Hotel El Caballo Blanco sits on Avenida Mahahual, right on the beach next to the malecon. Guests give it 9.0 out of 10 from 110 reviews, and cleanliness and staff are the scores most often praised. The setting is hard to beat for a small hotel: the sea is about a minute away on foot, and the boardwalk's beach clubs and restaurants are steps from the door. Rooms range from deluxe doubles with ocean views to a family room that sleeps six, and balconies or a roof terrace give views of the water. There is an outdoor pool, though guests describe it as small and better for a dip than a swim, plus beach massages, sun loungers, beach towels and water sports equipment. It is a simple property without a restaurant or breakfast service, but its owner is warmly mentioned in reviews and the whole place has a welcoming, personal feel that larger hotels cannot match.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on the beach strip, a minute from the sand and next to the malecon. The Mahahual lighthouse is roughly an eighteen-minute walk, the cruise port is a few kilometers away and a taxi takes about five to ten minutes according to the tourism board. Beach clubs and restaurants, including the well-known seafood places on the boardwalk, are only a few minutes on foot, so a car is unnecessary and parking is not offered.
Rooms
The deluxe and superior doubles sleep up to four with two queen beds and have ocean or beach views, while the family room sleeps up to six with two queen beds and a futon. Rooms have air conditioning, free WiFi, rainfall showers, a mini fridge, a coffee maker and an in-room safe. Some guests find the mattresses firm, which is worth knowing if you are sensitive. Balconies and the rooftop terrace give some of the best views on the strip.
Who it suits
Couples, friends and families who want to be right on the boardwalk and appreciate a personal welcome. The location suits divers and snorkelers who want to be near the water and the dive shops, and the family room is a good option for groups. If you want a restaurant, a large pool or on-site parking, look elsewhere.
Good to know
The busy street means music and noise on some nights, so ask about a quieter room if you are a light sleeper. Sargassum seaweed can collect on the beach in some seasons, which affects swimming at the shore, though the hotel's pool offers an alternative.
Check-in is in the afternoon and evening, so tell the hotel if you will arrive later. Only service animals are allowed, and breakfast is not offered, so plan to eat at the cafes along the boardwalk. Free cancellation may be available on selected rates, so check the terms for your dates.
Why stay here
- ✓Steps from the beach
- ✓Ocean-view rooms
- ✓Family room for six
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Beach massages
- ✓Sun loungers and beach towels
- ✓Water sports equipment
- ✓Air conditioning and free WiFi
Good questions
Is there a restaurant or breakfast?+
No. The hotel does not have a restaurant or breakfast service, but cafes and restaurants line the boardwalk a few minutes away.
Is there parking?+
No parking is offered. Most guests arrive on foot or by taxi from the port, and the boardwalk is a short walk.
Is it noisy?+
The busy street can bring music on some nights. Ask for a quieter room when you reserve if you are a light sleeper.
