We were very much looking forward to staying in El Panchan and at Ed and Margarita's after reading the lovely reviews, however we were a little disappointed.

The lovely Margarita that everyone writes about was nowhere to be seen and instead the only contact we had was with a rather grumpy mexican young man who seemed to spend more time texting on his phone than looking after guests. You were made to feel like you were seriously disturbing him if you asked a question.

Our room was actually better than we expected. It was large and very clean. However, although they advertise everywhere that they have hot water, we were unable to get any. It was good value for money though, at only 300 pesos.

It was ok for the one night we were there but not the fabulous place that others write about.

The owner of a restaurant in Merida advised to stay in El Panchan, rather than the city when we visited Palenque as it was much safer. I can't comment on the city as we were hardly there but Margarita & Ed's place was ideal. Not only is it's location perfect for seeing the amazing Mayan Ruins and the waterfalls but it's also a very good hotel. We paid a bit extra and got a more expensive room as we were only staying for one night, but even then the price was reasonable. Nice big room with an on-suite bathroom and hot shower. There was no breakfast but 1 minute on foot down the path you'll find places to eat. It's located close to a tour operators that offer reasonably priced trips to the ruins and waterfalls. Margarita was also very helpful with advise about trips and bus timetables.

Nice location in two ways - the El Panchan area being just outside the park gates and Margarita & Ed's cabanas being hidden back in the bush away from the noisier areas around Don Mucho's and Mono Loco. We stayed in the new annex further back and were surprised at how new (Mar/11) and modern the rooms were. Nice, comfortable, big, and with a terrific hot shower.

we stayed one day in a private room, which was very spacious and very clean. Margarita is very friendly (the rest of the staff not so much, if i have to find a drawback). There are mosquito nets and it is also safe enough since there are bars on the windows and a door which closes with the key on the corridor of each building. The bad thing is that the check out is early (at 11) and it is very hot, so you will need a shower especially if you have to wait for the night bus... There is a kind of a wooden cabin to take a shower, but i think they could definitively make it better, since it is in the back yard, and it seemed rather abandoned-Overall, i would surely recommend this place for an experience in the jungle!