Mayaland Hotel and Bungalows, Yucatan

The Mayaland Hotel is in the heart of the Chichen-Itza archeological zone, just a short drive from the former Spanish colonial city of Valladolid.

Traveling time from the Merida airport is about two hours over a modern highway.

Accommodations include 1, 2 and three-bedroom villas spread out over the huge grounds surrounded by beautiful gardens. The main section of the hotel has five suites and 55 rooms. The latter feature a king-size bed or two doubles, A/C, ceiling fan, satellite TV, telephone, clock radio, minibar, coffeemaker, iron and ironing board, and a full bathroom with hairdryer.

The hotel offers five restaurants and room service, its amenities feature large freshwater swimming pools and rambling gardens dotted with temples and shade huts. Guests have private parking. Other services include car rental, travel agency and gift shop.

There is a concierge on duty to help you, babysitters, laundry and medical service can be arranged, the front desk offers a safekeeping service for valuables.

Their five restaurants include one serving Mexican and international dishes, another offering buffet style meal from 11:30 AM to 4 PM, and three smaller open-air restaurants with Mexican or regional specialties and informal atmosphere. The Pavarotti serves gourmet Mexican cuisine in the evenings with an elegant atmosphere.

The Mayaland Hotel and Bungalows is given the Conde Nast Traveler Reader Award as the best hotel in the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun and Riviera Maya areas. It was included in the 100 Best Hotels of the World in 2003.