Fodor's Expert Review Casa Cenote Hotel

Carretera Cancun - Tulum Interior Fraccionamiento Tankah, Caribe Lote 32, Manzana 3, Tulum, Quintana Roo 77780, Mexico See on Map

A few kilometers north of Tulum, you’ll find this interesting hotel nestled between a fresh water cenote and the majestic Caribbean Sea. Set in four two-story buildings, around a beachfront swimming pool, Casa Cenote’s distribution is original and makes the most of the fantastic natural surroundings.

room

Casa Cenote offers two types of accommodations: bungalows and lofts, both ocean front. Bungalows are the more casual and affordable option, while the lofts offer more amenities and a more refined décor too. Lofts include a full size futon on a second level tapanco (or loft) and a stylish bar with ocean views.

bathroom

The bungalows’ bathrooms are just ok, they look like the bathrooms of a typical middle-class Mexican house. But the lofts’ bathrooms feature two-person whirlpool tub, double sink and bidet, plus fancy touches like green marble countertop and stone walls.

lobby

Located just besides the dive shop, Casa Cenote’s lobby is actually just a small air-conditioned office with a front-desk and a couple of chairs.

The Cenote Manatee just behind the property offers an excellent opportunity to practice scuba diving. The adjacent dive shop will provide you with all the needed equipment.

pool

The beachfront pool is pretty cool, divided into three different sections and with several submerged seating options. Surrounded by palm trees and a manicured garden, the area is quite fresh with plenty of shaded spots.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There are no loungers, chairs or hammocks in the area surrounding the pool. Your best option to take a sunbath might be to throw a towel on the floor.

dining

Every morning guests can choose a dish from a breakfast menu included in the room booking rate. For lunch and dinner, the oceanfront restaurant serves a variety of traditional Mexican dishes and casual snacks.

drinking

Casa Cenote’s restaurant is popular in the area and can get very cheerful by night. Traditional cocktails, national beers and a short wine list are available for guests and visitors alike.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Casa Cenote is not in any of the main cities in the Riviera Maya, which means that to move around you will either rent a car or spend a lot in taxis. Cancun International Airport is an hour and a half away, and if you decide not to rent a car, then a taxi or a private transfer service are your best options.

Restaurants

La Lunita (25-minute drive) is a small but well-appointed restaurant with extraordinary ocean views. In downtown Tulum, Burrito Amor (19-minute drive) prepares the best wraps in the Riviera Maya.

Bars

To have a drink and smoke a shisha pipe, visit Sole Bar (18-minute drive) in downtown Tulum. KSM Beach Club (25-minute driving) offers a hip environment, swing bar and comfy loungers in one of the best beaches in the area.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Because of its original distribution. It has the best of both worlds, a fresh-water cenote and direct access to the Caribbean. We love those ocean-looking bars in the lofts.

QUICK FACTS

B&B/Inn
Quiet
On the beach
Local Flavor
$$

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 984-115–6996;646-634-7206-in U.S.

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