My family and I stayed at Gran Marlon’s on many previous occasions. We are from Belize and we always go to Chetumal for pleasure. We usually make our reservations by phone and pay upon arrival. In the summer of this year, we showed up as usual, with prior reservations, and we were surprised at the cold reception we got. I don’t know if management has since changed but this is not the same Gran Marlon’s reception we were accustomed to.

The lady at the front desk related to us without any hesitation that all the rooms were full. I asked her to check again because we made reservation and we were promised 2 double rooms payable upon our arrival. The stern - faced receptionist stated that she can only offer us accommodations at the rundown Motel Marlon, in front of them. Perhaps she deems the rundown motel more ‘fitting’ for our standard.

I exited the Hotel and stood across the street, from where I called the same receptionist on a cell phone, pretending to be a tourist from the US, on my second honeymoon. She bought the story, and miraculously, not only were there rooms available, but the very resourceful receptionist, who just refused us service, was willing to hold the room for me until late that night. She even offered the name of her relief, in case her shift was over when I arrived.

I don’t think I'll b staying at Marlon's again, as I rather go where my hard earned cash is appreciated. On a good note, my family and I went to Los Cocos Hotel for a few more bucks, but the money was well spent as the service was remarkable and the staff was very professional. Really, we were disappointed about the Gran Marlon's experience, but we soon recuperated in the Jacuzzi at Los Cocos Hotel.

We have been visiting Chetumal and staying at the Marlon Hotel every year for 14 years. We are very happy with the service and house keeping. Price vs. quality, were happy. Our favorite part has to be the restaurant. It has never failed in 14 years to provide quality, service and affordability. If you are looking for a 5 star hotel, this is only a 4 star at 3 star prices. It is definitely worth the price and has a pool, internet etc. This is 1/3 the price of Holiday Inn. So do not expect Holiday Inn.

This hotel was a nightmare. First let me tell you that I am the least picky person when it comes to hotels. All I need is a clean bed and nice staff and I am content.
The first problem was we needed 2 nights stay and they could only give us one, but didn't tell us till after they took my credit card. The room itself was a mess. There were ants crawling all over one of the beds, the mattress was like sleeping on a rock, which we almost were, since the 5" thick mattress was sitting on a cement block.
When I got ready to take a shower, I couldn't find the towels, so I called to get us some. They brought one up, but they knew it was two of us in the room. As we were headed out for a nite in town, the receptionist asked if we had found the towels and when I said yes, that I had finally found them, she made me go back up to my room and get them for her. (Why did she them at 11pm?)
And of course, in the morning, we were woke up by all the construction noice from across the street. At 7 am on a Saturday morning.
To say the least, you'd be better off spending the night in a rental car!!