Nestled on the southern end of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Mahahual is Costa Maya’s best-kept secret. Other than the cruise ships that dock, this picturesque fishing village in the state of Quintana Roo hasn’t yet seen the boom that the likes of Bacalar, Tulum, and Cancun have.

If you’re thinking of visiting Quintana Roo, Mahahual should definitely be on your radar. And there are plenty of great places to stay during your visit, as this list of the 14 best hotels in Mahahual will prove.

Why Visit Mahahual?

The state of Quintana Roo has long been a favorite destination for visitors to Mexico, and with very good reason. However, the downside of this is that it’s difficult to find areas that haven’t been saturated with tourism. Mahahual is the antidote to this.

Visiting Mahahual is recommended to anyone looking to get off the beaten track and explore Costa Maya’s natural beauty before the rest of the world finds out just how spectacular it is.

What to do in Mahahual

Despite its relative lack of tourism compared to big hitters like Cancun, there’s still plenty to do in and around Mahahual:

Snorkeling and Diving

If you’re looking for a fairly inexpensive spot to explore the Caribbean ocean, Mahahual is a top pick. Snorkeling can be done right off the white sands of Mahahual beach, or you can pick one of the many dive charters available and head out to sea for a true underwater adventure. Banco Chinchorro is an atoll reef close to Mahahual and is a diver’s dream. Not only is it rich with sea life, but it’s also a great spot to dive shipwrecks including a 250-year-old Dutch galleon.

Hire a Bicycle

Mahahual has a beautiful promenade known as The Malecon that runs for almost 2 kilometers along the beach. Visitors enjoy strolling along it at sunset while shopping for artisan gifts and taking advantage of Costa Maya’s incredibly fresh seafood. However, hiring a bicycle is arguably a much more fun way of seeing this part of the coast. Once you’ve cycled The Malecon, head inland and discover the endless charm of Mahahual.

Kick Back at a Beach Club

Several restaurants on The Malecon have their own beach clubs offering a private beach area to guests that pay for food and/or drinks. For the price of a meal, you’ll have day-long access to a quiet spot on Mahahual’s white sands. Chill in a hammock, go for a swim, or choose a spot with kayak hire and do some exploring: the choice is yours.

Explore the Surrounding Area

Quintana Roo is famed for its natural beauty and rich history, and the area around Mahahual is no exception. Sian Ka’an Biosphere is about an hour north by car and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Visitors keen to explore the region’s ecosystem shouldn’t miss this spot for its bird watching, fly fishing, and snorkeling.

To see Mayan ruins without the enormous crowds that Chichen Itza draws, Chacchoben is worth a visit. It’s thought that Maya people settled at Chacchoben as early as 200 BC, and the large temples and platforms found there have been dated back to 700 AD.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

There’s no bad time to visit because much like the entire Yucatan Peninsula, Mahahual boasts a warm climate year-round. The driest season is February-April which makes it an ideal time for exploring, and temperatures are still comfortable. The area sees the most rainfall during June, September, and October, and temperatures climb to around 91°F during August.

How to Get to Mahahual

If you’re coming from outside of Mexico or from a central or northern state, flying into Cancun or Chetumal airport is where your journey will begin. Mahahual is fairly remote and there’s just one road in and out, so getting there is a little trickier than other parts of the Costa Maya. However, it’s absolutely worth the effort. ADO buses are the easiest option and tickets can be booked online. The ADO network runs through much of the Yucatan Peninsula so it’s a good option no matter where you’re coming from. It’s best to do this a couple of days in advance as they can book up quite quickly.

Collectivos (minivans) are also available and there’s no need to book ahead of time. However, there are no direct roots so it’s not the easiest way. If there aren’t any spots available on an ADO bus, taxis are affordable and plentiful. Hiring a car is another option and could be a cost-effective choice for travelers planning to explore more of Quintana Roo. There are several car rentals at the airports or you can book ahead online.

Now you know how to get to Mahahual, let’s talk about where to stay. Here are the best Mahahual hotels.

1. 40 Cañones

This 3-star beachfront hotel is one of the most highly-rated hotels in the area and with good reason. Rooms are well appointed and the decor stays true to the beachfront aesthetic. Family suites are ideal for groups traveling together and rooms are available with sea views and private balconies.

Offering a restaurant, bar, and private beach area, 40 Cañones has everything needed for a relaxing trip. The restaurant serves an à la carte breakfast each morning and the tour desk is handy for booking trips around Quintana Roo. There’s also a beautiful terrace to relax on after a long day of tourism and free Wi-Fi makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family back home.

Top amenities include:

• Beachfront location
• Rooms with private balconies
• Tour desk
• Restaurant serving breakfast

Check availability for this beachside hotel here.

2. Hotel Jaiba

Hotel Jaiba is an adults-only paradise close to Mahahual beach.

