Accommodations

A handful of large upper-end hotels (each with a restaurant) are clustered at and near the entrance of Uxmal [1]. Smaller and more affordable lodging and food can be had in the nearby towns of Santa Elena [2], Ticul [3], and Oxkutzcab [4].

If you’ve seen the Club Med in Cobá [5] or Chichén Itzá [6], then walking into Club Med Villas Uxmal (tel. 997/974-6020, scottsdale.mexicores [at] clubmed [dot] com, www.clubmed.com [7], US$ US$81 s/d with a/c, US$135 suite with a/c) will be like dejá vu. Actually, it is dejá vu; these Club Meds are replicas of one another. Constructed around a tropical courtyard with a pool, the resort has boxy but attractive rooms with beds set on concrete platforms—kind of like a Maya bedroom. A reading room with a complete library on the history and culture of the Maya, a billiards table, and tennis court add to an already restful stay. Just steps from the ruins, the location is almost unbeatable. Look for it past The Lodge at Uxmal.

The original residence of the first archaeologists to excavate Uxmal, Hacienda Uxmal (Carr. Mérida-Campeche Km. 78, tel. 997/976-2012, www.mayaland.com [8], US$190–240 s/d with a/c) is now a colonial hotel offering 80 charming rooms. Units are decorated in a Yucatecan style with striking tile floors, marble bathrooms, heavy carved furniture, and ironwork beds (though the mattresses could stand to be replaced); more expensive rooms have private Jacuzzis. The lush grounds also include a pool, tennis court, and nice jogging trails. A spacious dining room offers reliable but unremarkable meals. You can often get a substantially better price calling the hotel directly, rather than booking through the corporate website.

Just 30 meters (98 feet) from the entrance to Uxmal, The Lodge at Uxmal (tel. 997/976-2010, toll-free U.S. tel. 800/235-4079, uxmal1 [at] sureste [dot] com, www.mayaland.com [8], US$374–445 s/d with a/c) is the nicest of the hotels in this area. Surrounded by lovely gardens with two inviting pools, the 40 bungalow rooms are modern, ample, and have comfortable beds. Most rooms have whirlpool tubs, intricately carved doors, and gaudy stained-glass windows as well. Definitely not worth the rate—at about US$400 per night you’d expect a boutique hotel with personalized service, a spa, and at least breakfast included (no go on all counts)—still, it is a relaxing spot. If the location appeals but the price doesn’t, consider heading to the Club Med, a few steps up the road.