Where To Stay In Holbox: Best Hotels In Holbox 2024

Where to stay in Holbox for a taste of island life? Here are my recommendations on the
best hotels in Holbox for different types of travelers.

Pronounced “hol-bosh”, Isla Holbox is a small island located north of Mexico’s Yucatan
peninsula. Standing at the point where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea, this tropical island boasts pristine waters teeming with wildlife, including whale sharks, flamingoes, and manta rays.

Unlike nearby tourist towns like Cancun and Tulum, the dreamy island is gloriously car-free and largely undeveloped. Only a small part of the island is inhabited, and even then, it never feels overrun with visitors. No paved roads, no cars, no hassling. Just miles and miles of spearmint water and powder-puff white sand beach.

For those planning a trip to Isla Holbox, I’ve compiled a detailed guide on where to stay in Holbox: from the best areas to the best family-friendly hotels and adults-only Holbox boutique hotels.

where to stay in holbox - best hotels in holbox

Table of Contents

Where To Stay In Holbox

Where To Stay In Holbox

Isla Holbox may be a small island, but there are different areas to stay in Holbox that cater to various kinds of travelers. Young backpackers will prefer to stay in downtown Holbox, where the restaurants and bars are concentrated. Couples and families will love the tranquility and pristine water on the western end. I personally think the best area to stay in Holbox is the eastern end where the sand bar and the best beach lie.

We’ve divided the best hotels to stay in Holbox according to these areas:
● Downtown – best area for backpackers and budget travelers
● Eastern End – best area for couples and families
● Western End – best area for honeymooners

Mexico Travel Requirements
Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.
However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. These days, it is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Read my travel insurance guide.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

Prices of Holbox Hotels

We found prices on Isla Holbox to be the same as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, which are some of the highest in Mexico. But there is a good selection of budget hostels as well as mid-range boutique hotels in Holbox.

In general, hotels on the beachfront are much more expensive than hotels further inland. You can usually save quite a bit by staying a few blocks away from the beach. Most budget hotels are located in Centro Holbox; the eastern and western ends of the island have more exclusive luxury resorts.

Most Holbox hotels will take credit cards. But you should still take cash as most other establishments only accept cash. There are only two ATMs on Holbox, but they’re not reliable as they might run out of cash or not accept your card! The closest ATM to the Holbox pier is at CIBanco, just a 3-minute walk down the main road.

Best Hotels in Holbox Centro

Downtown (Centro) Holbox is essentially the liveliest part of the island which runs alongside Playa Holbox. The heart of downtown is the main square where the basketball court is, flanked by the main drag Calle Tiburon Ballena and Calle Palomino. This is where all the island’s restaurants and bars are concentrated. If you like to be in the heart of the action, downtown is where you’d want to stay.

Best Budget Hotel in Centro Holbox: Tribu Hostel

A casual, laidback backpackers hostel just 50m from the beach and close to town, Tribu is a great spot for young travelers looking to mingle and relax. It’s got a mix of private rooms and dorms, with hammocks, a communal kitchen, and a roof terrace to hang out. They also have happy hour everyday from 7 to 9pm! Check rates here.

Best Mid Range Hotel in Holbox Centro: Tropical Suites by MIJ

We stayed at this mid range, small-scale boutique hotel in the quiet end of town, about 4 blocks from the beach. The suites here are massive, with a separate living/working space and bedroom. It’s a great option for families and digital nomads, and the WiFi is pretty fast and reliable. We could work remotely from here and my husband even did Zoom calls here The pool is excellent and breakfast on the rooftop is affordable too. Book your stay here!

Best Luxury Hotel in Holbox Centro: Casa Las Tortugas Petit Beach Hotel

With stylish Tulum style decor, Casa Las Tortugas is perhaps the most Instagrammable hotel in Holbox. The adults-only (or we would have stayed there!) hotel features stunning design right on the oceanfront. Even if you don’t stay here, check out its beachfront restaurant LUUMA for its beautiful design. Book here!

Best Honeymoon Hotel in Holbox Centro: Hotel Para Ti – Adults Only

Committed to sustainable development practices, Hotel Para Ti is dedicated to the conservation of natural resources which are exemplified by its unique style. Its design includes rustic wood and straw roofing that grasps the boho vibes of Holbox.

Each room features a swaying hammock to truly grasp the unrivaled palm and flower garden
views seen from your very own balcony. Plus a private bathroom, which includes shell faucets.
Walk outside to lay in the cushy sun loungers underneath palm trees by the pool or step into
the hot tub for the ultimate before-bed relaxer. Check rates here.

Best Family Hotel in Holbox Centro: Holbox Dream Beachfront Hotel

With its desirable beachfront location, Holbox Dream Beachfront Hotel is in the heart of Centro Holbox, steps from restaurants and shops. It features tropical gardens and thatched-roof gazebos as well as a small pool right on the beach.

Our friends have stayed here and mentioned that rooms aren’t exactly luxurious but they loved the location and amenities, such as the pool that kids can swim and play in. This hotel is one you need to check into to live the tropical dream! Book here.

