mah1980

Hi:

I'd just like some recent feedback of this hotel. I've read that they're adding a restaurant and more rooms to this room, with an expected completion date of Nov. 2005. Basically, I just want to get a first hand account of Secreto by someone that's been there recently.

I've read their beach isn't swimmable, but that there is a really nice beach 2 minutes away. Is this correct?

PAGirl

We have never stayed at Hotel Secreto - but from their website it looks awesome. We have however been to Isla and Playa Norte - a beautiful beach is basically "right around the corner" from Secreto. We visited the Hotel Media Luna when we were there (same beach that Secreto is on) - and you cannot swim at that beach - but the view is outstanding. Don't worry about not being on a swimable beach - everything in Isla is "close by". Have fun.

MarionCK

Hi mah,

Another place to research is Na Balam on Isla. I have never stayed there, but Diana who posts here and on the Caribbean board, has great things to say about it.

You might want to read some of Diana's posts. She really is a beach expert and I trust her advice.

Good luck with the search/planning, but you're staying up too late ;-) !

Marion

Diana

Aw shucks Marion. quot;> (Kicking toe in sand modestly...) Thanks!

Actually, after my recent trip to IM (there's a trip report on here somewhere I can top if you like mah), I may be crossing Na Balam (gasp) off my list.

They have contracted with some cruise line to have daytrippers come in and spend the day, and they are just overrunning the place. We started twice to go for drinks and/or lunch and got run off by the size/loudness of the crowds. Ida been highly peeved if I had been staying there.

I have toured the property at Secreto (they had no availablility when we were there) and it is very nice. I would definitely stay there.

Media Luna is another good choice. Cabanas Maria del Mar is a good choice if the others are full or one is budget-minded.

Since Playa Norte is just a very short stroll from any of those properties, it's easy to get there and into town as well.

mah1980

Diana:

Thanks for the news about Na Balam. I looked at the website yesterday.

Hotel Secreto is adding a restaurant and more rooms so that will add to the stay there. Supposedly getting a reservation is difficult due to the hotel's small size and the increase in favorable press it has received. The reviews it gets on Tripadvisor are great and I love the style of it (I think Frommers described it as the Greek Isles in Mexico). It would be w/in our budget so the price is not a concern.

I guess you just take a ferry over and then a short cab to the hotel?

mah1980

I e-mailed the reservations desk at Hotel Secreto and received a reply five minutes later. I'm impressed!

The hotel is scheduled to re-open on December 25, 2005. Unfortunately, they require a two night, non-refundable deposit which concerns me because it seems you have to book the hotel about 7 months in advance due to its increasing popularity. Maybe I'll just have to bite the bullet though since everyone keeps raving about it.

Also, Omar at the reservations desk wrote that if you choose to pay the balance of your stay (meaning, the two night deposit not included) with cash or traveler's checks, you receive a 10% discount which is great.

Below is a copy of the reply I e-mail I received from Hotel Secreto in case anyone is interested:

Thank you for your interest in Hotel Secreto on Isla Mujeres.
We have availability for next summer at this moment .Our king size is $225
USD/night, and our standard room (two beds) is $185 USD/night. The 12%
State/Federal taxes are not included.

to book is better like 6 or 7 months in advanced.

Also we re- open at December 25 th ,2005....



We have nine rooms in total. Our six king size rooms are located on the
second and third floor. Our three standard rooms (two beds) are located on
the first floor.



Due to the size of the hotel and the vast amount of reservation requests we
receive each day, we urge our clients to book ASAP. We cannot hold rooms,
and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.


We offer a 10% discount off the remainder of your stay if you pay in cash or
with traveler's checks. This offer is only available for clients that booked
direct through the hotel. It is not available for clients that booked
through a travel agent (commissions). Does not include two-and five-nights
deposit, phone, mini-bar, bar tabs. In case of cancellation, the normal
cancellation policy will be used.



The hotel was selected by Conde Nast Traveller magazine as one of the 50
Best New Hotels in the World, and one of the 10 Best Hotels in the world
under $200 USD Mujer Nueva magazine.



We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. The hotel and our
reservation policies can be viewed at http://www.hotelsecreto.com



All of Hotel Secreto's rooms face the ocean, beach and pool, and feature
individually climate controlled air conditioning, CD sound system, DirectTV
television, telephone, safe box, and refrigerator and robes. The king size
rooms also feature four-post beds.



If you're looking for adventure, the hotel has its own private boat and
divemaster on staff (certified with both PADI & MDEA). Snorkeling ($35 USD)
and scuba diving ($50-100 USD) can be arranged. The hotel can also arrange
fishing trips for sailfish (January-May).



For romance and special occasion, a large tropical flower arrangement ($100
USD) and Moet champagne ($100 USD) can be arranged in your room. Massages
and facials are available by appointment ($50 USD/hour). If you'd like
private transportation to and from the airport, we can arrange for a driver
to pick you up ($50 USD each way, per van).



Hotel Secreto is a proud member of Mexico Boutique Hotels, Bleu & Blanc
Petits Hotels, XO-The Private Collection, and their exclusive collection of
hotels. The hotel has received the prestigious Three Diamond Rating from AAA
Publishing, and has also been selected to Conde Nast Johansens prestigious
list of recommended hotels.



The hotel has been featured in numerous books, newspapers and magazines,
including Travel + Leisure, InStyle, Departures, Playboy, Conde Nast
Traveller, and The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, as well as the television
program, CNN.



Please let us know if we can answer any questions. Thank you!