3 TOP Areas + Hotels & Prices

Holbox (pronounced “Hol-bosh”), a dreamy island off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxing escape. Deciding where to stay is key, and I’m here to help!

I visited Holbox on my honeymoon and absolutely loved it. Holbox Town is the best spot, offering restaurants, beach bars, and top hotels for an unforgettable stay.

I’ve also picked the best hotels for every budget, but Holbox is popular, so book early to secure your spot.

The best place to stay in Holbox is Holbox Town, the island’s main hub of activity. It is home to many restaurants and beach bars, as well as some of the best hotels in Holbox – everything you need for an unforgettable stay. 

Let’s jump right in!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you want to book immediately, check out this list of the best Holbox hotels, all situated in Holbox Town:

NOTE: Holbox Island (or Isla Holbox) is a small island, but not all of it is accessible to visitors. In fact, only the Western tip of the island, known only as Holbox, is populated, and all the areas featured in this article are situated on this part of the island. 

1. Holbox Town – where to stay in Holbox for the first time

Holbox Town is the unofficial city center of Holbox, in a central location between East and West Holbox. This lively area of Holbox is teeming with restaurants and bars, it offers many top-rated hotels and provides easy access to the beach, making it the ideal place for your first visit to Holbox. 

Did you know that no cars are allowed on the island? Holbox is pedestrian-only. The island has no paved roads, and the primary modes of transportation are golf carts, bicycles, and walking!

To be honest, I absolutely loved that part of my honeymoon! The fact that there were no noises from cars and I could just drive around by bicycle right on the beach was absolutely magical!

If you want to explore outside Holbox Town and feel like that’s too much walking for you, you can rent either a bicycle or a golf cart – you can book both through The Holboxeño. 

TIP: Don’t forget to snap a photo with the Holbox Letters, i.e., the Letras Holbox – this will make a great memento from your trip! Also, take some time to walk around the town and admire the vibrant street art that adorns some of the buildings. 

In the evenings, I suggest checking out one of the amazing restaurants in Holbox Town – I particularly recommend Las Panchas for some fresh and delicious seafood and Viva Zapata for an authentic Mexican meal.

PRO TIP: Bring enough cash to last you through your Holbox trip! Many local businesses don’t accept card payments (I recommend exchanging for Mexican pesos, but even if you run out, US dollars are also widely accepted)

Finally, I want to share the one downside of staying in Holbox Town – when it rains, the roads get all muddy, so you can either avoid the rainy season (June to October) or embrace the rain – most people just take their shoes off and keep walking. 

Now, let’s check out the best Holbox Island hotels in Holbox Town! 

Luxury (US$180 and up)

• Hotel Boutique Naj Casa Holbox – this stunning 5-star hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Holbox, offering upscale amenities like concierge services and a tour desk, plus an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant
• Hotel Para Ti – Adults Only – this upscale, adults-only hotel features a rooftop infinity pool, a bar where you can enjoy refreshing cocktails and a delicious continental breakfast served every morning

Mid-range (US$80 – US$180)

• Hotel Siesta Holbox – this 3-star hotel is within easy walking distance of the beach and many restaurants. It offers super comfy and fully equipped rooms and a very friendly staff who will make you feel immediately welcomed
• Hotel El Pueblito – all of the rooms at this hotel are air-conditioned and feature private bathrooms and Wi-Fi, while guests can also enjoy the lovely garden and relax on the sun loungers by the pool

Budget (up to US$80)

• Tribu Hostel – this colorful hostel offers a cozy garden with hammocks and a fantastic roof terrace overlooking the island. Here, you can sleep in spacious private rooms or shared dormitories and get access to a communal kitchen and BBQ facilities
• Hotel La Casa del Capi – this is one of the best hotels on Holbox Island if you are traveling on a budget. Within a short walk to the best beaches and restaurants, the hotel has super clean rooms and welcoming staff

2. East Holbox – where to stay in Holbox for the beach

If you’re wondering where to stay in Isla Holbox for the ultimate beach vacation, the ideal choice for you would be East Holbox. Situated directly East of Holbox Town, this part of the island is quieter and more relaxing, perfect if all you want to do is relax on the beach while sipping delicious cocktails. 

The main thing to do here is enjoy the beach, and regardless of where you’re staying on this part of the island, you’ll have quick and easy access to Playa Holbox – the most popular beach on the island (it’s not too crowded tho!).

NOTE: Many of the Holbox resorts and hotels in East Holbox are situated directly on the beach, and some even have secluded private beaches. So, if you’re looking for a beach getaway and want to chill on a sun lounger every day without scouring the beach, I recommend booking your stay in one of these seaside hotels. 

