The three-pearl Hotel LunaSol is a low-frills property with 16 simple, but comfortable rooms featuring AC, mini-fridges, and small Smart TVs. The hotel is located a few blocks from the action of 5th Avenue, allowing it to escape the touristy vibe while still remaining close to the beach, transportation, and Walmart. Limited features include a big pool with kids' area and a cool-water whirlpool out back, plus a full-sized, 24-hour guest kitchen. Freebies include Wi-Fi, limited parking, and purified water. Breakfast vouchers are available (though redeemable at a different hotel), but there's no restaurant here. This is a low-key option popular with retirees and young families. The nearby Hotel Casa de las Flores is a good alternative for travelers looking for an even more natural vibe.
The three-pearl Hotel LunaSol is a low-frills property with 16 simple, but comfortable rooms featuring AC, mini-fridges, and small Smart TVs. The hotel is located a few blocks from the action of 5th Avenue, allowing it to escape the touristy vibe while still remaining close to the beach, transportation, and Walmart. Limited features include a big pool with kids' area and a cool-water whirlpool out back, plus a full-sized, 24-hour guest kitchen. Freebies include Wi-Fi, limited parking, and purified water. Breakfast vouchers are available (though redeemable at a different hotel), but there's no restaurant here. This is a low-key option popular with retirees and young families. The nearby Hotel Casa de las Flores is a good alternative for travelers looking for an even more natural vibe.
This 30-room value hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen has a nice dose of personality, even if a few flaws are beginning to show. The hotel's common areas have boutique details like rustic woodwork, traditional tiling, and even some greenery -- a pleasant surprise in a city-center hotel. Rooms are compact, though, and vary in terms of upkeep -- those on the top floors are in the best shape, while some on lower floors showing a bit of wear and tear, like broken tiling or stained bedding. The Fifth Avenue location is the definition of central, and the beach just a five-minute walk away, though the area can get noisy in high season. For something that's a little more consistently quaint, rates at Barrio Latino Hotel are lower and features are similar.
This 30-room value hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen has a nice dose of personality, even if a few flaws are beginning to show. The hotel's common areas have boutique details like rustic woodwork, traditional tiling, and even some greenery -- a pleasant surprise in a city-center hotel. Rooms are compact, though, and vary in terms of upkeep -- those on the top floors are in the best shape, while some on lower floors showing a bit of wear and tear, like broken tiling or stained bedding. The Fifth Avenue location is the definition of central, and the beach just a five-minute walk away, though the area can get noisy in high season. For something that's a little more consistently quaint, rates at Barrio Latino Hotel are lower and features are similar.
This 10-room value hotel has been a mainstay in downtown Playa del Carmen since first opening in August of 1999. It's a boutique destination, with rustic woodwork, painted tile accents, antique paintings and knick-knacks, and a hacienda-style building with lots of colonial charm. The rooms are small and quaint, some with terraces, and there's a quiet garden behind the property. There, a palapa serves as the venue for simple, free simple breakfasts, but aside from a rooftop sun terrace there are no other features. Rooms facing Fifth Avenue can catch a bit of noise, and there’s some aging in some of the bathrooms, but the prices are comparable with other boutiques in the area, such as the Posada Mariposa. Keep in mind kids under 10 aren't allowed here.
This 10-room value hotel has been a mainstay in downtown Playa del Carmen since first opening in August of 1999. It's a boutique destination, with rustic woodwork, painted tile accents, antique paintings and knick-knacks, and a hacienda-style building with lots of colonial charm. The rooms are small and quaint, some with terraces, and there's a quiet garden behind the property. There, a palapa serves as the venue for simple, free simple breakfasts, but aside from a rooftop sun terrace there are no other features. Rooms facing Fifth Avenue can catch a bit of noise, and there’s some aging in some of the bathrooms, but the prices are comparable with other boutiques in the area, such as the Posada Mariposa. Keep in mind kids under 10 aren't allowed here.
