Vallodolid is a Colonial Mexican town for those who want to explore a cultural life different than the beach scene or who want cheaper accommodations closer to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam.
When we first drove into Vallodolid my 20-year-old daughter said, "MOM! What are you getting us into?" as her eyes rapidly scanned the narrow walkways and the low slung stucco buildings squashed into each other. Not many tourists in sight! Just my cup of tea!
The most beautiful area of Vallodolid is at the old centre square with the colonial church across the way. Mayan women sit along the square and sell lovely embroidered goods and you can even watch them while they work. Old men played chess in the grass enclosed park while children ran in and out of a splashing fountain.
Le Meson used to be a grand home in the 16th century for a Spanish government official. The old part of the house is now a restaurant, bar, and several meeting rooms while the 90 hotel rooms are off of the busy (noisy) street towards the back. It is all modern, with air conditioning, two queen sized beds, TV, tiled floors, bathrooms ensuite with plenty of hot water, a balcony, swimming pool and an enclosed locked courtyard for parking your rental car safely. The facility is clean and the setting is charming.
The restaurant offers local Mexican food for a fairly decent price but the included breakfast was rather light (toast, orange juice, coffee). A larger meal could be purchased.
There is a great internet café catty-corner across the square from this hotel.