Pool

Reviews of Layla Guesthouse - Tropical Garden Overlooking The Beach


Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 31 reviews" "

8.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

That G.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Over sold, under delivered
Where should I start? The entire experience was a disappointment. At first arrival the room smelled of mold, we were then told there was no septic system which meant all toilet paper was to be discarded into a garbage pail. The room seemed like an afterthought, half of it looked unfinished, and filthy. The fridge was a barely running bar fridge that neither created nor held ice as there was no freezer. We found blood stains on one of the pillows and the sheets smelled of sour mildew. You can't open the curtains as everyone walking by including workers on the property and other patrons need to walk past the bottom floor to get anywhere, so you don't know whether its sunny or raining. There is no privacy or area to sit and relax. Sure, you could go up 3 levels to the disappointing water troth they call a pool thats filthy and full of leaves or if you're feeling gutsy you can risk your life climbing to the terrace. This place was complete garbage and the video thats posted on the website is a complete scam. The property manager was lovley and very receptive to our concerns, allowing us to check out the next morning and refunding back most of our cost immediately. Needless to say we will never be staying at this location nor will we be recommending it to our worst enemy.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Patrick D., Vermilion, OH

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place for a few days.
My wife and I enjoyed this property very much. The location is great for walking everywhere. The property is off the charts in regard to cool. The toilet has a sulphury smell that is off putting. The staff was amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May 2023
Thank you for leaving your comment here. I am happy you enjoyed your stay with us, and assure you the smell in the bathroom has been addressed. We hope your travels will include another stay ay Layla Guesthouse.. Cheers

10/10 Excellent

Abbygayle

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Layla Guesthouse was like staying at a resort while not being at a resort, if that makes any sense. The staff was amazing! The owners were so freaking friendly and helped us with anything we needed. The rooms are so beautiful! No tv, but so worth every penny! The food at the cafe was beyond amazing! The pool & rooftop had views for days! We stayed through thursday night karaoke for a little & had a ton of fun! All I can say is PERFECTO! Can’t wait to visit you all again😊
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

m c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quick Getaway
My friend and I stayed at the Layla Guesthouse for three nights in late April. We would stay here again. We had originally booked for late March, but due to a death in the family, I asked to rebook. They didn't hesitate to rebook even though it was only two weeks until our visit. They even refunded one night's pay because we reduced our new stay by one night. We stayed in one of the ground floor rooms. The details in the guesthouse and cafe and the room were very thoughtfully designed and executed. It was clean and airy. We never used the air conditioning, even though it was warm. There is currently construction occurring on the premises (adding another room and studio space), but that did not bother us as we were only there briefly during the day. Otherwise we were at the beach. Pros: -Excellent customer service (allowed for rebooking, accommodated a late check out) -Friendly staff and owners- Layla Guesthouse and cafe feels like home. The staff is so friendly and helpful. -Layla Cafe- So wonderful to wake up and have a fabulous breakfast or a smoothie and amazing salad at lunch. We didn't have dinner there. The food is exceptional. Again, well thought out like the guesthouse. There are events happening almost every night of the week in the cafe (music, movie night). It was so lovely to be our room and hear the music. It never ran too late. -Clean rooms, comfortable beds, nice small kitchenette (but we ended up not needing it due to the cafe) -The option for yoga (while we didn't end up doing this, had we stayed longer, we would have) Cons: I had thought we would have beach access from the guesthouse. However there is a school across the street (closed to due COVID). Beach access is about three blocks away. It was not far and nice walk, but we had just thought we'd be able to access the beach by walking across the street. HOWEVER, I may have not booked Layla, if I had known that, BUT I'm so GLAD we stayed there and would stay again if I went with friends. Once again, I am super thankful I stayed at Layla Guesthouse. There is a lovely rooftop with a platform for yoga. The view is incredible. The rooftop itself has a lot of potential. It has swings and hammock and lounge chairs, but would recommend adding some love to the area to make it more appealing. That said, I do know this area suffered a hurricane and a strong tropical storm late fall 2020, so this may have been cause.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 6 May 2021
We are so glad you came top stay as well ! Thank you for your very thoughtful and complete commentary. So glad you enjoyed the place and amenities...Hair salon, massage spa as well.... We have plans for the rooftop after the hurricanes to make it more comfortable....thanks for your encouragement !

