WHERE TO STAY IN CANCUN:

If you’re dreaming of a bungalow on the beach and living with the sounds of waves lapping crystal sands as music to your ears lulling you like a lullaby – return to earth – those places cost far more than you’ll probably ever be able to afford as a working English language teacher here. If you’ll consider living as the locals do, then you’ll be off the beach, but only a few minutes bus ride away from the powdery, sugar-like sands of one of the world’s most pristine stretches of diatomaceous beach. Still interested?

Most of Cancun’s more affordable hotels are near the main bus terminal on the Avenida Uxmal or the Avenida Tulum. It’s an easy area to get to or away from starting from any point in the Cancun area. Buses to the beach and resorts run along the Avenida Tulum. It’s also a relatively safe area at night with plenty of places to eat, shop, and work located nearby. Note: Prices in Cancun are higher than in most other Mexican cities for the same or similar services and from there rise dramatically during the Winter months.

Hotel El Alux

Avenida Uxmal No. 21

884 – 0662, 884 – 0556


This small hotel has reasonably-priced air-conditioned (you’ll need it) rooms with TV, phone and hot water for 220 pesos, single or 240 pesos for a double. Staff is friendly and helpful. A travel agent and car rental agency are on the ground floor with tour information and budget-priced vehicles available. You can walk here from the bus station, just go to the corner of Avenida Uxmal, cross the street and go left for one block. It’s the multi-story pink building.

Hotel Cotty

Avenida Uxmal No. 44

884 – 1319, 884 – 0550


For about the same prices as the Hotel Alux, you can get lodging in this motel-style inn across and down the street a bit. It’s not as nice, but the services are adequate and rooms are clean. There are only two floors, so an elevator isn’t necessary and rooms open onto a central courtyard that doubles as a parking area. Make sure to get an air-conditioned room, the Yucatan sizzles in Summer. A restaurant is on the premises with inexpensive fare on the menu. It’s also open late.

Hotel Uxmal

Avenida Uxmal No. 111

884 – 2266, 884 – 2355


Two blocks further along the Avenida Uxmal, near Berlitz, this inexpensive, family-run hotel is popular with the locals as a “love motel”, since the Avenida Yaxchilan is closeby. No “working girls” or “ladies of the evening” though. So, it’s OK as an alternate if you’re having trouble finding a place soon after arrival. Check the room first before paying as quality can vary widely. Rooms with A/C are more, but worth it if available. Prices are around 160 pesos to 180 pesos. Some rooms are even less, but without A/C, though they do have a fan.

By: Larry M. Lynch