Just like any other good beach destination, East Holbox abounds with nice beach bars; many of them put up hammocks in the water, and I LOVED this! You can just lay in the hammock with the weather beneath you and the sun above you – it’s perfect. But please-oh-please don’t forget to use sunblock, I go SO burnt!

If you’re looking for some good beach bars in East Holbox, I can recommend Mantarraya Beach Club & Hammocks (map) – it has delicious food and drinks and stunning views. 

PRO TIP: Stay on the beach long enough to watch the sunset! The view of the sun setting over the sea in Holbox is truly breathtaking – trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

Kayaking is another must-do activity in Holbox, but there’s an unexpected twist – you should go at night! The waters surrounding Holbox are home to bioluminescent marine life that lights up at night, creating an effect unlike anything you’ve seen before. I recommend seeing this on a guided tour to avoid wandering off to risky waters. 

If you’re staying near the beach (or anywhere on the island, for that matter), you should know that there are a LOT of mosquitoes, I don’t think I have ever seen so many in one place in my life tbh! Maybe it was the season? (We visited in July).

But anyway, be sure to bring plenty of mosquito repellent just in case. You should get either a good-quality lotion like this one, but I also like these mosquito-repellent bracelets. 

Let’s take a look at the ultimate East Holbox hotels:

Luxury (US$200 and up)

• Hotel Villas Flamingos – this is the ultimate spot for a tropical getaway, nestled in the Yum Balam Natural Reserve on Holbox Island. Wake up to ocean views, relax in the 2 pools, or engage in cool activities like scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkeling
• Casa Las Tortugas Petit Beach Hotel & Spa – this family-run hotel is within walking distance of the beach and offers a private pool, plus stylish hut-style rooms and a fantastic restaurant, serving a range of international food

Mid-range (US$120 – US$200)

• Casa Hridaya Hotel Boutique – this is the best hotel in Holbox if you’re looking for upscale amenities at affordable prices, offering concierge services, a currency exchange, and a tour desk, plus pool access and a daily complimentary breakfast
• Casa Iguana Holbox – at this hotel, you’ll have access to great facilities like an outdoor swimming pool and a quiet restaurant serving delicious Mexican dishes and seafood! Another plus? A massage service is available for an extra fee.

Budget (up to US$120)

• Villas Palmar Holbox – this is one of the best cheap hotels in Isla Holbox, located a few steps away from the beach! The property offers spacious family rooms and a children’s playground where your kids can play while you relax.
• Casa Aloha-Isla Holbox – a budget-friendly aparthotel with a nice garden overlooking the swimming pool and air-conditioned apartments, each featuring a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, and a private bathroom

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3. West Holbox – where to stay in Holbox for couples

Planning a romantic getaway to Holbox? Well, in that case, book your hotel in West Holbox, located directly West of Holbox Town and home to some of the most romantic hotels on the island. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the serene atmosphere and get access to an amazing beach, plus a few great restaurants. 

The top attraction in West Holbox is Playa Punta Cocos (map), a gorgeous white-sand beach and a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. The waters are shallow and warm, something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with kids. 

NOTE: Seaweeds are not uncommon on the beaches in Holbox, especially on Punta Cocos Beach. They’re not dangerous, so you can just wade through them until you reach clear water, or if you want to snorkel, I recommend going early in the morning before the weeds reach the shore. 

In the evenings, you can watch the sea light up at this Bioluminiscencia spot (map) (May to September) or enjoy a nice dinner at La Cabane (map) – both great ideas for a romantic date. 

Finally, let’s check out some of the ultimate Isla Holbox resorts and hotels in the West of the island:

Luxury (US$220 and up)

• Nomade Holbox – if you’re looking for uniquely designed accommodation in Holbox, this is the best hotel for you; each of the rooms and bungalows is individually decorated, and guests get access to an outdoor pool and a restaurant
• Spirit Holbox – this is one of the best Holbox, Mexico hotels on the beachfront, offering all-inclusive arrangements, many different spa services and massages, an infinity pool, and a complimentary continental breakfast

Mid-range (US$140 – US$220)

• Hotel Casa HX – Adults Only – this is another adults-only Isla Holbox accommodation, offering an outdoor swimming pool, the best food at the on-site restaurant, and amazing cocktails at the roof bar
• Hotel Casa Margot – a short distance away from the beach, boasting a spa and wellness center, a garden, and a terrace, and offering free perks like breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking

Budget (up to US$140)

• Kin Studios Holbox – this affordable hotel only has a few rooms, creating an intimate and romantic experience, and provides easy access to a beach as well as the use of the infinity pool
• La Casa del Sol Holbox – at this hotel, each room is air-conditioned and has a private bathroom stocked with free toiletries, and you will also get access to a swimming pool and a nice garden

BONUS: Best beachfront hotels in Holbox

One of the main reasons you’re going to have a holiday in Isla Holbox is to enjoy its amazing beaches and blue marine waters, similar to the ones you can find if you stay in Isla Mujeres. So, which better way to do that than staying in a beachfront hotel?

