Visitors coming to Cancun on a budget will find the Calypso Hotel comparable to several downtown hotels in terms of price. The downside is that the hotel isn’t within walking distance of any of the major attractions -- or anything other than a couple of smaller and lesser-known beaches that aren't as nice as those in the rest of the Hotel Zone.

The hotel has seen better days. Hot water heaters rarely work as expected, grout is missing in many of the showers, the toilets often take multiple flushes to work, and the once fully furnished kitchens have been removed from the suites after issues with gas lines. The entryway and lobby are well-decorated and clean, but the rest of the building is in need of repairs.

That being said, the garden and pools behind the hotel offer a respite from the tropical heat. The location between the heart of the Hotel Zone and the mainland itself may appeal to those mixing business with pleasure, and there are 24/7 transport options in either direction by bus or taxi. 

Located just across the street from the Cancun Theater, the Calypso is within a 15-minute walk of Playa Langosta. Its location on the canal that leads from the lagoon out to the ocean allows for views in both directions and down the length of tourist strip. And while the hotel has no direct access to the beach, there are several options within walking distance of the hotel on the other side of the boulevard. Bear in mind that that they aren't the best beaches in Cancun; Langosta is a far cry from Playa Delfines at the other end of the Hotel Zone. And while the Calypso and nearby resorts may promote their locations as beachfront, the nearby beaches are actually public beaches, so expect to see more than just hotel guests.

Meanwhile, both the R1 and R2 buses offer direct transport to the rest of the Hotel Zone, as well as into downtown for additional cultural activities, supermarkets, restaurants, banking, and even a Sam’s Club and a Costco. Trips to either take 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. 

The years have not been kind to the Calypso's rooms, and the age of the hotel shows in the cracked grout and tiles, chipped and peeling paint, and faulty plumbing. In the suites, expect stark space with pipe stub-outs where the kitchen stove and cabinets were once located. The decor itself is adequate for the price, and includes dark wood furniture, orange bed runners to match the walls, and paintings.

There are 125 rooms, including nine Suites that can accommodate groups or families. The only real difference between any of the rooms is size and extra furniture. All Standard Rooms come with two double beds, air-conditioning, cable television, and balcony views, but little in the way of extra comforts. The same goes for the Suites, although they offer king-size beds. Children under 11 can stay for free if using existing beds.

All of the bathrooms come with showers and basic tioletries, although hot water can be an issue, and the toilets sometimes do not flush very well. This is a common problem in the Riviera Maya due to mineral buildups in the pipes, and general age combined with lack of maintenance. 

While there is an on-site restaurant that offers a continental breakfast (included in The Continental Plan), bear in mind that this is a budget hotel, and the restaurant matches. Standard Mexican dishes are available for middle-of-the-road prices, and room service is available.

The hotel owns the building in front of the actual grounds, directly on the main avenue. A small mini-mart is available where snacks, refreshments, and beer are sold, plus there is a tour vendor. However, the nearest supermarket and shopping center are at Plaza Caracol, deeper into the Hotel Zone via bus or taxi.

There are 45 parking spaces available for guests, and free security box storage is available at the front desk. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the lobby and gardens, which makes poolside lounging an option if work crops up, but it’s not available in any of the rooms. There are two pools to choose from, each with their own loungers, while the one further back on the property also has covered areas with tables and chairs for outdoor eating.