Best Hotels in Holbox East

Personally, I think Isla Holbox’s eastern end is the best area to stay. This is where you’ll find the gorgeous sand bank and the best beach on the island. The beach here is much wider and the water is a glorious shade of spearmint blue. It’s never crowded and staying here definitely feels like you’re away from it all. That said, you’ll need to walk about 10-15 minutes to get to town for lunch/dinner. I find it a good trade-off though!

Best Budget Hotel in Holbox East: Villas Palmar Holbox

Villas Palmar Holbox is a laid-back hotel less than two blocks from the beach. We met a couple who stayed here and were pretty happy with this place. This humble hotel boasts affordable rates and comfortable rooms. There’s also a shaded terrace with hammocks, an outdoor swimming pool, bikes for rent, and a table tennis set. Check rates here.

Best Mid Range Hotel in Holbox East: Villas HM Paraiso Del Mar

This is where we’re staying the next time we visit Isla Holbox! A seafront hotel offering exceptional views and service, Villas HM Paraiso del Mar is a well-priced mid range option on the eastern end of Holbox. The hotel is located right on the beach, with an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, greenery, and a relaxing atmosphere. Book your stay here!

Best Luxury Hotel in Holbox East: Hotel Villas Flamingos

In my opinion, this is the hotel with the best location in Holbox! Located right in front of the sand bank (where you can walk for miles and miles at low tide), Villas Flamingo has rustic yet elegant bungalows overlooking the ocean. Every room has a balcony with hammock; the Bungalow Mangle has a hot tub and netted hammock with a seaview inside the room. Check rates.

Best Honeymoon Hotel in Holbox East: Las Nubes de Holbox

Another Holbox boutique hotel with an excellent location in front of the sand bars is Las Nubes de Holbox. This laid-back hotel has a picture-perfect waterfront pool and very romantic vibes. The design of casual bungalows with hammocks, terraces, and balconies, makes for a perfect honeymoon destination.

Each suite features Gulfside views excellent for basking in the sunset or sunrise along with
minibars and whirlpool tubs. If you want to get your toes wet, dip into one of the three outdoor pools or follow the direct access to the beach. Check rates here.

Best Family Hotel in Holbox East: Casa Pirata

With 5 rooms and a private pool, Casa Pirata is the perfect vacation house to rent with your family or big group of friends. This hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the beach and it’s fully equipped with a complete kitchen, BBQ grill, big garden, and patio. It’s no wonder this hotel is one of the best hotels in Holbox for families. Book here!

Best hotels in Holbox West

The beaches on the western end of the island aren’t quite as pristine as the ones of the eastern end, but they are much quieter and more remote. Here is also where you’ll find the most exclusive luxurious resorts. If you’re looking for privacy and tranquility, then this is the area for you. You will need to hire a bike/golf cart for your stay here though, as it is a distance from downtown Holbox.

Best Budget Hotel in Holbox West: Casa Vainilla

If you’re looking for a simple hotel right on the beach that’s easy on the pocket, Casa Vainilla is hard to beat! With colorful pastel-colored rooms, this budget guesthouse is designed with character. It’s run by a family and the owners are even happy to whip up a home-cooked meal for you at an affordable price. Check rates here.

Best Mid Range Hotel in Holbox West: Hotel Casa HX – Adults Only

The adults-only Hotel Casa HX is one of the few modern hotels in Holbox with a chic decor and brand new furnishing. It’s just a few blocks from the beach, in the island’s quiet western end. After a day on the beach, enjoy drinks on the rooftop bar or treat yourself to a spa treatment provided in-house. Check rates here.

Best Luxury Hotel in Holbox West: Spirit Holbox

Encompassing 15 eco-conscious rooms and suites, this luxury hotel has ridiculously stylish suites and an uber cool rooftop terrace overlooking the sea. The Sundeck is one of the best spots in Holbox to see the sunset. Treat yourself to a loft and sleep in a romantic 4-poster bed. Check rates here.

Best Honeymoon Hotel in Holbox West: Casa Punta Coco

This adults-only beachfront hotel is easily the best hotel in Holbox! Casa Punta Coco is a seven-room hotel dedicated to delivering a private, exclusive experience. The honeymoon destination you’ve been searching for, Casa Punta Coco offers couple massages, romantic dinner options reservable
with the in-house chef, a swimming pool available for late night swims, and easy access to the
beach. Book here!

Best Family Hotel in Holbox West: Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort

Considered Holbox’s best-kept secret, Mystique Holbox by Royalton is a contemporary boutique hotel that is excellent for families. It’s on the western side of Holbox island, but still within a short walk from Centro. The hotel has large suites and even two-story penthouses that are great for those traveling with kids. Check rates here.

Did You Decide Where to Stay in Holbox?

In a part of Mexico that has been developed extensively for tourism, places like Isla Holbox are few and far between. It’s one of the few places in Mexico that have escaped the clutches of mass tourism and I truly hope it stays this way.

Hopefully this guide has helped you decide where to stay in Isla Holbox. For more info on Holbox island, check out my complete travel guide to Isla Holbox. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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