Hotel Xbulu-Ha

When this small hotel opened back in 2007 it only had 10 rooms. Originally, the idea was to use the hotel’s open-air entry hall as a type of plaza where local artisans could sell wares to tourists. However, a last-minute change of heart by a business partner made Xbulu’s owners reconsider, and now, the shop areas are used as office buildings. This family-owned property doesn’t have much of a vibe; it’s casual and unassuming, both from the street and once you’re inside. The open-air lobby and reception area can get warm in the island heat without AC. The sparse lobby furniture is contemporary but doesn’t feel fresh, while the table and chairs in reception are dated. But as far as budget properties go, this two-pearl spot is what you would expect. Guests here are often on a first-name basis with the manager (who’s also the owner’s son), and several guests during our visit had booked long-term stays and felt more like tenants. It’s a decent budget property for folks wanting a central downtown location and won’t miss typical hotel comforts. 

Hotel Xbulu-Ha has a great location in the center of downtown, off a small, quiet street. Almost all of the area's shops, restaurants, bars, and beaches can be reached within a five-minute walk. The ferry port is also within a five-minute walk. There's a public parking lot across the street that guests can use, and if you look out from the hotel's entrance you can see out to the ocean. The Turtle Farm and Icebar are a 17-minute taxi drive away, and Punta Sur is a 20-minute drive south. To reach Isla Mujeres from the Cancun International Airport, travelers can 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. 

The 23 rooms here are basic, on the compact side, and vary between dated and contemporary -- though all are simple. Expect either traditional or contemporary wood furniture, old-fashioned patterned or sold-print comforters, and bare walls. Standard Room amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, wardrobes with old-fashioned safes, and air-conditioning. Snug bathrooms have step-in showers, small wall-mounted hairdryers, and basic toiletries. Junior Suites are nearly twice their size and have dedicated kitchenette areas with microwaves, small coffeemakers, larger fridges, and toasters. Those have have been renovated have marble floors. Senior Suites have renovated bathrooms with walk-in marble showers. The Master Suite has a separate kitchen area with a stove, plus a sofa bed. 

Hotel Xbulu-Ha is primarily a no-frills property, though there are some thoughtful touches. There are the typical features like a lending library and free beach towels, as well as convenient amenities such as free use of backpack beach chairs and foot pools to rinse sand off after the beach. There is no restaurant or free breakfast here, but guests can use the common (albeit basic) kitchen facility in reception. This area has plates, cups, coffee, and a microwave, but no stove or oven. The hotel has also been known to grab items at the grocery for guests at cost and for storing the personal effects of return guests for free. Wi-Fi is free, but like most of the island, it has a poor connection and signal strength.