Merida's Hidden Gem: Unveiling the DIEZ DIEZ Collection!
Merida's Hidden Gem: Unveiling the DIEZ DIEZ Collection! - A Brutally Honest Review (Metadata Included!)
(Note to Self: Deep breaths. Don't hold back. This is for the internet. And for my own sanity, mostly.)
Title: DIEZ DIEZ Collection, Merida: A Chaotic but Charming Adventure in Yucatan (Brutally Honest Review)
Meta Description: Unpack my messy, opinionated journey through the DIEZ DIEZ Collection in Merida! From luxurious spa days to lukewarm coffee, I spill the beans (and maybe some tequila) on accessibility, dining, cleanliness, and everything in between. Prepare for laughs, tears, and a healthy dose of honesty.
Keywords: DIEZ DIEZ Collection, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, hotel review, spa, accessibility, luxury, dining, pool, wifi, honest review, travel, vacation, review, experience, Merida hotels, Mexico hotels, Yucatan hotels, pool with a view, spa with a view, luxury spa, family friendly, accessible hotel, wheelchair accessible, non-smoking, free wifi, pet friendly, air conditioning, on site restaurant, valet parking, daily housekeeping, room service
(Okay, let's get this started. Deep, dramatic sigh…)
So, I just got back from Merida, and, yeah, I stayed at that place everyone's raving about: the DIEZ DIEZ Collection. The name itself is… well, it’s a mouthful, isn’t it? But everyone kept saying “hidden gem,” “absolute perfection,” “unforgettable experience.” And me? Curiosity (and a serious need for a vacation) got the better of me. Here’s the raw, unfiltered truth…
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag of Blessings and Blunders
Right, let's get the serious stuff out of the way. I’m happy to report they actually try with accessibility. Wheelchair accessible, check! Elevator, hooray! And they even have facilities for disabled guests. Score one for DIEZ DIEZ! BUT, and this is a big but, sometimes “trying” isn’t enough. The ramps weren't always perfectly smooth, and the whole vibe occasionally felt like an afterthought. I mean, they were trying. Just… with varying degrees of success. It left me with a feeling of "almost there" which is frankly a common pitfall.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Yes, technically. BUT… more on food and drinks later, because, oh boy, do I have STORIES…
Cleanliness and Safety: A Constant Vigil (Thankfully!)
Okay, this is where I had to give them some serious props. In the wake of… well, the world situation, I was borderline obsessed with sanitation. And DIEZ DIEZ delivered. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check! Staff trained in safety protocol? Double-check! They even had individually-wrapped food options which, let's be honest, felt reassuring. The room sanitization opt-out available was also a nice touch, showing they trusted their cleaning job. They've invested in professional grade sanitizing services, which they advertised with every turn. As a bonus: I don't think I saw a single germ the entire time!
And the really good stuff? Things to do, ways to relax…
Alright, here’s where it gets fun. The DIEZ DIEZ Collection is supposedly all about relaxation. And, yeah, they’ve got the goods. Let's dive right in:
Spa? Oh, the Spa…
Oh. My. God. The Spa. It was a whole other level. I mean, the Pool with a view (which, ironically, didn’t always have a great view, but when it did, damn), was an experience in itself. I spent an entire afternoon just staring at the horizon, desperately trying to remember what my life used to be like. And then … the spa. The Body wrap was divine. I think I actually fell asleep during the whole thing. The Sauna, The Steam Room, the Massage…it was pure bliss. (I might have accidentally snored. Don't judge.) The Foot bath was a nice touch. I am very much a fan of foot baths. I felt like a queen, a VERY relaxed queen. And the Spa/sauna access? A total game changer.
Fitness Center? (I Tried…ish…)
They had one, which is more than some places. I attempted to Gym/fitness like three times. I say "attempted" because my willpower to actually work out while surrounded by such luxury was…minimal. I'm pretty sure I spent more time admiring the equipment than actually using it. But hey, the thought counts, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Rollercoaster of Delights…and Disappointments
This is where things got interesting. Let’s be clear: Dining, drinking, and snacking are crucial.
Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the breakfast buffet. A classic. Not the absolute most gourmet breakfast, but a solid start. The Asian breakfast options were a fun touch (hello, miso soup!), but, here is where I must be honest: they really should have kept the coffee hot. It was consistently lukewarm. And that, my friends, is a cardinal sin of breakfast. I was so disappointed that I asked for a coffee in my room. And, yes, I had to ask again, because that coffee was cold too, I am convinced that the universe was punishing me. I had a Breakfast in room at some point and I ordered a Breakfast takeaway service, but I can't remember how I got them. Maybe I was still in a caffeine-induced haze. The Western breakfast was fine, a safe bet.