10/10 Excellent

Randall R.

weekend in Puerto Morelos
Every member of the staff was amazing. The grounds and the apartment are like an artist retreat. What's interesting is that it doesn't feel created or contrived, but very natural, like this is just the way the space was meant to be. The food at the café was equally impressive. Muy excelente.

10/10 Excellent

Robert D.

Unique stay in Puerto Morelos
We have been coming to Puerto Morelos for four years. Recently, for the first time, we stayed at Layla Guest House. The suite was well-appointed and clean. The Cafe food was creative, healthy and delicious. The staff were always helpful and courteous. The owners made the stay unique with planned events. Oscar Night, included a red-carpet entrance, an elegant dinner and, of course, watching the Oscars. On 'movie night' we ate popcorn and watched "Green Book". We had a lovely stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Wonderful to read your comments, and to know you enjoyed so many of the activities here at Layla..... You are why we do this !! Thank you for sharing your vacation with us, and your thoughts here for the other travelers to know more about Layla !..... Cheers!

10/10 Excellent

bryan p.

Beautiful owners that were very helpful and present...Laylas was a great place to chill, rest.
This is the place to be for worry free time in Puerto Morelos. Thanks Robin and Steve.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
So glad you relaxed and enjoyed this peaceful little village overlooking the Caribbean...... There is so much to choose from here, happy to share it with you !

8/10 Good

Colleen B.

Breathtaking ocean view
Get to Layla Guest House.Beautiful panoramic view,clean well supplied rooms a handsome chef who created amazing breakfast and lunches.Staff are so friendly and welcoming you feel like family. They offer music, yoga, movie night, tours of area, fishing.... and so much more.They let me bring my toy poddle which meant so much to me. Thank you Robbin and Steve. We will return.
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
So happy to have you with us.....the little one was a joy !

10/10 Excellent

Collin B.

Best of all worlds....
We loved the Layla Guesthouse - quiet, quaint and off the beaten path, yet also within walking distance to pretty much anything you want. And you can get pampered w/ a massage or hair styling! Robin and Steve were excellent hosts, very friendly and knowledgeable, and they always made us feel welcome. The food at the cafe was delicious. We also recommend Punta Corcho for dinner one night - just make sure you make a reservation! We also watched Spanish flamenco on Saturday night at the restaurant on the square near the beach. We were fortunate enough to attend the Cenote tour hosted by Robin and our Mayan guide, Paz. That excursion was fantastic! We also attended the Joya Circue Du Soleil - wonderful production. One more thing: ask Robin about the trusted cab driver (I forget his name), who we used, rather than renting a car, for an entire day to take us to Coba and Tulum - he spoke English well, was very polite and flexible - overall a gem and we highly recommend him if you need a trusted driver.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Michael S., Roseville

Beautiful property with pool and views!
This is a great guesthouse. We stayed on the bottom floor and the back garden area is very relaxing. The cafe out front is top notch with yummy breafast and lunch. Wonderful employees and the hosts go out of their way to accommodate you. Excellent cenote tour by Robbin and Steve runs a full service salon on the second floor. Great little pool on third level and an honor bar on fourth level with amazing views of the ocean and town. A yoga deck above bar with ultimate view. You will love it! We did!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

Jax S.

Layla was a home away from home
Staying at Layla was the perfect experience for my first time in Puerto Morelos. It's nestled in a quiet part of the town just up the street from the town square. The Layla Cafe breakfast and fruit smoothies are the perfect way to start the day followed by time in the pool overlooking the ocean. After a day snorkeling or on the beach there's an option for sunset yoga on the birdsnest platform with a 360 view of the town. The hosts are welcoming, helpful, and a big part of the comfort with your stay. Already planning my trip back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
..and we are looking forward to your trip back, Jax !! Thank you for your comments that accent our location and amenities.....Hasta Pronto !

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

Already planning a trip back!
What a great place! The people, the building, the owners and employees are all amazing. If I could find one thing to complain about.. I wouldn't, it wouldn't be worth it. We had an amazing time, we made new friends, ate great food and explored some excellent locations. I love the location, it's a short walk into the town square, it's away from the resorts and gives you the feeling of being in a community. We had fresh fruit smoothies every morning accompanied by amazing fresh food and great company. Everything is fairly close yet removed so you don't feel like a tourist in a buffet line. We enjoyed our time there and after staying couldn't think of any other place we would want to stay! Can't wait to come back and see the finished juice bar.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Oooo la la....thank you for the thumbs UP !!! The stairs up to the Rooftop Juice bar are complete, so hurry on back ...the view is awesome !

