What to expect: The Hotel Mayaland makes staying by the ruins an experience unto itself. Popular with vacationers, the Mayaland can go from calm to bustling in a matter of minutes. The main building has 55 rooms, and the rest are scattered around the property in two- and three-unit bungalows. A series of ancient Mayan paths, known as sac-be, cross the property, leading from the Chichén Itzá ruins to other nearby sites.

Amenity highlights: Originally built in 1923, the Hotel Mayaland has three pools and is surrounded by 100 acres of gardens and trees. The hotel has its own entrance to Chichén Itzá and the observatory—one of the major structures of the site—can be seen from the hotel lobby. During the day, guests tour the ruins, explore the vast hotel grounds, or lounge by the pools. There is a billiards table, souvenir shop, and three restaurants. Each day and evening, local dancers and musicians entertain guests in the restaurants and lobby bar.

Insider tip: Guests of the Mayaland can take a horseback tour to the ruins of Old Chichen, just a short ride through the jungle from the main Chichén Itzá site. Tours depart each day from the back of the hotel.