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Monterrey
Only 145 miles south of the Texas border, Monterrey is "Americanized" in many ways and is considered to be one of Mexico's least "Mexican" cities. Monterrey caters primarily to business travelers and is home to fast food outlets, mega-malls and a large concentration of English-speakers. In many ways, visiting the city is similar to visiting the American southwest. In recent years, the city has taken steps to protect its historic past and has remodeled much of its downtown area. Throughout the city, visitors will find fine museums, Mexico's largest brewery, outstanding restaurants, skyscrapers, four major universities, an aquarium, top-notch visitor facilities and a new convention center. Monterrey is to Mexico City, what Chicago is to New York. Both are large urban centers that retain their regional charm. Monterrey is also attractive to U.S. weekend visitors. Access is easy with excellent air service from Texas; those driving south from the U.S. border can usually make the trip in under three hours, traveling over a modern toll-highway Unless there is a large event during your visit you shouldn't have a very hard time getting a hotel room in Monterrey. The nicer hotels are pretty much centered in three distinct areas. The city center, around Macro Plaza, seems to be the most popular area with many hotels adjacent to, or very close to the main plaza. The area around Parque Fundidora, which is home to Centrimex, the city's modern convention and exhibition center, is another area where many hotels are grouped. Lastly, San Pedro García Garza, located over the hill from Monterrey is home to many of the city's nicest hotels. Of course, there are also some hotels located near the airport. |
