When you’re traveling to see pyramids, if you’re addicted to them like me, you may want to spend an extra day nearby to get the flavor of the site and to enjoy a little off road adventure.
If that’s the case, you’ll be looking for a hotel with a bit of character. These five hotels come personally tested at these well-known sites.
Palenque. This is my favorite site. Could be due to the jungle setting with mountains surrounding it or maybe its the spiritual atmosphere. Chan- Kah Resort is enticingly close to the pyramids. The cabins have large front decks with luxurious rocking chairs. The rooms are done in a rustic style but with all amenities — the best of both worlds. A handful of cabins are right on the creek. It’s a longer walk from the main reception area but worth it, plus you’re closer to the jungle. If you came for atmosphere, you’ll get it here. The gigantic double pool with cascade waterfall, made of river rocks, looks like a natural setting and an afternoon dip is a great way to refresh after hiking around the pyramids.
Uxmal. The Lodge at Uxmal is located right across the road from the pyramid site. You couldn’t get closer. The compound has several buildings, three stories high, and there’s a restaurant and pool on the premises. High-ceiling palapa decks in front of each room with wide red tiled floors are a comfortable place to relax. The rooms are spacious and airy, and some have bathrooms with giant tubs.
Chichen Itza. Hacienda Chichen is one of the Yucatan’s first haciendas. Built in 1523 by the Spaniards and later used by some of the famous archeologists who excavated Chichen Itza. It was converted into a hotel in the 1940s. With lush gardens, dining room, pool and spa, the hacienda makes for a very luxurious and relaxing stay. The colonial style rooms have a Maya flair, with lots of windows and hardwood floors. Staying here is like stepping back in history.
Coba. Villas Arcqueologicas Coba is set against the background of one of the four Coba lakes. A patio, complete with chairs and umbrellas, faces the lake and makes for a wonderful spot to sit for breakfast or a late afternoon drink. Built in the colonial style, the hotel is like a walled fortress, with rooms, restaurant, library, and pool inside. Rooms have double or single beds, and all face the attractive pool. The advantage to this hotel is that it’s often nearly empty and you have the place to yourselves.
Calakmul/Xpujil. Set far away in the jungle, Chicanna EcovillageResort is almost as remote as Calakmul. The hotel is both rustic and comfortable. It’s quite secluded in a jungle setting far off the highway, and at night, no matter how hot the day, the surrounding jungle will take a big temperature drop. There are 48 rooms, a restaurant and pool. It’s about an hour’s drive from Calakmul and about 10 minutes from Xpujil.
All of these hotels are an oasis, and make for a relaxing stay at one of these famous pyramid sites.
