Places of hospitality and dining: Hotels and restaurants in Puebla

The Hotel de las Diligencias, Echeverría 18, was announced as the "oldest, most central and best organized establishment, it offers to the gentlemen passengers, both in the rooms and in the Restaurant, as much as they could want." It should be noted that in the first five photographs of this presentation, the service personnel appear next to the diners.

The hotel was advertised in English and French as "the hotel preferred by families. Spacious and comfortable rooms. Attentive service. European cuisine. Unbeatable service. Moderate prices. The Hotel places its coach at the [railway] Station to drive the gentlemen travelers to it. Puebla. 4 Norte 6."

Legend on the support of the photograph "Zur Erinnnerung an den 15 Februar. Puebla, Mexico. Her Holls u Sohn, Kinder Czápeks, Herr Staebelín, Herr Wohlmann, Herr Zulauf, Tools Ratz, Herr Petersen, Herr Volquarts, Herr Ziegter, Herr Czápeks, Frau Czápeks"  The vast majority of Germans who arrived in Puebla were engaged in trade and certain industries. The photograph was taken as a reminder of their stay in the city.

The Gran Hotel since 1903, Cholula 5. The building was made on an ad hoc basis to serve as a hotel. A commentator points out that, "The Gran Hotel was the favorite for chic people, travel agents and business people. Nice Porfiriato-style construction, with an entrance of carved wooden doors."

The lobby of the Gran Hotel was refurbished to serve as a restaurant. The photograph dated May 6 -936 shows a banquet with 73 diners. The first passenger bus service on the Mexico-Puebla route is located at this hotel.

Opened in 1907, Independencia 7. In 1930 it was advertised as "The position of this hotel is the best in the city, being located one street from the main square and the closest to the shopping centers. Absolute guarantee of order and morality. Electric elevator. Baths at any hour of the day and night. Ten apartments with refurbished living room and bathroom. Special service in the restaurant. Owner Jesús de Mendieta. 2 Oriente 11. Telephone: Mexicana 1–53.  Ericsson 20-29”.

The spaciousness of the place, the furniture and tables already set up for the food, are proof of what the photograph says, a "first class dining room." The staff in perfect uniforms, waiting for the arrival of the diners. 

The Hotel Palace was advertised as "a palace at your service. Brand new all modern amenities located in the heart of the city close to everything to be released. In Mexico's most important colonial city for modern and up-to-date comfort. Hotel Palace is ready to meet your needs during your stay in Puebla. Reservations for single and double rooms on request."

The Hotel Palace dining room states, "We know that when visiting Mexico you intend to enjoy the authentic Mexican atmosphere, and the best place for it is the city of Puebla. Here, in a splendid climate we have the true colonial atmosphere that is so colorful, impressive and full of the reminiscences of the ancient New Spain that you can't miss."

Eduardo Lastra Altamirano built the hotel Lastra in 1939, in Calzada de los Fuertes, next to the Restaurante El Merendero. It had all the modern amenities, including a swimming pool. Being set on a plateau it had a spectacular panoramic view of the city.

Hotel Royalty on Portal Hidalgo, by Francisco Con, was advertised in 1939 as "A great coffee and lunch stop. In Puebla, everyone eats splendidly at the de Primera Royalty Restaurant. Portal Hidalgo 10. Also, their prices do not allow competition and because it is so clean and well-organized, it is the preferred choice for all tourists and the good people of Puebla. Unmistakable".

"The most beautiful in the city of Puebla, Mexico, with every luxury and modern comfort, it has an excellent restaurant service. Come and see for yourself," was how the hotel was promoted. It was the favorite restaurant of the people from Puebla because of its location on the Portal. You could have a beer here in the middle of the day or a coffee in the afternoon.