This September, I stayed at Hotel Ex Hacienda Chautla Puebla, Trademark by Wyndham for 2 nights using Wyndham points. I decided to stay here because I was traveling from Mexico city to Puebla and it just so happened to be on the way and being a Wyndham Diamond Member, I was surprised to find this property!
This place is incredibly unique. I booked it before Wyndham’s September 2026 devaluation at just 7,500 points per night, which was an absolute deal (this property has just raised to 30,000 points per night - I will share my options on that below). As a Wyndham Diamond member, I got upgraded to their largest suite, which was massive with a separate living room and a welcome piña colada.
This isn’t just any hotel — it is built on the grounds of a historic 19th-century hacienda complex that includes Castillo de Gillow, a stunning castle built in 1898. The property is located between Mexico City and Puebla, but much closer to Puebla. It’s a bit out of the way, but that’s part of the appeal — this is a place you go to disconnect and spend time in nature.
Spoiler: This is not the hotel building, this is Castillo de Gillow, a castle you can visit and is part of the same area as the hotel. And this is probably the reason why people stay the hotel haha because youa re literally 2 minutes walk away from this castle.
What Ex Hacienda Chautla Is and How It Became a Wyndham Hotel
Ex Hacienda Chautla is one of the most historically significant estates in Puebla, Mexico. The property dates back centuries, originally functioning as a working hacienda during the colonial and post-independence periods. The centerpiece of the estate is Castillo de Gillow, a neo-Gothic castle built in 1898 by Manuel Gillow, a wealthy businessman and politician. The castle and its surrounding grounds were designed in the European style, complete with formal gardens, reflecting pools, and ornate architecture that honestly looked a little out of place.
(Now this is the actual hotel building.)
For decades, the hacienda fell into disrepair until it was eventually restored and converted into a hotel. That’s where Wyndham Hotels comes in. Most people know Wyndham for owning budget chains like Super 8 and Days Inn in the USA — not exactly luxury brands. But Wyndham also has a “soft brand” called Trademark Collection by Wyndham, which includes unique, independent properties that don’t fit the typical Wyndham mold. Think boutique hotels, historic buildings, and one-of-a-kind stays that still benefit from Wyndham’s loyalty program and booking infrastructure.
Hotel Ex Hacienda Chautla is one of the most distinctive Trademark Collection properties in Mexico. It’s not a cookie-cutter hotel — it’s a restored hacienda with genuine history and character. The hotel still has sections of the original hacienda walls before renovation, although I am not sure if they will renovate them.
The Suite: What the Room Is Like
I got upgraded to the largest suite at the property as a Wyndham Diamond member. The room was incredible. It’s massive — there’s a separate living area, a king bed, and exposed wooden beam ceilings that give the space a rustic yet refined vibe. The walls have textured accent panels that blend traditional hacienda style with modern design.
When I arrived, there was a welcome piña colada sent to my room — a nice touch that immediately set the tone for a relaxing stay. The room has excellent decoration and strong wifi, which I appreciated since I was doing some work during the trip.
The space is beautifully designed — it feels like you’re staying in a historic building (because you are), but with all the modern comforts you’d expect from a contemporary hotel. The artworks on the wall are of the property, which was a cool touch.
The Property Grounds and Facilities
The Historic Architecture and Ruins
One of the coolest things about this property is how it preserves sections of the original hacienda before it was renovated into a hotel. You can see the old crumbling walls, the original stonework, and the remnants of what this place used to be — it creates a really atmospheric setting.
There’s even a small chapel just outside the lobby area with beautiful colonial-era architecture. The chapel has an ornate red altar wall with a crucifix, wooden pews, and a traditional beamed ceiling that feels incredibly authentic.
Walking through the property, you’ll notice how they’ve blended the old with the new. There are restored colonial buildings sitting right next to authentic ruins, and the contrast is striking.
Gardens, Pool, and Outdoor Spaces
The hotel has its own small park within the Ex-Hacienda de Chautla grounds, and it’s absolutely beautiful. There’s a small swimming pool, gym facilities, and beautifully manicured formal gardens.
One of the most dramatic features is the tree-lined pathway and canal leading to the main building. The symmetry and scale of the landscaping is incredible — it feels very European, which makes sense given the property’s history.
The formal gardens feature classical sculptures, hedge-lined walkways. It’s the kind of place where you can just wander around with a camera and take beautiful photos. At night, the property is beautifully illuminated, and walking through the courtyard after dinner is genuinely magical.
Castillo de Gillow: Free Entry for Hotel Guests
This is probably the bigger reason why people stay here. You are literally 2-3 minutes away from Castillo de Gillow by walking.
Here’s the big perk: as a hotel guest, you get free entry to Castillo de Gillow, the iconic castle built in 1898. Normally, visitors pay 45 pesos to enter, but hotel guests can access the castle area through a private gate without paying.
