Articles Mentioning Budget

Playa Del Carmen Hotel

Sprawling beachfront resorts are a dime a dozen on the Mayan Riviera, but if you’d prefer a smaller, more affordable urban option with no wristband required, this lower-middle-range colonial-style hotel near Quinta Avenida (aka 5th Avenue) is a practical choice. Centered around a pretty courtyard pool, its 60 rooms—most of which contain kitchenettes—tend to be spacious but sparse, with slick contemporary suites proving an exception to the rule. Facilities and services are in short supply, too, though the hotel does have breakfast and meeting rooms as well as a broad menu of add-on activities. Guests wanting more will find that this hopping beach town has plenty of other mid-range choices, including La Tortuga Hotel & Spa and the hidden-away Playa Maya, both of which are better suited to a soak-up-the-sun vacation.

Tri Trang Beach Resort

The lower-middle-range Tri Trang Beach Resort falls under the category of “cheap and cheery.” Its location, right on the sands of Tri Trang Beach is its crowning feature. It’s set away from the hustle of Patong, which is a pro for most of its guests, although free shuttles make the trip for anyone that wants to visit. Its 244 guest rooms are also remarkably large, comfortably fitting families and providing a tremendous value. On the downside, this is a somewhat older property and it shows, with worn hallways and floors, discolored loungers, and a fitness room with aged equipment. Still, for travelers that don’t mind trading a spotless environment for low rates and a great location, the Tri Trang will hit a sweet spot. Families willing to spend a bit more could also consider the Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong.

Apartamentos Bellamar

Apartamentos Bellamar is a simple, no-frills apartment complex positioned overlooking the seafront at the quieter southern end of Port de Pollensa. The beach is just across the road, but there’s not much in the immediate area, and the resort center is a 15-minute walk away. All but three of the 27 one-bedroom apartments have sea views, and they’re suitably up-to-date with free Wi-Fi and modern kitchenettes. Except for the swimming pool and small gardens, there’s little else to the property, with no bar, restaurant, or fitness facilities. It’s a perfectly adequate option for a basic, self-catering experience with lovely sea views — the Hobby Club Apartments just down the road, however, have a larger pool and more polished finish. 

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Carlsbad – Legoland Area

The 110-room La Quinta Inn & Suites San Diego Carlsbad is a budget hotel conveniently located just off Interstate 5, about a 10-minute drive from Legoland and a 15-minute walk from South Carlsbad State Beach. Rooms are basic but clean and come with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. The free breakfast buffet consists of hot and cold selections, including a make-your-own waffle station. The outdoor pool is small, but it’s refreshing on a hot day, and there’s an adjacent patio that’s a popular hangout spot. There’s also a small fitness center and business center. Non-fussy travelers who’d like to save a few more dollars but stay in the same area could check out the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Near Legoland, a barebones motel-style property. 

Hatteras Island Inn Buxton

The Hatteras Island Inn Buxton is a two-pearl motel that stands out from other budget competitors, with a seasonal outdoor pool and an observation tower offering panoramic ocean vistas. It’s a three-minute walk from the beach, and has 60 basic guest rooms that include microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Apart from some housekeeping issues, all units are comfortable and generally clean, and some second-floor rooms have partial ocean views. There’s no breakfast, but guests can help themselves to free coffee and tea in the lobby. Wi-Fi throughout and parking are also free. For nicer rooms with better amenities, there’s the smaller, family-run Cape Pines Motel nearby.