Aldea Thai Luxury Condohotel by Mistik

Of this property's 106 rooms, 60 are rentable, and the property feels massive for the area, where dinky boutique hotels are the norm. Between its large hallways, tons of open-air spaces, central, stylish, and modern reflection pool area (crossable via a pathway), and surprisingly spacious pool deck, the hotel feels a bit like a grand resort. In fact, it's easy to get turned around in the maze-like layout of the hallways. While (depending on the season) this hotel may be quiet during the day, allowing for a quiet sun-soaked pool session, or midday afternoon workout, its guests tend to be night owls, partiers, and -- unfortunately for some -- loud. Unless you're planning on joining the partier ranks, it may be wise to seek other accommodation, bring a good set of earplugs, or at the very least, ask for a room in quieter wing. It's also good to note that hotel guests (non-owners) need to check-in off to the side of the grand entrance stairs in the "VIP" area. Because the units here are condo rentals, many of the offerings found at true hotels and resorts, such as a restaurant and room service, are lacking here. 

Less than a block from the white sands of Playa del Carmen's famous beach, Aldea Thai Luxury Condohotel is located in the northern section of the town's central strip area. Just two-and-a half zig-zagging blocks from the bustling main drag of 5th Avenue, guests are within easy and safe walking distance to the beach, popular beach clubs, late-night dance clubs, and countless restaurant, shops, and bars. The party town's southern area near Puerto Juarez, the ferry to Cozumel, and the main bus terminal are all about a 15- to 20-minute walk or cheap, five-minute taxi ride. Popular attractions like Xel-Ha, Xplor, and Xcaret can be reached within 15 to 20 minutes once you hit the main highway. Snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal, cenote diving, and the beachside ruins of Tulum are within a 30-minute, 45-minute, and 60-minute drive south of Playa del Carmen, while Cancun airport is just over 45 minutes north. 

While Aldea Thai has 106 units on-site, only 60 of them are rented out to the public. All of these rooms feature contemporary upscale decor incorporating dark veneer wood furniture, colorful accents in rich red or green, cream and beige bedding, and tile floors. The comparatively bland bathrooms come with XX toiletries. Flat-screen televisions, make-up mirrors, and hairdryers are standard in all categories.Upgrading from the Superior Rooms with two double beds (similar to standard hotel rooms) to the Junior Suite will get you a king-size bed, kitchenette with cooking gear and dishes, private patio, and slightly more upscale bathroom. Condo-style rooms start with Luxury Suites, which have separate living and dining room spaces, full kitchens with all the fixings (including coffeemakers with for-fee coffee kits, microwaves, and full refrigerators), large outdoor spaces, and -- sometimes -- private plunge pools and/or ocean views. The Master Suites are essentially a combination of the Superior Room and Luxury Room, while booking the Penthouse Suite (the highest category) with its own huge, personal rooftop terrace is the ultimate score. These two-bedroom units are about as large as the Luxury Suites, though kitchens tend to be a little less cramped. There are balconies off each bedroom and the living room, but nothing beats the breeze and views from the rooftop terrace. Up here you'll find a built-in couch, plunge pool, barbecue area, and a bit of sun and shade. 

Without a spa or restaurant on-site, Aldea Thai's Most notable feature is definitely its large, blue, slightly Asian-themed pool deck. Overlooking the property's decorative reflection pool area and with beach views out to sea, the pool is surrounded by a spacious and landscaped sunning deck equipped with loungers, umbrellas, and tables to hold your tropical drinks from the large, palapa-style pool bar -- or you can grab a drink in the water from the swim-up stool bar.Aldea Thai guests also have a small but adequately sized gym on the first floor with a few machines, exercise room, and flat-screen TV. They also get access to a guest computer with Internet and printing abilities. Though the sea is so close you can both smell and see it, Aldea Thai does not have direct access to the sand (though this was being worked on this during our visit). It does provide access to and discounts at neighboring Kool Beach Club, which has meeting rooms, a lap pool, tons of lounging areas, bar, restaurant, and hip vibe.The hotel has free Wi-Fi, valet parking, and elevators to all floors.