Where to Stay by Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the “New Wonders of the World,” & its easy-to-reach location in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula makes it one of the most accessible. My friends & I visited the ruins on a trip that included jaunts to the Pink Sea, beautiful boho Tulum, & a quick hop over to salsa-loving Cuba. Because Chichen is a solid two-hour drive from Cancun, I highly recommend spending the night by the ruins. This way, you won’t be in a rush, & you can fully explore the surrounding cenotes & other Mayan treasures. Get a full run-down of “Where to Stay by Chichen Itza” in this post!
Only ONE hotel is actually located on the grounds of Chichen Itza: the Mayaland Resort & Bungalows.
We rented a car at the Cancun International Airport & used it to explore ALL over the Yucatan: from Chichen Itza up to the Pink Sea (by Rio Lagartos), then over to Playa del Carmen & Tulum. I highly recommend renting a car in Cancun, as it gives you the freedom to explore at your leisure.
Driving here is easy, particularly on major highways ~ which are mainly toll roads, & virtually free from traffic. The only thing you’ll need to worry about are random SPEED BUMPS: they’re crazy-big here!!
Map of Hotels by the Ruins
Cancun, Mexico
Chichen Itza
Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows
The Lodge at Chichen Itza
Hacienda Chichen Resort
Hotel Okaan
Hotels Villas Arqueologicas
Overview of Hotels by Chichen Itza
- Closest Hotels to Chichen Itza (On the Grounds): Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows ($120+), & the upscale Lodge at Chichen Itza ($220+).
- Just a Few Minutes-Walk to Chichen Itza: Hacienda Chichen ($160+) & the Hotel Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza ($71+).
- Best Budget Hotels by Chichen Itza (A Few Miles from Ruins): Hotel Okaan ($49+).
These five hotels get you as close as possible to Chichen Itza!
The Closest Hotels to Chichen Itza
My friends & I arrived at Chichen Itza with NO reservations, & happened to wander onto the lush, tropical grounds of Mayaland Resort & Bungalows ($120+/night). This is the only resort actually set on the grounds, with its own separate entrance to the ruins, that allows you to get in just before the crowds. I loved our stay here….our bathtub even had a view of the ruins. Their food was amazing, & the beautiful grounds & breakfast pavilion simply beckon you to relax & enjoy your time in the jungle.
Would I stay here again? YES!!
This gorgeous Spanish-style patio is where we dined at Mayaland ~ & had the BEST caesar salad, while being serenaded by Mariachi singers…
Sunrise woke us at Mayaland….& we headed out to the patio for misty views of Chichen Itza.
Click here to check prices for Mayaland Resort & Bungalows.
The Mayaland lobby is gorgeous in it of itself, & its stunning archway is the perfect place for a photo shoot ~ with views of the ancient ruins.
The Lodge at Chichen Itza ($220+) is right next door to Mayaland, & offers the same special perk: a separate, private entrance to the ruins. What sets The Lodge apart is that it’s just a tad more elegant than Mayaland. Relax in your own private bungalow with hand-carved furnishings & whirlpool tubs; enjoy room service, dine in one of two restaurants, or their poolside snack bar. Three outdoor pools are set amidst beautifully landscaped grounds…
Enjoy a secluded spot by the pool at The Lodge at Chichen Itza ~ the closest you can get to the ruins besides the Mayaland Resort.
Rooms at The Lodge are open & airy, with beautiful, authentic Mexican architecture.
Hotels in Walking Distance to Ruins
If I wasn’t staying at Mayaland or The Lodge at Chichen: my next choice would be the lovely Hacienda Chichen Itza ($160+). Sitting under its graceful yellow-arched portico ~ makes for a great place to sip a cocktail or read a book. Just a few minutes’ walk to the entrance of Chichen Itza, they also have their own Yaxkin Spa, where you can schedule a relaxing facial, or enjoy a traditional Mayan ceremony.
And the Hacienda is pet-friendly, so if you happen to be traveling with your pet: this is your spot.
I love a good portico! And Hacienda Chichen Itza has a great one, underneath its pretty yellow arches…
A spacious, lovely room at Hacienda Chichen Itza.
The Hotel Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza ($71+) is a 10-minute walk to the El Castillo Temple at Chichen Itza. And though its grounds are pretty, rooms here are small & lack the charm of the first three hotels. If you can afford it, I’d stay elsewhere.
Pretty dining area at Hotel Villas Arqueologica Chichen Itza ~ but rooms here are small & basic.
Best Budget Hotel by Chichen Itza
If you’re on a budget but still want attractive accommodations near the ruins: check out slightly more remote Hotel Okaan ($49+). Rooms are darling, with pretty white draping on the beds. And the jungle-setting of its grounds will give you plenty of Instagram photo-ops. The only issue here: the hotel is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the ruins, & across the highway ~ so you’ll either need to have your own car, or taxi/Uber to Chichen Itza. Parking & breakfast are free, & they have a lovely restaurant with outdoor seating, bar, pool & spa here….plus they’re pet-friendly!
Luxury amenities on a budget….
Hotel Okaan still fits those on a budget: but rooms are still charming & give you a “jungle-chic” feel.
For less than $50/night: Hotel Okaan still gives you a lovely pool area & hammocks to relax in.
So Long….Chichen Itza
I’ve written quite a bit about the Yucatan Peninsula ~ it’s one of my favorite spots in Mexico! Check out my guide to the Uxmal Ruins, or discover some of the region’s most photogenic cenotes.
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It’s such a great resort, Alicia! It really feels like you’re staying AT the ruins : ) xoxo Noelia