Velas Condos

The shower smelled awful, the neighbors partied, doors slammed all night, and loud music kept playing. We couldn’t sleep or enjoy sitting on the balcony for a romantic stay. Don’t book an apartment at Vela’s if that’s what you’re after. Worst place of our three-week stay in Mexico. We can’t recommend it.

Good location and otherwise a nice hotel, but the construction next door was so loud we could only sit on the balcony before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m. We asked for a partial refund and got no one at checkout, so I followed up by email and WhatsApp. Neither got a reply. Stay away at least in ’25 while the work is this noisy.

Puerto Morelos is a quiet, low-key seaside town that worked perfectly for a family holiday. There are plenty of little restaurants a few minutes away, and the main square is about a 10-minute walk. The beach is less than a minute away. Our two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment was well equipped and beautifully clean, with comfortable beds and a sea view from the balcony. Lovely for a slow morning coffee. The staff were great and answered our questions within minutes.

The area felt decent and safe, and the sea view was nice if you looked out toward the water rather than at the empty or abandoned buildings nearby. Free parking and beach towels were a plus. Still, I wouldn’t recommend staying here, especially for more than three nights. It looked nothing like the pictures and felt run down and dirty. Our oceanfront condo had AC only in the bedroom, not in the kitchen or living room, so it was far too hot to cook or watch TV. The bathroom needs renovation, smelled awful, and had very poor water pressure. Tiny ants, mosquitoes, and other bugs were everywhere. I got a rash all over my body. I can only hope it wasn’t bed bugs, though I wouldn’t be surprised. The kitchen lacked basic dishes, which made cooking difficult, and the place didn’t feel clean or sanitary enough for me to use it. I guess you get what you pay for, but don’t expect much, and definitely don’t trust the pictures.