Restaurants: They had Restaurants, plural! The main one boasted International cuisine in a restaurant, and the menu was ambitious. There were A la carte in restaurant options, and a very fancy buffet in restaurant . They also had a Vegetarian restaurant, which was a welcome surprise. But the service was… inconsistent. One night, it's impeccable. The next, you're waving your arms like a madman to get someone’s attention. (This is where I would have loved to have a bell.) The Desserts in restaurant were pretty good, though. (Priorities, people.)
Poolside bar & Snack bar: The Poolside bar was a lifesaver. Perfect for cocktails during a lazy day. And the Snack bar helped a lot as well. It was convenient. A true hero.
Room service [24-hour]: Ah, room service. Because sometimes, you just don’t want to leave your robe-clad haven. The bottle of water showed up too. This was nice.
Other stuff: They had a Happy hour at some point but I didn’t go, I was too busy napping.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the… Well, You Get the Idea
Okay, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty.
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! The internet was actually reliable. I could post my Instagram pics. My life was complete. I also had Internet [LAN] access.
Air conditioning in public area: Essential in Merida. THANK GOD. (Seriously, it’s hot.)
Currency exchange: Super convenient. Actually, this saved my butt a few times (I hadn’t exactly planned my finances with precision).
Concierge: Hit or miss. Some were incredibly helpful, others seemed a little lost.
Daily housekeeping: The daily housekeeping was truly great. The rooms were consistently clean and well-maintained. You could tell they took pride.
Facilities for disabled guests: Already covered this, but worth reiterating.
Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, wi-fi [free], window that opens.
For the Kids: I'm Not a Parent, but I Saw Some Stuff…
Babysitting service: The website advertised it.
Family/child friendly: Yes, mostly. There seemed to be some Kids meal options.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy? Not Always.
Airport transfer: Yes. Thank goodness.
Car park [free of charge]: Bonus points.
Valet parking: So bougie, so necessary.
**Rooms: Comfy,
Unbelievable Saigon Phu Yen Hotel Deals in Tuy Hoa, Vietnam!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my (probably slightly disastrous, but hopefully hilarious) adventure in Mérida, Mexico! We're talking Diez Diez Collection, or as I'm now affectionately calling it, "The House of Dreams…and Maybe My Own Personal Hell, We'll See!"
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Architectural Orgasm (Maybe?)
- Morning (Pre-flight, aka the "Oh God, Did I Forget Anything?" Panic):
- Woke up in a cold sweat. Did I pack underwear? My passport? Did I remember to water my (probably dead by now) succulents? These are the existential questions that plague me before any trip. Found my passport! Score! The rest? We'll figure it out. Probably. Mostly.
- Anecdote: My suitcase, the glorious, slightly-too-large behemoth I've dragged around the world, decided to develop a mysterious zipper malfunction. Cue frantic wrestling match at the airport check-in while muttering under my breath about "planned obsolescence" and "why can't they just make things that last?"
- Afternoon (Touchdown and Taxi Troubles):
- Landed! Mérida is hot. Like, face-melting, stick-to-your-skin hot. Instantly regretted my decision to wear jeans.
- Taxi negotiations. Never my strong suit. Ended up paying more than I should have, I'm convinced. My Spanish is… well, let's just say "energetic."
- Quirky Observation: The taxi driver had a tiny, fluffy dog perched precariously on the dashboard. I'm pretty sure it was judging my haggling skills.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (Diez Diez Collection - First Impressions & Potential Disasters):
- Okay, whoa. The Diez Diez Collection is actually stunning. Seriously, jaw-droppingly beautiful. The architecture is something else – a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern sleekness. The inner courtyard feels like you've stepped into a movie.
- Rambling Thoughts: But…is it too perfect? Like something's going to go horribly wrong? I keep waiting for a hidden camera to pop out and reveal this is all a elaborate prank.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm simultaneously ecstatic and terrified. Ecstatic about the gorgeousness. Terrified I'm going to spill red wine on a priceless antique. (It is the first thing I worry about, how predictable.)
- Checked into my room. Gorgeous, naturally. Then, disaster. I managed to lock myself on the balcony. Panic! Clambering over furniture, banging at the glass, and yelling in a panicked mix of English and badly mangled Spanish. Eventually, I freed myself. Note to self: learn basic balcony escape techniques.
- Decision: I need to learn more about this place. It would be a disaster if the entire trip gets wrapped up in this amazing hotel.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Chocolate, & Colonial Charm
- Morning (Ruins and Revelations):
- Woke up still amazed and terrified about the previous day. Went for a walk around the hotel to calm my nerves.
