Where to Stay on Holbox? The Ultimate Guide to Accommodations

Accommodation on Isla Holbox – Which One is Right for You?

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If you are planning your first vacation on this beautiful island, you are probably wondering where to stay on Holbox. There are hardly any classic package deals or all-inclusive offers here. Instead, you can expect a wide range of accommodations, from affordable hotels and comfortable apartments to luxurious hotels and vacation rentals, as well as sociable hostels and camping in the great outdoors.

We have created this overview to help you find the best place to stay in Holbox. Here, you will learn which accommodations are ideal for whom, where the different areas are located, and what prices to expect. We also provide useful tips on travel times and booking.

Here you will find all Holbox travel tips for your vacation.

Playa Holbox in the north with a shrine and accommodation next to it.

In a Nutshell: Our Personal Recommendations

Looking for tips on where to stay in Holbox and what kind of accommodation is suitable? Take a look at our recommendations, which we have personally tried and tested.

  • Hotels: The most beautiful hotels in Holbox are located directly on the beach. Our top favorite is the charming boutique hotel Mawimbi. For a more luxurious stay, check out Villas Caracol. Our insider tip is Encanta Luna, which is particularly affordable and located in the interior of the island.
  • Apartments and vacation rentals: The beachfront vacation house Casa Cereza is ideal for families. Coccoloba offers luxurious vacation apartments, and Aurora affordable studios.
  • Hostels: Tribu Hostel has the best overall package.
  • Camping: Kin Hostal & Camping is a good choice for nature lovers.

You can find all the details and more recommendations in the respective categories.

Hotel, Apartment, Hostel, or Camping?

To find the ideal place to stay, first consider which type of accommodation best suits your needs and budget.

Hotels in Holbox– Maximum comfort and perfect location

Staying at a hotel on Holbox is the most popular and most common way to spend your vacation on the island. Compared to an apartment or hostel, a hotel offers significant advantages in terms of comfort, service, and amenities such as daily room cleaning. Options range from simple, affordable hotels to stylish boutique hotels and luxury resorts with pools, restaurants, beach clubs, and spa areas. Hotels are ideal for couples, short stays, and anyone looking for complete relaxation.

On our page about the best hotels in Holbox, you will find detailed recommendations and practical tips on location, prices, and booking.

A beach with sun loungers and parasols, ideal for relaxation in the best Holbox hotels.
Overview of All Hotels in Holbox

Holbox apartments and vacation homes – Flexible & for longer stays

If you want to stay longer on Holbox Island and enjoy more space, privacy, and additional amenities, vacation rentals are the right choice. Although apartments do not offer the same services as hotels, they have many other advantages. With more and larger rooms, your own kitchen and refrigerator, you have much more flexibility. This type of accommodation is usually cheaper for several people or groups, making it ideal for families, digital nomads, and self-caterers.

For more information on vacation rentals, check out our article on the apartments and vacation homes in Holbox. In it, we give you tips on which accommodations are particularly recommended, how much they cost, and the amenities you can expect.

Studios, apartments, vacation rentals, and vacation homes on Holbox Island.
All About Holbox Apartments

Hostels in Holbox – Affordable, sociable, and perfect for backpackers

If you want to stay on the island for longer or as cheaply as possible, a hostel in Holbox is the best option. Hostels are particularly popular with backpackers who want to socialize. You will find common rooms where you can eat, cook, or just hang out. Many hostels offer exciting leisure activities and parties. In addition to dorms, there are also more comfortable double rooms with significantly more privacy.

On our page about the best hostels in Holbox, we recommend one that suits your needs and inform you about the leisure activities offered and the costs you can expect.

The best hostels on Holbox Island in Mexico
To the Best Hostels on Holbox

Camping on Holbox – Pure nature and the cheapest option

You can even camp on Holbox in Mexico, which is the cheapest way to stay on the island. This type of accommodation is ideal for nature lovers who want flexibility and independence. You don’t even need to bring your own tent. You can simply rent one or book a cabana. Some Holbox campsites are attached to a hostel, which means even more amenities and opportunities to socialize.

Find all the information you need about locations, facilities, and prices in our Holbox Camping Guide.

Camping on Holbox Island at sunset on the beach
To the Holbox Camping Guide

Where Should You Stay in Holbox? Locations and Neighborhoods

One important criterion for choosing the right accommodation is its location. Although Holbox has no official neighborhoods, the island can be divided into three areas: center, beach, and interior.

Isla Holbox map with hotel zones
The hotel zones on Isla Holbox

The center (Holbox downtown) – Lively and everything within walking distance

If you prefer to be close to the beach, restaurants, and nightlife, this location is ideal. Almost everything is within a 10-minute walk. There are many accommodations in the center, ranging from affordable hostels and apartments to mid-range hotels. However, during the high season and major celebrations such as Carnival, it can get noisy around the main square and along the main road to the harbor. One or two side streets away, it is much quieter.

  • Pros: Walking distance to everything, large selection of affordable accommodations, authentic flair.
  • Cons: It can get noisy (golf carts, music), less privacy.
The main street in the center of Holbox, where it can get noisy for overnight stays.
It can get noisy in the center of Holbox

The beach (Playa Holbox) – Close to the sea and beach clubs

The most beautiful and exclusive places to stay are located along the northern coast of Holbox Island, where the beach stretches for miles. Here, you will find accommodations ranging from upscale, mid-range, and stylish boutique hotels to luxury resorts with restaurants, spas, pools, and private beach clubs. They are ideal for beach vacationers looking for a comfortable and relaxing beach vacation with Caribbean vibes, as well as for couples wanting to spend their honeymoon.

