Kai Hotel Boutique

If loud music doesn’t bother you, this could be a good choice. The service was very good, the place was clean and tidy, and the simple room was adequate. It’s fairly close to the beach, and you can walk over from the ferry. But the hotel is badly situated for anyone who wants quiet. The pub in the next building plays VERY loud music from morning until late evening, and people shout as they leave. If you like sleeping in silence, definitely don’t stay here.

We were meant to be three friends staying here. My partner and I came from Cozumel, while the friend who made the reservation was supposed to arrive from Isla Mujeres. They got stuck there and couldn’t make it that day. When we arrived, we were told we couldn’t enter without the person who booked, because their passport was needed. I showed the manager at reception our friend’s passport, but she then said the person had to be there. It seemed like an excuse: first she said the passport would be enough, then quickly changed her mind. There was no mention of the person who booked having to be present. What if my parents had booked for me? People who use booking sites know you can ask the property to waive a cancellation fee. I asked the receptionist directly so we wouldn’t be charged and could find somewhere else to sleep. She said she wasn’t the owner and didn’t handle reservations, and that some owner she didn’t know decided which requests to approve. I thought this was a complete lie, and that she just wanted the $190 we’d paid. I kept asking her to contact whoever could approve the request. She said okay and told me not to worry. A few hours later, our friend refused the fee waiver request and was charged the full stay to their bank account. I won’t use words that could be used against me, but something felt very wrong. I felt they tried to screw us over and didn’t help at all, while pretending they would. Shame. Stay away from this place.

BE CAREFUL, READ THIS BEFORE YOU GO! I’ve been traveling for over 15 years, and this was the worst “boutique” hotel I’ve stayed at anywhere, not just in Mexico. The sheets were dirty, and loud music went on ALL NIGHT, making it impossible to sleep. Then rainwater flooded our room in the morning, soaking most of our clothes and bags. When we asked the woman at reception for help, she laughed and said, “that’s nature.” We took things to a laundry shop. When we returned with the receipt, she refused to pay, despite the manager saying they would. After we said we wouldn’t leave until she paid, she threw a 200 peso bill at us and physically assaulted my girlfriend. Then she called the police. Holbox has plenty of other hotels and hostels. Don’t waste your money or risk your belongings here!

We had a quiet, clean stay at Kai, about a 12-minute walk from the ferry. The receptionist was kind and really helpful. I’d highly recommend the hotel if you’re planning a trip to Holbox.