We travelled to Isla with my brother & sister in law. The owners & their staff/family were wonderful!!!!!!! I highly recommend a relaxing stay here! We'll be back!

I moved to the Francis Arlene after 2 disastrous weeks at El Caracol. My new room was bright, sunny, with a balcony and view of the beach. What more could you ask for? Everyone (staff and other guests) were friendly and helpful. Most of the guests were repeat visitors and knew the Island and where to go. I'd return in a heartbeat.

the place and staff are pleasant but burdened by cheap management which makes the hotel undesirable. spotty maid service, no TV, air conditioning in only some rooms, smelly toilets, no beach towels. IF YOU BOOK HERE DO IT BY THE NIGHT BECAUSE THEY REQUIRE FULL PAYMENT FOR THE WHOLE STAY AND WILL NOT ALLOW YOU LEAVE FOR ANOTHER HOTEL WITHOUT FULL FORFEITURE. there are several nicer hotels in the area at less price.

Our family of 5 (three teenagers) made a spur-of-the moment decision to stay on Isla Mujeres for our final night in Mexico, and a friend suggested we might find accomodations at the Francis Arlene. Virginia at the front desk greeted us, and within minutes we were changing in to our suits and headed for the beach. She had a triple available for the teens, and my husband and I had a king room. She actually gave me a discounte on the posted prices without my even asking. The rooms are super clean -- some have air condition and television -- and some don't. You might also ask for a room on the main floor if you're someone who can't or doesn't want to climb stairs. Because it's owned by a local Mexican couple, the amenities are typical of that country -- you won't find face cloths, hand towels, shampoo, etc. You should plan on bringing your own products, beach towel, blower dryer, etc. The fellow who owns the hotel is a member of one of the founding families of the island, has been mayor of the island, lived in the US at a young age, and is extremely interesting to talk with once you get to know him. This hotel is a short walk to Playa Norte and a block away from the walking path that runs along the rocky shore and open sea. We walked 2 blocks down the street to the local market in the morning, where we purchased fresh-squeezed fruit juices and great sopes, huaraches and panuchos for very little. The Hotel is an easy stroll from the ferry pier. You can haul your own luggage or snag one of the guys with the triciclos and he'll take your bags right to the hotel. We plan to return to the Francis Arlene later this year and will reserve one of the rooms with kitchen.