With a reputation for attracting loyal repeat guests and an easy-to-miss entrance, Casa Sirena Hotel feels secret and exclusive. Stepping into the low-lit lobby carries the same sense of privilege as being invited into someone’s family home, an impression further enhanced by the hotel’s hands-on owner, Steve, who welcomes each guest like an old friend. The homey ambiance of the hotel is appropriate considering its setting in a restored Spanish colonial-style residence. There’s a story behind almost every piece of artwork here, giving the hotel a strong sense of place -- you don’t need to step outside to feel immersed in the local culture. Free cocktails in the evening, with Steve manning the bar and telling stories about the island, help to cultivate the feeling that guests here are being hosted, rather than simply renting a room. The hotel mainly draws small groups and couples. With only six guest rooms and cozy common areas, it appeals to those who enjoy socializing with other guests. 

Casa Sirena Hotel is set on the outskirts of the island’s busy downtown core. The street feels secluded from the hustle and bustle of the main drag, yet the entertainment concentrated along Avenida Hidalo is a three-minute walk away. It’s a 10-minute walk to the island’s famous beach, Playa Norte, as well as to a scenic walkway running along the seawall. The Ultramar Ferry Terminal for service to/from Cancun is a three-minute walk away.

Guest rooms at Casa Sirena are adorned with eye-catching artwork that ranges from watercolors of Amsterdam to textured still lifes. Many works were created by regional artists, while others were painted by the owner himself or collected during his travels. Each room is individually decorated, but ebony custom-designed furniture, swirling pasta tile flooring, and colorful Tiffany lamps are found throughout. All rooms include Lands' End canvas beach bags and large beach towels, cotton robes, espresso-makers, and small safes. Many rooms offer furnished balconies with views of the eclectic surrounding buildings and the blue ocean in the distance. Sleek stone-tiled bathrooms include showers stocked with locally-made ginger soap and aloe shampoo.

This petite property doesn't have the features expected of an upper-middle-range hotel -- there's no full restaurant, gym, or business center. Instead, guests receive a much more intimate environment and a few atmospheric perks. Free breakfast is offered each morning in a shady courtyard that opens up off the lobby. Guests have a few basic choices, such as egg sandwiches or granola with yogurt, or they can opt for the featured breakfast special, which changes each day. The pretty courtyard also includes a little triangular plunge pool, and there’s a second plunge pool found up at the hotel’s private rooftop bar. This dazzling open-air space features panoramic views stretching out toward the rugged coastline. The bar’s whitewashed walls are complemented by lovely paintings of the island. Free drinks are offered during the bar’s sunset happy hour each evening. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.