remembered experience. If you want crisply modern, clean rooms, see One Guadalajara or NH in the list.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Most central, walk everywhere
- ✓ Beautiful historic courtyard
- ✓ Excellent value
- ✓ Charming old-world atmosphere
- ! Rooms show their age
- ! Courtyard echo on music nights
- ✓ A 400-year-old building experience
- ✓ Lovely courtyard bar
- ✓ Walk to Mariachi & cathedral
- ✓ Light price for budgets
- ! Older air-con/plumbing in some rooms
- ! No pool or luxe amenities
- 💡If you want crisply modern rooms · 400-year building, rooms show age · Fix → see One Guadalajara or DoubleTree by Hilton
- 💡If you're a light sleeper · Courtyard echo · Fix → request a room away from it, avoid music nights
- 💡If you want a pool/spa · Not here · Fix → see Riu Plaza or Casa Habita
Heading to Guadalajara for the World Cup?
Guadalajara is a 2026 host city — see our full World Cup guide (matches, where to stay, tickets, visa) plus how to reach Estadio Akron on match day.