Accommodation in Mexico

Understanding Your Accommodation Voucher

Your accommodation voucher is the official document confirming your reservation and pre-payment. It is essential for a smooth check-in process.

Information it contains:

• The full name, address, and telephone number of your hotel.
• Your unique booking confirmation number.
• Your scheduled check-in and check-out dates.
• The specific room type and meal plan you have booked (e.g., All-Inclusive, European Plan).

Action required:

• Please print a physical copy of the voucher to keep with your travel documents. We also recommend saving a digital version (a screenshot or PDF) to your phone for easy access.
• You will need to present this voucher at the hotel’s front desk when you arrive.

It is imperative that the lead guest’s name on the accommodation voucher matches the name on their passport exactly. Discrepancies can lead to significant delays or complications during check-in.

Common Types of Accommodation in Mexico

All-Inclusive Resorts

• What’s typically included: Your room, all meals in buffet and à la carte restaurants, snacks, domestic and international alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Most resorts also include access to non-motorized water sports (like kayaking and snorkeling) and a schedule of daily activities and nightly entertainment.
• What might NOT be included: Be aware that premium or top-shelf spirits, spa treatments, motorized water sports, and off-site excursions are usually offered at an additional cost.
• Wristbands: Upon check-in, you will receive a resort wristband. This must be worn for the duration of your stay as it identifies you as a guest with access to the all-inclusive amenities.
• Restaurant Reservations: While buffets are open-access, many of the specialty à la carte restaurants on the property require advance reservations. We strongly advise making any desired dinner reservations on your first day to ensure the best availability and dining times.

European Plan (EP) Hotels

• Definition: A European Plan booking includes only the cost of your room. All meals, beverages, and activities must be paid for separately.
• Best for: This option is ideal for travelers who wish to have the flexibility to explore the local culinary scene and anticipate spending most of their time sightseeing outside of the hotel.
• Budgeting: If you are staying at an EP hotel, remember to factor the cost of daily meals, snacks, and drinks for all travelers into your overall budget.

Boutique Hotels & Haciendas

• Characteristics: These are typically smaller, often family-run or independently owned properties celebrated for their unique character, thoughtful design, and highly personalized service.
• Haciendas: Particularly common in the Yucatán Peninsula, haciendas are historic agricultural estates that have been meticulously restored and converted into luxury hotels. They offer a unique glimpse into the region’s history.
• Experience: A stay at one of these properties provides a more intimate and culturally immersive experience. While they may offer fewer restaurant choices than a large resort, the quality of the cuisine and the attentiveness of the service are often exceptional.

Vacation Rentals (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo)

• Check-in Process: The procedure for accessing your rental can vary greatly. Instructions may involve a lockbox with a code, a pre-arranged in-person key exchange with the host, or a digital code for an electronic lock.
• Communication: It is crucial to communicate your estimated arrival time with your host well in advance to ensure they are prepared for your check-in.
• Stocking Up: Unlike hotels, you are responsible for purchasing your own groceries, drinking water, and other daily supplies.
• Security Deposit: Most vacation rentals require a security deposit, which is typically handled and held by the booking platform and refunded after a successful check-out.

The Check-in Process

Required Documents

Please have the following ready to present upon arrival at your accommodation:

• Passport: A valid passport is the primary form of identification required for all registered adult guests.
• Accommodation Voucher: Your printed or digital confirmation.
• Credit Card: The hotel will require a credit card for incidental charges, even if your stay has been fully pre-paid.

Incidental Hold / Security Deposit

• Purpose: Hotels place a temporary hold on a credit card to cover any potential extra charges incurred during your stay, such as room service, mini-bar items, or damages. This is a standard industry practice.
• Amount: The amount of the hold varies by property. We advise you to check your credit card’s available limit before you travel to ensure you are prepared for this temporary charge.
• Release: The hold is not an actual charge. It is typically released by the hotel within a few business days of your check-out, provided no incidental charges were made to your room.

Resort Fees & Local Taxes

• Resort Fees: Some properties, particularly in major resort destinations, charge a mandatory daily resort fee. This fee covers amenities such as Wi-Fi, pool towel service, or fitness center access and is paid directly to the hotel upon check-in or check-out.
• Environmental/Sanitation Tax: Many municipalities in Mexico (such as those in the state of Quintana Roo) levy a small environmental or sanitation tax. This is a local government tax, not a hotel fee, and is charged per room, per night. It is almost never included in pre-paid travel packages and must be paid locally at the hotel.

Hotel Amenities & On-site Services

Water Safety

• Tap Water: We strongly advise against drinking tap water in Mexico.
• Provided Water: Your hotel or resort will provide purified bottled water in your room daily. This water is safe for drinking and should also be used for brushing your teeth.
• Ice: Ice served in hotels, resorts, and reputable restaurants is made from purified water and is perfectly safe to consume.

Electrical Outlets & Voltage

• Type: Mexico uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets, which are the same two- and three-pronged plugs used in the United States and Canada.
• Voltage: The standard voltage is 127 V at a frequency of 60 Hz.
• Adapters: Travelers from North America will not need a plug adapter or a voltage converter for their devices. Travelers from Europe and other regions using 220-240 V systems will require a plug adapter and may need a voltage converter for devices that are not dual-voltage (such as hair dryers or electric razors).

Tipping Housekeeping and Staff

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for good service. While discretionary, it is highly valued by the staff.

• Housekeeping: It is customary to leave a daily tip for your room attendant. A suggested amount is US$2-5 per day (or the equivalent in Mexican Pesos).
• Where to leave it: Please leave the tip on the pillow or in a clearly marked envelope to ensure it is received by the correct person.
• Bellhops & Porters: A tip of US$1-2 per bag is appropriate for staff who assist with your luggage.