It’s important to understand that the castle area and hotel grounds are technically separated. Hotel guests can exit and enter freely through the connecting gate, but tourists visiting the castle cannot enter the hotel side. This setup works well because it keeps the hotel peaceful while still giving you full access to the main attraction.
The castle itself is stunning. The red brick Victorian-style architecture with white decorative trim looks like something out of a European fairytale. Inside, there are guided tours available, and there’s a small souvenir shop on the ground floor.
The most photo-worthy spot is the castle’s reflection in the pond. The symmetry and setting are absolutely gorgeous, and I spent a good amount of time just walking around the pond taking photos from different angles.
There’s even a CHAUTLA sign by the lake that’s become a popular photo spot for visitors.
Activities near the castle include trout fishing and boat trips on the pond. I didn’t do these myself, but I saw other guests enjoying them — it’s a nice option if you’re staying for multiple days and want something to do besides exploring the grounds.
Where to Eat at Hotel Ex Hacienda Chautla
Dining options are limited, which is one of the main downsides of staying here. You’ve got two choices, both on or near the property.
Magueyana Restaurant (On Hotel Grounds)
This is the main on-site restaurant at the hotel. It’s a bit expensive, but considering the ambience and the fact that you can see Castillo de Gillow from the dining area, I think it’s worth it for at least one special dinner during your stay.
The outdoor terrace is decorated with vibrant papel picado (traditional Mexican paper banners) in pink, purple, turquoise, red, yellow, and blue. At night it feels more high-class and romantic than the alternative restaurant.
Chautla Restaurant (Castle Side)
Located behind Castillo de Gillow, this restaurant serves visitors to the castle area. The prices are more economical than Magueyana, and the food is more basic — think traditional Mexican comfort food rather than fine dining.
I had breakfast here one morning — a traditional Mexican breakfast with Huevos Campestre and Pan de Elote. It was simple, affordable, and filling. If you want to save money or prefer a more casual vibe, this is a good option.
Hotel guests can access Chautla Restaurant through the gate connecting the hotel and castle areas, which is convenient.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Hotel Ex Hacienda Chautla?
I booked using 7,500 Wyndham points per night before the September 2026 devaluation, which was an absolute steal. For that price, I got a massive suite, free castle entry, and access to all the hotel facilities — I’d say it was one of the best Wyndham redemptions I’ve ever made.
However, after the devaluation, the property now costs 30,000 points per night, which I think is way too high. My honest take: 30,000 points doesn’t reflect the right value for this property. Given the limited activities and dining options, I’d say 15,000 points per night would be more reasonable. It’s a beautiful stay, but there is limited activities that you can do.
If you’re paying cash, suite rates easily exceed $200 USD per night. That’s not outrageous for a castle hotel experience, but again, the value depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a romantic, peaceful escape with stunning architecture and history, it’s worth it. If you need lots of activities and dining variety, it might feel overpriced.
How to Get to Chautla from Puebla or Mexico City
Hotel Ex Hacienda Chautla is located between Mexico City and Puebla, but it’s much closer to Puebla. The challenge is that it’s a bit hard to reach — it’s not on any major public transport routes.
The hotel surposingly provides paid transportation via their own minibus but I did not ask about it.
I took the bus from TAPO bus station in Mexico city to San MartĂn Texmelucan station (2 hours) and took a uber (20 minutes) to the hotel. However I saw many local tourists drove, so that is an option too.
Is Hotel Ex Hacienda Chautla Worth It?
Yes — but with some important caveats.
This is an excellent choice for a 1-3 night relaxation stay in a truly unique setting. If you love history, architecture, and peaceful natural surroundings, you’ll enjoy this place. It’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or anyone who wants to escape the city and spend time somewhere beautiful and quiet.
However, this is not the right hotel if you need lots of activities or dining variety. There’s not much to do in the immediate area outside the hotel grounds, and your dining options are limited to two restaurants — one on the hotel side, and one behind the castle. For me, that was fine for a short stay, but if you’re expecting a bustling resort with tons of amenities, you’ll be disappointed.
I checked the cash price for my dates was about $150-$250 USD depending on the room type. For 7500 points I think this is a no-brainer stay, but at the current 30,000 points I will reconsider. Still, the uniqueness of staying inside a historic hacienda complex makes it worth considering.
Would I Stay at Hotel Ex Hacienda Chautla Again?
Yes — if I have someone to go with.
It’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway, history lovers who appreciate colonial architecture, or anyone wanting to escape the city and spend time in a peaceful, beautiful setting. The room was incredible, the castle access is a huge perk, and the property itself is stunning.
However it really is the type of place to stay for 1-3 night and best with a partner or family.