Numu Boutique Hotel San Miguel de Allende: Excellent value with cash or Hyatt points
I'm pretty jaded — spending 20 years in New York City can do that to a person — and I take destination-focused superlatives with a grain of salt. After all, copywriters and marketers are paid to make nearly any place sound fabulous. And it's so disappointing when the reality doesn't match the hype. Let me tell you this, though: All of the incredible things you've heard about San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — are 100% true. It is, in fact, a "magical" little enclave tucked in central Mexico's Guanajuato state.
Despite the hilly terrain and narrow cobblestone streets, San Miguel de Allende should be experienced on foot whenever possible. You'll get lost exploring the lanes lined with shops, restaurants and galleries housed in colorfully painted colonial-era buildings. The towering spires of the stunning pink Church of San Miguel Arcangel, sometimes called the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, act as your compass and guide you where you want to be.
And the flowers and foliage? The town is incredibly manicured, with tree cover keeping the streets cool, vine trellises along walls and fences, and flowers blooming just about everywhere.
Did I mention the cuisine? This is Mexico, so it's all terrific, from traditional recipes to spots serving the foods of Italy, France and other nations. (There are expats from all over the world and they've brought the best of their culinary traditions to San Miguel, too.) Prices were reasonable, and while plenty of tourists visit, the town felt real. We walked among locals going about their daily business, and that's a nice change from heading to a Mexican beach resort where the only people you meet are other Americans.
Finally, this is a family-friendly destination with tons of green spaces and parks where local families and tourists come together to watch their kids play.
This destination has been on my radar ever since Hyatt opened Numu Boutique Hotel San Miguel de Allende, part of the Unbound Collection, here in February 2023. I fell in love with the town on a short visit in September and will be back. Numu was a perfect home base. Here's why.
Getting there
U.S. travelers can most easily get there by flying to one of two airports. Queretaro Intercontinental Airport (QRO) is the closest (an 80-minute drive). Alternatively, arrive via Leon/Bajio International Airport, aka Guanajuato International Airport (BJX). It’s a slightly longer drive to San Miguel de Allende (one hour and 40 minutes).
BajioGo offers shuttle service from both airports for about $30 per person each way. Private sedan or SUV services are also available from a variety of transportation companies and start at around $100 one-way. I booked a private sedan transfer with Transportes y Tours San Miguel Magico.
If you rent a car, there is on-site parking.
Booking details
In my opinion, Numu Boutique Hotel San Miguel de Allende is a fantastic value, whether you pay cash or use points. It's a Category 6 hotel in the World of Hyatt program. King rooms start at around $320 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
When booking, use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Hyatt stays or one that offers automatic World of Hyatt elite status for value-added benefits. These include:
- World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, automatic Discoverist status, and five elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels and resorts, automatic Discoverist status, and five tier-qualifying nights for every $10,000 spent each calendar year.
Things we loved
- Pancho, the hotel's sweet Bernese mountain dog who greets guests in the lobby
- How the architect and designer brought the outdoors in with plants and flowers tucked into every corner
- The intimate and romantic outdoor courtyard, where breakfast is served, is also a comfortable spot for an afternoon chat with friends or a nightcap before bed
- Small rooftop plunge pool with views of the entire town and the Church of San Miguel Arcangel
- Proximity to a local park, where families can meet and mingle with locals
Caveats
- There is no elevator to the fifth floor, where the plunge pool and main restaurant are located.
- You may encounter minor communication barriers with some bartenders and servers if you don't speak Spanish.
The vibe
There are only 44 rooms at this hotel. If you like to breeze through a buzzy lobby, you're not going to find that here.
But what I loved was that Numu was intimate enough that the staff at the front desk and door had time to chat with us every time we entered or exited the building. Getting to know them and hearing their recommendations for things to see and do was a highlight.
Numu's design was organic and inviting. We felt at home immediately and it was easy to picture that this used to be the site of someone's home.