There are many incredible Holbox, Mexico resorts and hotels located a few steps from the beach or even with access to their own private beach. Below, you’ll find my top 7 picks, listed from most to least expensive: 

• AWA Holbox Hotel Boutique ($$$) – this is the best hotel on the Holbox beachfront if you want to indulge in luxury, offering access to 2 fantastic swimming pools, a beach club, a rooftop snack bar, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine
• My Blue Hotel Holbox ($$$) –guests at the beachfront Blue Holbox will get direct beach access, as well as access to 2 swimming pools, a bar, and a restaurant. Other perks include a free breakfast, room service, and airport transfers
• Palapas del Sol ($$$) – set directly on the beach, this hotel provides accommodation in rooms and beach cottages with palm-thatched rooms and has a pool set on the beach and 3 great restaurants
• Zomay Beachfront Holbox ($$) – this is one of the ultimate hotels in Holbox, Mexico, featuring a private beach, plus 2 incredible restaurants, family rooms, and a children’s playground
• Las Nubes de Holbox ($$) – at this hotel, you can enjoy a private beach area and indulge in the services offered by the on-site spa, plus enjoy the views from the rooftop terrace or grab a drink from the poolside bar
• Holbox Dream Beachfront Hotel ($$) – this 3-star hotel is situated directly on the beachfront and has comfortable rooms decorated in Caribbean style and featuring a private terrace or a balcony
• Hotel Mawimbi ($$) – a beachfront accommodation offering a delicious complimentary breakfast, a bar, a restaurant, an airport shuttle, and air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms

FAQs about where to stay in Holbox

💯 What neighborhoods are best on the island of Holbox?

The best neighborhood for staying in Isla Holbox is Holbox Town, offering a variety of cool activities, great restaurants, and incredible hotels like the Hotel Boutique Naj Casa Holbox and Hotel Siesta Holbox. Other great neighborhoods are East Holbox and West Holbox. 

🏨 Which are the best luxury hotels where to stay in Isla Holbox?

🏖️ Which is the best beachfront hotel in Isla Holbox, Mexico?

📅 How many days is enough in Holbox?

Even though this island in Mexico is pretty small, you should stay there between 3 and 5 days. This is a good amount of time to soak up the island life, sample some delicious food, and visit the best natural attractions of Isla Holbox. 

🎊 Is Holbox a party town?

No, Holbox is not a party town. Even though there are some bars that are open later into the night, the atmosphere is very laid back. If you want to party during your Mexico trip, consider staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. 

👀 What are the best things to do in Isla Holbox, Mexico?

The best things to do when visiting Isla Holbox, Mexico, include relaxing on Playa Holbox, trying the trademark lobster pizza, relaxing in a hammock on the water, and going on a bioluminescence kayaking tour. 

✅ Is it safe to walk around Holbox at night?

Yes, Holbox is a very safe place, and you shouldn’t be afraid to walk at night. However, you should still be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times, as well as avoid poorly lit areas. 

🤔 Is Holbox cheaper than Tulum?

Yes, Holbox is more affordable than Tulum; everything from hotels to dining out and drinks is cheaper in Holbox. 

🙅 Do you need a car in Holbox?

No. Holbox is a car-free island, so even if you want to visit by car, you can’t. Luckily, the island is very pedestrian-friendly, and you can always rent a bike or a golf cart. 

Final words on the best places to stay in Holbox

Congrats! You made it to the end of this extensive guide on where to stay in Holbox. By now, you should have a good idea of where you’ll be staying on your next trip. 

If you’re still undecided, check out my 2 favorite Holbox hotels, both situated in Holbox Town:

• Hotel Boutique Naj Casa Holbox – a 5-star hotel with a swimming pool, concierge services, and an incredible restaurant
• Hotel Siesta Holbox – this comfortable hotel boasts a beachfront restaurant and offers room service and a complimentary breakfast

Remember, the best hotels in Isla Holbox sell out super quickly, so you need to make your reservations in advance to secure your spot and get the best deals! 

If you have any other questions about the magical Holbox Island, leave them in a comment below, and I’ll be quick to get back to you! 

Have a sunny holiday,

Yulia

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