Guadalajara - Hotels and Restaurants
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LODGING

As Guadalajara has grown into a major business center, its hotel inventory has grown from a assortment of older downtown colonial-style properties to include an excellent, if somewhat limited, offering of international-class hotels. The completion in 1987 of Expo-Guadalajara (Latin America’s largest convention facility) and opening of the world Trade Center spurred several properties to undergo extensive renovations. As in Mexico City, a shortage of deluxe lodging has led to a recent wave of price inflation, although rates are still less expensive here than at most beach resorts. Reasonably priced lodging is available at several older, yet well maintained, downtown properties.5

DINING & NIGHT LIFE

From Arabic to Chinese, Guadalajara offers a wide assortment of international dining. However, one should not miss the classic Mexican cuisine native to the State of Jalisco. Dining tends to be more of a formal occasion here than in beach resorts. As in most Mexican cities, lunch is generally between 3-4pm and dinner usually begins after 9pm.

Some of the most characteristically Mexican dishes come from Jalisco: chicken pipián made with pumpkin and sesame seeds; birria, lamb or goat wrapped in cactus leaves, cooked slowly, and drenched in a sauce of chiles, cumin and tomatoes; pozole, a broth made with chicken, pork and hominy, sprinkled with onion, radish and oregano. Don’t miss the famous torta ahogada, a sandwich of chicken, beef, or pork on a Mexican roll, literally drowned in a spicy tomato-chili sauce, served hot and drenched with fresh cream (served in a shallow bowl).

DINING

NIGHT LIFE

Guadalajara is known for its active cultural and performing arts scene. In addition, over the past 20 years the active U.S. and Canadian communities have developed a full calendar of English language cultural events. Pick up a copy of The Colony Reporter for a complete listing, or call the American Society of Jalisco at (3) 621-2395.

There are also symphony, ballet, and opera performances at the Teatro Degollado and at the Instituto Cultural Cabañas. Most hotels have lobby bars featuring everything from live Mariachi music, to romantic trios, to live rock ‘n roll. Popular night spots include Caballo Negro (Hotel Fiesta Americana), Ciro’s, and La Diligencia (Camino Real Hotel), plus La Divina, Pasaje, Jimmy’s, Copenhagen 77 (jazz music), and Country Rock.