Hotel & Suites Nader

Initially founded in 1976 as family-owned apartments available to rent, Hotel & Suites Nader offers a no-frills experience in the heart of Cancun. It is favored by budget travelers looking for a cheap rooms with lots of space.

Nestled between Café Nader and a local laundryon the avenue the hotel takes its name from, the building is the typical block-style construction favored in the Yucatan for its durability against saltwater air and humidity. Traffic along Nader Avenue is minimal, but the noise from the restaurant can be bothersome for guests who are light sleepers in bed before 10 p.m., which is the approximate closing time of the cafe. 

At first glance the hotel appears a bit run-down. A natural stone and ceramic tile entryway adorned with greenery adds some atmosphere, however, though the sliding glass window at the front desk feels impersonal. The hotel is built around an interior courtyard, and rooms open to hallways overlooking it -- though courtyard is a generous term for a space filled with unattractive mechanical equipment. On the second floor, there's an outdoor open-air sitting area complete with tables and chairs surrounded by attractive tropical greenery.

The hotel is located a block away from the city hall of Cancun, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including Independence Day on September 15th. During the Christmas season a giant Christmas tree and skating rink are installed in the main plaza.  

Both the city hall and the hotel itself are situated in between Avenida Nader and Avenida Tulum, which runs through the center of downtown Cancun. This is the major artery for the city, both for its transport options (the ADO bus station, a significant transport hub, is on it), as well as for its numerous restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, and souvenir stores. Beyond that, there are numerous other options on nearby Yaxchilan Avenue, or the Parque Las Palapas, where you can find numerous street food vendors if you want a taste of real Mexico. Both are within 10 minutes of the hotel on foot. 

The R2 and R1 buses, both with stops within a five-minute walk of the hotel, run the length of both Avenida Tulum and Avenida Coba and offer transport to Hotel Zone beaches.

Hotel & Suites Nader offers 12 rooms, most of them Suites with two double beds, plus a few Standard Rooms for individuals or couples. All rooms are decorated with modern art prints on the walls and potted plants. Amenities include flat-screen TVs with basic cable, and basic glass, wood, and metal furniture. The bedding and seating follows a red and white color scheme, with blue accents thrown in.

Bear in mind that while wash rooms are included in the suites, they are for hand-washing laundry and are not equipped with washing machines. While coffee pots are not included, the hotel staff has been known to provide them, along with other extra amenities, for long-term guests upon request. Wi-Fi is provided in each room, as is a mini-fridge and purified drinking water. Suites have kitchenettes with stoves, sinks, pots and pans, silverware, and dishes -- but no microwaves or toasters. Bathrooms have simple ceramic tile showers. 

All rooms have access to the open-air patio on the second floor, which features a large umbrella for shade against the sun. The sitting area doubles as an outdoor smoking spot for guests. 

There aren't many features here, which helps account for the lower price point. While there is not an on-site restaurant, Café Nader next door has been serving traditional fare to locals for over 25 years. 

Laundry services are not available on-site, but the laundry next door offers local prices and will wash, dry, and fold clothing for guests. Same-day service is generally available if you arrive early enough in the morning; afternoon drop-offs may take until the following day. 

There is free Wi-Fi throughout, but the signal can be weak. The hotel is not staffed 24/7; the front desk usually closes around 8 p.m.