Popular with families for its reasonable prices and large units, Nautibeach Condos is a relaxed hotel on gorgeous Playa Norte. The 28 condos are privately owned, and therefore the layout, decor, and amenities vary significantly from room to room. The most basic unit is the Regular Single, which includes a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. At the other end of the spectrum are the enormous Two-Bedroom Suites, which offer kitchens with full-size fridges and two-burner stovetops, in addition to separate dining areas, living rooms, and scenic balconies or patios. For guests seeking self-catering condos, Nautibeach has no real rivals on the island when it comes to affordability and location: the main beach right outside, and the buzzing downtown area is under 1,000 feet away.

Hotel Rocamar is a simple, contemporary budget option that's best for guests who plan to be out and about. It has a great location against the rocky coastline (no beach access) in downtown Isla Mujeres, just a three-minute walk from the shops, bars, and restaurants on downtown's main strips. All 32 rooms are modern but low on frills, with polished tile floors, minimalist decor, and a decent amount of space. The AC is strong, but the water pressure is weak. The glass-encased bathrooms are not for the shy and get mixed reviews. The most popular rooms at the hotel are the Ocean View Rooms. These rooms have stellar, uninterrupted views of the ocean and bring in the sounds of the waves crashing against the coastline. Each balcony has a set of chairs and a hammock. The outdoor pool is a popular spot with a few loungers, chairs, and ocean views. Freebies include parking, purified water, and Wi-Fi. 

A 15-minute drive from the core of downtown, Maria's Kan-kin is a charming, laid-back hotel where the gorgeous beach is the main attraction. The nine individually decorated suites are pleasant, but slightly rough around the edges, and some guests complain of hard beds or poor water pressure. Still, they're a good value, and many can accommodate larger groups or families. Its private beach is small but lovely, and the restaurant and outdoor pool offer picturesque views over the coast. But the service is rather relaxed. (There's no real lobby, just a small office that’s often locked or unstaffed, causing new arrivals to wander in search of assistance.) Free Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant, and free parking is offered on-site. 

The three-pearl Hotel Bahia Chac Chi is a favorite among young couples and small families because of its two-block proximity from the ferry port and walking distance to downtown and the beach. The 25 rooms are spacious and contemporary, though feel a bit basic due to nothing on the walls and simple furniture. Expect a balcony with or without ocean view, quality showers with multiple showerheads, automated lights and drapes, and mostly Spanish-language channels on the LED TVs. The courtyard pool is tiny but pleasant, while the lobby bar doesn't get much love. A free continental buffet breakfast, plus a casual lunch and dinner menu, are served in the top-floor restaurant. Free Wi-Fi, parking, and a welcome drink are provided.

Marina Paraiso Hotel is a low-key hotel with a welcoming ambience and charming bay views. The 20 cheerful and meticulously clean guest rooms have mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, but also dated decor. Most feature small patios overlooking the surrounding gardens. The hotel’s four suites offer futons and kitchens with full-size refrigerators, stoves, cookware, and cute kitchen bars. As the hotel’s name suggests, the property encompasses a 42-slip marina, as well as an on-site dive shop offering dives and PADI certification courses. The hotel’s restaurant and bar, Barlito, is open for all meals and provides poolside service at the outdoor pool, and the palapa-roofed bar often features live music.

Though not a resort, Villas Coco Resort is a relaxed value property that has more to offer than might initially appear. Everything here is laid-back, from the casual check-in and basic bar to the simple pool area and spacious rooms. The 16 rooms are all the same, and include a sunken bedroom area off of the basic kitchenettes (which have mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and free bottled water, but no dishes and no free coffee). Balconies are furnished with basic plastic chairs; at night it gets quiet enough to hear the waves crashing in the distance. The hotel's Punta Sur location toward the southern tip of the island isn't that convenient and it's easy to feel the lack of restaurant here. The free breakfast is light but good, and there are snacks for sale and books to borrow in the lobby. Wi-Fi and parking are free.

Hotel Cabanas Maria Del Mar's biggest virtue is its quiet, central location that's a one-minute walk from beautiful Playa Norte. (The island’s downtown area can be reached in less than five minutes on foot.) The hotel's 73 rooms are simple and convenient, though decor is noticeably in need of an update. All rooms include balconies or terraces, many feature attractive views of the beach or the lovely outdoor pool surrounded by beautiful gardens. A free continental breakfast is served at the open-air restaurant and beach bar, which also offers free Wi-Fi and sunset happy hours.