The three-pearl Hotel Casa de las Flores is a solid affordable option for travelers looking to feel removed from the hustle and bustle of Playa del Carmen's touristy 5th Avenue, but still want to be within walking distance to said tourist strip and the beach. The 29 rooms here are simple, but come standard with AC, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Expect colonial architecture with colorful walls and cutouts, a gorgeous tropical garden popular with birds, and a sparkling pool with a small water fountain. Free continental breakfast, beach towel rental for a dollar, and limited parking out front complete features. For a similar option with a communal guest kitchen, compare rates at the nearby Hotel LunaSol.
The three-pearl Hotel Casa de las Flores is a solid affordable option for travelers looking to feel removed from the hustle and bustle of Playa del Carmen's touristy 5th Avenue, but still want to be within walking distance to said tourist strip and the beach. The 29 rooms here are simple, but come standard with AC, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Expect colonial architecture with colorful walls and cutouts, a gorgeous tropical garden popular with birds, and a sparkling pool with a small water fountain. Free continental breakfast, beach towel rental for a dollar, and limited parking out front complete features. For a similar option with a communal guest kitchen, compare rates at the nearby Hotel LunaSol.
Hotel Plaza Playa is a family-owned budget hotel in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen with 34 simple, air-conditioned rooms and suites. The look and feel in rooms is more stylish than one might expect of a value property, with modern furniture and recessed lighting. Features include free breakfast (for those who book directly with the hotel) as well as free Wi-Fi, but features are otherwise limited. Those looking for something with more atmosphere may consider the Hotel Lunata or Posada Mariposa in the heart of downtown.
Hotel Plaza Playa is a family-owned budget hotel in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen with 34 simple, air-conditioned rooms and suites. The look and feel in rooms is more stylish than one might expect of a value property, with modern furniture and recessed lighting. Features include free breakfast (for those who book directly with the hotel) as well as free Wi-Fi, but features are otherwise limited. Those looking for something with more atmosphere may consider the Hotel Lunata or Posada Mariposa in the heart of downtown.
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa does a lot of things differently from its upper-middle-range, beachfront, all-inclusive competitors. The property is divided into adults-only and family-friendly sections, meaning that some rooms and restaurants, and a pool, are free of kids. The grounds are jungle-like: there's a natural cenote (crystal clear for snorkeling) and guided rowboat river cruise. Animals, like donkeys and coatis, roam free. For kids under six, the on-site water park is lots of fun, as is the kids' club. There's room for improvement though: rooms have awkward layouts and past guests have complained about odors and mold. There are restrictions on the all-inclusive restaurants, the beach is rocky, and the pools get crowded. Overall, however, this property is a solid choice with some fun perks and generally budget-friendly rates.
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa does a lot of things differently from its upper-middle-range, beachfront, all-inclusive competitors. The property is divided into adults-only and family-friendly sections, meaning that some rooms and restaurants, and a pool, are free of kids. The grounds are jungle-like: there's a natural cenote (crystal clear for snorkeling) and guided rowboat river cruise. Animals, like donkeys and coatis, roam free. For kids under six, the on-site water park is lots of fun, as is the kids' club. There's room for improvement though: rooms have awkward layouts and past guests have complained about odors and mold. There are restrictions on the all-inclusive restaurants, the beach is rocky, and the pools get crowded. Overall, however, this property is a solid choice with some fun perks and generally budget-friendly rates.
Azul Fives by Karisma is an enormous all-inclusive luxury retreat located in Playa del Carmen, a 20-minute drive north of the main drag of 5th Avenue. The 480-unit property caters to families, and offers bright, modern rooms plus large suites with kitchenettes and up to three bedrooms. Amenities here are extensive and include a spa, all sorts of activities, clubs, play areas for children, and a ton of adult-friendly activities ranging from archery to rock climbing. The dining options are equally impressive, with cuisine from around the world; there are optional all-inclusive rates. While it's a good place for families looking for a fly-and-flop experience, the Azul's gargantuan size can make it feel impersonal and those without kids might find it a bit rowdy. Couples wanting something a bit more intimate may want to consider the adult-only Blue Diamond Riviera Maya by BlueBay instead.
