Hacienda Real del Caribe

I booked for one night after diving in Cozumel because I wanted to take the ferry back to the mainland the evening before my flight from Cancun. It worked okay for that, but I wouldn’t choose it for a longer stay. The location is great: close to the beach, ferry terminal, ADO bus station, and the busy tourist street on La Quinta Avenida. I got in a nice sunrise beach run before my flight. The front desk staff were friendly and helpful, and the colonial architecture has charm. The towel swans are cute too. My room, 101, was right by the entrance gate, so street music and conversation went on all night and made it hard to sleep. I asked to change rooms, but the hotel was full. The rooms are dated and need repairs: my shower door sat at an angle and jammed into the wall until I unstuck it. There was no shampoo or conditioner in the shower, so I was glad I’d brought my own. The bathroom didn’t smell very clean, and someone had left an empty water bottle on top of the safe. The hotel was fully booked despite the issues, probably because it’s relatively affordable and near the beach and ferry. You might have a different experience in a higher room away from the street. The staff are great, and I can’t complain for the price, but I’m not sure I’d stay again unless there were no other options.

The greenery was lovely, and the hotel and rooms have a colonial-style look. But the room Wi-Fi was really hard to connect to, and there was shampoo by the shower but no soap or hand wash. The bathtub shook, so it felt as if something underneath might be broken. The pool looked good and clean, but I’m not sure it was cleaned properly because we got sick after using it, even though we were in for just 15-20 minutes. One unusual thing: they ask for your ID for pool towels and return it when you bring the towel back. I’ve never seen that anywhere.

The room was simple but huge, and it was great value. The staff were incredibly helpful. It’s centrally located for the ferry and ADO bus station.

Close to the beach and in a great location. The room was clean and quiet, with a comfortable bed and a wonderful shower.