The Lodge at Chichen Itza

Situated in the jungle and near the Chichen Itza ruins, the lush, tropical backdrop of the beautiful and well maintained grounds creates the ambience at the Lodge at Chichen Itza. The property is part of the larger Mayaland resort and shares its amenities, yet it also offers a private pool and a more intimate and quiet experience devoid of the big tour groups that pass through Mayaland. Rustic thatched-roof architecture utilizes local materials and is harmonious with the jungle surroundings. Interiors are simple and spare, furnished with lovely hand-carved mahogany pieces. The property has hosted many luminaries through the years, including Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti, both of whom have suites named after them. Overall, it's a great pick for those seeking to visit the ruins, and location doesn't get better than this. 

The hotel is located a 10-minute walk from the Chichen Itza archaeological site and has a private entrance to the ruins. It's situated on lush jungle grounds, and though there are a couple of other hotels in the area, there's not much else beyond the ruins and the jungle. The small Mayan town of Piste is a 10-minute drive from the hotel and offers some restaurants, bars, and stores. Valladolid is the nearest big city, and can be reached in about 40 to 50 minutes. Merida is an hour-and-a-half away. Tulum is a two-hour drive away and Cancun can be reached in two hours and 15 minutes. Chichen Itza International Airport is a 15-minute drive, while Merida's international airport can be reached in an hour and 40 minutes.

The property offers suites and bungalows which feature simple and rustic, yet charming decor. Thatched roofs, white walls, and tile floors are paired with hand-carved mahogany furniture. Beds are framed by mosquito net canopies and topped with white linens accented by blue pillows and throws. Stained glass details on the windows add lovely detail.

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, electronic safes, tea/coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi -- but many guests note that the signal is non-existent and Wi-Fi is only available in the reception area. Most of the units have verandas with hammocks. Suites have living and dining rooms, and some have kitchenettes. Bathrooms, though a bit dated, are clean and well maintained, with shower/tub combos, vanity tables, and hairdryers. Some have whirlpool tubs, and locally made toiletries are supplied.

The hotel shares the amenities of the larger Mayaland resort to which it belongs, yet it also has a private outdoor pool for the exclusive use of the Lodge residents. It's small but lovely, with a couple of loungers lining its sundeck. The resort offers two other outdoor pools.

The Mayaland resort provides a few different dining and bar options. The main restaurant serves Mayan and Mexican cuisine as well as international fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus there's a buffet restaurant and a terrace serving wood-fired pizza and tacos. The hotel also has a cafe and a bar, and there's a poolside grill by one of the pools. Breakfast can be included in rates, and all-inclusive plans are also available. Note that some guests complain that food is overpriced here.

Other features include a small spa that offers massages, facials, and manicures/pedicures. Though there's no gym, guests can bike, run, or horseback ride on miles of trails around the property -- bikes are available to borrow for free. Parking is free on-site. There is free Wi-Fi in reception, but it typically does not extend to rooms. Guests can also book private, guided tours of the nearby ruins for a fee.