- So, let's talk about the food, because oh my god. Breakfast was a fiesta of fresh fruit, amazing coffee, and…is that chilaquiles? I'm in heaven.
- I'm making a mental note to buy all of the local coffee. I suspect I won't make it through the trip without it.
- Decided on a history/cultural day and spent the morning exploring the local ruins. It's incredible, but hot. Very, very hot. Sunscreen application is now a religious ritual.
- Afternoon (Chocolate Dreams & City Wanderings):
- Found a local chocolate shop. My self-control went out the window like that dog from the taxi. Okay, so maybe the chocolate shop caused the loss of my self control. I had to exercise it.
- Doubling Down on the Chocolate: So, the chocolate. I went back to the chocolate shop. And then again. The combination of dark, bitter chocolate and spicy chili is a revelation. I'm now seriously considering whether I have a second suitcase for chocolate alone.
- Wandered the city streets, getting lost in the colorful colonial buildings. The architecture is breathtaking and the city is a labyrinth of quiet streets. It's easy to get lost, and even easier to stumble upon another hidden gem.
- Opinionated Language: The city's a symphony of sound. The clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages, the chatter of vendors, the distant strains of mariachi music. It's chaos, but glorious, organized chaos. I loved it!
- Evening (Dinner with a View…and Minor Hiccups):
- Found a rooftop restaurant. The view was incredible. The food? Pretty good. The service? Let's just say it was "relaxed."
- Messy structure/imperfections: A small dog was in the restaurant and came to my table and started licking my leg. Dogs. I’m not complaining.
- And… I may have accidentally ordered something I couldn't identify. Let's just say it involved a lot of chili peppers and a valiant attempt to appear like I knew what I was eating.
Day 3: Cenotes, Serendipity, and Slight Sunburn
- Morning (Cenote Hopping - Coolest Thing Ever):
- Okay, cenotes. Let's talk about cenotes. These natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water are basically nature's swimming pools. It's unreal.
- Found a cenote that was in a cavern. I dove in and felt like I had entered another world. The water was refreshing.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Floating in that water, surrounded by stalactites and filtered sunlight… it was pure bliss. I could have stayed there all day.
- Afternoon (Unexpected Adventures):
- Got slightly lost on the way back to Mérida. (GPS signal… what GPS signal?) Ended up in a small village, ran into a local artisan. The most beautiful pottery I've ever seen. The prices were ridiculously low. Of course, I bought everything.
- Anecdote: The artisan's dog, a scruffy little thing named Frida, followed me around like I was the Pied Piper of pottery. I now owe Frida a lifetime supply of belly rubs.
- Evening (Farewell Dinner – and Deep, Dark Reflections):
- Rambling Thoughts: Okay, so, tomorrow is the last day. I'm not ready to leave. I feel a bit of sadness. I've always been a bit of a loner, and I've always been afraid of doing these things. I feel like I might have changed, if only a little bit.
- Opinionated Language: The hotel staff has a way of making you feel like royalty. No matter how much I mess up, they are always there. This is the best place to be!
- Last dinner at a lovely restaurant. The food was delicious. I think I have a newfound love of Mexican cuisine.
Day 4: Departure, Regrets, and the Promise of a Return
- Morning (Goodbye, Mérida!):
- Sad, very sad, to pack up. I have to leave. The trip is over!
- Emotional Reaction: I just had to make a quick stop at the chocolate shop. One final hit before going back to the real world. Maybe I'll bring everyone chocolate?
- Afternoon (Homeward Bound…and a Promise):
- Made it through security without any major incidents. Checked my bags, said goodbye.
- Final Rambling Thoughts: I need to come back. I need to master Spanish. I will. Maybe next year?
- What a trip.
- Opinionated Last Words: The Diez Diez Collection is an experience, not just a hotel. It's a portal to a different world, a place where beauty, history, and a whole lot of chaos collide in the most amazing way. Go. Just go. You won't regret it. Maybe. Probably. (Definitely.)
Merida's Hidden Gem: Your Messy, Honest Guide to Diez Diez
Okay, first things first, what's the deal with Diez Diez? Is it actually a "hidden gem" or are you just trying to make me feel like I discovered something cool? (Because, frankly, I'm skeptical.)
Alright, alright, settle down, Sherlock. Look, "hidden gem" is a cliché, I know. But honestly? Diez Diez *is* a hidden gem. My first time? I stumbled upon it. Literally. Tripped over a cobblestone, then saw the tiny sign. It's a boutique, a gallery, and a vibe – all smooshed perfectly together. Think of it as a stylish chameleon that changes with the light, the season, or perhaps just the mood of the owner (who, by the way, is a total character... but more on that later). You won't find it blasting across Instagram, and that's half the charm.
