6 Best Places to Stay in San Pancho (Tested + Approved!)

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Whether you’re here because you’re planning a trip to San Pancho or you’re simply curious as to what accommodation options San Pancho offers, you’re in for a treat! 

San Pancho was my home for two years and has a special place in my heart. After all this time, I’ve finally been able to experience my favorite hotels. And this is the result!

Here is my guide to the 6 best places to stay in San Pancho, Mexico.

Please note: All of these hotels that I reviewed below were part of a large effort across several weeks during which I stayed in each hotel overnight in order to give authentic feedback and coverage. I hand-selected each hotel for its renowned reputation and excellent reviews among locals and tourists. More importantly, all were chosen for having an ecological thumbprint – whether small or large – and for bringing their own unique identity to San Pancho.

Ultimately, no matter which San Pancho hotel you choose to stay at, you are guaranteed to have a unique and memorable experience!

Thanks for reading and for supporting local businesses and families in San Pancho. 🙂

Best Modern & Chic Hotels in San Pancho

Quick Guide on Where to Stay in San Pancho

Best for solo travelers: Aldea Bamboo
Best for families: Marii Hostel Costero
Best for couples: PAL.MAR
Best for retirees: Hotel Casa San Pancho

Marii Hotel Costero

If you’re looking for peace, privacy, and garden oasis vibes, then book your stay at the lovely Marii Hotel Costero

We had the opportunity to stay here for one night and we loved every minute of the tranquil atmosphere, including the private suites, jade green pool, and jungly garden. We especially loved the warm and friendly hospitality from the hotel’s co-owners, who are very down-to-earth and emblematic of San Pancho’s small-town charm!

Marii Hotel Costero in San Pancho | Bucketlist Bri

One of the highlights of Marri Hotel is the inclusive, wholesome breakfast served in their airy palapa cafe, which doubles as the perfect place to bird-watch in the mornings just after sunrise.

The idea behind Marii, which directly translates to “bird of the coast” in the indigenous Huichol language, is to bring together elements of nature, minimalism, and sustainability. 

The kitchen sources local ingredients for their homemade breakfasts, like their handmade granola and jam, while all the rooms and linens are cleaned using only non-toxic, eco-friendly products.

You’ll find the Marii Hotel on Calle Pakistan, which places you just beyond the heart of the town. You’re within a ten-minute walk to the beach or downtown, yet far enough away that you won’t be disturbed by road traffic and construction noise.

We personally love this neighborhood. There’s a new craft brewery just down on Calle Africa opposite La Buena Vida, where they have live music on Tuesday nights. There’s also a nearby ATM, the local Hospital, and one of our favorite go-to lunch spots (La Loncheria Uno Mas – on the corner) for when we’re craving Mexican tortas (sandwiches).

Marii Hotel Costero Overview:

  • Rooms: Cozy and modern, with large glass doors and king-sized beds
  • Design: Minimal and tasteful, with natural elements like cement, wicker, and bamboo
  • Features: Pool on-site, complimentary breakfast includes coffee/tea, orange juice, yogurt with homemade granola and mix of fresh fruits, plus your choice of avocado toast
  • Location: Calle Pakistan (10-minute walk to the beach)
  • Check room prices for your travel dates

A stay at Marii Hotel is sure to leave you feeling calm and rejuvenated. It’s a great place to stay in San Pancho for couples, small families, and active adults.

Read my full review + experience staying at the Marii Hotel Costero here.

PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical

Another modern and chic hotel in San Pancho is the PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical! Calm, serene, and boho-chic — these are all the perfect descriptors for a stay at Pal.Mar. 

We stayed here for two nights, soaking in the tasteful Mexican designs and tranquil atmosphere, fully indulging in our staycation.

Hotel Review: PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical in San Pancho, Mexico

For our first morning at the hotel, I joined the lovely Denise and her Hatha yoga class set under an airy, dreamy palapa and woke up slowly to the roosters and birds echoing throughout San Pancho.

After making a hearty breakfast of fresh fruits and cereal in our stylish kitchenette, I spent the day working from the breezy balcony overlooking the pool and lush courtyard below. 

In the evening, I joined Denise again, but this time for a rejuvenating 90-minute full-body massage – one of the best I’ve had — (you know, those massages that leave you feeling all zen and gooey afterward).