The outdoor swimming pool area is the perfect peaceful spot to chill with a good book: especially if you bag one of the shaded hammocks. There’s also a garden and terrace area to enjoy a quiet morning coffee before heading out to explore.

Rooms are decorated with neutral tones and natural fabrics and provide plenty of space for a comfortable stay.  The minimalistic design can remind you of some of the best hotels in Ireland or Scandinavia. Every room has a desk and coffee machine, and some include patios and pool views.

Other useful amenities include dry cleaning services and currency exchange. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the property and there’s free parking available nearby.

Top amenities include:

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Rooms with patios
• Free parking
• Dry cleaning services

Check availability for this adults-only hotel here.

3. El Fuerte Beach Resort

Nestled away among all of Mahahual is where you’ll find El Fuerte Beach Resort. Guests love its central location with easy access to the promenade, shops, and restaurants. El Fuerte also boasts a private beach area where massages can be arranged for an additional fee.

The accommodation itself is arranged as a series of spacious apartments and rooms. Each one offers air-conditioning and 32” flatscreen TVs as well as beautiful terraces with sea views. Some apartments also have well-equipped kitchenettes that are ideal for longer stays.

The on-site restaurant serves Italian and Mexican dishes and there are bicycles and watersports facilities on offer. The hotel’s tour desk can also help arrange various activities including hiking, fishing, and diving.

Top amenities include:

• Private beach area
• Apartments with kitchenettes
• On-site restaurant
• Tour desk

Check availability for this central hotel here.

4. Almaplena Eco Beach Resort

Almaplena is one of the best Mahahual hotels for visitors that want a sustainable option. Nestled in a lush rainforest with a private beach area, Almaplena is a bonafide tropical paradise.

There are eight suites on offer at this boutique luxury hotel. Each room has a king-size bed, a sofa, and a private balcony. A fan and mosquito net are also available in each suite for guests’ comfort, and there’s free Wi-Fi on the property. Head outside and you’ll discover Almaplena’s private beach club with comfortable loungers and palapa palm shelters. The open-air restaurant serves Mexican and Italian cuisine and an à la carte breakfast is available for an extra charge.

Despite feeling like a remote resort, Almaplena is fantastically located. Costa Maya port is a 20-minute drive, Mahahual village is a 20-minute drive, and Chetumal airport is just 90-minutes away. This eco-resort is also positioned next to the famous Puerto Angel diving site where snorkelers and divers can see tropical fish and spectacular coral.

Top amenities include:

• King-size beds and private balconies
• Beach club with private beach area
• Free Wi-Fi
• Open-air restaurant

Check availability for this eco-resort here.

5. Hotel Manglar Suites by Punta Me

Hotel Manglar Suites offers well-equipped rooms that are a great option for longer stays and families traveling with children.

Accommodation at Hotel Manglar Suites is set up as studio apartments that provide much more space than most traditional hotel rooms. As well as well-stocked kitchens, each suite has a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. Some suites also have seating areas and balconies.

This hotel is situated in a quiet area and is a short walk away from Mahahual Beach and Mahahual village. Bicycles are available to hire which makes getting around much easier. For days when you don’t feel like venturing out, the lush garden and spacious outdoor pool are great spots for peace and relaxation.

Top amenities include:

• Rooms with kitchens
• Private bathrooms
• Bicycle hire
• Outdoor swimming pool

Check availability for these spacious suites here.

6. Hotel Luna de Plata

For its 3-star rating, this simple hotel offers excellent comfort and amenities that keep guests coming back.

Positioned on the Costa Maya with access to a private beach, Luna de Plata is the perfect base for enjoying Quintana Roo’s sleepy coastal vibes. Visitors can explore the nearby village, explore blue reefs on a diving trip, or just kick back with a margarita and enjoy the serenity of Mahahual.

Rooms are clean, functional, and decorated with warm colors that bring the sunshine indoors. Each room has a private bathroom with a bath or shower and some have a furnished balcony for enjoying the cooling sea breeze.

When hunger strikes, Luna de Plata’s beachfront restaurant serves Italian and seafood dishes as well as some stunning sea views.

Top amenities include:

• Private beach
• Private bathrooms
• Furnished balconies
• Seafront restaurant

Check availability for this beachfront hideaway here.

7. Matan Ka’an by GuruHotel

Located in the center of Mahahual, Matan Ka’an is the perfect spot for visitors who like to explore.

The hotel’s architecture has plenty of authentic Mexican-style features that make for a beautifully authentic backdrop to your vacation. The outdoor swimming pool is great for those days between exploring, and the hotel can arrange poolside massages for an additional fee. The Malecon and beach are within easy walking distance if you prefer to relax with a sea view, and there are plenty of stores and restaurants nearby.

Rooms are spacious and functional and the tiled bathrooms are a nice nod to the Mayan styling native to the Costa Maya region. All rooms have air conditioning, ceiling fans, private bathrooms, and free toiletries. The suites also have TVs. Wi-Fi is available on the property and there’s also on-site parking which is handy if you’ve hired a car to explore further afield.

