Places to stay in Chacala

The place: 011-52-327-219-4067 or 1-760-300-3908, www.casapacificachacala.com.

The flavor: Several luxurious houses in the gated Marina Chacala development are available for short-term rental, from $150 (for a one-bedroom unit) to $625 per night (for Villa Tesseri, which includes a house and guest house, sleeps 10 to 12 and features a swimming pool and a commanding view).

The place: On the beachfront; 011-52-327-219-4055, vwww.majahua.com.

The flavor: Four “suite” units (one has two bedrooms and two bathrooms) in a pair of buildings on a jungle slope down to the beach. Uneven paths make it risky for children and anyone with mobility problems, but the secluded setting and spa attract yoga groups and other escapists. Breakfast included. $110-$300 per suite nightly.

The place: On the beachfront; 011-52-327-219-4060, or toll-free (800) 257-0532; vwww.mardejade.com. (See photo at right.)

The flavor: Thirty units, neighbored by garden, pool and beach. Units have no phones or TVs, and most are fan-cooled, although air conditioning will be added to a few rooms this year. Family-friendly. Spa facilities. Three kayaks. Meals included in rates. Winter rates from $110-$135 per person per day, based on double occupancy, or $135-$180 per day for singles.

The place: It’s on Golfo de México street; 011-52-327-219-4057; www.casachacala.com.

The flavor: Opened three years ago with six units and a pool. Has air conditioning (a rarity) and word is that televisions are coming. Doubles begin at $50. Several other hotels fall into this general class, the largest and newest of them being the 18-room Hotel Paraiso Escondido (also on Golfo de México; 011-52-327-219-4098, vwww.paraisoescondidochacala.com). Doubles begin at $70.

The place: www.techosdemexico.com or vwww.chacalabudgetrentals.blogspot.com.

The flavor: Among the houses in the Techos de México program, rooms are priced at $22.50-$60 nightly. Most include kitchenettes and terraces with ocean views; all are within five minutes’ walk to the beach, but housekeeping, telephone access and billing practices vary. Not much English is spoken. I saw and liked Casa Aurora and Casa Concha, a.k.a. Casa Guanahani.