In Mérida’s La Mejorada neighbourhood, Hotel Cigno Mejorada brings new life to a protected heritage house, combining careful restoration with contemporary additions shaped by climate and material. Led by architect Roger Escalante, the project protects the original structure recognised by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History, preserving its proportions, courtyards, and natural ventilation. Rather than replacing what was there, the design builds around it, extending the hotel through new volumes set within the garden.
Movement through the property follows a clear sequence from courtyards, shaded walkways, and open passages that connect interior and exterior, allowing light and air to circulate freely. Materials were chosen for their capability in Mérida’s heat, as well as their connection to the region. Chukum plaster walls remain cool to the touch and diffuse light evenly, while regional stone, cement tiles, and Ticul red surfaces reference local craft traditions. Cedar and tzalam timber appear throughout the carpentry and furniture, bringing durability and warmth to the interiors.
Interior design by Mex&Co, under the direction of Stacy Echeverría, introduces a contemporary approach informed by classical balance and local craft. Earth tones, olive greens, and cream finishes are offset by darker accents that sharpen edges and define spaces. Woven textures, custom furniture, and integrated shelving reinforce the character of the building.
The hotel’s 22 rooms are divided between the restored house and new garden wings. Some retain original beams and traces of earlier construction, while others open onto private terraces with hammocks and small pools. A separate five room villa offers additional privacy, including a two-level bridal suite. Throughout, materials and finishes remain consistent; linking the old to the new.
Four pools appear across the site, each offering a different atmosphere. The central pool is enclosed by planting and stone, while the rooftop pool opens views across the city. Existing trees remain, joined by native species that provide shade and regulate temperature. Shared spaces, including the lobby, bar, and restaurant, are arranged around courtyards and quiet nooks, with archival photographs, ceramics, and books connecting the hotel to the cultural life of Yucatán.
For lazy days, peaceful nights and everything inbetween, Cigno Mejorada balances privacy, history, and contemporary comfort.
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Hotel Cigno Mejorada Mérida Photography © Courtesy of CIGNO Hoteles Mérida.
