Fodor's Expert Review Casa Don Gustavo

This antique-filled 18th-century mansion is one of Campeche's historic masterpieces—the roof even retains its original tiles from Marbella, Spain. Wrapped around a central courtyard, rooms feature elaborate chandeliers, prodigious armoires, French balconies, and hand-painted floors, yet have modern comforts like plasma TVs, iPod docs, and air-conditioning. Each has a unique history: in Room No.4, for instance, guests sleep on a bed that belonged to Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota of Mexico. A stone staircase, originally reserved for servants, leads to a glass-walled bridge that crosses to a garden patio. Climb higher to the rooftop terrace where hammocks, a Jacuzzi, and small pool give way to city views. There is also a tower, once used to scope out pirates at sea.