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If you’re planning on visiting Palenque, then chances are you’re there to discover some of Mexico's most untouched Mayan ruins.
Well, if so then you’re in for a treat, as we really did love the sites located just outside of town.
They are far less touristy than those Mayan sites in other parts of Mexico, and the town itself is filled with old school charm.
Compared to other big towns and cities nearby, there isn’t such a wide variety of accommodation in Palenque, but there should still be something to suit you.
I’ve gone ahead and rounded up what we believe to be 10 of the best places to stay in Palenque.
So hopefully this guide will help you in finding where to stay in Palenque for your own upcoming trip.
First up …
I would definitely recommend Booking.com for securing most of your hotels, villas and bungalows anywhere in the world. Specifically, I think they offer the best prices of any online booking service.
Not only can you select from a list of criteria to match your needs, Booking.com also compares a range of hotels to give you the ideal place for the best price.
What’s more is that once you’ve completed three bookings, you get this awesome perk of being a Genius Member which gives you access to a whole host of benefits such as, early check-in, late check-in, free welcome drinks and 10% off future bookings.
At the same time, Agoda is my second favourite booking service, with a really modern and easy-to-use site alongside highly competitive prices.
What's more, their cashback service (Agoda Cash) means that some properties come in even cheaper. Also, the accumulation of Agoda Cash can then be used to make future bookings cheaper.
Our approach is, when we find a property we like, to compare the prices on both sites to see which is cheapest. So that's why I've given links to both sites for all properties below.
Best luxury hotel in Palenque
Best mid-range Palenque hotel
Best budget accommodation in Palenque
(Best luxury hotel in Palenque)
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You can feel a sense of majestic romance in Quinta Chanabnal, it has a gorgeous and modern
Mayan aesthetic which gives it a unique ambiance like no other 5 star hotel in Palenque. If that is not enough to entice you, its facilities, which include an on-site swimming pool, restaurant and spa will surely seal the deal at this luxurious Palenque hotel.
The picturesque swimming pool is nestled amongst rocks and cascading waterfalls; sun loungers with waiter service are available should you wish to indulge pool-side. Take advantage of the unique Temazcal (Maya sweat bath) lodge, plus beauty treatments and body massages in the spa which overlook the tranquil lagoon.
As for dining, you can expect to be accommodated fully as per your needs – whether you like to eat in the comfort of your room, or in the spacious dining hall or even have a breakfast prepared as early as 6am for those who want to visit the Palenque ruins and surrounding areas. All of these reasons and more make it one of the best places to stay in Palenque.
Special Features:
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Positioned alongside the Chacamax River, Hotel Nututun, a 4 star hotel in Palenque, boasts an outdoor pool, free WiFi and air-conditioned rooms. In addition to a close proximity to the Mayan ruins of Palenque and the centre – this hotel definitely has one of the best areas to stay in Palenque.
The swimming pool is large and spacious, with a pleasant temperature to help cool you off from the midday sun. It also runs alongside the river, giving this hotel a very unique feature. The air-conditioned rooms have architectural highlights such as natural wood and local river stone detailing, as well as satellite TV and a private bathroom with amenities in a brightly colored setting.
There is free WiFi and parking as well as friendly staff who can provide information from where to buy traditional local products, such as pottery and textiles to general information about the area. There is also a camping zone where kayaks and hammocks are free to use. All of this makes Nututun perhaps one of the best accommodations in Palenque.
Special Features:
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This Palenque hotel offers a games room, an outdoor pool and has a very convenient proximity from the airport and bus stations – making it easy to get to your hotel from the airport, as well as exploring the surrounding local area. The rooms have a modern appeal, each with a coffee maker and full bathroom facilities.
Studio rooms and suites offer flat screen cable TV and some rooms even come with garden or pool views. The swimming pool is extensive, with lots of space for splashing around. Pool-side seating is available on the sun-deck in addition to an on-site restaurant called Malanga, it serves a mixture of traditional Mexican dishes and American dishes.
The main appeal for the Tulija Express Hotel would be its price, this hotel is great for those travelers seeking top hotels in the Palenque area but still interested in getting good value for money.
Special Features:
(Best mid range Palenque hotel)
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This 4 star hotel in Palenque is situated less than a 5 minute drive from the city square. The hotel features a fully equipped spa which can offer beauty treatments and body massages, sports facilities that include tennis courts, pedal bike rentals and a fitness centre. There is also room service and an outdoor pool.
In addition, this hotel offers babysitting services for those travelers who like to bring along the little ones for an adventure! As well as room service, you can also find an onsite restaurant called Misol Ha, which caters for Mexican cuisine only. The rooms are standard for this type of location.
Lacking in abstract architectural design, the room does offer all of the expected comforts, such as cable TV, air conditioning, a private bathroom and a land-line telephone. Amongst the majority of Palenque hotels, Mision Palenque suits the budget traveler, perhaps those of you who are travelling as a family or backpackers looking to get a good night sleep without breaking the bank.
Special Features:
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At the center of this stylish Palenque hotel is a spacious outdoor pool, which is surrounded by tropical gardens and large rooms, with some of them featuring a balcony - giving you a chance to enjoy the picturesque views of the stunning Palenque.
