La Tortuga Hotel & Spa is an intimate boutique hotel best described as "barefoot chic." It's a good option for couples who want to watch their budget and be within fast walking distance of tourist-friendly 5th Avenue and the beach, but it's not the place for the typical Mexico vacation of all-inclusive packages on the beach. Older, but comfortable, rooms are centered around a gorgeous lagoon-style swimming pool landscaped with lush tropical plants, though the water isn't heated. The on-site restaurant and bar are solid choices, but there's plenty of options in the immediate neighborhood. Be warned that nearby Coco Bongo nightclub rages until the wee hours, so pack earplugs.
La Tortuga Hotel & Spa is an intimate boutique hotel best described as "barefoot chic." It's a good option for couples who want to watch their budget and be within fast walking distance of tourist-friendly 5th Avenue and the beach, but it's not the place for the typical Mexico vacation of all-inclusive packages on the beach. Older, but comfortable, rooms are centered around a gorgeous lagoon-style swimming pool landscaped with lush tropical plants, though the water isn't heated. The on-site restaurant and bar are solid choices, but there's plenty of options in the immediate neighborhood. Be warned that nearby Coco Bongo nightclub rages until the wee hours, so pack earplugs.
The BlueBay Grand Esmeralda isn't the most luxurious or over-the-top all-inclusive property in the Riviera Maya district, but the upper-middle-range hotel has a lot to offer for families and couples who are looking for a low-maintenance beach vacation at a good price. Entertainment is mostly water-based: two swimming pools, private access to a white sand beach with water sports rentals, and a kids' club with a small waterslide swimming pool. All of the rooms have a private balcony and plenty of space -- some have swim-up pools, too. The all-inclusive package really does include all drinks and restaurants, though some need to be booked a day in advance.
The BlueBay Grand Esmeralda isn't the most luxurious or over-the-top all-inclusive property in the Riviera Maya district, but the upper-middle-range hotel has a lot to offer for families and couples who are looking for a low-maintenance beach vacation at a good price. Entertainment is mostly water-based: two swimming pools, private access to a white sand beach with water sports rentals, and a kids' club with a small waterslide swimming pool. All of the rooms have a private balcony and plenty of space -- some have swim-up pools, too. The all-inclusive package really does include all drinks and restaurants, though some need to be booked a day in advance.
For families, couples, and groups who want self-catering condos, a rooftop swimming pool, and super fast access to both the beach and 5th Avenue, it's hard to beat upscale Porto Playa Condo Hotel & Beachclub. All units include modern furniture and full kitchens, and each is air-conditioned and kept spotlessly clean. There isn't an on-site restaurant, though there are plenty of dining options within one block of the hotel. Guests have access to a private beach club, which does have a restaurant, along with sun loungers. Parking and Wi-Fi are convenient freebies. Those seeking an all-inclusive resort directly on the sand with nightly entertainment, however, should look elsewhere. Check rates at Grand Riviera Princess All Suites Resort & Spa, though you'll lose the free Wi-Fi and fast access to 5th Avenue.
For families, couples, and groups who want self-catering condos, a rooftop swimming pool, and super fast access to both the beach and 5th Avenue, it's hard to beat upscale Porto Playa Condo Hotel & Beachclub. All units include modern furniture and full kitchens, and each is air-conditioned and kept spotlessly clean. There isn't an on-site restaurant, though there are plenty of dining options within one block of the hotel. Guests have access to a private beach club, which does have a restaurant, along with sun loungers. Parking and Wi-Fi are convenient freebies. Those seeking an all-inclusive resort directly on the sand with nightly entertainment, however, should look elsewhere. Check rates at Grand Riviera Princess All Suites Resort & Spa, though you'll lose the free Wi-Fi and fast access to 5th Avenue.
Acanto Hotel and Suites's 21 condo-style units are a hidden oasis from the hustle and bustle (and loud pedestrians) of La Quinta Avenida. Chic, upscale decor, including marble floors, wood furniture, and granite countertops, are a welcome contrast to the grit of the strip. While there is no bar or restaurant, the hotel provides free continental breakfasts and offers plenty of discounts at neighboring businesses. Features include a small relaxing pool and a nice rooftop barbecue area with beach views. The beach is a (very long) block away, so using the hotel’s discounted entry into a handful of nearby beach clubs is a better option.
Acanto Hotel and Suites's 21 condo-style units are a hidden oasis from the hustle and bustle (and loud pedestrians) of La Quinta Avenida. Chic, upscale decor, including marble floors, wood furniture, and granite countertops, are a welcome contrast to the grit of the strip. While there is no bar or restaurant, the hotel provides free continental breakfasts and offers plenty of discounts at neighboring businesses. Features include a small relaxing pool and a nice rooftop barbecue area with beach views. The beach is a (very long) block away, so using the hotel’s discounted entry into a handful of nearby beach clubs is a better option.
Walking distance to hordes of restaurants, bars, and shops, the 157-room Tukan Hotel is ideal for those who just want a place to crash after hitting the streets (and the bars) of Playa del Carmen’s La Quinta Avenida strip. Don’t expect too many extras from this mid-range spot (unless you’re on the Premium plan), though there are two pools, two restaurants, and two bars to choose from as well as an independently operated beach club a 15-minute walk down the street. Rooms are clean and simple with reasonably modern (if slightly soulless) decor. This hotel walks a fine line between satisfactory and disappointing, so adjust your expectations accordingly before booking.
Walking distance to hordes of restaurants, bars, and shops, the 157-room Tukan Hotel is ideal for those who just want a place to crash after hitting the streets (and the bars) of Playa del Carmen’s La Quinta Avenida strip. Don’t expect too many extras from this mid-range spot (unless you’re on the Premium plan), though there are two pools, two restaurants, and two bars to choose from as well as an independently operated beach club a 15-minute walk down the street. Rooms are clean and simple with reasonably modern (if slightly soulless) decor. This hotel walks a fine line between satisfactory and disappointing, so adjust your expectations accordingly before booking.