10/10 Excellent

mary jo b.

Leave the hustle and bustle behind....
Can't say enough about Layla's and Robin and Steve and Raquel and chef Lucas and Carlos. Truly home away from home. The simplicity of life here is intoxicating. Morning coffee and ocean breeze and excellent food at Layla's cafe a few steps outside your door. Guesthouse is comfortable and you feel like you're in a jungle away from everything but yet the town is a short walk away for more great food and wonderful people. So much history and culture to learn and appreciate. I thought I lost my phone at the beach and was totally disconnected for several days....little did I know it was meant to be to further enjoy and appreciate this time away. Ironically I found it In my favorite hammock lounge area behind our guesthouse which is where my husband and I spent many quiet evenings. We loved the pool with the waterfall sound overlooking to the beautiful beach also. I could go on and on...five star rating! Cheers to Layla's!!! Oh and I can't forget Lola and Rio... ; )
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
You two were so appreciative of what we are trying to do here...you really got it and shared your thoughts.... Such a positive vibe coming from you both !!!

10/10 Excellent

Bina D.

Beautiful, relaxing week with awesome food at Layla Guesthouse
My husband and I enjoyed our week in Puerto Morelos and Layla Guesthouse tremendously! Robin and Steve are very gracious and helpful hosts. The room was very comfortable and had everything we needed. The food at the cafe is excellent - can't go wrong with anything on the menu, although we recommend the watermelon/mint and lemon/mint juices, any of the egg dishes and the BoBun. The Mayan Culture and Ceynote Tour was a great way to spend a day walking through the jungle and walking through and swimming in beautiful caves. And we had the clean, beautiful beach, mere steps away, felt like our own private beach. Although the property is only a few short blocks from the town square, it was quiet and restful. Exactly what we were looking for!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you for your thoughtful comments about your stay at Layla...... I hope you can enjoy the rooftop yoga classes on your next trip !

10/10 Excellent

Andrew P.

Chilled
A great place to start our trip. Rooms very spacious and environment very chilled and friendly wish we could have spent more time and done yoga on the rooftop while watching the sunset.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
You are right ! That view from ther Yoga platform is stunning....next time ! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here for others to read......!!

10/10 Excellent

Sherry G.

Eat fabulous food, sleep in peaceful beauty, arrive as a guest. and leave as a friend...
Robin and Steve know what you want, and they provide it!! Several studio suites, charmingly and creatively decorated inside. and surrounded by lush local flora to be enjoyed outside, at Layla Guesthouse, all of your senses will be indulged and contented. Lukas, the chef, provides great food, lovingly prepared, and if what you want is not on the menu, he is happy to accomodate you. If you are someone that appreciates that special ambience, that only those with a gift for hospitality can provide, look no further. You will arrive as a guest, and leave as a friend. Sherry and Joe from Vancouver BC 31/07/2016.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Howdy Friend !! Thanks for the write-up, you guys were a real pleasure to host ! Looking forward to hearing about your re-entry there and possible return down our way ??? Drop us a line .... Cheers !

10/10 Excellent

Melissa C., Chicago

Wonderful Stay!!
My boyfriend and I wanted to take a week to relax and enjoy some diving and beach time. Neither of us have been to PM before but couldn't have been happier with the trip. We stayed in the Sol studio, which was spacious and had great features such as indoor and outdoor spaces, kitchen, etc so we felt like we were at home. The guesthouse in its entirety is quite beautiful too. The third floor sky pool overlooks the school and gorgeous beach. The onsite cafe is delicious and convenient as well (definitely try the juices!). I arrived a few days ahead of my bf and was worried the heat in PM was going to be too toasty, but the breeze and beachside location did the trick! We were very comfortable. The location is great as well, just a short walk to the main square and a ton of shops and restaurants. The beach is just across the street, so getting to the dock for diving or walking to beach front clubs for the day was very convenient. What made the trip even better was getting to Layla's owners, Robin and Steve. They were very inviting and informative, stopping to engage in whatever conversation we were discussing from questions on where to go to eat, history, current events in the town, and sharing their backgrounds as well. We took an amazing Tour with Robin on the last day, which took us to a cenote in Xchan and gave us a better understanding of the Yucatan (reviews for the tour are separate on tripadvisor and would highly recommend even if you aren't staying at Layla). The guesthouse is expanding to accommodate larger sized groups, and we would definitely look to come back the next time we are in PM!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Many thanks for sharing your thoughts Melissa.....you certainly enjoyed Puerto Morelos for all it has to offer, balancing activities with relaxation... Hope to see you both again vey soon !

