In the middle of historic Laredo across from a beautiful plaza and within walking distance of International Bridge #1 is La Posada Hotel and Suites. It started as a small inn housed in an old 1900’s building and during the past 30 years has become "a historic symbol of quality and grace on the banks of the Rio Grande River" according to their brochure. Today La Posada has 208 guest rooms, many with balconies overlooking the Rio Grande or the courtyard patios, three restaurants, convention and meeting center and a museum.

The rooms are large, beautifully decorated and offer wireless internet access in every room, something I always appreciate. There are two swimming pools and even a swim up bar.

The truly unique aspect of this hotel is that they have taken the surrounding historic buildings and turned them into part of the total package known as La Posada. For example, what was once a Spanish-colonial convent is now a convention and meeting center. The old Laredo Telephone Exchange, which opened only 8 years after Alexander Graham Bell obtained his patent on the telephone, is now the Tack Room Bar and Grill Restaurant. The old Republic of the Rio Grande Capitol Building is an adjacent museum.

Another great benefit for those who play golf, all La Posada guests have privileges to the Laredo Country Club and its 18-hole course.

Although we didn’t eat at any of the restaurants, we did learn a little about them.

• The Tack Room Bar and Grill, with its Victorian décor offers fresh gulf seafood, aged prime beef or baby-back ribs.

• El Café, located just off the lobby is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and specializes in Mexican food and proclaims it to be the best in Laredo.

• The Tesoro Club offers Continental cuisine and nightclub entertainment.

• The Bougainvillea Bar, locate at the west courtyard swimming pool is a swim-up bar and is THE best place for a frozen Margarita.

The rates here can vary sufficiently; higher during special events and bargin prices when the hotel is empty. Be sure to ask if that is the lowest price available when making your reservations. They are negotiable.