Rosa del Viento is a mid-range boutique set in the south end of the Hotel Zone of Tulum. The 45 simple, air-conditioned rooms have sleek decor mixing modern elements with rustic touches (such as wood-beamed ceilings); some have coastal views. Features include an on-site restaurant with free breakfast and a huge barbecue grill out front that the hotel fires up on the weekends, and while there's no pool, the hotel does have direct beach access. Those looking for something with a pool and more dining options may want to splurge for a stay at the slightly pricier Kore Tulum Retreat instead.
Rosa del Viento is a mid-range boutique set in the south end of the Hotel Zone of Tulum. The 45 simple, air-conditioned rooms have sleek decor mixing modern elements with rustic touches (such as wood-beamed ceilings); some have coastal views. Features include an on-site restaurant with free breakfast and a huge barbecue grill out front that the hotel fires up on the weekends, and while there's no pool, the hotel does have direct beach access. Those looking for something with a pool and more dining options may want to splurge for a stay at the slightly pricier Kore Tulum Retreat instead.
The Hotel Villas Paraiso is a decent two-pearl option just outside of downtown Ixtapa. All 96 suites are spacious and simple, with separate bedrooms, full refrigerators, and living rooms. Spotty housekeeping and faulty air-conditioners can be an issue. Features include a busy open-air restaurant for Mexican breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as a spacious pool terrace that includes plenty of seating. With a handful of common areas, a small children’s pool, and spacious rooms, this is a fine option for families and leisure travelers on a budget. As an alternative, check out Holiday Inn Royal Ixtapa, which has more amenities and sits on the beach. Just keep in mind that rates there are higher.
The Hotel Villas Paraiso is a decent two-pearl option just outside of downtown Ixtapa. All 96 suites are spacious and simple, with separate bedrooms, full refrigerators, and living rooms. Spotty housekeeping and faulty air-conditioners can be an issue. Features include a busy open-air restaurant for Mexican breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as a spacious pool terrace that includes plenty of seating. With a handful of common areas, a small children’s pool, and spacious rooms, this is a fine option for families and leisure travelers on a budget. As an alternative, check out Holiday Inn Royal Ixtapa, which has more amenities and sits on the beach. Just keep in mind that rates there are higher.
Copacabana Beach Hotel is a three-pearl hotel located in Acapulco’s tourist-friendly Golden Zone. Countless bars, restaurants, and shops stretch in both directions along Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán out front, and the sands of curved Santa Lucia Bay are accessible out back. The hotel’s 430 guest rooms are basic but inviting with flat-screen TVs and some ocean views from private balconies. There’s no wow factor here, but there are a large pool, eight restaurants and bars, and a fitness center. It’s worth comparing rates with the Crowne Plaza Acapulco and Emporio Acapulco Hotel nearby, both of which offer similar value.
Copacabana Beach Hotel is a three-pearl hotel located in Acapulco’s tourist-friendly Golden Zone. Countless bars, restaurants, and shops stretch in both directions along Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán out front, and the sands of curved Santa Lucia Bay are accessible out back. The hotel’s 430 guest rooms are basic but inviting with flat-screen TVs and some ocean views from private balconies. There’s no wow factor here, but there are a large pool, eight restaurants and bars, and a fitness center. It’s worth comparing rates with the Crowne Plaza Acapulco and Emporio Acapulco Hotel nearby, both of which offer similar value.
IslaMar Vacation Villas is an intimate two-and-a-half pearl spot that sees its fair share of return visitors who consider the villas their second home. The six apartment-style villas can be rented long-term and include everything guests need for a more authentic stay in a non-touristy neighborhood about 14 blocks from the waterfront and ferry terminal. A bold blue and fresh white color palette looks Mediterranean and the tiered swimming pool is decorated with seashells. There's nothing to eat or drink on-site other than beer sold on the honor system in a fridge adjacent to the pool. For a more convenient waterfront location, check rates at Villas Anclas, but prepare to pay more.
IslaMar Vacation Villas is an intimate two-and-a-half pearl spot that sees its fair share of return visitors who consider the villas their second home. The six apartment-style villas can be rented long-term and include everything guests need for a more authentic stay in a non-touristy neighborhood about 14 blocks from the waterfront and ferry terminal. A bold blue and fresh white color palette looks Mediterranean and the tiered swimming pool is decorated with seashells. There's nothing to eat or drink on-site other than beer sold on the honor system in a fridge adjacent to the pool. For a more convenient waterfront location, check rates at Villas Anclas, but prepare to pay more.
