Ixchel Beach Hotel

I’ve been vacationing on this island since 2006, and Ixchel is by far the nicest hotel I’ve stayed in. Not only does it offer you access to Playa Norte which is the prettiest beach, but the staff are always courteous and nearby should you need anything.
Each room has a safe for valuables like passports and wallets, powerful air conditioning (if you’ve never experienced Mexican sun, trust me it’s important), showers with excellent water pressure, and though you still can’t use water from the sink to brush your teeth, there is a purified water cooler in every room which they keep full for you to do so with.
Now, my rating is based solely on the two units I’ve stayed in. A lot of people hold timeshares in this hotel so every room is a little different, and you reserve through the owner of the unit not with the hotel itself. That means some of the rooms could be a lot less nicer than others so really do your research.
When my husband and I would come here alone, we would stay in the penthouse because we knew the owners personally and it’s a gorgeous room with stunning views and its own hot tub on the roof. I believe they have since sold it to someone else sadly.
Since another couple came with us this trip, we found a different unit to better suit our needs. It worked out perfectly because we each have our own bedroom and bathrooms, but share a kitchen and living space that even has a pull out couch bed. It would be ideal for traveling families with kids as well.
Included with your stay are free clean beach towels everyday, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Do not lose your beach towel cards! You need to return them upon checking out of the hotel or else each card lost is a $ 20 fee.
They also have beachside waiters which will bring you food and drinks directly to your chair all day long. It is glorious! Please remember to tip not only them but the daily maid service who cleans your room nicely.
The restaurant at the hotel is quite good too. We had breakfast there for the first time yesterday since it was Christmas morning and we couldn’t find anything else that was open. We were very surprised how delicious and cheap it was! For two people to have a huge breakfast, the total was around 16 American dollars. Not bad at all!
There are other nice hotels on the island I’m sure, but once I found Ixchel there was no going back. And being located close to restaurant row also, you can walk to shop or eat so a golf cart rental isn’t needed.