Hopelchen Vacations from $1,033

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Castelmar is a hotel in a very old building. It was probably one of those "casonas" right next to the wall that protected the city from the pirates. It's only one or two short blocks from the bus stop that takes you from the Mayan Train Station. Staff is really nice and accommodating. Very high ceilings, a courtyard, and steps (no elevator). Don't you worry, staff will carry your suitcase to your room. I got a very, very large corner room, with a king size bed, a foot bench, a lounge chair, a round table with two chairs, a couple of dressers, and a spacious bathroom. Plenty space to move around. Very large windows that unfortunately were covered with a film. Enough to let light come through but not enough to peak outside. These large door/windows were shut in place with a cross bar (a piece of wood), so no luck trying to open them. I didn't notice at first but there were rags on the floor in front of the windows, I'm assuming to catch any water from rainstorm. The entry door to the room was made of two leaves that swing in. They seemed flimsy. Anyway, I always felt safe and I had a good night of sleep. The balconies that overlook the courtyard on the first floor are nicely decorated, made me feel like I was at someone's home. The location of the hotel is just a street over 59 the main street with bars and restaurants, that has the gates to the old wall city at each end, Puerta del Mar y Puerta de la Tierra. Visit Puerta de la Tierra.