The 350-room Fiesta Americana Merida is an upscale hotel situated at the intersection of Merida’s main avenues and close to lots of shopping and dining options. Elegant, spacious rooms are tastefully adorned, if a bit bland, and feature a host of amenities; some (but not all) include free continental breakfast, welcome Champagne, and daily newspapers. The property has two restaurants located in its impressive open plan lobby that occupies the sprawling ground floor, as well as a casual bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a pool table. There’s a lovely outdoor pool and an on-site fitness center. The hotel’s ample meeting and event spaces encompass 16 rooms and attract many business travelers, though families with children are also catered to with a kids’ club. Travelers might want to compare rates with the nearby Hyatt Regency Merida Hotel, a similar property with comparable features and amenities.
The 350-room Fiesta Americana Merida is an upscale hotel situated at the intersection of Merida’s main avenues and close to lots of shopping and dining options. Elegant, spacious rooms are tastefully adorned, if a bit bland, and feature a host of amenities; some (but not all) include free continental breakfast, welcome Champagne, and daily newspapers. The property has two restaurants located in its impressive open plan lobby that occupies the sprawling ground floor, as well as a casual bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a pool table. There’s a lovely outdoor pool and an on-site fitness center. The hotel’s ample meeting and event spaces encompass 16 rooms and attract many business travelers, though families with children are also catered to with a kids’ club. Travelers might want to compare rates with the nearby Hyatt Regency Merida Hotel, a similar property with comparable features and amenities.
Wedged between mega-resorts and modern time-share condominiums, Bahia del Sol Resort is one of Nuevo Vallarta’s few budget options. Bahia del Sol doesn’t offer much besides dated rooms (some with full kitchens), an icy cold swimming pool, and spotty Wi-Fi, but its cheap rates and prime beachfront location keep attracting guests year after year. One highlight is the on-site Italian restaurant, Guido’s, which is often regarded as one of the best in the area. Travelers willing to shell out a bit more cash might prefer Samba Vallarta All-Inclusive, a nicer property with more amenities (like free kayaks and a game room) but a rowdier atmosphere.
Wedged between mega-resorts and modern time-share condominiums, Bahia del Sol Resort is one of Nuevo Vallarta’s few budget options. Bahia del Sol doesn’t offer much besides dated rooms (some with full kitchens), an icy cold swimming pool, and spotty Wi-Fi, but its cheap rates and prime beachfront location keep attracting guests year after year. One highlight is the on-site Italian restaurant, Guido’s, which is often regarded as one of the best in the area. Travelers willing to shell out a bit more cash might prefer Samba Vallarta All-Inclusive, a nicer property with more amenities (like free kayaks and a game room) but a rowdier atmosphere.
The Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa is a luxury all-inclusive with broad appeal. Built into the hillside of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, the Grand Sirenis feels like a private, exclusive property, far from the crowds of Puerto Vallarta. It has family-friendly and adult-only sections, and does a good job of keeping the two areas separate. However, families will be disappointed to find that the best restaurants are reserved for adults only. Contemporary rooms with subtle Mexican-inspired accents range from one-room studios to multi-bedroom duplexes with full kitchens and private plunge pools. Features are extensive at this expansive, hilly property -- four pools, six restaurants, and a gorgeous spa -- but reaching the beach requires a 10-minute shuttle ride. Travelers looking for a similarly luxe beachfront property might prefer Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta — All Inclusive, but it's pricier.
The Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa is a luxury all-inclusive with broad appeal. Built into the hillside of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, the Grand Sirenis feels like a private, exclusive property, far from the crowds of Puerto Vallarta. It has family-friendly and adult-only sections, and does a good job of keeping the two areas separate. However, families will be disappointed to find that the best restaurants are reserved for adults only. Contemporary rooms with subtle Mexican-inspired accents range from one-room studios to multi-bedroom duplexes with full kitchens and private plunge pools. Features are extensive at this expansive, hilly property -- four pools, six restaurants, and a gorgeous spa -- but reaching the beach requires a 10-minute shuttle ride. Travelers looking for a similarly luxe beachfront property might prefer Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta — All Inclusive, but it's pricier.
