3 Best Hotels in Chetumal, The Riviera Maya

About 40 minutes outside Chetumal, at the edge of the Kohunlich ceremonial grounds, this luxury eco resort lets you feel adventurous without really roughing it. Daily excursions include trips to nearby ruins, lagoons, and forests for bird-watching, mountain biking, kayaking, rappelling, and hiking; the most popular option is a night kayaking tour that concludes with a four-course dinner on the shores illuminated by tiki torches. You return in the evening to Mexican-style suites filled with natural textiles and woods. All guest quarters are strung along a serpentine jungle path; they're very private and have showers opening onto small gardens. Most guests stay a week to take advantage of all the tours, the infinity pool, and spa. Plan to disconnect, since there are no TVs or Internet here.

Large and modern by Chetumal's standards, Hotel Los Cocos has a pool framed by a pleasant garden (a boon on sweltering days) plus rooms—some with balconies or outdoor sitting areas—that are tidy, if not especially stylish. This is also one of the few area hotels that offers guests a gym and communal computers. The waterfront is within easy walking distance. Check the hotel website for discounts.

Formerly known as Hotel Villanueva and now part of the Wyndham family, this basic property is a good, functional base for exploring the region. Amenities include a cute indoor swimming pool and a Starbucks counter. Rooms are very simple, but clean, comfortable, and equipped with air-conditioning and TV.