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This big hotel’s main selling point is that it’s right opposite the bus station in Ciudad Cancún and so is always popular. Despite being in such a traffic-heavy area, it’s sur-prisingly peaceful inside, with pretty gardens, a nice pool, and attractively furnished rooms.

This 80-room hotel is in one of the liveliest parts of Ciudad Cancún, near the market and next to Av Yaxchilán’s “restaurant row.” Rooms are modern, simple, spacious, and bright, and there’s a good pool, making this great value in sometimes over-priced Cancún.

All the rooms are different – some are on the beach, some are like separate little beach-houses – but all are comfortable and fitted with Mexican textiles. It’s in a delightful location, facing the placid Playa Secreto lagoon, and there’s snorkel gear for guests’ use.

Holbox’s best hotel is two blocks away from the main street. The Mexican-style rooms are a real pleasure: doubles and twins upstairs have balconies, suites below have terraces and kitchenettes. The French-Mexican owners are very welcoming, and there’s a great restaurant.

Began as a dive hotel and offers a range of packages for divers. Even if you’re not a scuba nut, it’s a comfortable place, with well-cared-for rooms and a bar and rooftop terrace-lounge.

Seems small from the street, but inside is a maze of patios, gardens, and spiral staircases, leading to a leaf-shaded pool. Rooms are cosy and colorful. The friendly German owners offer packages with the Yucatek Divers school (see Tours and Special Interests).

Texan Ricco Merkle’s long-running hotel is a friendly home from home. The rooms have been going a few years but are comfortable and pretty, and there’s a tiny pool and a rooftop bar that’s a great place for meeting people.

Owners Nancy and Tony de Rosa are the foremost cave-diving specialists on the Riviera, and many of their guests dive. The place is also well equipped for families.

This laid-back hotel on the Riviera has only a few rooms, but they’re all comfortable and full of character. Diving is a big attraction, of course, but it’s ok just to sit on the beach and sample the fine cuisine.

Nine rooms, in two-story cabaña -style beach huts, all with good showers and entrancing views. The restaurant serves a mix of Italian and Mexican food.