AWA Hotel Boutique — Hotel in Isla Holbox

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TL;DR: Pretty but disappointing. Service and attention don’t live up to Michelin Guide hype.

➖ No pre-arrival communication or welcome ➖ Wrong room given, perks mishandled, poor follow-through ➖ Front desk staff (esp. the main person) unhelpful & unwelcoming ➖ Mosquitoes will eat you alive ➖ Late checkout perk made to feel like a “favor,” despite proof ➕ Beautiful, Instagram-friendly property ➕ Waiters, cleaning team & bartenders were wonderful ➕ Manager did try to fix things, though fell short

If you care more about looks than service, you might still enjoy AWA, but for the same price, Casa Las Tortugas offered far superior service, location, and value.

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Full review:

We were really excited to stay at AWA Holbox Hotel Boutique, especially because it’s listed in the Michelin Guide and highly recommended by many. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet expectations, particularly after just staying at Casa Las Tortugas, which was the same price but delivered Michelin-level service without even being in the Guide.

One of the first red flags: there was no communication from AWA at all before or on the day of our arrival. I even reached out via WhatsApp and didn’t get a response until days later, when we were already checked in.

When we arrived, the front desk staff just handed us our keys, took a deposit, and had someone carry our bags. No welcome drinks, no explanation of amenities, nothing. They also gave us the wrong room (we booked a two-bed but were given a one-bed). We stood there awkwardly while the manager, Miguel, said nothing, until we finally said it was fine to keep the room.

We booked through the Michelin Guide with a Plus membership, which includes perks like an upgrade (if available), $25/day credit, a welcome treat, and late checkout. None of that was ready or mentioned. Only after we asked did they even look at the reservation notes.

We also brought up the late checkout benefit at the end of our stay, and even though I showed proof of it, Miguel made it sound like they were just “doing us a favor” to let us check out late, rather than acknowledging it was part of our booked perks. He was polite and did try to correct the other mistakes, but it still left us feeling dismissed.

What really stood out, in a bad way, was the attitude of the other front desk staff member, the main person behind the check-in counter. He was visibly uninterested, cold, and didn’t even want to engage with us when we had questions. For a boutique hotel at this price point, the front desk is supposed to make you feel welcomed and cared for, and they absolutely didn’t.

On the bright side, everyone else we interacted with, the waiters, cleaning staff, bartenders, was incredibly kind, friendly, and professional. Unfortunately, the very people who are supposed to set the tone for your stay were the most disappointing part.

The property itself is beautiful, very Instagram-friendly, but it lacks attention to detail. Service feels inconsistent and disorganized. For these rates, you expect a polished, seamless experience, and this fell short.

If you’re just here for the aesthetics, you might enjoy AWA. But if you’re looking for a luxury experience with great service and care, I’d recommend staying at Casa Las Tortugas instead, it was truly outstanding and much more...

We stayed at AWA for 6 nights - this was our second time in Holbox and although we love the location which is situated just a 15 minute walk from town I have to give AWA only 2 stars because they have missed the mark on guest comfort. Another review mentioned the “design of the hotel, to which a lot of attention was paid and the whole thing was presented very attractively. Unfortunately, at the expense of the guest benefit” and I couldn’t agree more. Firstly, I strongly believe this should be an adults only hotel, we did not have our children with us but we did observe another couple with young children asking the hotel manager if they could be refunded because the property is not suited for young children. The beach is quite small with minimal space for children to play and there is very little shade.

The room & property was absolutely beautiful & I wanted to LOVE this place so much but I continued to find myself more disappointed by the day. The water in the room smells exactly like sewage all of the time, when you shower the entire room begins to smell and you can’t help but feel dirty. I completely understand that this is an island with very limited infrastructure and resources but the hotel needs to do something to improve this.. a water filtration system or something needs to be installed in the hotel. I got sick and I’m pretty certain it was from accidentally ingesting a small amount of this water at some point.

The rooms do not include a mini fridge & although the pillows and sheets were nice the mattress was quite stiff and uncomfortable.

Lastly the restaurant… I found the prices to be high considering the portions. We ate at the restaurant a few times, the first time we had lobster rolls and fish tacos. The lobster rolls were delicious but the fish tacos lacked flavour. When I was sick I ordered oatmeal to the room which came with a caramelized banana on top and that was fantastic. We had breakfast 2 other times and the serving size was quite small with only some spinach on the side, no garnishes, sides like potatoes or fruit. I ordered the quesadilla trio and not only were they tiny but they came with no sauces and literally one table spoon of pico de gallo for all three.

Service.. each time we sat at the restaurant as hotel guests we need to ask for menus, not once did they offer menus before being flagged down. The staff don’t seem happy.. I’ve been to plenty of other properties where the staff are happy to serve you, to make small talk and have fun but unfortunately that’s missing here, there’s just no heart in it.

Overall, I just think this property is extremely overpriced all around for the value you receive and that is what has earned them this 2...

Nestled on the picturesque beaches of Holbox, the newly inaugurated Awa Hotel emerges as a beacon of modern luxury and serene beachfront living. This contemporary property, subtly tucked away from the bustling center, resides in what's swiftly becoming Holbox's most upscale region, offering an exclusive and tranquil experience.

The architectural genius of Awa is evident in its key design features. A rooftop pool, a standout attraction, offers panoramic views that seamlessly blend the lush jungle with the azure ocean. Each room on the first floor boasts direct access to a swimming pool, creating a unique and luxurious experience. The inclusion of bathtubs positioned to overlook the ocean adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Accommodations at Awa are nothing short of spacious and lavish. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, ensuring comfort in Holbox's tropical climate. The beds are notably comfortable, promising a restful sleep. A commendable aspect is the effective sound isolation, allowing for peaceful relaxation. The large windows not only usher in natural light but also frame the stunning natural scenery outside. Moreover, the inclusion of a well-designed shower enhances the overall room experience.

Awa's rooftop presents an awe-inspiring vista, where the vastness of the jungle meets the majesty of the ocean. This view alone is worth the visit, offering moments of unparalleled tranquility and beauty.

The hotel's restaurant has swiftly claimed its spot as one of Holbox's culinary jewels. The menu, a diverse array of flavors, changes regularly, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining experience each time. Our culinary journey included perfectly crafted tacos, delectable French fries, a flavorsome tostada, succulent ribeye steak, expertly grilled shrimp, traditional chilaquiles, and much more. The chef's passion for desserts is palpable in every sweet creation, and the pizza, widely acclaimed as the best on the island, certainly lives up to its reputation. A significant highlight is the restaurant's attentiveness to dietary restrictions, with splendid gluten-free options available.

In today's connected world, Awa's implementation of Starlink for Internet access is a thoughtful touch, ensuring guests remain seamlessly connected at impressive speeds.

In summary, Awa Hotel in Holbox is a triumph of modern design and luxurious comfort, coupled with culinary excellence. It stands as a premium destination for those seeking a blend of tranquility, luxury, and a gourmet experience, all set against the backdrop of Holbox's stunning...