Pros

  • Lush tropical grounds just outside the Chichen Itza ruins
  • Historic property with old hacienda feel, has hosted famous guests
  • Quiet and peaceful setting, convenient for Yucatan day trips
  • Most rooms and bungalows have large balconies and soaking tubs
  • Multiple restaurants, bars, and al fresco dining
  • Three outdoor pools open year-round
  • Miles of trails for horseback riding and biking (free bikes available)
  • Spa treatments available
  • Free Wi-Fi in reception area
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Cons

  • Wi-Fi typically only available in reception area
  • Extra charge for breakfast
  • Some rooms experience noise and minor maintenance issues
  • Many stairs, which can pose mobility issues for some guests
  • Large tour groups can create crowds at meal times
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Bottom Line

Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland is a value property located in the middle of the Mayan jungle near the Chichen Itza archaeological ruins. Built in 1923, it has an Old Yucatan style and has hosted famous names like Princess Diana and Luciano Pavarotti. The 54 rooms, suites, and bungalows are clean and spacious, with minibars and air-conditioning. Most have soaking tubs and large balconies and some have temple views -- but rooms can pose minor maintenance issues and Wi-Fi is non-existent outside of reception. Features include three outdoor pools, buffet and a la carte restaurants, a spa, and miles of lush trails for biking and horseback riding. Travelers looking for more of a boutique experience could also consider The Lodge at Chichen Itza, but rates are higher.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland

Scene

Old Yucatan-style property with hacienda feel 

The Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland was one of the first modern properties to be built amidst the Chichen Itza ruins. Constructed in 1923, the hotel was designed to resemble the haciendas of a bygone era. It maintains an elegant feel, especially in the two-level lobby decorated with wood and brown leather furniture and numerous potted plants. Some parts of the property show their age and there are many stairs to navigate. Outside, the tropical jungle surroundings are mostly quiet and calm -- which may help explain why famous guests such as Luciano Pavarotti, President Kennedy, and Princess Diana have chosen to stay here. Mornings can be busy as large tour groups prepare to head out for the day, but all is quiet at night and there's an amazing sky full of stars.  

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Location

In the jungle amidst Chichen Itza ruins

This property is located only 10 minutes' walk from the Chichen Itza archaeological site. It's surrounded by tropical jungle, and there are a few other hotels nearby. This is an ideal location for tourists who want to be in the heart of the Yucatan and enter the archaeological site early in the morning, before the crowds arrive. This is also a convenient location for large groups planning to take day trips around the Yucatan Peninsula. The small Mayan city of Piste is a 10-minute drive away and has restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. Valladolid, the closest big city, is a 40- to 50-minute drive away, while Tulum is a two-hour drive. Cancun International Airport is about two hours and 15 minutes away by car. Merida International Airport is about an hour- and 45-minute drive. 

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Rooms

Spacious rooms and bungalows, some with balconies and temple views

Rooms, suites, and bungalows are available and all have a similar decor. The mostly white and light blue color scheme is accented with colorful hanging lamps, rustic wooden furniture, and terra-cotta or checkered tile floors. Ceilings are somewhat low but rooms are spacious and most have large balconies -- some have distant temple views. Bungalows are more charming. These have pitched wooden roofs and beds wrapped in white mosquito netting. Some bathrooms are older and have shower/tub combos, while renovated marble bathrooms have large soaking tubs and separate glass-door rainfall showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Standard amenities include minibars, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and safes. There's a decent amount of storage space available. This is an older property, so the wooden louvres can let in hot, humid air and occasional corridor noise. Wi-Fi is free but can be slow or non-existent.

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Features

Three outdoor pools, restaurants and bars, and free bikes for exploring lush trails 

Features here are convenient and in keeping with the natural aesthetic of the area. The property has a few different dining and bar options to choose from. The main restaurant with an outdoor patio serves Mayan and Mexican cuisine as well as international favorites for all meals -- breakfast is not included with rates. There's also a buffet restaurant with brick archways, and a terrace serving wood-fired pizza and tacos. The cafe serves sweets and coffee, while the main bar occupies a bright and attractive, open-air space. Three outdoor pools are available to guests year-round, and there's a poolside grill. A small spa offers massages, manicures and pedicures, and facials. Miles of trails around the property are great for horseback riding and biking -- bikes are available to borrow for free. Parking is free on-site. There is free Wi-Fi in reception, but it typically does not extend to rooms. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland

Scene

Old Yucatan-style property with hacienda feel 

The Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland was one of the first modern properties to be built amidst the Chichen Itza ruins. Constructed in 1923, the hotel was designed to resemble the haciendas of a bygone era. It maintains an elegant feel, especially in the two-level lobby decorated with wood and brown leather furniture and numerous potted plants. Some parts of the property show their age and there are many stairs to navigate. Outside, the tropical jungle surroundings are mostly quiet and calm -- which may help explain why famous guests such as Luciano Pavarotti, President Kennedy, and Princess Diana have chosen to stay here. Mornings can be busy as large tour groups prepare to head out for the day, but all is quiet at night and there's an amazing sky full of stars.  

See More Scene

Location

In the jungle amidst Chichen Itza ruins

This property is located only 10 minutes' walk from the Chichen Itza archaeological site. It's surrounded by tropical jungle, and there are a few other hotels nearby. This is an ideal location for tourists who want to be in the heart of the Yucatan and enter the archaeological site early in the morning, before the crowds arrive. This is also a convenient location for large groups planning to take day trips around the Yucatan Peninsula. The small Mayan city of Piste is a 10-minute drive away and has restaurants, bars, and grocery stores. Valladolid, the closest big city, is a 40- to 50-minute drive away, while Tulum is a two-hour drive. Cancun International Airport is about two hours and 15 minutes away by car. Merida International Airport is about an hour- and 45-minute drive. 

See More Location

Rooms

Spacious rooms and bungalows, some with balconies and temple views

Rooms, suites, and bungalows are available and all have a similar decor. The mostly white and light blue color scheme is accented with colorful hanging lamps, rustic wooden furniture, and terra-cotta or checkered tile floors. Ceilings are somewhat low but rooms are spacious and most have large balconies -- some have distant temple views. Bungalows are more charming. These have pitched wooden roofs and beds wrapped in white mosquito netting. Some bathrooms are older and have shower/tub combos, while renovated marble bathrooms have large soaking tubs and separate glass-door rainfall showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Standard amenities include minibars, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and safes. There's a decent amount of storage space available. This is an older property, so the wooden louvres can let in hot, humid air and occasional corridor noise. Wi-Fi is free but can be slow or non-existent.

See More Rooms

Features

Three outdoor pools, restaurants and bars, and free bikes for exploring lush trails 

Features here are convenient and in keeping with the natural aesthetic of the area. The property has a few different dining and bar options to choose from. The main restaurant with an outdoor patio serves Mayan and Mexican cuisine as well as international favorites for all meals -- breakfast is not included with rates. There's also a buffet restaurant with brick archways, and a terrace serving wood-fired pizza and tacos. The cafe serves sweets and coffee, while the main bar occupies a bright and attractive, open-air space. Three outdoor pools are available to guests year-round, and there's a poolside grill. A small spa offers massages, manicures and pedicures, and facials. Miles of trails around the property are great for horseback riding and biking -- bikes are available to borrow for free. Parking is free on-site. There is free Wi-Fi in reception, but it typically does not extend to rooms. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Gameroom / Arcade

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.