At PAL.MAR, you’re in the center of town. Mere steps away from the best brewery (La Cerveceria), the best handmade Mexican tacos (Los Arbolitos), the town’s main minimarket (El Indio), and our favorite cafe for coffee and getting some work done (Cafe Manana).

But more than its location, what I really appreciated about PAL.MAR is its eco-conscious design. There are water filters integrated into the sinks in all the rooms so guests don’t have to buy single-use plastic water bottles. 

The shower and faucets are all solar-power heated and every room provides biodegradable shampoo and body wash. The construction of the building/rooms also features natural bamboo and low-impact materials throughout the hotel.

Hotel Review: PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical in San Pancho, Mexico

PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical Overview:

  • Rooms: Spacious and stylish, some rooms equipped with modern kitchenettes, king-sized beds 
  • Design: Boho-chic and minimalistic 
  • Features: Daily yoga classes and rooftop massages (I highly recommend booking with Denise!)
  • Location: Calle America Latina (in the center of it all and a 5-minute walk to the beach)
  • Check availability for your travel dates

When you combine all of these details — the location, the Mexican contemporary design, the on-site yoga, and massage facilities — it’s easy to see why PAL.MAR is one of the best places to stay in San Pancho.

Check out my entire review of PAL.MAR here.

Best Original San Pancho Hotels

Hotel Cielo Rojo

Hotel Cielo Rojo is one of the original hotels in San Pancho! Founded by Gisela Marin in 2005, all it took was a leisurely drive down this road in “San Francisco” Nayarit to convince her. Immediately falling head over heels with the local life, she knew she wanted to live here. Not long after, Hotel Cielo Rojo was born.

hotels san pancho

I have a love-love relationship with Hotel Cielo Rojo, which is one part boutique hotel and one part organic bistro. 

The Bistro Organico is very much the beating heart of the property. It’s a charming, open-air restaurant tucked inside the hotel’s inner garden courtyard. But more than that, it’s a place to experience. It’s where you receive the warm hospitality of the locals and staff while tasting their authentic, wholesome, organic, sustainable, and Mexican-inspired cuisine.

The key takeaway about Hotel Cielo Rojo is its homey atmosphere and sustainable philosophy.

With their courtesy tequila for each guest, the bistro, organic cotton sheets, and artisanal soaps, Hotel Cielo Rojo is a pioneer for celebrating and showcasing both Mexican artisanship and sustainability.

There are also so many amazing events, book signings, art shows, and special dinners that happen here. Definitely stop by to eat at the Bistro sometime, even if you don’t end up staying at the hotel!

Hotel Cielo Rojo Overview:

  • Rooms: 10 rooms (double, triple, or suites) with comfy beds, AC, with courtesy Hotel Cielo Rojo-branded tequila
  • Design: Light and natural featuring touches of Mexican artisanship and original vintage artwork
  • Features: Complimentary small breakfast of yogurt, granola and season fruits with tea/coffee, Bistro Organico on-site restaurant, bikes and beach accessories for guests
  • Location: In the heart of the town on Calle Asia
  • Check room prices here

Hotel Cielo Rojo definitely deserves to be on this list for the best place to stay in San Pancho because it really offers an immersive experience into life here. Plus, with the organic restaurant on-site and its amazing location in the heart of town, it’s a win-win.

Read my full review and experience at Hotel Cielo Rojo here.

Hotel Casa San Pancho

Casa San Pancho is a truly unique place to stay in San Pancho. This property is a family-owned and operated hotel and formerly served as the family’s residence. 

The original, red-stoned buildings of the home date back to over a decade ago when they first came to lay down roots in San Pancho!

While the services offered are typical of a hotel, the place has kept its homey feel. Hand-carved relics from the family’s time abroad in Bali, Indonesia, combined with touches of eccentric Mexican artisanship, now tastefully decorate the common areas and bedrooms. And a heated saltwater pool rests in an inner courtyard below for guests to enjoy (even on a crisp San Pancho morning!).

What we loved most about the hotel is threefold. For one, the staff members are all extremely courteous and pleasant. Two, the location places you next to a variety of local businesses while being a short 10-minute walk to the beach! And three, the included breakfast is Mexican-style and fresh.

