Hotel Boutique Santa Elena

Just outside the main square, close enough to walk everywhere, but far enough away to avoid some noise and late-night partying. The rooms are huge, and there’s even a built-in man-made Cenote. The staff were attentive and friendly, and gave us great information and recommendations for things to do in Merida. It’s a great hotel for a home base. I’d stay again in a heartbeat, 10/10.

There was no real privacy, with no sound barrier at all. The room had no ceiling, so having a door felt pointless, and there wasn’t even a toilet in the room. It was dark despite having a window, because the blinds had to stay closed or people walking along the sidewalk could see right onto the bed. The room was beside the entrance and reception, and gaps in the door let in a lot of noise. I shouldn’t have to hear the receptionist watching movies while I’m lying in bed.

The location was good, but the internet was so bad it felt like dial-up. I wasn’t trying to game or video conference, just check email, buy tickets, look up activities and weather, and even that was impossible. The connection dropped every eight minutes. I ended up paying to use the coworking space at the youth hostel across the street just to get online. The hostel is in a good location too, and has internet and breakfast. The rooms here aren’t soundproof either. I could hear my next-door neighbor talking on the phone and snoring. There were no luggage stands, and the room was so small I couldn’t even open my suitcase.

At 1:40 am I still couldn’t sleep because of constant noise. The rooms aren’t soundproof at all, so you hear everything, from cars outside to neighbors next door and people arriving and talking in the middle of the night. When I complained, the receptionist said there was nothing he could do. Maybe the hotel could set quiet hours for guests if it doesn’t want to invest in better facilities. You can literally hear the person next door using the toilet. If you want to rest, this place can’t give you a peaceful night.