10/10 Excellent

Pam F.

Fantastic
We spent 10 days at Layla Guesthouse. The rooms were lovely and useful - small fridge, 2 burner stove top, sink and all the pots and cutlery you could need. The bathroom is the show stopper - the "open air" shower is beautiful. Nice little deck with chairs to enjoy some down time. The view from the pool (on the second/third floor) is amazing. The guesthouse is in a residential area - so you are bound to experience the sounds of Mexico! Robin and Steve are great hosts - have wonderful recommendations for restaurants and tours. They offer a class or lecture nearly every evening should you like to attend. Can't wait to go back.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
...and we cant wait for you to come back !! Thanks for your comments....

10/10 Excellent

Michael S., Roseville

Great spot in peaceful Puerto Morelos!
My wife and I had an excellent vacation at Layla Guest House in Puerto Morelos. Our host Robin was more than accommodating for all our needs and any info we asked for. Very clean property close to the beach and restaurants. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you for your High Recommendation !! It mens so much to the team here to hear you enjoyed your stay. Hope to see you back again, friend.

8/10 Good

Christine O., United States

Charming Place in a Cute Little Town
We had a wonderful time in this property and town. Robin was very easy to communicate with and made sure we had a pleasant experience. He is extremely knowledgeable about the area and a lot of fun to be around. The property was in a great location, short walk from the center of town and right across the street from the beach. The inside was comfortable and well stocked, the only negative was that there was construction on the property during our stay. It didn't bother us too much and Robin did his best to keep the place clean of the construction debris. If we come back we will definitely stay here again and look forward to seeing the renovations! Robin also does a unique cenote tour. It is off the beaten path so be prepared to get a little dirty and it is a long drive so takes all day. Robin made it very enjoyable and if you are into cenotes, you will not want to miss this! We highly recommend a visit to Puerto Morelos and staying at this location.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2015
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thanks for the thumbs up !! You will be happy to hear the new Sky Pool jacuzzi is open, and the workmen are finishing ! Layla will be her peaceful self before Jan 15th.... Hope to see you here again soon.... Cheers

10/10 Excellent

bob C.

Layla Guest House, the place to stay in the Yucatan
My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our 4 night stay towards the end of December, 2015. The overwhelming highlight was taking a Mayan cultural tour with our host Robin Brown. Robin has developed unique and close relationships with the people of the Yucatan since he has been in the area. These relationships has opened doors for him to share with his guests a deeper insight into the Mayan culture than you could find anywhere else. The Mayan people with whom Robin has cultivated close relationships have opened up not only their homes but also one of their most beautiful cenotes to him and his guests. My fourteen year old son said swimming in the Cenote was truly amazing. Another highlight of our stay was experiencing the town of Puerto Morales. The beach is truly beautiful and the town is quite relaxing. There is a great mix of tourists from all over the world including the Mexican people from other parts of the country mingling harmoniously with the local Mayan peoples. The lodging itself was comfortable and relaxing. The owners, Robin and Steve, were very responsive to our needs. I can totally recommend Layla Guest House to anyone seeking a relaxing and authentic way to experience the Yucatan peninsula.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2015
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you for your very thoughtful reflection on your stay with us in our little village ! It has become my privilege to share those Mayan wonders with interested souls like your family....hurry on back for the new tour called Jade Maya Adventure tour !! Including a 6-story ladder to enter the new cenote !!! Thrilling and safe !

8/10 Good

Amol M.