Breakfast consists of orange juice, tea/coffee, homemade toast and mango jam, and a bowl of yogurt and granola with mango (the mangoes were cultivated during San Pancho’s last mango season then frozen to preserve freshness). 

To top it off, we had the main dish which varies daily; ours featured scrambled eggs Mexican-style (with onions and peppers) alongside cheesy refried beans and warm tortillas.

Hotel Casa San Pancho Overview:

  • Rooms: Vibrant and homey, with an incorporated shower/bathroom in the bedroom space (studio style). We also peeked into the original master suite which was beautifully decorated and featured its own spacious private balcony and airy bathroom.
  • Design: Rustic and colorful, with a blend of Mexican and Indonesian elements
  • Features: Heated saltwater pool, complimentary Mexican breakfast, and spirits/bar menu
  • Location: Calle Pakistan (10-minute walk to the beach)
  • Book your stay with Casa San Pancho here

Hotel Casa San Pancho truly endeavors to bring home to you, even on vacation. They get a lot of repeat guests, mostly because of the family-friendly, laid-back atmosphere! With that said, this is a great hotel in San Pancho for couples or retirees.

Best Eco-Friendly + Jungly Hotels in San Pancho

Witari Boutique Hotel

Tucked away outside of San Pancho’s downtown area, Witari Boutique Hotel is a Bohemian paradise in the Las Palmas neighborhood. 

Surrounded by jungle, the lush landscape is the perfect contrast to the hotel’s minimal, modern design. You’ll find a small plunge pool and lounge chairs on the ground floor, a rooftop pool with views of the ocean, and an onsite restaurant where the (included!) breakfast is served everyday.

For views of the Pacific from your room, be sure to book a suite that’s on one of the hotel’s top floors. You can also opt for views of the jungle, if that’s more to your liking. There are only 15 rooms available, so you’ll never be overwhelmed by other guests or fighting for a spot at the pool.

Just a one-minute walk from San Pancho Beach, this is the perfect option for those who want a bit more of a secluded feel that’s just steps from the sand. 

Witari Boutique Hotel Overview:

  • Rooms: Private suites with local artisanal decor and poured concrete walls and floors. Each room also has a private balcony and hammock.
  • Design: A mix of Bohemian and modern, minimalist style
  • Features: Sun terrace, outdoor swimming pool, garden, onsite restaurant
  • Location: Calle Amapas in the Las Palmas neighborhood, just steps from San Pancho Beach
  • Check availability for your dates!

Aldea Bamboo Glamping Retreat

Jungle fanatics will love staying at Aldea Bamboo Glamping Retreat! If it’s peace, quiet, and privacy you seek, you’ll find it at Aldea Bamboo.

Eco Cabin 1 @ Aldea Bamboo in San Pancho, Mexico

The concept behind this property is to be as eco-friendly as possible. From the unique structure of the eco-cabins to the healthy vegan breakfast and ecological compost toilet, Aldea Bamboo is all designed to have a low-impact connection with the environment.

Jaime is the architect and owner who lives on-site. He is extremely laid-back and down-to-earth. He is also a professional healer, and one day wishes to incorporate his healing practice into the essence and services available at Aldea Bamboo.

The resulting atmosphere is quiet and tranquil, one that encourages you to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind!

Right now, Aldea Bamboo has 3 eco-cabins. Parking is available on-site for each, too. Also, each cabin boasts its own private outdoor shower. And if you know me, I love outdoor showers! 

Having those definitely adds to Aldea Bamboo’s jungle vibe. 

All in all, having your own cabin under the jungle canopy is so nice. Not to mention, the cabins are right by the beach. Yep! The beach is just a 2-minute walk away. 🙂

Eco Treehouse 3 - Aldea Bamboo Eco Cabana & Glamping Retreat in San Pancho, Mexico | Bucketlist Bri

Aldea Bamboo Overview:

  • Rooms: Private bamboo cabins with an open-room design. Features three corners — one for the closet, bathroom, and kitchenette.
  • Design: Natural bamboo and wood
  • Features: Complimentary vegan breakfast, outdoor showers, mosquito nets around beds
  • Location: At the outskirts of town on the Jungle Road on Calle Las Clavelinas
  • Check availability for eco-cabins for your dates

Aldea Bamboo is the best place to stay in San Pancho for solo travelers or couples wishing to escape from their busy lifestyles. Aldea Bamboo is about coming and going as you please and about finding your balance in the quiet moments of nature.