Azul Fives by Karisma is an enormous all-inclusive luxury retreat located in Playa del Carmen, a 20-minute drive north of the main drag of 5th Avenue. The 480-unit property caters to families, and offers bright, modern rooms plus large suites with kitchenettes and up to three bedrooms. Amenities here are extensive and include a spa, all sorts of activities, clubs, play areas for children, and a ton of adult-friendly activities ranging from archery to rock climbing. The dining options are equally impressive, with cuisine from around the world; there are optional all-inclusive rates. While it's a good place for families looking for a fly-and-flop experience, the Azul's gargantuan size can make it feel impersonal and those without kids might find it a bit rowdy. Couples wanting something a bit more intimate may want to consider the adult-only Blue Diamond Riviera Maya by BlueBay instead.
An excellent, back-to-basics lodging option, this budget hotel is centered around lovely, lush jungle grounds just half a block from the hopping La Quinta Avenida strip. This small nature-filled oasis holds 18 simple, no-frills rooms. (Read: no TVs or telephones.) Outdoor terrace or balcony spaces connect the rooms to the surrounding greenery. A small sunken pool gives an alternative to the beach, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Wi-Fi, beach towels, and in-room watercoolers are free. The hotel bar provides a place to chill out, listen to live music, and hang from one of the rope-swing seats, but it’s a spot more suited to singles or couples; party animals need not apply. The neighboring budget hotel Aqualuna Boutique has a few more amenities, but it doesn't have Luna Blue's personality.
An excellent, back-to-basics lodging option, this budget hotel is centered around lovely, lush jungle grounds just half a block from the hopping La Quinta Avenida strip. This small nature-filled oasis holds 18 simple, no-frills rooms. (Read: no TVs or telephones.) Outdoor terrace or balcony spaces connect the rooms to the surrounding greenery. A small sunken pool gives an alternative to the beach, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Wi-Fi, beach towels, and in-room watercoolers are free. The hotel bar provides a place to chill out, listen to live music, and hang from one of the rope-swing seats, but it’s a spot more suited to singles or couples; party animals need not apply. The neighboring budget hotel Aqualuna Boutique has a few more amenities, but it doesn't have Luna Blue's personality.
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.
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.
Located in the quiet, gated community of PlayaCar, the upper-mid-range Sunset Fisherman Spa & Resort is about a 20-minute walk from La Quinta Avenida and has a wide beachfront, peaceful atmosphere, and playful activities from aqua-aerobics to catamaran voyages. Most of the 61 spacious rooms could use a bit of updating (especially Suites) and have dim bathrooms, but all have outdoor space. Frequented by middle-aged couples and few families, the large boutique has a hot tub, ocean-view pool and beach bar, small spa with gym, and meal plan options. There’s also a shuttle service the strip -- but you’re on your own for the return. Those would be prefer to be right in Playa del Carmen can find more upscale rooms for the price at Playa Palms Beach, but the pool there is smaller.
Located in the quiet, gated community of PlayaCar, the upper-mid-range Sunset Fisherman Spa & Resort is about a 20-minute walk from La Quinta Avenida and has a wide beachfront, peaceful atmosphere, and playful activities from aqua-aerobics to catamaran voyages. Most of the 61 spacious rooms could use a bit of updating (especially Suites) and have dim bathrooms, but all have outdoor space. Frequented by middle-aged couples and few families, the large boutique has a hot tub, ocean-view pool and beach bar, small spa with gym, and meal plan options. There’s also a shuttle service the strip -- but you’re on your own for the return. Those would be prefer to be right in Playa del Carmen can find more upscale rooms for the price at Playa Palms Beach, but the pool there is smaller.