Great spot for snorkeling, but a bit disappointed with ongoing construction
The good: this is a great spot for snorkeling and taking in the beautiful coastline literally a stone's throw from the Layla guest house. The owner was charismatic and gracious, inviting us to join in his meditation practice and giving us feedback and tips about the area. The town of PM itself has a quaint village feel - very welcoming and friendly people and some excellent restaurants to spend your evenings at. The unit itself is charming - great outdoor shower feel, large bed and sweet hammock swaying in the private courtyard area. The not so good: the building itself was under construction, and I do wish this had been disclosed earlier. There was a near constant sound of construction - hammering, nailing etc. that offset the ambiance tremendously. I know this is inevitable - improvements are needed everywhere - but I just think this could have been disclosed ahead of time as it definitely impacted the relaxation power that I imagine this spot would ordinarily have. So not quite full stars- and sorry to do it because the owners were just so kind - but I do think a bit of upfront disclosure would have been helpful.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Thank you for your comments Amol. I am sorry you did not get a message about the construction as others did....my mistake. The good news is the new Sky Pool jacuzzi is open, the workmen finishing, and Layla will be back to her peaceful self before Jan 15..... I hope you will stop by again and try Layla in full swing....cafe, hair salon and spa, local tours and evening talks on local history and marine animal topics....

8/10 Good

Joyce B.

We loved it! Wonderful location!
The only reason for 4 stars was due to there being construction (which we were aware of before we went). Can't wait to go back and see the finished property and dipping pool! I am positive I would give it 5 stars then! Robin and Steve are wonderful hosts and good people! Truly enjoyed meeting them. We felt right at home in the room and the bed was very comfortable. Great selection of reading material for longer stays. Wonderful location, within easy walking distance to the town square and restaurants. Endless free supply of clean drinking water in the room was a nice touch. The highlight of our stay was the cenote/cave tour...it was simply spectacular in it's raw beauty! We had an amazing experience as the additional people for the tour canceled at the last minute so we had a private tour...will truly be one of those memories that creep across my face in old age and brings a smile with it! Robin, thank you so much for all the wonderful knowledge you shared with us on the way to the cenote! And then stopping at the wood carvers was amazing! The timing of our visit combined with the hospitality of his wife in teaching me how to make a tortilla was a once in a lifetime experience and her posole was delicious! Then the amazing Mayan lunch was wonderful! All in all a simply perfect day! We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2015
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Yes, hurry back....the pool is turning out really well with that awesome view of the sea that you saw....now without the wooden scaffolding ! So glad you apppreciated the tour so much, it is indeed a magical place..... Come again ! To see a peaceful Layla ! The pool is DONE...and we are IN the new apartment.... Hurray !

10/10 Excellent

Penny G., Bloomington, Indiana

Wonderful place by the Sea
The Layla Guesthouse was being extensively remodeled during our stay, and we were the only guests. Robin let us know what to expect in advance (workmen on site, no swimming pool, etc.) and was very responsive to our needs. Our suite was spacious, beautifully decorated and oh so comfortable We loved the kitchen and made several meals. Although it's only a short walk to the center of town, we rented bikes from Bici Roja and enjoyed exploring both sides of the highway. I treated myself to a hair appointment with Steve, Robin's partner, and was delighted with the results.We are looking forward to return visits to Puerto Morelos and the Layla Guesthouse.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2015
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
It was a pleasure to have you stay with us, despite the busy workmen. Do hurry back to enjoy the new Sky Pool....our dipping pool on the third floor overlooking the sea ! You are welcome any time !!

10/10 Excellent

G'Nell P.

Beautiful studio near the beach
What a wonderful time my small family had this weekend. Robin was a perfect host: courteous, kind and extremely helpful. He and Steve called us cabs when we needed, let us store our luggage the day we were leaving after checkout, and were also so sweet to our 10 month old baby girl. We will definitely be back, and would definitely recommend this place to others who need a small space close to town of the goo the food!
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Happy to see such a happy family enjoying the space at Layla Guesthouse...yes , come back when you have even more time to explore what Q Roo has to offer ! We'd be thrilled to have you back.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely place for a perfect getaway
Layla's is wonderful! The room itself is lovely and the location can't be beat. The bed is incredibly comfortable, a particularly nice surprise after having stayed places without such comfortable beds. Robin and Steve were amazingly welcoming and have created a true community around Layla's through their evening Mayan culture/history classes, their meditation group, and their unique tour. Having a little cafe just outside your door was a great way to start each morning surrounded by people from the community - and with fresh fruit and veggie smoothies! The apartment is a three minute walk from the beachfront, and the balcony was lovely for evening wine in the warm breeze while listening to the ocean. Or reading in the hammock in the afternoon.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar 2020
Many thanks for your kind words...you seem to have summed up Layla in a nutshell, and really discovered what have to ffer and are trying to do..... come on back now, ya hea? !! Cheers