Hotel Jardin Mahahual is a small guesthouse on Calle Sardina, a short walk back from the sea and the boardwalk. It scores 8.4 out of 10 from 126 reviews and is classed as a hostal, so expect a relaxed, informal feel rather than a resort. Rooms are individually furnished with air conditioning, ceiling fans, rainfall showers and free WiFi, and some have private yards. The shared spaces are the draw: a garden, a terrace and a small library give you somewhere to read or plan the day. The front desk is open around the clock and staff can help with tours and tickets, so it is a convenient base for arranging snorkeling, fishing or a trip to the ruins. The beach is about a three-minute walk and the lighthouse a fourteen-minute walk, with several beachfront restaurants close by. It is a good pick for solo travelers, couples and divers on a budget.
Location and getting around
The hotel is set back a few streets from the water, which keeps it calmer than properties directly on the boardwalk. The beach is about three minutes on foot, the lighthouse about fourteen minutes and the cruise terminal a few kilometers away, so a taxi from the port takes roughly five to ten minutes according to the tourism board. Beach clubs and seafood restaurants are within a short walk, and snorkeling and fishing outings can be arranged locally.
Rooms
Rooms are individually furnished and set up with workspaces suitable for a laptop, air conditioning, ceiling fans and wardrobes. Some rooms have private yards, which is a pleasant extra in warm weather. Expect simple comforts rather than luxury, and check the room type when you reserve, since layouts differ. There is no pool, so the sea and the garden are your places to cool off.
Who it suits
Independent travelers, couples and anyone who values a quiet, characterful base over facilities. The library and terrace suit people who like to unwind with a book, the front desk helps with tour planning and the laundry service helps on longer stays. Families can stay, but the lack of a pool and a restaurant means it suits older children better than toddlers. Pets are not allowed.
Good to know
The property does not offer parking, so arriving by bus or taxi is easiest, and the Chetumal bus station is at the entrance to town. Breakfast is not mentioned as part of the stay, so plan to eat at the cafes near the boardwalk. Check-in runs into the evening, with late arrival possible during limited hours, and late check-out may be arranged for a fee. Read recent reviews for the room type you want, and check the cancellation terms for your rate.
Why stay here
- ✓Garden
- ✓Terrace
- ✓Guest library
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Tour and ticket help
- ✓Air conditioning and ceiling fans
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Laundry service
Good questions
Is there a pool?+
No. The sea is a few minutes' walk away, and the garden and terrace offer a place to relax.
Is parking available?+
No parking is offered. Taxis from the cruise terminal take about five to ten minutes.
Can the hotel help with tours?+
Yes, the front desk can help with tours and tickets, which is handy for snorkeling, fishing or day trips.
