Casa Melissa

There’s 33 rooms to choose from at Casa Melissa, and for those who don’t need a lot of fluff while on vacation, this simple property will fit the bill. It’s a quiet hotel with a relaxed vibe, set just off of Fifth Avenue, the main tourist strip. Thankfully, the noise from the main clubs and nightlife doesn’t make its way over too often. The hotel has been in operation since 2011, and for the most part everything still feels fresh, even if there's not much in the way of style. There are few common areas beyond a functional reception area and small pool. Decor is mostly white, with touches of cream, marble, and terra cotta. Most of the guests staying here, though, don't come expecting lots of bells and whistles. This is a simple and frequently affordable place to crash right near the beach and tourist haunts. Most guests are couples, though some families do pass through as well, with an even mix of domestic and international visitors.

Casa Melissa is just across the street from Founder’s Park in downtown Playa del Carmen. It’s a relatively busy area, with markets, dancers, and daily shows in the park, plus the ferry to Cozumel departs from an adjacent pier that's a two-minute walk from the hotel. Of course, this means that tourists are steadily streaming in and out of the area. The beach is just a minute away from the front door on foot, and is relatively calm in the vicinity of the hotel (i.e., it hasn't been crammed with bars and shops yet). A half-block in the other direction is Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen's main tourist drag that's lined with malls, clubs, bars, and restaurants. The ADO bus station is around a minute away, and public transportation is readily available along 10th Avenue. It's about an hour to Cancun and its international airport by car.

There are 33 rooms at Casa Melissa and functionality is the governing aesthetic here, so the style is minimal and basic. Floors are tiled with off-white ceramic tile, and white walls are broken up by pale orange or stacked-stone accents. Soft green bed runners and throw pillows bring a little more life to the rooms, as do one or two pieces of bright abstract art, but otherwise decor is limited to mid-tone hardwood furniture.All of the rooms come with coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges with free limited bottled water, but there's no in-room Wi-Fi. Many rooms have a balcony, and some of these offer partial or full sea views, though unfortunately the balconies weren't furnished when we visited. There’s some general wear and tear in the rooms, like missing slats on the wooden closet doors and cracked grout here and there. Bathrooms are done in homey ceramic tiling and neutral tones, and feature walk-in showers with mosaic tile floors and frosted glass doors. Some of the rooms have marble countertops and undermount sinks -- giving them a more contemporary look -- while others have top-set vessel sinks with a rustic finish. A few bathrooms have a mosaic-tile tub as well as shower, and a nice selection of organic bath products come standard.

Apart from the rooms, the primary feature at the hotel is the small pool located on the ground level; first floor rooms have walk-out access. There are a few lounge chairs for anyone looking to relax poolside, though the beach is just next door. Food is not served on-site, and the only other feature is free Wi-Fi in the hotel's lobby. Laundry and dry cleaning services can be arranged.