I'll admit, at first, we were unsure of the place. It was a little isolated (a 7-10 min taxi ride from the ferry dock - 50 pesos) and the rooms lacked the modern luxuries and decor expected in a tourist trap like the Mexican Carribean (no telephones). However, after 1 night at the place, we never wanted to leave. If you are looking for a quiet, clean, affordable getaway, look no further than Cristalmar. The semi-private white-sanded beach was to die for and the pool just metres away from the shoreline was truly paradise. The breakfasts were unmatched anywhere else on the island and very very cheap. The staff was friendly and welcoming and organized many excursions for us, everything from the renting of a golf cart to a day-trip to Chitzen-Itza. The sunsets were amazing and due to the western exposure of the island, much more visible than staying in Cancun. I would never think of staying anywhere else than Isla Mujeres and Cristalmar is the perfect getaway for anyone.... Don't ever judge a book by its cover!

We booked this week stay via Interval Int'l as a Mini Vacation as we are Time Share owners and wanted to return to Cancun (Isla Mujeres) after visiting the island in Feb. The price was quite low for a 2 bedroom apt.& I immediately was very sceptical of the accommodations even before the arrival. After little sleep, flight and finally getting here - my assumptions were accurate to say the least. Very old and poorly maintained establishment. The Front Desk attendant was doing a good job trying to please us as he knew I was not a Happy Camper and wouldn't be if I remained here for 7 day's. The kitchen was unfit to do anything in - electric burners looked like they were last used in 1960 and the same for the rest of the apt. However, I will say, it was clean just very old-fashioned.
The only good thing I could say is that the cat's loved me and I made a special trip to a great grocer on the island named Tony & purchased moist & dry food to nourish them as often as I could.
Water wasn't fit for drinking in apt. so upon arrival we were given a large plastic bottle of water and told we could refill as often as necessary in office/lobby. What a hastle when you needed to make coffee. My husband just took the carafe from pot to office for fill-up. We did end up checking out & moving to another place closer to downtown without too much complaining as it's just not worth it sometimes. We didn't loose too much other than the first 2 day's figuring out where to re-locate.

This hotel should not even be considered in the Interval Int'l exchange book as it is not up to the rating standard of even an Average hotel. Staff was helpful when renting a golf cart.

Beach not good. Nothing much here. Turtle Farm & Dolphin Discovery nearby within walking distance.

I didn't stay at the cristalmar but at a GREAT place down the beach without out a resturant
went to the cristalmar for drinks and dinner several times and each time it was worse


The staff is rude, the food is barely OK. Expect to wait 15- to - 20 minutes for a waiter to ask for your order. Don't be afraid to go to the bar and ask for a drink, don't be set back by rude response. Most of all if you go..........don't go .......... don't be afaid to tip little or none as your experience dictates.

I can only imagine what the rest of the place is like based on what I experienced.

I stayed here last year with my family and I am planning to return this february again. It's not a fancy hotel but it is quiet clean and everyone that works there has a wonderful attitude. There are alot of stray animals in Mexico in general so you do see stray cats and dogs but they are all quite friendly and entertaining, as many of the locals call them loco!! There are tons of playas within walking distance if you are into partying and if you are adventurous just down the beach you can find this old turtle aquarium which still has many in tanks that are looked after by the owners. The best tip I have for staying here is to take the bus cause its a short walk away and super cheap, plus it doesn't get very busy. This isn't a hotel for the prissy but I recommend it for anyone that just wants to get away from it all.