Hotel Petit Lafitte

Formerly known as Capitan Lafitte, this hotel has been around since the 1970s, giving it legendary status in the local area. Petit Lafitte is small compared to other sprawling resorts in the area, but that's all part of its charm. It stands out for being quiet and unassuming, with many guests loyally returning year and year, citing the away-from-it-all atmosphere and attentive staff. Bungalows and hotel rooms are nestled between tropical gardens and looming palm trees, with winding pathways leading out onto soft white sand and blue Caribbean Sea. A beachside cabana shades several hammocks, ideal for swinging in and sipping cocktails while the sun goes down. The private beach area has a tranquil atmosphere, and rarely feels overcrowded. The beachside bar and grill is equally as laid-back, with cumbia music playing softly in the background. Unlike many of the big resorts, this hotel's palapa-covered restaurant has no dress-code, so it's OK to dress down for dinner. This easy-going vibe is also reflected in the hotel's decor, which is simple and homey. Guests -- mostly families and couples -- may also notice a few pirate-themed furnishings in the lobby and common areas, paying homage to the property's previous namesake.

If you're looking for nightlife or a party vibe, Petit Lafitte is probably not the place for you. Aside from a few local restaurants, there's not much in the immediate area, although lively Playa Del Carmen is just a 20-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Situated south of Cancun, the hotel is set back from the highway, at the end of a small, bumpy road enveloped in the jungle, lit up by tiki torches at night. It doesn't look like much on the drive up, but once inside, the tropical grounds open out onto a beautiful beachfront, with powdery white sands and glistening blue ocean. Guests who feel like venturing farther than the beach should visit Puerto Morelos, a quaint fishing village that's only 30 minutes from the hotel by car. The ancient Mayan ruins are around an hour's drive, and Cancun International Airport is a 40-minute drive. 

Petit Lafitte offers guests a choice of individual beach bungalows or cozy hotel rooms. Dark wood bungalows have a rustic-feel, each with a spacious furnished veranda. Some verandas face the sea, meaning you won't have to go far to see a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Interiors are furnished with ornate carved wooden headboards, stained-glass lampshades, bamboo-framed mirrors, and additional lofts with double beds. Guests opting for a hotel room will find identical amenities and similar, simple decor, with the addition of a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All rooms include free Wi-Fi, fully-stocked mini-bars, safes, phones, air-conditioning, and coffee/tea facilities. Bathrooms are a decent size, featuring beautiful painted sinks, colorful stone-clad showers, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. 

Despite this property's humble style and small size, there's a bunch of things to do on-site, all of which make this an even better value for those looking to unwind. The palapa-covered restaurant serves a combination of local and international dishes, with an outdoor seating area that looks out onto the ocean. A breakfast buffet is served here daily, with a variety of hot and cold options, and all rates include breakfast and dinner, but not lunch or drinks. The beachside bar and grill serves impressive cocktails, and offers evening entertainment with singers and Mayan dancers. A private section of beach is lined with sun loungers and palapa's, plus a row of shaded hammocks. The small pool is perfect for cooling off, while the full-service spa and beachside massage huts are ready-made for relaxing. Guests can also take advantage of a dive shop, tour desk, computer station, and games rooms, complete with a pool table, ping pong, TV, and library. The hotel also has a children's outdoor play area, and an animal refuge center with deer, toucans, macaws, and parrots. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, laundry, car hire, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. The hotel offers an airport transfer service, but this costs extra.