Aqualuna Boutique Hotel by Xperience Hotels

Aqualuna is a small spot with a lot of friendliness and heart that knows its place in the plethora of Playa hotels. It’s not flashy, it’s not homey; it’s a simple and safe spot where guests can expect clean rooms with basic amenities, a (usually) relaxing garden vibe, and a little privacy from the hubbub of central Playa del Carmen.

From the street, Aqualuna’s high white walls hide a small, calm, and green garden, a simple and smooth Cycladic style, and a collection of spacious rooms with garden views. Though there is no restaurant, bar, or pool, there’s a fair amount of public space available for guests to mingle -- though the property is small enough to still hang on to whatever privacy you may be searching for. However, because of the hotel’s small size and interior-facing rooms, the vibe (and noise levels) here will greatly depend on the other guests. Since this is a budget spot, things have the potential to get rowdy at peak times, such as during spring break or festivals. If you are concerned about noise try to snag a room right off of reception as they are a bit more tucked away than the rest.

Aqualuna is located right off 10th Avenue, between 12th and 14th Street. This central location is not only a quick and convenient walk to everything one block down on La Quinta Avenida, but puts guests (a tad bit) closer to some of Playa del Carmen’s local restaurants found off the main strip. It’s also just a few blocks walk from the famous night show Coco Bongo, and around 10-minute’s walk from Wal-Mart. The hotel shares features with a few sister properties, though they are each around a five- to 10-minute walk from Aqualuna, in different directions. Cancun is a 45-minute drive north, while Akumal and Tulum are 30 and 45 minutes south, respectively.

Aqualuna Boutqiue has 11 rooms and one Mini-Suite. All rooms have dark blue fabrics, smooth white walls with slight curves, and built-ins reminiscent of a Mediterranean Cycladic style. However, some decor details are more local, including terra-cotta tile floors and the simple wooden and wicker furniture. Standard Rooms have two single beds or one queen and are decent-size, but upgrading to either the De Luxe Rooms or Mini-Suite will get you significantly more space. The De Luxe Room is just under twice the size of the Standard with the same size bathroom, while the Mini-Suite is the largest option, with a sitting area, balcony, and sleeping accommodations for up to three people on the king-size bed and built-in sofa bed. Another perk of the Mini-Suite are the free minibar drinks. All rooms have hairdryers, organic Mayan toiletries, air-conditioning, garden views, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with cable. De Luxe rooms and the Suite have coffeemakers with free coffee and tea. 

The Aqualuna may be small, but it works well with what space it has and is able to give guests quite a bit for a tiny 12-room budget boutique. What it doesn't have (i.e., a pool, restaurant, and bike rentals), it offers from its sister properties, Hacienda Paradise Boutique and the Illusion Boutique Hotel, both under a 10-minute walk away. On-site, guests can expect to find a nicely landscaped and green central garden courtyard with a selection of snazzy wooden slatted seat loungers as well as a banquette and table. There’s also an interior alcove off the garden with another banquette, a single computer, lending library, and a station for free tea, coffee, and water.

While the hotel may not be on the beach, there are discounts and deals to trendy, local beach clubs such as Zenzi, Mamita's, and Kool, as well as free beach towels if you just want to walk up to the free public beach. When you’re back from the beach, or just waiting out a late flight, you can take a shower in the hospitality area by reception. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. 

Aqualuna not only allows pets, but takes it a few steps further by providing specialized pet amenity kits for your four-legged friends. Most of the amenities are geared toward dogs, and the kits include pet beds, food and water bowls, treats, toys, leashes, and waste removal items. There is even a "free-roaming" doggy daycare service where your dog can play with other dogs in an cage-free environment. Pets staying overnight in the hotel are required to sleep on pet bedding and cannot be bathed in the room showers. All pet services and features are at an additional cost.