15 hotels in Mexico for under $100

It doesn't seem so long ago that every place in Mexico was cheap; all you had to do was look at a few and pick one you liked. Now that big, new, endlessly replicating hotels dominate the tourist industry — most of them indistinguishable from their siblings anywhere else in the world — coming upon an affordable, well-kept hotel or bed and breakfast within the average working stiff's budget is like finding a diamond in the dust.

Luckily I've searched out more than my share of inexpensive hotels — not only because I work in Mexico two to three months a year on a freelancer's pay with no expense account, but because I rarely get to stay in the same place more than two nights.

We're not talking rock-bottom here; you can find cheaper places in every one of these destinations, but all of these cost less than $100 a night and some only half that (rates listed are for double rooms). This is a personal list of genuine havens, where I felt at home and could relax or work. Most are in the Yucatán, because that's where I spend most of my time. I would return to these places — and have returned to some of them more than once — without a second thought. Feel free to add your own in the comments section below.

Cozumel

Tamarindo, $45-$69. In addition to four bed-and-breakfast rooms, the inn has two suites that sleep four and have kitchenettes. Bright and contemporary with traditional touches, they are tucked into a large tropical garden. It's safely removed from the hubbub but just a five-minute walk from San Miguel's plaza or the ocean. A new bungalow and two apartments are also available for $69 to $79 in the Corpus Christi neighborhood, closer to the cruise pier.

Isla Mujeres

Hotel Francis Arlene, $45-$80. Wrapping around a small, pretty courtyard, this hotel is an easy walk from Isla's action but far enough to escape street noise. No two rooms are alike, so you need to check them out before you check in, but all are homey and comfortable. Some have ocean views and balconies or patios.

Cancún Hotel Zone

Beachscape Kin Ha Villas and Suites, $66-$217. The price spread reflects not only the difference between garden and ocean-view rooms but the multitude of high- and low-season rate levels peculiar to Cancún and the Riviera Maya. Still, a standard double rarely costs more than $100 except during holidays. Kin Ha has the Hotel Zone's advantages — fine service; modern air-conditioned rooms; a wide, clean (and rarely crowded) beach; concierge and tour desk; nearby nightlife and shopping — but with only three stories on acres of lawns and palm trees, it provides a breath of fresh air between its high-rise neighbors. Rooms are larger than those costing three times as much.

Cancún Centro

Hotel Sol y Luna, $48-$65. This pretty, vaguely Colonial, vaguely Victorian, and thoroughly contemporary boutique hotel stands at the corner of Parque Las Palapas, Cancún's de facto central square. Rooms are simple but individually decorated with bold colors and themed artwork, and each has a small balcony. Perfectly located for exploring downtown, it includes certain luxurious touches (magnifying mirrors, hair dryers, mini fridges). A tapas and wine bar occupies the first floor.

Riviera Maya

Posada Al Moro, Puerto Morelos, $50-$80. Choosing a room at this family-owned hotel, half a block from the main square, is something like ordering dim sum: Add $5 a night to get air conditioning, $5 more for TV and another $5 for a fully equipped kitchenette. Rooms with simple, cheery furnishings are flooded with natural light; sliding doors open onto balconies or the lovely small garden around a small swimming pool.

Mérida