Hacienda San Jose Cholul

Felipe deserves a special mention for going out of his way to help us. Google Maps sent us down the back road from Motul when we were returning from Rios Lagartos. That road is poorly maintained and really not suitable for cars, especially at night. The staff helped us get in through the back entrance. The place itself is a peaceful, quaint retreat, away from the main cities but well placed for day trips. Everyone was genuinely welcoming, my kids loved seeing the birds and other animals, and we enjoyed the spa. The bath gels and shampoo were especially calming.

We had a lovely family gathering at Hacienda San Jose Cholul. The rooms in the old hacienda are amazing, and the pool was a dream for both kids and adults. It’s set in lush grounds, close to Merida and Izamal. The staff were kind and efficient, and Felipe gave us a very thorough tour of the property, sharing lots of knowledge about its nature and history.

The bed and linens were lovely, and parts of the property are beautiful. It even has the feel of a film set in places, though other areas are quite run down. I was disappointed because friends had recommended it so highly, and I wanted to love it. The pool had leaves, white material the manager said was palm spores, and a couple of huge worms or millipedes. It didn’t seem to have been cleaned recently. Service felt very average until the manager showed up on our second day. The food was more expensive and not as good as meals we’d had elsewhere in Mexico. I think a room with a private pool or bath would make a difference. Without one, the other amenities really need to be in good shape, and for us they weren’t.

The room was beautiful, with lovely authentic furniture, thoughtful colors and layout, and plenty of room to unpack without crowding your partner. It was clean and tidy, and the bed was incredibly comfortable. We also found flowers and dessert waiting for us. After our swim, the staff had filled the outdoor tub with hot water and lit candles around it in the jungle. It felt surreal and peaceful. At dinner, the service was so friendly, and the ceviche, octopus, pork, and Rose wine were all delicious. We had only one night as part of our hacienda tour, but the staff still took our laundry after the service had technically finished for the day and got it ready first thing in the morning. They greeted us warmly and helped with our luggage and questions. After a great night's sleep, coffee was brought to me in bed. Then a staff member thoughtfully offered us breakfast in a private garden so the large group wouldn’t disturb us. It was quiet and beautiful. This was our favorite hacienda, and we felt very looked after and spoiled. We highly recommend it.