Mexico Accommodations

What You See Is Not Always What You Get

by C.J. Gustafson, addicted Mexico traveler

Mexico has been one of the top travel destinations for decades and seems to grow even more popular as locales such as Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and Isla Mujeres begin to attract the attention of the tourism industry. The Internet also makes these sites much more accessible by providing excellent sources of information for researching Mexican destinations. From climate, to culture, to lodging, everything is out there on the Web, with photos to help provide a more vivid picture.

Unfortunately, this information doesn't always give travelers an accurate idea of what they can expect when they get to their destinations. Pictures and promotions can be deceiving. And even when hotels, resorts, and private villas do try to explain about third world amenities, tourists tend to downplay those warnings in their excitement to get somewhere warm and exotic. They arrive excited and full of anticipation, only to end up disappointed or uncomfortable with their lodgings. But there are ways to avoid this vacation dampener.

You Get What You Pay For

If you see a hotel room at any popular destination that looks comparable to the Ritz and is priced under $150/night, you are probably seeing the best (and highest priced) room they have to offer, or the work of a talented PhotoShop editor. It is not unusual for hotels to advertise their lowest rates alongside photos of their highest priced rooms. Theres a difference between a deal and a con job and in this tourist industry, its up to you to know the difference. It helps to keep in mind that two universal adages are true in Mexico just as they are at home. You get what you pay for. And if it seems to good to be true, it probably is.

It also helps to understand the difference between an oceanside hotel and an ocean view. Those that are right on the ocean will typically tell you that, including photos of the rooms opening right onto the beach. If the hotel says ocean view, it could be several blocks away from the shore. Its not difficult to take a picture from a top floor hotel room and make it look like there is nothing between you and the beach – as long as you don't show the actual walls of the room.

Those hotels and villas that don't specify a location are probably hoping you won't think to ask. Be aware that even oceanside hotels are likely to have rooms that open on the street. If you want an oceanside room, you will have to ask for one specifically and will probably pay up to $100 more per night.

If you want luxury, you can certainly find it in Mexico in just about any of the popular destinations. But is that really why you go to someplace like Mexico? Isn't about the tropical locale and the exotic, (i.e. different), way of life? I say opt for the thatched roof and put your bags under the bed if it starts to rain. Ignore the gaps around the windows, heck take it one step further and open your windows to the warm evening breezes. Let the sound of the surf lull you to sleep.

Helpful Hints

But if there are some amenities you simply can't do without or you want to be sure you know what you're getting into before you leave, here are some tips to try before booking.

•  Read hotel reviews, and if possible, talk to others who have stayed at the hotels you're considering. Just as the Internet can help the tourism industry put on a good face, it also can help you research your trip and get the real story before you travel.

•  Most people who take the time to give a review or share details of their trip online are open to questions. So go ahead and ask.

•  If you travel to a destination and have plans of returning at a later time, visit some of the other hotels so you can see firsthand what they really have to offer. Take your own photos for future reference.

There are also some things you can do when you get to the hotel or villa to help make your trip more enjoyable.

•  Keep your hotel room clean. Don't leave wet swimsuits on the floor or beds and pick up food. Bag up fruit, sweets, and empty alcohol containers and take them to the main garbage to avoid ants.

•  If the villa or hotel staff tell you that having four televisions on will blow the generator or that you'll run out of hot water if you shower for an hour, believe them. Why would they make it up?

•  Keep an open mind. Remember you're on vacation…in a tropical paradise…and you don't have to go to work for days.

Mexico is a great place for warm, fun vacations in a country that lives differently from us in many ways. Part of the reason we go is to experience this lifestyle. Just how immersed in local culture you want to get will help determine your choice in accommodations. If you don't like surprises, be sure and do your homework before you book your trip. And then sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.

For more info on Mexico hotels and lodging:

Mexico Lodging Guide

Mexico Bed and Breakfast Guide

Mexico Official Tourism website