The hype
Travelers love the novelty and the scenery, but often feel the service and maintenance don't match the price tag.
Matices Hotel de Barricas
$190-300/ night
Book this if You want the Instagram-famous experience of sleeping inside a giant tequila barrel surrounded by blue agave fields.
Why People Love It
- One-of-a-kind barrel architecture
- Pet-friendly with zero fees
- On-site underground tavern (Taberna del Cofrade)
Quick Take: It's a bucket-list photo op first and a hotel second—expect rustic charm and thin walls, not polished luxury.
Reviewed by @ettevi_wanderlust: I stayed in one of these giant barrels and it was the wildest experience! Waking up right in the middle of the agave fields was surreal. The room was cozy, the AC worked great, and being right on the distillery grounds meant tequila tastings were just a walk away.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The '5-star' rating is misleading; think of it as high-end glamping with a pool.
- You are an influencer or photographer
- You are traveling with a dog (they are treated like royalty)
- You want to drink tequila right where you sleep
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally good, but missed corners and dust are common due to the rustic setting.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but expect signs of wear like lime scale on faucets or slow drains.
- Maintenance: The biggest weak point—peeling paint, gaps in doors, and rusty fixtures are frequently reported.
- Linens & towels: Functional but not luxury; some reports of them being 'old' or 'worn'.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, but occasional sewage or fermentation smells from the factory/drains.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Poolside music/parties
- Neighbors talking outside
- Factory noise (it is a working distillery)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is on a dirt road; an SUV or sturdy car is recommended.
- There is no gym, just outdoor activities.
- Breakfast is often continental and basic; don't expect a buffet feast.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for barrel acoustics)
- Bug spray (you are in a field)
- Closed-toe shoes for walking the distillery grounds
Room Genie
Best picks
- Barrel 'Diosa' (praised for layout)
- Barrels further from the pool for less noise
- Silver King rooms (if you want a normal room with better insulation)
Rooms to avoid
- Barrels near the fire pit (smoke enters the room)
- Barrels directly facing the pool (loud music)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a 'Barrica' room as far from the pool and fire pit as possible to ensure quiet. A view of the agave fields is preferred over a view of the common areas.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it really inside a factory?
Yes, it is part of the Hacienda La Cofradia distillery complex.
Is there AC in the barrels?
Yes, all barrels have air conditioning, though efficiency varies.
How far is the town center?
About a 10-15 minute drive or a 20-minute dusty walk. Taxis are available but arrange them in advance.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, and surprisingly, they often stay for free (verify current policy at booking).
Is the pool heated?
Technically yes, but many guests report it being cold or 'refreshing' rather than warm.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available, but signal strength inside the barrels can be spotty.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The underground restaurant 'Taberna del Cofrade' is cool, but book a table in advance for dinner.
- ✨
Ask for the 'Sensory Tasting' tour—it's often better than the standard factory tour.
- ✨
Buy your tequila bottles here; the on-site shop often has editions you can't find elsewhere.
5 things to know before you go
💡The lighting inside the barrels is very dim—hard to do makeup or read.
💡There are virtually no power outlets near the bed in some barrels.
💡The 'terrace' is often just a couple of chairs on the dirt outside your door.
💡You might smell fermentation odors (yeasty/sour) depending on the wind.
💡The shower drain can be slow due to the unique plumbing of the barrels.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Matices Hotel de Barricas is located and what's nearby.