Carmen Beach

The staff were really friendly, and I would still come back. The location was perfect, the rooms were clean, and there was hot running water. But the beds weren't comfortable and the pillows were hard. Work was going on during sleeping hours without guests being told. The pool needs new tiling, the furniture could use an update, and the restaurant connected to the hotel was overpriced. It was my first visit and still a great experience overall.

Puerto Morelos ended up being our favorite stop on a ten-day trip around the Yucatán. We were in town for two nights after touring elsewhere, and had a great time as independent tourists after previously sticking to resorts. It felt safe and fun, with musicians, artists, and good food. The town is aimed at tourists, mostly Canadian, American, and Scandinavian Europeans, so if you want “real mexico,” this probably isn't it. The standout is the view: harbour, lighthouse, local pier, and soft sandy beach. You're right by the city center square and its activity, with restaurants, including a Michelin restaurant a block away, and a well-stocked grocery store with produce, bakery, meat, deli, and cafe. Souvenir shop owners were friendly, and bargaining over collectibles was fun, though not for the faint-hearted. There are massages nearby, but one massage area wasn't accessible for people who have trouble with stairs. The community is thoughtful about mobility access, with ramps at most places, though a few still have steps. Every room faces the ocean. The room has the basics, a safe for passports and other valuables, a good-sized wardrobe, a fridge for drinks and snacks, and parking if you have a car. There's a local car rental two blocks away, plus a restaurant and pool. The decor is basic and could use a spruce-up, as the furniture and wood take a beating in this climate. Beds vary wildly from very soft to very hard, so it's dealer's choice. Love the new gate. 10/10, will stay again.

I've been coming here for more than 10 years, and before, even in the rain, I didn't have to go out to the sidewalk to smoke. Now the rules don't make sense to me: smoking isn't allowed on the outside patio, in the parking lot, or anywhere on the property. Guests should be told about this when they book. Several other guests felt the same way. I hope the top executives consider making the resort more guest-friendly, with designated smoking spots, or clearly state that it's a non-smoking resort. The front desk manager was unfriendly.

The fragrance they run through the HVAC system smells so refreshing. I just wish I could get an answer from the Hotel Hacienda Front Desk employees about what it is.