Top amenities include:

• Outdoor pool
• Massage services
• Air conditioning
• Private parking

Check availability for this fantastically located hotel here.

8. Maya Luna Ecological Hotel

Maya Luna is a great eco-friendly hotel in Mahahual. This beautiful property sits right on the sands of Playa Mahahual and the private beach area is a wonderfully luxurious touch. This seafront location makes the property a great base for diving or snorkeling around the coral reef, and the friendly staff is also happy to arrange hikes through nearby jungles and to ancient Mayan temples.

Every beach bungalow at this property is extremely spacious and decorated with vibrant murals painted by local artists. Each room has a ceiling fan and a purified water dispenser to reduce the need for plastic water bottles. For additional sustainability, the electricity at Maya Luna is generated with solar panels.

Other amenities include a bar and restaurant serving Mexican and European cuisine with an Indonesian twist. There’s also free Wi-Fi at the bar and a furnished patio and rooftop terrace with sea views.

Top amenities include:

• Beachfront location
• Solar electricity and purified water
• On-site restaurant and bar
• Free Wi-Fi

Check availability for this sustainable accommodation here.

9. Nacional Beach Club & Bungalows

This hotel is made up of private, colorful bungalows that offer a great taste of Caribbean life. There are several bungalow options available and some of them include ocean views with Mahahual Beach being just a few steps away.

Each bungalow is thoughtfully decorated with vibrant art and authentic decor that makes this hotel unique. Air conditioning is available in all accommodations and free Wi-Fi is on offer throughout the property. Some rooms have patios and there’s plenty of outdoor space.

Surrounded by lush gardens, Nacional Beach Club feels secluded while still being conveniently located in Mahahual. The on-site restaurant serves delicious food options and guests love the à la carte breakfast. The bar is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails or afternoon drinks with fellow guests. The free parking on-site is private and secure, and there’s a 24-hour front desk for flexible check-in and check-out.

Top amenities include:

• On-site bar and restaurant
• Rooms with private patios
• Beachfront location
• Rooms with free Wi-Fi

Check availability for these colorful bungalows here.

10. Hotel Machos

Hotel Machos is a fantastic beachfront option for visitors seeking cheap hotels.

There’s a bar and restaurant on-site serving Mexican-style food and refreshments, and an à la carte breakfast is offered to guests every morning. There are also plenty of other dining options nearby if you find yourself in the mood for a change.

The terrace is a great place to relax with a cold drink after an afternoon in the sun. Or, take a short walk and you’ll find yourself with your toes in the white sands of Playa Mahahual. The 24-hour front desk offers flexible check-in and there’s also a tour desk where friendly staff is on hand to help you book day trips and excursions.

The rooms in this 3-star hotel are simple but clean and well-appointed. Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV are included, and some units also boast a private balcony.

Top amenities include:

• On-site bar and restaurant
• Rooms with private balconies
• Beachfront location
• Rooms with free Wi-Fi

Check availability for this budget beachfront option here.

11. Hotel Boutique Kan Ahau

Hotel Boutique Kan Ahau is a fantastic option for families with young children.

The outdoor pool is great for splashing around in the sun, and there’s an on-site bar and restaurant for snacks and meals without having to venture into town. A continental or à la carte breakfast is offered to guests each day and there’s also a small store in reception for added convenience.

Rooms at Kan Ahau boutique hotel are spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated. Each one offers powerful air conditioning, strong free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom, as well as a beautiful balcony overlooking the pool. The front desk is open 24/7, room service is available, and there’s also a currency exchange on-site should you need to ditch your USD in favor of pesos.

Top amenities include:

• Outdoor pool
• Rooms with private balconies
• On-site restaurant and bar
• Convenience store

Check availability for this child-friendly spot here.

12. Hotel Arrecifes Costamaya

Located 1 KM south of Mahahual, Hotel Arrecifes Costamaya is a great option for a peaceful visit to the area. The rooms are bright, airy, and functional, and each one offers free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The private bathrooms are clean and spacious and include free toiletries.

The outdoor pool is shaded and has plenty of seating for relaxing after a long day exploring in the Mexican sun. And, just a short walk away you’ll find a secluded private beach area that’s perfect for catching some rays.

Hotel Arrecifes Costamaya offers free parking to its guests and pets are welcome on request.

Top amenities include:

• Outdoor pool
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi
• Private beach area

Check availability for this beachfront spot here.

Enjoy a Beachside Vacation to Mahahual

So there you have it: our 12 best hotels in Mahahual. Whether you’re hoping for a relaxing beachside vacation or an action-packed trip filled with jungle, ocean, and ancient temples, you can find it in Mahahual. And what’s more, with this list of fantastic hotels, you’ll be sure to do it in comfort and style!