So where do you go when you need to escape the newsroom rat race...?? How about Yucatan, Mexico... starting with the capital city of Merida, 
Known as "Ciudad Blanca", Merida is a wonderful colonial city full of charm, culture and color. I know you want to get away from your work, but bring you camera you may want to write a little something about Merida and the Yucatan's hidden treasures. By the way, many Americans and Europeans are buying homes here to stay or visit often.
About Merida
Mérida is the capital of the state of Yucatán, and has been the dominant city in the region since the Spanish Conquest. At one point, however it was the most isolated city. This lead to a large european influence reflected today in most of its architecture.
The colonial historic center is large, but easy to navigate, and there are abundant activities for the visitor. Mérida's night life is more varied and representative of the region. What we mean is, forget Cancún's hustle and bustle.
This is the place to savor, relax and enjoy.
Concerts, theatrical productions, art exhibits, and fantastic day trips to Maya ruins, the beaches of Progreso, and more. In recent years, the city has been in the midst of a cultural explosion. "Domingos en Merida" are the best; downtown closes several streets, and music, artists, food, is all around for you to enjoy.
Colonial Hotel Caribe, where we stay
Hotel Caribe, 888.822.6431 in the U.S.
Web site: www.hotelcaribe.com.mx
Government's Turism WebSite: www.mayayucatan.com.mx
This three-story colonial-style hotel is great for a couple of reasons: Its location at the back of Plaza Hidalgo is both central and quiet, and it has a nice pool and sun deck on the rooftop with a view of the Cathedral and Main plaza. 
From here we were able to pretty much walk everywhere day or night. Merida is well known for it's almost next to nothing crime rate. As we were also shooting a video for our news reports, the location was just perfect.
The rooms are nice and comfortable. Thirteen clase económica rooms don't have air-conditioning; standard rooms do; and superior rooms (on the top floor) have been remodeled and have safes, hair dryers, larger windows, and quieter air-conditioning.
Breakfast at Hotel Caribe
Most of all, we enjoyed the restaurant with it's great home made Yucatecan cuisine. Check this out... you can buy day meal tickets to cover breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prices may change but we last paid about $15-$20 a person, per day, three meals. Now you can't beat that.
So... nos vemos en Merida... we'll see you there!