Check out my complete review + experience at Aldea Bamboo here.

Where would you stay in San Pancho, Mexico?

By now, my hope is that you are able to find the best hotel in San Pancho for your trip! With so many places to stay in San Pancho, I had to be extremely picky about which ones I included here.

There are, of course, other places to stay in San Pancho but these are the creme de la creme of the list! No matter where you stay, you are going to have a wonderful experience. Just be sure to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and taste!

So, which San Pancho hotel would you choose? I’d say all of them! xx

Finally, a very special thanks to each and every San Pancho hotel featured here for working with me patiently across several weeks so that I could create this guide!! P.S. Don’t ask me if I have a favorite – I don’t have one! They all offer a unique experience of San Pancho that you’re unlikely to forget anytime soon!

20 Comments

  1. This list is great – thank you! Do you know if any include beach chairs or how does that typically work? We are visiting for the first time and not sure what to expect for beach lounging.

    1. Hey Mandie, good question!! I think Pal.Mar might, HCR, and Maraica might 🤔 — but that may have changed! Best would be to call and ask really quickly! If not, you can rent beach chairs at the beach right in front of the restaurants. The price used to be around $100 MX but might have gone up these days. Hope you have a wonderful time in San Pancho!!

  2. Hi Bri!!

    Love this article, thank you!!!! We are planning a trip for Christmas with my husband and I and 2 boys, 22 and 25. We live in Boulder, CO, and are craving a beach vacation just the 4 of us. One of the first times we are getting away for the holiday just us and we are all excited. Are there any hotel recommendations on the beach??? We all envision soaking in the ocean in the morning. We appreciate any help you can offer. THANK YOU!. Sue

    1. Hi Sue! Great to hear from you ☺️ — how exciting indeed! I would recommend Maraica, it’s the best/closest to the beach (it’s a 1-minute walk) that is sustainable/responsible. Hope you have the BEST time!

  3. Hi Bri
    What a wonderful resource you have developed, Thank You!
    Around 12 years ago, my wife and I fell in love with Sayulita while on a Day Trip. We had found a fantastic Casa to call home during our trips, but the town has become increasingly more touristy each time we come. Early this year we spent a day in San Pancho and loved the vibe (and the sunset) while there. Now we find ourselves wanting to plan our next vacation. You give hotel recommendations, which look wonderful, but I was wondering if you have any advice on Private Casas in the area. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    1. Hi Stacy! How wonderful that you enjoyed San Pancho. It’s such a special place! I do have a contact I would be happy to pass along — please email me hello@bucketlistbri (dot) com

  4. Can you recommend a child friendly hotel….my son has two children…3 and almost 2…
    They are looking for a place on the west coast….and SAN Pancho has been recommended.
    I think they were looking for an all inclusive place….but, if breakfast was included and a kitchen provided, the charm of San Pancho might persuade them to visit.

    1. Hello Marge! Thank you for writing — San Pancho is a great place for families. As for hotels, all of the ones mentioned here include breakfast except for Pal.Mar which happens to be the only one that has a little kitchenette included. I am not sure of a hotel that includes both a kitchen and a complimentary breakfast. For a calm getaway with small children (that includes breakfast), I would recommend either Maraica, Hotel Cielo Rojo, or Marii Hotel.

    1. Hi Lynn! Yes, our friend who partially owns the Kokonati cafe has wonderful coffee!! He was a former barista as well, and knows how to make a good cuppa ☕️ 👍

  5. Bri,
    thanks for your information, I took the same approach back in 1970 and drove a Volkswagen
    Bus throughout Central and South America and chronicled people, cities , pueblos and hotels,
    happy the spirit , adventure and desire is still alive,,,

    1. Hi Richard, that sounds like quite the adventure and thanks for sharing! I would love to have a VW bus one day but love our 1990 Roadtrek all the same haha. Can’t wait to road trip with it more x

  6. This is an incredibly detailed resource! I especially love the “jungly” hotels. I have never been to San Pancho, but now it’s on my bucket list and I feel fully informed and prepared. Excellent roundup with fascinating detail!

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