**Warning:** Prepare to want everything. Seriously. My credit card is still recovering from my first visit.
What kind of… stuff… is actually *in* Diez Diez? Because "boutique" is vague AF.
Okay, picture this: You walk in. Immediately, your eyeballs start doing a happy dance. They have everything, or at least, everything you didn't know you needed. Seriously, it's dangerous. Think: chic clothing (linen dresses that make you feel like you're floating), exquisite jewelry that's more art than accessory, handcrafted leather goods that smell AMAZING, and home decor that'll make your Airbnb guests *think* you actually have your life together.
Oh, and paintings. Seriously stunning paintings. And the occasional, slightly odd, but completely captivating curio. I once saw a vintage typewriter there. It felt like a magical portal to a different era, and I *almost* bought the dang thing, even though I haven't touched a typewriter since middle school.
Can I afford anything in there? My budget is "ramen noodles and existential dread."
Okay, look, it *is* a high-end shop. There will be things that make your broke little heart ache. BUT! It's not all designer stuff. There's a range. Jewelry, for example, can be a bit pricey, but you can often find smaller, more affordable pieces (earrings! bracelets!). Accessories, like scarves and belts, are usually more accessible. And honestly, the quality is outstanding. You're paying for something that'll last, not just a fleeting trend.
My advice? Go in with a budget. Stick to it. And prepare to justify that *one* splurge. Because you *will* want something. Trust me. I'm still working out payment plans with myself *years* after my first visit.
Is the service any good? Because I hate pushy sales people. I just want to browse without being followed around like a criminal.
Phew! Okay, THIS is where Diez Diez really wins. The owner (I believe her name is Isabella? Or maybe it's Maria? I'm terrible with names. Wait... I *think* it's Isabella, she's got this amazing dark hair and a very direct gaze...) anyway, *she* is a goddess. She's there most of the time. She's not pushy. She's observant, but gives you space to breathe and soak it all in.
However, if you *do* need help? She's a fountain of knowledge. She's got stories about the artists, the materials, the inspirations behind each piece. She'll tell you about the local artisans who made them and she clearly *loves* everything she carries. It's infectious! It's like having a private viewing... and maybe a little therapy session, if you're open to it. (I once spent an hour just talking about the anxieties of modern life! And buying a beautiful scarf... naturally.)
Tell me about that owner. You seem… fascinated/slightly terrified…
Okay, fine. Isabella (pretty sure it’s Isabella) is… an experience. She's not your typical retail personality. She's got this… aura. Like she's seen things. She dresses impeccably, always with a unique touch. And she has a quiet intensity. She seems to know what you need, even if *you* don't. She's a fantastic judge of character. I get the impression she sees right through you, but in a non-judgmental way, which is a bit terrifying.
Here's the best example: I went in looking utterly disheveled – jet lag, frizzy hair, zero makeup. I was feeling *awful*. And she just... smiled. Not a big, fake smile. A tiny, knowing one. And she guided me straight to a ridiculously flattering, flowy linen dress. Like, she knew what I needed before I did. I bought it. I felt like a different person. And that, my friends, is the magic of Diez Diez and Isabella. It's a gamble. But its's a gamble that might reward you.
What’s the best time to go? Is there a "prime time" for shopping tranquilly?
Okay, this is a crucial question. The worst feeling? Cramming into an amazing store while you're jostled around by other people. Avoid peak tourist times, definitely. Mornings are usually good. The light is beautiful, and it's generally quieter. If you're there on a Sunday in the early afternoon, you might have to deal with the crowds.
Honestly, the best time? Whenever you feel like you need a little retail therapy, and you want to treat yourself. It's a place to unwind. Don't rush it.
Are there any downsides? Any negatives I should know about before I go?
Okay, full disclosure: YES. There are downsides. First, the temptation. Like, it's *real*. Second: your bank account will weep. Third: finding it can be a *slight* challenge. It's not on a main street or something. You need to wander a bit. Embrace the wander, it's good for you.
Also, the aesthetic is very… consistent. If you’re not into a certain type of bohemian/chic, it might not be for you. It does have a very specific vibe. And finally: be prepared to fall in love. And then, to start justifying that next purchase. That's a downside, right?
So, basically, I *need* to go?
Look, I'm not your boss. But... yes. Yes, you probably do. Even if you only browse, even if you only *look*. Diez Diez is more thanSerene Getaways
