Hotel Maria del Carmen Review: Everything You Need To Know!

A man and woman pose in front of the Hotel Maria del Carmen.

I stayed at Hotel Maria del Carmen in Merida, Mexico, and can tell you it excels in location and affordability, but there are some areas that could be improved.

In this review, I thoroughly go over the rooms, location, services, pricing, and dining options to help you determine if it suits your travel needs.

If you’re concerned about the value of staying in a budget-friendly hotel or the safety of the area, I go over everything you need to know.

Including how one day I found myself locked out of the hotel room because of a misunderstanding, but I’ll save that story for later. So now let’s go over my review of Hotel Maria del Carmen!

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My Rating System

When rating a hotel, I’ve developed a 5-star rating system based on factors beyond luxury or basics. The categories I look at are Location, Pricing, Cleanliness, Amenities, and Services. For a star in each category, it must excel in two out of three key subcategories. Achieving a star in every category earns my Kaylee-approved 5-star rating!

1. Location: ★

Accessibility: ✓

Hotel Maria del Carmen sits right in the heart of Merida’s city center, just a few blocks away from the Grand Plaza. Its great location allowed me to walk to nearby attractions, grab dinner, and do some shopping. I think it’s worth it to stay in this area when visiting Merida.

Scenery:

The hotel does not have a breathtaking view instead, all rooms overlook the courtyard, showing the pool, bar, and restaurant. There was a window inside our bathroom but a utility machine was blocking it so I couldn’t see what was on the other side. It would be amazing to have a view of a stunning beach, but obviously, the hotel cannot provide that.

Safety: ✓

A travel tip is that most cities in Yucatan suffer from insufficient street lighting making them look sketchy at night however, the hotel’s neighborhood has low crime rates. I felt safe throughout my whole stay as other guests either relaxed in their rooms or enjoyed the pool area.

2. Pricing: ★

Competitiveness: ✓

Hotel Maria del Carmen truly stands out with its competitive pricing when you see the options in Merida’s city center, it stands out from the crowd as one of the best when it comes to affordability. A rate like this makes Yucatan an affordable destination.

Value-added: ✓

The hotel’s rate includes complimentary breakfast throughout your stay, which is always a delightful perk for me! The breakfast selection offers a diverse range of options; instead of a typical continental buffet, you are provided with a menu to choose from, including a breakfast meal along with juice or coffee. This came in handy for my 4-day stay in the city.

Transparency:

This category evaluates whether a hotel’s pricing is transparent, without hidden costs, safety deposits, or fees. I was taken aback during check-in when I was asked for a safety deposit for the room, as this information was not disclosed on the booking website.

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3. Cleanliness: ★

Maintenance: ✓

The rooms and common areas were clean, tidy, and well-maintained. Although the building didn’t appear new, it was well-kept and not falling apart. The tiles were in excellent condition, and the walls seemed freshly painted.

Daily Upkeep: ✓

One thing I didn’t like (and I know I was in the wrong, which is why they still get the check) was that we would leave our AC unit running after leaving in the morning. When the staff came to clean up, they would turn the unit off.

After a long day of exploring Chichen Itza, it would take a while for the room to cool down. Which was frustrating after being out in the heat all day. I understand it’s not environmentally friendly to keep the AC running when we’re not there, but it did test my patience.

Quality:

The linens, towels, and other materials in the room were of poor quality and felt quite cheap, even the soap and toilet paper lacked in quality.

4. Amenities: ★

Variety of Basics:

The hotel lacks a variety of essential amenities, with only a pool available, which is a nice addition after exploring so many bucket list places all day. However, in my opinion, a gym and laundry room are basic standards that should be provided.

Food & Convenience: ✓

They offer an on-site restaurant and conveniently have room service, which was a lifesaver when I was too tired after a long day to go out and hunt for food. My top choice was the nachos I ordered, and the pricing was reasonable.

Standout Features: ✓

Standout amenities can really enhance your experience and make your stay stand out. The hotel has a poolside bar with music going which makes the place a lively party spot. Plus, there’s a cozy lounge next to the lobby where we chilled after check-out, waiting for our airport ride.

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5. Services:

Check-In Process: ✓

The check-in process was smooth, efficient, and hassle-free. We were able to get into our room right after.

Staff Assistance:

The staff was friendly and responsive however, one day when I went to explore a cenote, I took my pool towel with me. When I returned, I found my keycard was disabled and I couldn’t get into my room. At the front desk, I was told it was due to taking the towel. I felt that was an unreasonable cause to lock me out of my room. (with all of my stuff and passport inside!)

Additional Services:

Additional services are things that enhance the experience, like a bellhop, welcome drinks, or chocolates on a pillow. There is none of that at this hotel which is to be expected at this price rate.

Overall Score: ★★★★☆

My Opinion of Hotel Maria del Carmen

Overall the accessibility and safety are incredible even with no city view. The pricing is great and affordable compared to other hotels in the city center but beware of having to pay a security deposit. The building and rooms are well maintained and cleaned daily, but the quality of linens and bathroom amenities does need to be improved.

While they do have top-notch amenities like the pool, bar, restaurant, and lounge keep in mind there is not a laundry room or gym. And last while the hotel does provide a quick check-in and friendly staff they could take a minute to explain their rules like not taking your towels out of the room and offering some for check out.

I think with all of these factors in mind Hotel Maria del Carmen is worth a stay if you’re on a budget and want to stay in close proximity to the city center!

Happy exploring!

What Are My Recommended Resources For Planning A Trip?

When planning my trip, I use my trusted trio of CheapOair, Viator, and Booking.com to provide a comprehensive solution for everything I need.

CheapOair is a go-to resource for affordable flight tickets. With its extensive network of over 600 airlines, it offers a wide array of choices, enabling you to easily compare prices and select the best deal that suits your budget and travel schedule.

Viator on the other hand, is an excellent platform for booking tours and activities. It provides access to thousands of sightseeing tours, attractions, and events in over 1,500 locations worldwide. It ensures you don’t miss out on the unique experiences each destination has to offer.

Booking.com is your reliable partner for accommodations. With over 28 million listings including hotels, apartments, and hostels, you can find the perfect place to stay that fits your budget and preference.

Together, these platforms make trip planning convenient, cost-effective, and fun. They ensure you have everything you need, from flights and accommodations to activities – at your fingertips.

Check Out My Resources Page For All My Recommended Travel Tools!

SAVE FOR LATER!

Hotel Maria del Carmen Review: Everything You Need To Know!

My Rating System