Tamarindo Bed and Breakfast

Tamarindo Bed and Breakfast consists of three whitewashed buildings and a palapa-style bungalow set inside of gated privacy walls on a large lot. The main building houses a beautiful living room stylishly decorated with a wooden dining room table, hand-painted chairs, and a cluster of seating in front of a bookshelf filled with books in French and English, some framed family photos, and Mexican handicrafts. A colorful shrine is an additional nod to Mexican culture. Upstairs is a rooftop communal space where breakfast is served, and a clean communal kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, sink, and cooking gear. A landscaped lawn and patio separates the main building from the two-story buildings at the back of the lot, which house additional rooms. Small attention to details, like seashells in the garden and hammocks in the trees, elevate the style of the place. Because the rates are low and there's a communal kitchen, the bed-and-breakfast attracts its fair share of budget backpackers, especially in the off season. Elaina, the French owner, has been operating the property for 19 years, when it was only the second bed-and-breakfast on the island. 

With just a small sign on a white gate, Tamarindo Bed and Breakfast can be a bit difficult to find. It's located on Calle Four, a mostly residential one-way street six blocks from the ferry terminal to Playa Del Carmen. It's close enough to walk from the ferry, but if arriving with luggage at the hottest part of the day, a two-minute taxi ride is preferable. The nearest neighbors are private homes; it's only two blocks to a supermarket and variety of restaurants. The neighborhood is generally quiet and safe, with ample free parking on the street. Expect a six-minute drive to Cozumel International Airport. 

There are six distinct units at this small property, and each is completely different in terms of layout, amenities, and decoration. The most affordable room is the Palapa, located next to the main building. As its name indicates, it has a traditional palapa-style roof. A double bed and single bed make it a good choice for families. White walls and orange tile floors are jazzed up with colorful handmade quilts on the bed and a hammock strung from the ceiling. It has an air conditioner, ceiling fan, tube-style TV, and mini-fridge. The bathroom features blue-tiled flooring and a shower, along with a single sink. The Exotic Suite has a full kitchenette and small built-in dining area, plus two semi-private bedrooms. It's located on the second floor of the building in the back of the property and has a furnished balcony with views of the neighbor's yard. There's a flat-screen TV and small area for storing clothes. Folded Mexican blankets are displayed on a glass shelf attached to the wall. Routers are placed throughout the property so each room has fast and free Wi-Fi. 

The best feature at Tamarindo Bed and Breakfast is the hot and fresh daily breakfast that's included with the room rates from Christmas to mid-April. Guests visiting outside of that time period have to pay extra for the morning meal. Elaina, the owner, offers a rotating schedule of eggs and toast, French toast, croque monsieur sandwich with avocado, quesadillas, and Mexican mollettes. She occasionally offers freshly made crepes, and each meal comes with coffee, fresh fruit, and juice. It's served on the rooftop, next to a communal kitchen which has a full refrigerator, stove, sink, and complete cooking gear. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Elaina has snorkel gear and a few old bikes for guests to borrow.