Mexico shopping trips are a common thing for those of us expats who are missing the option of choice and good, reasonably priced steak 😀 Whether you can take a Tropic flight and land transfer or take the water taxi and come back the same day, many opt to stay overnight and extend the getaway a bit. I recommend this option if you plan on hitting the big 3 – Plaza Los Americas, Sam’s Club, and Walmart. This way you can take your time and enjoy the food court at the mall and a nice dinner out instead of being rushed to catch return chosen travel options 🙂

On my last trip to Chetumal with friends, the couple opted for Hotel Los Cocos based on price which made perfect sense. They were only staying one night and not going to be in the room much other than to sleep. The pool was also a deciding factor for them.

I was tempted to book there as I liked the outside of the building, but when it came to the inside, it was looking a little basic for my mood. I looked up Fiesta Inn Chetumal which a couple of the Grand Caribe crew had recommended and I knew instantly this was the colorful funky atmosphere I was looking for. I was also told that the beds at the other place were harder and if I wanted a good deal I should book it in advance. Being Low season I opted to “wing it” and see what happened and all worked out well.

In the end, we were both happy with the hotel choices we picked. My only complaint would be that my room did not have a fridge. In this day and age that is pretty much unthinkable to me. I survived though and the food court sushi I brought back to my room never had a hope in hell of becoming leftovers that would need to be kept cold. Would lack of refrigeration stop me from staying here again? There’s a small chance depending on circumstances and length of stay but probably not.

There were several cool living room type areas around the hotel

Hotel restaurant

Nice large computer area in the lobby

Fiesta Inn is located on the main street, about 6-minute cab ride from the Chetumal Airport and a stone’s throw away from the water taxi terminal. It is walkable to and from the dock if you are not carrying a ton of luggage.

The hotel check-in time is 3:00 pm and check-out is 1:00 pm. A few things Fiesta in offers: 24-hour room service, free high-speed internet, dry-cleaning and free covered parking.

Large spacious lobby

Liked their lighting

Another funky seating arrangement

Inside my Superior King room was just as funky as the rest of the hotel and very comfortable.

One of the things I really liked was that in order to have your air conditioning on in the room you have to put your key card in a slot. This way guests can never be power wasters keeping the room cool when they are not in it.

My office

A second desk option

Funky sink area outside the bathroom which contained the toilet and decent sized shower

Comfortable king size bed

Just like the pool was a selling feature for my friends at Los Coco’s, it was also deciding factor for me to book at Fiesta. After all nothing says I am on a deluxe vacation like a rooftop pool area all to yourself  🙂

Rooftop pool

Shaded living room overlooking the pool

Indoor seating area outside the Sky bar

Rooftop view

Enjoying my private rooftop party

The corner store was right across the street

Hotel Los Cocos located opposite the center of Cultural de las Bellas Artes and close to the Museum of Mayan Culture is just blocks from the city’s main park.  The hotel has 140 rooms and suites and offers wireless internet, room service, courtesy newspaper, pool, and jacuzzi.