Hacienda Kaan AC can be very difficult to find if you attempt to use Google Maps or any of the…read morelisted addresses. Save yourself some stress and please use our directions to drive to this wonderful establishment:
From Cancun/Airport - Take 307 to 180 to 180D (basically follow the signs to Valladolid/Merida). Be warned, this is a toll road. It costs about 300 pesos and they do not accept foreign currency or credit cards. The cost is about $15-20 USD, but will save you about 90minutes. Since it is a toll road, there are no towns or gas stations till you hit Valladolid (about 90km). After about an hour (we drove the speed limit), take 295 South towards Valladolid. At the roundabout, follow the signs to Cancun via 180 (the Northeastern part of the "wheel" if you look at a map). At the stop sign, take a left and cross over the highway and 2 exit/entrance ramps to the Hotel (It's a huge sign/gated entrance). If you see Mayapan Traditional Agave Distillery, you've gone West instead of East. If you see the police stop in Valladolid, you've gone too far and do not use the 180 that runs through town; it will take you all the way to Tulum.
Five Stars isn't enough to describe how amazing Hacienda Kaan AC. A hidden gem in the Yucatan that has set the standard for all of our future stays at any Resort/Bed & Breakfast. We were hesitant to write this review, because we thought about keeping it for ourselves and the locals that visit here often.
If you are looking for a combination of rest and adventure, look no further. The Hacienda, itself, is rich in history, which is detailed in a book written in 1864. The book, "El Filibustero" described the adventure and love story of a pirate that resulted in the property that is translated from Mayan to mean "High in the Sky," hence the hotel's other name "El Olimpo." Even the main building, El Castillo, was reconstructed from the archaeological remains of a 16th century castle (large pictures of the site are located in the resorts restaurant) and contains an extensive collection of artwork from that period. Yes, you are literally staying in a museum and historical site located in the heart of the Yucatan.
More on adventure: We highly recommend that you have your own transportation if you decide to stay here. The hotel is located 15minutes North of ancient city of Valladolid, a great place for strolling through its colonial-era stone streets to visit extremely tourist friendly restaurants, chapels, markets, and cenotes. Three major Mayan Ruins are located within driving distance: Chichen Itza, Ek' Balam, and Coba (the last is located in Quintana Roo half way between the hotel and the ocean), Many cenotes are located around the hotel in addition to their own private one (the mechanism used for raising and lowering people looks ancient and scary - we don't think it has been in operation for years).
More on relaxation: During your stay, you can enjoy their pools, wander the grounds, or just relax in their comfortable rooms with jetted tubs and powerful AC units. You'll basically have your own private Butler that works the grounds and the restaurant. Edwardo worked two of the three nights that we visited. English was not his first language, but he was extremely patient and friendly. Helping us despite our horrid Spanish (we've gotten rusty over the last ten years since living in Juarez) and teaching us some Mayan in the process: "Ni'bo'olal!". Each stay comes with a complimentary breakfast at their restaurant too (Please see our separate review for the restaurant).
I could write pages on how amazing and relaxing our stay was Hacienda Kaan AC. We'd love to return and, if your looking for an amazing hotel on your adventures in the Yucatan, we suggest you that you plan your stay here.
