Where to stay in Mexico

What is a typical Mexico hotel like?

One of the most unusual and fun places to stay is the Sotuta de Peon Hotel, south of Merida. This unique property is located on the site of a fascinating restoration project. The original hacienda was built at the end of the 19th century and its grand architecture has been lovingly restored along with the original henequen plant and machinery. Accommodation ranges from thatched cabanas with traditional Mayan features to deluxe rooms with their own private terrace and dip pool.

Kids will love roaming through its magnificent gardens and swimming in either the pool or (for added excitement) the crystalline waters of its own cenote. The hotel’s restaurant offers traditional Yucatecan cuisine, a combination of Mayan and Spanish food that even the fussiest eaters will try. Who could turn their nose up at a panucho, a delicious corn tortilla stuffed with refried beans and turkey or papadzul, handmade tortillas covered in cream. Mexican food is not known for its low calorie count! Fish lovers will salivate at the garlic mojo and vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for.  For the ultimate encounter with tradition why not try the cochinita pibil, (slow roasted pork), prepared underground.

For water-lovers the Rancho Encantado is the ideal spot. The lodge is situated on the shores of the pristine waters of Laguna Bacalar in the southern Yucatan, 4hrs south of Cancun and 2.5hrs south of Tulum. For those looking to escape the more developed areas of the peninsula this is the perfect destination.

From your casitas, surrounded by lush vegetation, you can explore Bacalar Lake, known as the Lake of Seven Colours. Cruise, kayak or swim in this beautiful lagoon, try snorkelling the ‘Pirate’s Channel’ and then slap on some mineral mud (kids you will look years younger, honest). The mangroves are home to an array of tropical birds, orchids and bromeliads and the hardest decision will be which dish to choose from in the shorefront palapa (thatched) restaurant. Or who gets to swing in the hammock first!

Where to stay on the Caribbean Coast

No family trip to Mexico is complete without time on the Caribbean coast and there are a string of picture perfect white sandy beaches stretching from Cancun all the way to the Belize border. Each has a slightly different feel; Cancun is full of high rise hotels and is very developed but consequently does offer a huge variety of hotels and many amenities. Playa del Carmen is also quite developed, but nothing like as busy as Cancun, and there are some lovely quieter stretches of beach. There is also a great night market that is perfect for souvenir shopping. Further south again, Tulum has a laid-back slightly hippy vibe, perfect if you are looking for a thatched cabana and a hammock slung between a couple of palm trees.

Hotel Mahekal is our favourite hotel in Playa del Carmen, spread along a beautiful section of beach with a variety of different room types. It’s all furnished beautifully and much of the hotel is deliberately designed to be open to the elements so that you can make the most of the sea breeze. There are a couple of different pools yet this still somehow feels like a small boutique resort.

For a real splurge, the Esencia Hotel is absolutely stunning, originally the home of an Italian duchess and now a beautifully presented small boutique hotel with remarkable attention to detail. Many rooms have their own private pool, perfect for families, and coffee and pastries are dropped off at your door before breakfast. We suspect that there is nothing they haven’t thought of!

What will work best for you and your family?

As always, we will select hotels that will suit your family and fit your budget. Do ring us, or email to find out more about where to stay in Mexico and we can put together an itinerary for you that is tailored to your family’s needs.