If your accommodation is close to the center, you can walk to the heart of the town in just a few minutes. Further east (towards Punta Mosquito), the area is unspoiled and quiet. The west (towards Punta Cocos) is similar, where breathtaking sunsets and bioluminescence await you at night. However, it takes longer to get to the center.

  • Pros: Direct beach access, sound of the sea, high-quality hotels.
  • Cons: Higher prices, in the far east and west, you often need a golf cart or taxi.
On the beach, where the most beautiful Holbox accommodations are located.
The best accommodations are right on the beach.

The interior of the island – Quiet and cheaper

The locations in the interior of the island, east and west of the town center, are cheaper and well-suited for those seeking peace and quiet. You will find all types of accommodations here, from simple hotels and vacation apartments offering good value for money, to dreamy boutique hotels with wellness programs. If you stay close to the center, the beach, restaurants, and shops are not far away. However, dining and shopping options are limited in the far west of the island, near Punta Cocos.

  • Pros: Lower prices, quiet, proximity to bioluminescence at Punta Cocos.
  • Cons: Longer distances, need for a taxi or bicycle in the far west, and hardly any restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

Things to Know When Choosing Your Accommodation

  • Air conditioning (A/C): Holbox is very warm and humid year-round, so air conditioning is recommended. Some cheaper accommodations only have fans.
  • Wi-Fi: The internet is usually very slow on the island, even in luxury hotels. If you need a reliable internet connection for work, check the Wi-Fi reviews beforehand or purchase a local SIM card.
  • Water: Water pressure may fluctuate and the water supply may be cut off for a few hours, albeit rarely. Tap water is not drinkable!
  • Electricity: The island’s power supply is not particularly stable. Short power outages occur from time to time. These tend to affect smaller accommodations that do not have emergency power supplies.

Learn more about this and other peculiarities on our “Insider Tips” page.

How Much Does Accommodation on Holbox Cost? – Prices and Seasons

In addition to the type and location of your desired accommodation, your budget is probably the most important factor. The cost of an overnight stay on Holbox depends not only on your requirements, but varies considerably depending on the season. The following list provides an initial indication of the price range:

  • Budget: approx. 35-90 USD (26-70 GBP /50-130 CAD) per night for hostels, studios, simple hotels, and apartments
  • Mid-range: approx. 90-230 USD (70-175 GBP / 130-325 CAD) per night for hotels, vacation apartments, small boutique hotels
  • Premium: from 230 USD (175 GBP / 325 CAD) and up for beach hotels, adults-only hotels, and luxury resorts

High or low season – Flexibility pays off

The best time to visit Holbox is during the dry season, from December to April. This period is considered the peak season, when prices are at their highest. Especially at Christmas and Easter, the rush is so great that accommodation is often twice as expensive as in the seasons before or after. Additionally, many celebrations take place on the island during this time, providing fun and exuberance, but can be exhausting for those seeking peace and quiet. During the low season, it is usually much cheaper and quieter. Visit our “Travel Time and Climate” page to find out which months are particularly suitable.

Where should you book accommodations on Holbox?

Most accommodations can be conveniently booked via Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo, Hostelworld, or Airbnb. Some properties also have their own websites where you can make direct inquiries and reservations. With a few exceptions, you will hardly find any offers at travel agencies. Booking through well-known online platforms has clear advantages, especially regarding cancellation and payment conditions, and it allows you to easily compare prices. For longer stays, booking directly may be slightly cheaper.

When is the best time to book?

Since prices vary greatly depending on the season, availability is also affected. In the high season, the best accommodations are often booked up months in advance, so it is recommended to book at least 3-6 months before arrival. During the off-season, good Holbox lodging options can often be found at short notice. Nevertheless, it is advisable to book 1-2 months ahead for this period as well, since the selection is greater and prices are lowest then.

FAQ

Questions and answers about accommodations on Isla Holbox.

It depends on what you are looking for:

  • For beach lovers: Playa Holbox in the north of the island is ideal. You have the beach right on your doorstep, and it is quieter than in the center.
  • For night owls and budget travelers: The center is perfect for accessing restaurants and bars within a few minutes’ walk.
  • For peace and romance: Stay towards Punta Cocos (west) or Punta Mosquito (east). It’s secluded, but you’ll often need a taxi or bike to reach the center.

We recommend booking without breakfast. Isla Holbox is famous for its great cafés and breakfast spots. It’s much more fun to explore a new café every morning and enjoy fresh juices, chilaquiles, or avocado toast.

Yes, we strongly recommend accommodations with A/C. Holbox has a tropical, humid climate almost year-round. Air conditioning also helps to keep mosquitoes out of the bedroom. Be sure to check this when booking, as cheaper accommodations often only have fans.

Be prepared for slow Wi-Fi in general on Holbox Island. This is true even for more expensive hotels. If you are a digital nomad who needs to work, consider getting a Mexican SIM card (Telcel usually works well) to be on the safe side.

Holbox is more expensive than mainland Mexico, but there are options for every budget.

  • Hostels/budget: 18–50 USD per night
  • Studios, apartments: 50–140 USD per night
  • Mid-range hotels: 90–230 USD per night
  • Boutique, luxury hotels: from 230 USD and up

Prices can be significantly higher during the high season (Christmas and Easter).

For trips between December and April, you should book several months in advance because hotels tend to fill up quickly during this period. Outside of these months, you may be able to find good deals on short notice as well.

Conclusion – Finding the Ideal Accommodation in Holbox

There are many different types of accommodations on Holbox. The range is almost overwhelming and extends from hostels and apartments to boutique hotels and luxury resorts. In our overview, we show you the types of accommodations available on the island, their respective pros and cons, and who they are best suited for. We also provide an overview of location, cost, and booking. Use our detailed guides for specific tips, prices, and personal recommendations. You are sure to find your ideal place to stay in Holbox!