The Bottom Line:

Solely 50 miles north of Cancun Airport, and reachable via express ferry, Ixchel Beach Hotel offers guests ultimate seclusion along Isla Mujeres. With guestrooms sporting wide-screen televisions, wireless Internet access and marble-countered bathrooms, visitors indulged in both the on-site swimming pool and direct access to North Beach. With fully stocked kitchenettes, extra perks included ice chests and drink ‘cozies.’ Guests also highlighted the beachside ‘pent house,’ equipped with a massive wrap-around patio, hot tub and bar/café. Those who left disgusted had unlucky encounters with beachside ‘all-nighters.’ As the beach remains public property, the hotel has no control on late night activities (read: loud karaoke-infused dance-offs have free reign to carry on until sunup).