Hotel Rocamar

The 1999-built Hotel Rocamar is a small, budget property that claims to use its minimal decor features as a means of relaxation. Updates over the years have given the hotel a more contemporary look, such as the white honeycomb tiling in the entryway and pops of bright colors. There are bright-blue wire bucket chairs in the rooms and out by the pool, bright-yellow painted wicker side tables, and a built-in bench topped with a contemporary vinyl cushion at the open-air reception. Around the corner from the reception desk is the hotel's outdoor lobby, where guests can sit on turquoise vinyl couches. Against the far wall, a painted mural depicts an underwater scene. 

Guests here are more likely to be out exploring the island versus hanging at the hotel, though the pool is a popular place, despite its small size. This is a decent budget option, especially for anyone looking for stunning sunrise views or a convenient downtown location. 

This hotel has a great location against the rocky coastline in downtown Isla Mujeres. It's just a three-minute walk from the shops, bars, and restaurants on downtown's main strips, and two blocks from a decent grocery store. Hotel Rocamar's block sees less foot traffic than the surrounding streets, but it has the potential to be noisy when public events are held at the plaza across the street. It's a three-block straight shot to the ferry terminal, and a 17-minute drive to the Icebar and Turtle Farm. 

To reach Isla Mujeres from the Cancun International Airport, travelers must take a cab from the airport to the Ultramar Ferry (also known as Gran Puerto, Isla Ferry, or Puerto Jerez. From there, guests can purchase tickets for the ferry that runs to Isla Mujeres (a 20-minute journey) throughout the day. 

All 32 rooms here are modern but low on frills, with polished tile floors, minimalist decor, mostly neutral tones, and a decent amount of space. The AC is strong, but the water pressure is weak. The glass-encased bathrooms are not for the shy and get mixed reviews. However, they are the most stylish aspects of the rooms with honeycomb tiling, circular bowl sinks, and a true walk-in shower design that is absent of walls or curtains. The most popular rooms at the hotel are the Ocean View Rooms. These rooms have stellar, uninterrupted views of the ocean and bring in the sounds of the waves crashing against the coastline. Each balcony has a set of chairs and a hammock. Town View Rooms are slightly dimmer and lack balconies, while the Studio Suite is large and light-filled, and has a whirlpool tub on the balcony. A two-bedroom, two-bath Garden and Beach House has a kitchen. 

Budget Rooms are the exception. These rooms are located on the basement level and have less light and a dated look. They're also the only rooms without a garden or ocean view. 

Hotel Rocamar's biggest features are its location and oceanfront views, particularly as there are no food or drink options on-site. These are often enough to make people feel they've gotten a big bang-for-their-buck. However, there's also a pool with a spacious sundeck, overlooking the crashing waves of the ocean and getting a hefty spray of ocean breeze. The sundeck has a collection of contemporary plastic loungers and a handful of sunbeds in varying conditions. The pool itself is on the small side and during our visit, had cloudy water. 

The main public lounging space is in the outdoor lobby. A few turquoise vinyl couches are set on top of an island of polished tiles. This area is also home to a TV inside an entertainment center and a bar area with library books, a microwave, basic coffee- and tea-making facilities for guests, and a water cooler with hot and cold taps. The hotel advertises a spa, though it's important to note that this is located in another property that's about a 10-minute walk north. The front desk can arrange for golf cart rentals. Wi-Fi and parking (in a roped off area of the street) are free.