Located across the street from the town square, La Pasion Hotel Boutique has 34 rooms that are both practical and stylish, though some are small. Thoughtful on-site features include booze tastings, two pools and a hot tub, a fantastic free breakfast spread, and lots of indoor and outdoor lounge space, plus spa treatments for an extra charge. The hotel is just outside of the La Quinta Avenida zone, but it's one of Playa Del Carmen's better and quieter boutiques. For those who want to be closer to the action, check rates at Aventura Mexicana.
Located across the street from the town square, La Pasion Hotel Boutique has 34 rooms that are both practical and stylish, though some are small. Thoughtful on-site features include booze tastings, two pools and a hot tub, a fantastic free breakfast spread, and lots of indoor and outdoor lounge space, plus spa treatments for an extra charge. The hotel is just outside of the La Quinta Avenida zone, but it's one of Playa Del Carmen's better and quieter boutiques. For those who want to be closer to the action, check rates at Aventura Mexicana.
Located around the corner from La Quinta Avenida, the upper-mid-range Hotel Aventura Mexicana is a landscaped oasis in the middle of a busy pedestrian hot spot. This boutique is suited to couples looking for quiet romance and a convenient location. The 49 rooms are split between two sections, one for adults and one for all ages, though rooms in the latter are overdue for an update. We recommend skipping the five (long) blocks' walk to the beach and opting instead for entry to local beach clubs (the hotel offers free access at Indigo, and discounted access elsewhere). There are also free breakfast, a small spa, full-service restaurant, donation yoga studio, and weekly local market.
Located around the corner from La Quinta Avenida, the upper-mid-range Hotel Aventura Mexicana is a landscaped oasis in the middle of a busy pedestrian hot spot. This boutique is suited to couples looking for quiet romance and a convenient location. The 49 rooms are split between two sections, one for adults and one for all ages, though rooms in the latter are overdue for an update. We recommend skipping the five (long) blocks' walk to the beach and opting instead for entry to local beach clubs (the hotel offers free access at Indigo, and discounted access elsewhere). There are also free breakfast, a small spa, full-service restaurant, donation yoga studio, and weekly local market.
Playa Palms Beach Hotel is a small 39-room beachfront boutique with good looks. Designed in a modern Cycladic style full of white surfaces, curves, and carefully landscaped garden grounds, the hotel is almost as beautiful as its small stretch of private beach. Guests here can expect great terrace views, equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, small bathrooms, and upscale interior decor, along with free Wi-Fi and in-room or on-terrace continental breakfast. This upper-mid-range spot is an ideal place to relax and escape, while still benefiting from all that nearby La Quinta Avenida and its surrounding streets have to offer. For a beachfront hotel right in the city center, it's hard to beat for the price.
Playa Palms Beach Hotel is a small 39-room beachfront boutique with good looks. Designed in a modern Cycladic style full of white surfaces, curves, and carefully landscaped garden grounds, the hotel is almost as beautiful as its small stretch of private beach. Guests here can expect great terrace views, equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, small bathrooms, and upscale interior decor, along with free Wi-Fi and in-room or on-terrace continental breakfast. This upper-mid-range spot is an ideal place to relax and escape, while still benefiting from all that nearby La Quinta Avenida and its surrounding streets have to offer. For a beachfront hotel right in the city center, it's hard to beat for the price.
Right off of the northern edge of the busy and bustling La Quinta Avenida strip, the 28-room Hotel Casa Ticul is an upper-middle-range boutique that’s ideal for those looking to relax in comfort after exploring the area. Rooms have simple chic decor and thoughtful toiletries; some have whirlpool tubs or outdoor showers. While there’s no direct beach access, the hotel has free or discounted entry to some local beach clubs, two small pools (but no loungers), and a large rooftop deck where free homemade Mexican breakfast is served. For direct beach access, check rates at Bel Air Collection Resort & Spa, but note that kiddos aren't allowed.
Right off of the northern edge of the busy and bustling La Quinta Avenida strip, the 28-room Hotel Casa Ticul is an upper-middle-range boutique that’s ideal for those looking to relax in comfort after exploring the area. Rooms have simple chic decor and thoughtful toiletries; some have whirlpool tubs or outdoor showers. While there’s no direct beach access, the hotel has free or discounted entry to some local beach clubs, two small pools (but no loungers), and a large rooftop deck where free homemade Mexican breakfast is served. For direct beach access, check rates at Bel Air Collection Resort & Spa, but note that kiddos aren't allowed.
Just a half-block off the northern La Quinta Avenida strip, the BRIC Hotel features a quiet atmosphere surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. The mid-range boutique’s common areas are stylish and have personality, but the 14 rooms don’t quite match up. They're a tad neglected and dated, although the small rooms do have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and patios. Outside there’s free hot breakfast, purified water, and a garden with a small pool as well as a handful of lounge beds and chairs. Unlike most off-beach boutiques in the area, the Bric does not have deals with local beach clubs, though there’s a public beach within a 10-minute walk.
Just a half-block off the northern La Quinta Avenida strip, the BRIC Hotel features a quiet atmosphere surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. The mid-range boutique’s common areas are stylish and have personality, but the 14 rooms don’t quite match up. They're a tad neglected and dated, although the small rooms do have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and patios. Outside there’s free hot breakfast, purified water, and a garden with a small pool as well as a handful of lounge beds and chairs. Unlike most off-beach boutiques in the area, the Bric does not have deals with local beach clubs, though there’s a public beach within a 10-minute walk.