Located in the Riviera Maya, south of Cancun, the 412-room, luxury Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a romantic, adults-only all-inclusive resort, set on a private white-sand beach lined with sunbeds and cabanas. In addition to the buffet, a wide range of high-quality dining options are available, including Japanese teppanyaki, French cuisine, a wine cellar with over 200 different vintages, and, for an extra charge, romantic dinners for two on the beach. The two main ocean-view pools with a swim-up bar have a lively vibe, while a stunning destination-style spa offers couples' treatments in private outdoor cabanas on the beach. Rooms renovated in 2018 are chic and modern, featuring two-person whirlpool tubs, sitting areas, and private balconies; ground-floor rooms are swim-up suites. Travelers wanting to be closer to Playa del Carmen's bustling Fifth Avenue -- a popular tourist destination for shopping, bars, and nightlife -- should consider the fabulous Royal Hideaway Playacar.
Located in the Riviera Maya, south of Cancun, the 412-room, luxury Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a romantic, adults-only all-inclusive resort, set on a private white-sand beach lined with sunbeds and cabanas. In addition to the buffet, a wide range of high-quality dining options are available, including Japanese teppanyaki, French cuisine, a wine cellar with over 200 different vintages, and, for an extra charge, romantic dinners for two on the beach. The two main ocean-view pools with a swim-up bar have a lively vibe, while a stunning destination-style spa offers couples' treatments in private outdoor cabanas on the beach. Rooms renovated in 2018 are chic and modern, featuring two-person whirlpool tubs, sitting areas, and private balconies; ground-floor rooms are swim-up suites. Travelers wanting to be closer to Playa del Carmen's bustling Fifth Avenue -- a popular tourist destination for shopping, bars, and nightlife -- should consider the fabulous Royal Hideaway Playacar.
Located on Avenida Constituyentes, arguably one of Playa del Carmen’s busiest streets, mid-range Hotel Las Golondrinas is right in the middle of downtown Playa. It’s three blocks from the beach, and two blocks from La Quinta Avenida, and within walking distance to many of Playa’s best shops and restaurants -- a lifesaver considering the area’s horrendous parking. The hotel has two small outdoor pools and a gorgeous interior courtyard where many guests relax throughout the day. The 51 rooms feature traditional Mexican Colonial decor, including hand-painted tiled headboards, but rooms receive little natural light, and the beds are atrociously uncomfortable. Breakfast is served each morning in a lovely little room just off the lobby, and while not overly expensive, it does cost extra.
Located on Avenida Constituyentes, arguably one of Playa del Carmen’s busiest streets, mid-range Hotel Las Golondrinas is right in the middle of downtown Playa. It’s three blocks from the beach, and two blocks from La Quinta Avenida, and within walking distance to many of Playa’s best shops and restaurants -- a lifesaver considering the area’s horrendous parking. The hotel has two small outdoor pools and a gorgeous interior courtyard where many guests relax throughout the day. The 51 rooms feature traditional Mexican Colonial decor, including hand-painted tiled headboards, but rooms receive little natural light, and the beds are atrociously uncomfortable. Breakfast is served each morning in a lovely little room just off the lobby, and while not overly expensive, it does cost extra.
This three-and-half pearl, 33-room boutique hotel is housed in a historic former convent and has a romantic atmosphere. Located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, the historic center of town is only a five-minute walk from the property. Suites are spacious, yet cozy, with handsome Mexican decor and en-suite bathrooms featuring colorful Talavera tiles and L'Occitane toiletries. Some add fireplaces and balconies overlooking the picturesque central courtyard. While there's no full-service restaurant or bar, a delicious free breakfast is served in the courtyard using fresh ingredients from the hotel's own rooftop vegetable garden. Free Wi-Fi is available and bikes are also free for exploring the town. Pets are welcome. Alternatively, Casa 1810 Hotel Boutique has a similar vibe, but adds a rooftop pool and a popular on-site restaurant.
This three-and-half pearl, 33-room boutique hotel is housed in a historic former convent and has a romantic atmosphere. Located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, the historic center of town is only a five-minute walk from the property. Suites are spacious, yet cozy, with handsome Mexican decor and en-suite bathrooms featuring colorful Talavera tiles and L'Occitane toiletries. Some add fireplaces and balconies overlooking the picturesque central courtyard. While there's no full-service restaurant or bar, a delicious free breakfast is served in the courtyard using fresh ingredients from the hotel's own rooftop vegetable garden. Free Wi-Fi is available and bikes are also free for exploring the town. Pets are welcome. Alternatively, Casa 1810 Hotel Boutique has a similar vibe, but adds a rooftop pool and a popular on-site restaurant.