Hotel Villa Maya sits on the shore of Laguna Petenchel in Santa Elena, a rural lakeside setting rather than a town centre. The property has 56 rooms, an outdoor pool with a separate children's pool, a terrace and garden, a restaurant and bar, a spa offering massage and a gym that is open around the clock. Guests rate it 9.6 out of 10 from 231 reviews, with cleanliness at 9.8, staff and service at 9.4 and facilities at 9.4. Location is the lowest score at 7.0, which reflects the fact that you are away from the island and will need transport for most outings.
Location and getting around
The hotel is about 16 minutes by car from Flores airport, and the page lists Lake Petén Itzá about ten minutes away, San Miguel and Tayasal about 11 minutes, the Actún Kan caves about 11 minutes, Ixpanpajul about 13 minutes and the Petencito Zoo about 16 minutes. That makes it a convenient base for the lake and caves, but not for strolling to restaurants, so plan on taxis, tuk-tuks or a tour pick-up. Flores island is not within walking distance.
Rooms and facilities
The page lists four room types, including a standard double of about 323 square feet with a lagoon view that sleeps up to four, a triple room, a standard single and a smaller superior room. Air conditioning is standard, and free WiFi is available in public areas. Free self-parking is provided. Cooked-to-order breakfast, a round-trip airport shuttle, babysitting and bike rental are available for a surcharge. Dry cleaning and laundry, a front-desk safe and a computer station are also listed.
Good to know
Check-in runs from 3 pm to 10 pm, with late check-in available during limited hours, and check-out is at noon. Only service animals are allowed. Free cancellation applies on select rates, so read the terms when you reserve. The setting is quiet and green, which families and couples tend to enjoy, though anyone who wants nightlife or evening walks should choose a hotel on the island or by the causeway instead.
It pairs well with a morning tour to Tikal and an afternoon by the pool. The airport shuttle saves hunting for a taxi on arrival, though it carries a charge. Because the hotel is spread across gardens beside the water, evenings are peaceful, with the sound of the lagoon and the forest rather than traffic. Bring repellent for the garden at dusk, and ask about the best rooms for a lagoon view when you reserve.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool and childrens pool
- ✓Spa with massage
- ✓24-hour gym
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓Free WiFi in public areas
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Terrace and garden
Good questions
Is it on Flores island?+
No, it is on Laguna Petenchel in Santa Elena, about 16 minutes by car from Flores airport. You will need a taxi, tuk-tuk or tour pick-up to reach the island.
Does it have a pool and spa?+
Yes, an outdoor pool with a children's pool, a spa offering massage and a 24-hour gym. Spa and some other services carry an extra charge.
Is breakfast included?+
Cooked-to-order breakfast is available for a surcharge. Check the rate details when you reserve to see whether a meal plan is offered.