The room
I booked a king deluxe room and, as a World of Hyatt Globalist elite member, was upgraded one category to a 558-square-foot premium room. A tray of macarons was waiting for us when we walked through the door for the first time. The room was lovely, as you’ll see in the photos.
To be honest, I was initially disappointed we weren’t upgraded to one of the master suites, since there was availability for our dates. When I initially made the reservation, I tried to apply a suite upgrade award to confirm a suite upgrade. Unfortunately, Numu doesn’t accept them. I was told the hotel would do its best to upgrade us anyway. Before our stay, I emailed the front desk to let them know how much we’d appreciate the suite but, alas, no dice. I've heard from many other Globalists whose experience was the same.
The room was beautiful, though, and I was pleased with it. However, next time, if I want a suite, I'll just book it outright since upgrades don't seem to be as free-flowing at this hotel as at others in the Hyatt network.
I loved the wide wood plank floors, blackout drapes, Nespresso coffee maker, rainfall showerhead and multiple sitting areas that were all very comfortable. I missed having a terrace or balcony, though. Our room only had a French balcony overlooking a side street. It was nice to have the fresh air but I would have preferred a step-out balcony since the weather was fantastic during our stay.
The staff kept the room stocked with necessities, such as Mighty Leaf tea and coffee pods and bottled water. There is also a refillable container and a water station on each floor.
The minibar offered for-fee soda ($3), beer (from $5), alcohol such as Jack Daniel's whiskey and Belvedere vodka (from $9), and snacks like gummies, nuts and chocolates (from $8).
The large flat-screen TV on the wall across from the bed offered Google Chromecast to stream on.
If your travel party brings a lot of luggage, there's plenty of room in the double closet, which also houses two bathrobes and two sets of slippers for guest use.
The king bed was extremely comfortable with nice fluffy pillows (many Hyatts love stocking rooms with those pancake-style pillows but I'm not a fan). There were USB outlets on both sides of the bed as well as two USB outlets on the top of the clock radio.
The bathroom was quite large and had a marble vanity and a cool sink with a modern faucet.
The shower, with a teak bench and rainfall showerhead, had a glass door, and there was a separate toilet room with a frosted door. I liked the glass ceiling that brought in sunshine and moonlight (no need for a night-light).
Toiletries — including bar and liquid soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner — were by Soona. There was also a basket of amenities that travelers may need -- things like a dental kit, shower cap, comb, cotton swabs, sewing kit, shoe mitt, loofah and lint mitt.
Food and drink
Numu is a boutique hotel, yet it offers two on-site restaurants and room service. Interestingly, both dining venues are outdoor.
Enrique
You'll find Enrique in the courtyard off the lobby, serving breakfast. It's also a good place to sit with drinks purchased at the lobby bar.
The restaurant part of the courtyard has tables shaded by retractable awnings and umbrellas. Comfy seating areas are tucked further back in the courtyard.
It's a nice place to work in the morning if need be or enjoy a drink in the afternoon or evening.
The breakfast menu is small but there are some delicious options, such as:
- Avocado toast with spinach, tomatoes, pesto and pistachios ($10)
- Crab roll on brioche with tartar sauce and lemon ($21)
- French bread served with mascarpone cream, berries, peaches and roasted apples ($12)
- Pancakes with bananas, apples, strawberries and peach jam ($10)
- San Miguel eggs with blue corn tortillas, peaches, chorizo, molcajete sauce, cheese and avocado ($14)
- Chilaquiles with green or red sauce, refried black beans and avocado ($10)
- Swiss enchiladas with corn tortillas, chicken and a creamy green salsa with manchego cheese, red onion, cream and cilantro ($11)
- Quesadillas with Oaxaca cheese and fresh huitlacoche (corn fungus) sauteed with epazote (an oregano-like herb) served with refried beans and salad ($10)
Smaller entrees, such as fruit bowls, acai bowls, oatmeal and breakfast sandwiches are also on the menu. Servers also came around with fresh pastries, and they were delicious
As a World of Hyatt Globalist, my breakfast was complimentary.
