Do you wish to experience Mexico among Mexicans? But with the perks you expect in hotel geared to Canadian/Americans? This is the place! Small with only about 19-20 rooms, tucked in close to the city centre (15 min. walk to town square), and built very recently, Mayev Express has the cleanliness, and service you would expect in Canada/ United States from a much higher star hotel. But the warmth and friendliness of a local staff. While not all the staff are fluent in English (we are, after all, in Mexico!), the ladies at at the main desk are fluent enough in English to help you get the very best rate, phone an inexpensive cab for you, meet any other questions you might have, give you a map of the area.
The breakfast is hearty and nutritious, with eggs done up to order by a chef, as well as at least 3 kinds of fruit, pancakes, and a tortilla dish or re-fried beans, plus 3 kinds of cereal with lots of topping for everything. Coffee and a cool drink round out the meal.
There is filtered water on tap on the main floor and I am told that the local tap water is safe to drink, but some folks still buy the 5 gallon water jugs just around the corner for drinking water. All food, whether from the groceria or a restaurant is very inexpensive.
The pool is kept pristine in its cleanliness with not so much as a fly floating on it. Treated with something that is not harsh to the skin, you can hear the laughter and fun of families in the pool in the evening along with soft music for background. It is in full sun until later afternoon, so finding a shady spot to lie in is best left until about 2:00, although under the roofed area where breakfast is served, is always available if you want to sit and play a game of cards. Lots of lounge chairs to use, as well as towels from the front desk. The lovely yard boasts a mango tree, papaya tree and many palm trees. Three main floor rooms open right out onto the pool area, with sliding glass doors.
The maids do a great job at keeping the place clean, and one maid esp. is to be commended for her joyful spirit and welcoming smile, Silvia. She is a joy to come across throughout the day! And I hope to return someday, if just to see her lovely smiling face!
There was a small earthquake tremor while we were there but the hotel is obviously built with this in mind, as all the rooms encircle the very quick and quiet tiny elevator and open stairs. The rooms are spacious! a good sized bathroom with walk-in shower. A lovely modern basin set on a tile stand. Modern toilet. The only quirks were that the shower head has very little water pressure, so washing long hair is best done in the kitchen sink. I borrowed the bottom clear container from the frig as a storage receptacle for toiletries, as there was little space around the sink for them.
The beds may seem a bit hard to those from another country but I am told that compared to the mattresses at most Mexican hotels, they are quite posh. And we really did sleep well. We are use to a queen sized bed but found the double was just fine, Especially with the air conditioner, which works so well and is so quiet, and the black out drapes on 6 large windows, which can be opened if desired.
There is a wonderful huge shelving unit and open closet to store all your things and a WALL SAFE. Turn a corner from the bedroom area and there is a huge kitchen area with built in booth or lounge area and a good sized table with 4 chairs that can be slid up to the booth if needed. A microwave and refrigerator and deep small sink are in an area with a good amount of counter top and open storage underneath. IF you wish to use this area for cooking, you must bring your own items - bowls, plates, flatwear, etc. There is nothing there but the sink, microwave and frig. But a trip to a local dollar- type store can outfit you with disposable or reusable items and there are several small grocery stores and a very large one within a short walk of the hotel for all your food and beverage needs. If you are a tea-lover, bring your own tiny teakettle. Likewise, if you are a coffee drinker, bring instant or your own coffee press.
A key card lets you into the room, and there is also a deadbolt you can use. A security guard is on duty throughout the night to guard the building, although, at no time did we feel unsafe in this area, even after dark.
There are several restaurants within a block, one having an English menu , both having delicious food. In the centre of town, there are many restaurants and several that cater esp. to English tourists, from fine dining to sports lounges. But don't be afraid to try the little local restaurants, esp. if you know some Spanish or are willing to try something surprising and new.
The closest beach (Chahue) is only about a 15-20 minute walk. I am told it's best to go there after 4pm if you are wanting some shade. It is not for swimming because of the undertows, but lovely and sandy all the same.
There were several Canadian couples we met at this hotel who have been coming here regularily and think very highly of it! But enjoy being around the lovely Mexican people who are the greater part of the clientelle!
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