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 Tulum, & a quick hop over to salsa-loving Cuba.  Because Chichen Itza is a 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 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.

 

Driving here is easy, particularly on major highways ~ which are mainly toll roads, & 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

The Closest Hotel to Chichen Itza

My friends & I arrived at Chichen Itza with NO reservations, & happened to wander onto the lush, tropical grounds of The Lodge at Chichen Itza.  This is the only resort set right on the grounds, with its own separate entrance to the ruins, that allows you to get in just before the crowds.  I loved staying 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 The Lodge ~ & had the BEST caesar salad, while being serenaded…

Sunrise woke us….& we headed out to our patio for misty views of Chichen Itza.

The lobby is gorgeous, & its stunning arch is the perfect place for a photo shoot.

The Lodge at Chichen Itza offers private bungalows with hand-carved furnishings & whirlpool tubs, room service, two restaurants, or even a poolside snack bar.  Three outdoor pools are set amidst beautifully landscaped grounds.

Enjoy a secluded spot by the pool…

Rooms at The Lodge are open & airy, with beautiful Mexican architecture.

Hotels in Walking Distance to Ruins

If I wasn’t staying at The Lodge at Chichen: my next choice would be the lovely Hacienda Chichen Itza ($$).  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 massage. 

I love a good portico! And Hacienda Chichen has a great one…

A spacious, lovely room at Hacienda Chichen.

The Hotel Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza ($) is a 10-minute walk to the El Castillo Temple at Chichen Itza.  And though its grounds are pretty, rooms here are smaller & lack some of the charm of the first two hotels. 

If you can afford it, stay elsewhere.

Pretty dining area at Hotel Villas Arqueologica Chichen Itza. 

Best Budget Hotel by Chichen Itza

If you’re on a budget but still want attractive accommodations by the ruins: check out Hotel Okaan ($).  Rooms are darling, with pretty white draping around their beds.  The jungle-setting will give you plenty of Instagram photo-ops.  The only issue: Okaan is about 3 miles from the ruins, & across the highway ~ so you’ll need to have your own car, or Uber to Chichen Itza. 

Parking & breakfast are free, & they have a lovely restaurant with outdoor seating, bar, pool & spa….plus they’re pet-friendly!  Luxury on a budget….

Hotel Okaan rooms are charming & have a “jungle-chic” feel.

Hotel Okaan is great on a budget, with 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.

Read Next: Guide to Renting a Car in the Yucatan Peninsula

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