My Favorite Boutique Hotels in Mexico
There is nothing I love more than a boutique, locally owned hotel. All-inclusive resorts are great, too, in their own time and place. But they also happen to be one of the biggest enemies of sustainability because they directly divert money away from local businesses and they wreak havoc on the environment. I love to spend my dollars at locally owned boutique hotels wherever I go. In Mexico, these are my favorites.
Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel: The very first hotel I ever stayed at in Puerto Vallarta continues to be one of my favorites. Locally owned, the building has been in the family for generations and was the birthplace of the owner’s grandmother. Today it is a funky LGBTQ-friendly hotel right in the heart of the Zona Romantica and just a few steps from the beach.
Aurinko Bungalows: As much as I dislike Sayulita, I will go to Sayulita exclusively for this hotel. This was the first hotel David and I stayed at together when we started dating, so it holds a little bit of romance for me. Back then, a room with air conditioning cost 900 pesos, and the rate has not increased much since then. Rooms are basic, but I love the outdoor living rooms and kitchens. It’s a very quick walk to the beach and has one of the most central locations in town. You won’t find a deal like this in Sayulita anymore.
Book Aurinko Bungalows
Hotel Mayto: Playa Mayto is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Mexico. Extending for seven miles, the beach is undeveloped and pristine. Hotel Mayto is one of the only hotels in town and has a spectacular beachfront location, a pool, and a small restaurant.
Book Hotel Mayto
Aqua Luna: These days Puerto Escondido has much fancier hotels than Aqua Luna, but I refuse to stay anywhere else. I love the energy here, the social aspect, the laid-back owners, the pool, the restaurant, and the rooms. It’s a surfer hotel at its core, so rooms are basic, but they are clean, comfortable, and have everything you need for a memorable stay.
Book Aqua Luna
Mahekal Beach Resort: This beachfront resort in Playa del Carmen is built like a castaway’s village. Palapa-topped bungalows scatter a palm tree-peppered property, and the hotel has one of the best stretches of beaches in town. It’s also right off of 5th Avenue, so guests can choose if they want a beach escape or to be in the heart of Playa’s action.
Book Mahekal Beach Resort
Hotel Makaaba: A funky boutique hotel in Bacalar, Hotel Makaaba has one of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at. Rooms are very small, but the hotel has a beautiful pool and is directly across the street from the lake. The breakfast here is spectacular and so affordable.
Book Hotel Makaaba
Almaplena Boutique Hotel: Surrounded by mangrove forest and on a stretch of shockingly white sand outside of Mahahual, Almaplena Boutique Hotel is heaven. The hotel has only eight rooms, but each one has beach access. The onsite restaurant serves homemade pasta, seafood, and lovely wine and cocktails.