With possibly the best location in Palenque for access to public transport, this hotel is just 300 meters away from the local bus station, giving you easy access to all the hidden jewels Palenque has to offer; such as Misol Ha waterfall. Hotel Maya Palenque offers air conditioned rooms with cable TV and the usual amenities that come with a 4 star hotel.
Room are brightly colored and come with tiled floors which give a smooth overall finish. There is a 24-hour reception desk which can arrange tours to the surrounding areas. There is a restaurant serving international foods and so there should be something to suit all ages and tastes while dining here; enjoy cocktails at the poolside terrace not far from the restaurant itself.
Special Features:
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The Hotel Chablis in Palenque is considered to be an ‘eco-tourism’ establishment. It is located in La Canada and is within a 15 minute drive of the Archeological Zone of Palenque. The main features of this hotel include its restaurant, shuttle service and free WiFi available to all guests.
Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, shower, cable TV, tiled floors and complimentary toiletries. The restaurant caters for both regional and international pallets, with the option to request an American breakfast for an additional cost.
As mentioned before, guests can make use of the shuttle service offered by the hotel and go to visit one of the many attractions Palenque has to offer, in addition to free WiFi which can be accessed throughout the hotel. Its swimming pool and hotel grounds are located within a canopy/jungle style setting.
Special Features:
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Unlike some hotels in the Palenque area, Hotel la Aldea del Halach Huinic is situated amongst a tropical garden, on the edge of the Palenque National Park, roughly 2km from the centre of Palenque. Highlights of this hotel include an outdoor pool, free WiFi zones and Rustic style rooms.
The pastoral, air-conditioned rooms are decorated with wooden beams and feature a private balcony. Bathrooms include a private shower and washroom. An onsite restaurant allows guests the luxury of enjoying a drink or meal amongst the beautiful backdrop of a tropical surrounding.
Guests can use their luggage storage and laundry services, there is also a 24 hour reception and a tour desk should you wish to visit any of the sites on offer here in Palenque. The airport is conveniently located 5 km away from this hotel, making it ideal for those wanting to get to their place of relaxation as soon as possible.
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(Best budget accommodation in Palenque)
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Just 8 km from the Archaeological zone of Palenque and 1 km from its town center, Hotel Cabanas Safari is one of a few hotels offering a traditional Temazcal steam bath. Its rooms come equipped with mosquito nets and ceiling fans, as well as a private bathroom with toiletries, designed in a rustic layout.
There is also an outdoor pool and the whole hotel is situated within a tropical jungle. There is a 24 hour reception for your convenience, you can also book guided tours through the jungle to explore the path less travelled and gain some valuable experiences to make your holiday a little bit more special.
For those travelers who bring along a furry friend, this hotel will be more than happy to accommodate the both of you. As this is one of the cheaper hotels in the Palenque area, it would be ideal for those travelling on a budget or backpackers looking to crash in a rustic yet well maintained hotel.
Special Features:
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Unlike most hotels in the Palenque area, Cabanas Kin Balam gives guests the chance to stay in a bright, charming bungalow; surrounded by gardens and an outdoor swimming pool, it has a peaceful setting where you can unwind and relax without breaking the bank. Each bungalow is within sight of the luscious gardens and comes equipped with fan to keep you cool in the humid weather.
Travelers should be aware this hotel does not cater for dining; however there are plenty of restaurants and shops within a 10 minute drive of the grounds, and the town Catazaja is approximately 30 km away. This home-stay like establishment is definetley one of the cheaper options for staying in Palenque, offering a unique style of private bungalows and spacious open gardens.
Special Features:
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The Posada Agulia Real does not offer the conventional hotel style atmosphere; instead you will be welcomed into a home stay style setting where the rooms are relatively close together. Its location however is ideal as you can access the Archaeological site of Palenque in just 10 minutes via car. Each room is air conditioned for your comfort, along with a private bathroom that includes hot water and complementary toiletries.
All room also comes with TV, while free WiFi is available in public areas. In and around the streets close by you can choose between a range of restaurants and bars, the Possada do offer a continental breakfast at no extra cost. The airport and public transport are in close proximity to the Posada, making it easy to get around and to get to and from the airport, making it one of the best areas to stay in Palenque.
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In the heart of Central America, you can expect to find a whole host of hidden gems and ancient ruins to sink your teeth into. I’d have to recommend the waterfall tour, specifically the Misol-Ha waterfall just because it was one of the more impressive waterfalls, and you can also go for a cheeky dip and cool off from the Mexican heat!
After that you should go and check out some of the local cuisine, I think there is nothing more satisfying than sampling some of the local dishes – especially when you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a good feast. My recommendation would be ‘Ha-Ki’ which is near the main little square, the breakfast here was great value for money and didn’t skimp on flavor.
For more information on what to get up to, check out our in-depth guide on the best things to do in Palenque.
As you can probably already tell, Palenque has a lot to offer, regardless of whether you are a big spender and want to indulge every sense in a tropical paradise, or if you are a backpacker trekking your way around Central America and need a place to crash or recharge yourself, ready for the next day’s adventure. There is a lot to do here and I hope this review has given you some insight into what accommodation Palenque has to offer.