Noia Sazon con Alma
Even if you don't stay at Numu, lunch or dinner at the Mediterranean-themed Noia Sazon con Alma, the hotel's rooftop restaurant, is in order. The views are beautiful, the staff friendly and we enjoyed the menu when we ate there for dinner.
Starters included things like fritto misto ($22), hummus ($12), baba ghanoush ($12), beef carpaccio ($21) and tuna tartare ($20).
The soups and salads looked quite tasty, including the burrata and charbroiled vegetables ($18).
The main courses included a catch of the day ($26), rigatoni with Bolognese ragu ($21), tagliatelle with fra diavolo sauce and poached lobster tail ($30), beef filet with sauteed spinach and cremini mushrooms ($35), veal chops and steaks, and some house classics such as guacamole, shrimp aguachile and gorditas.
I ordered the baba ghanoush (so light and delicious) and the 24-hour marinated grilled chicken with endives and chimichurri sauce. I tried to replicate the recipe at home and it wasn't nearly as yummy. I would order that again if I had the chance.
Bars
You can order a drink from one of two full bars. One is in the lobby.
The other is at the rooftop restaurant, Noia, and it was open every time we passed by from the afternoon and well past dinner.
Room service
You can order breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu is a smaller version of what's served downstairs at Enrique and, surprisingly, the prices are the same whether you dine in the restaurant or in your room. Lunch and dinner can be brought to your room or suite from 1 to 11 p.m., and the menu items are from Noia, the rooftop restaurant. There is a small overnight menu — burgers ($20), club sandwiches ($20), soup ($10) and tacos ($21) — for cravings between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Amenities and service
While this hotel is intimate, it does offer a nice range of amenities.
Pool
Our favorite amenity, by far, was the rooftop pool. It’s a long, rectangular plunge pool, faced by a raised dais of very comfortable lounge chairs, with accompanying shade umbrellas and cocktail tables. One side of the pool has an infinity edge. It's a very relaxing spot, but be aware that the water gets so warm that it feels more like a hot tub than a pool. We liked it since the days had turned a bit cool, but it's something to keep in mind if you travel during hot weather.
In addition to the pool, the rooftop has a few seating areas overlooking the town and within the outdoor bar/restaurant, just a few steps down from the pool. We were the only ones at the pool on both days we visited. Noia's bar staff took care of us while we were there.
Fitness center
The fitness center is on the ground floor at the end of the hall, behind the lobby. It was incredibly clean and had a nice array of fitness gear.
Spa
By appointment only, the small spa offers treatments such as facials (from $135), deep pore cleansing ($135) and collagen repair ($168). Massages — relaxing, hot stone, Swedish, deep tissue and reflexology — are also offered as either 50- or 80-minute sessions ($114-$162).
Accessibility
Often, smaller boutique hotels abroad don’t offer accessible accommodations. I’m pleased that Numu does. Book the 516-square-foot accessible rooms with wide doors, two queen beds, roll-in shower, emergency strobe light and strobe-light smoke detector, lowered thermostat and light switches, and lowered door peephole and door latch.
These rooms also have a lovely private garden terrace. However, as I mentioned above, there is no elevator access to the floor that features the pool and restaurant serving lunch and dinner. You must use the stairs. However, the rest of the hotel is accessible for anyone using a mobility assistive device, such as a wheelchair or walker. There is no step upon entering the hotel and hallways and doors are wide, allowing clear and easy access.
Checking out
We were sorry to have to head home so soon. Pancho, the lobby dog, gave us a play pose and head bump when he saw us with our bags on the morning of departure, and he walked us out to the car parked in front. So sweet.
Next time we visit, we'll stay longer. While the Rosewood across the street also looks divine, Numu's staff and the gorgeous building, courtyard and rooftop pool won us over for future visits — not to mention the great value if booked using World of Hyatt points.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.