Hotel Boutique Posada Mariposa

This simple boutique hotel has been a mainstay in downtown Playa del Carmen since 2000, and is a mostly pleasant budget option that has more charm than some of its nearby competitors. The hotel's public interiors have a nice dose of atmosphere and charm, in part due to rustic decorative flourishes like traditional tilework, lots of hardwood details, and handsome antique-style furniture. One of the more distinct features is the hotel's courtyard vertical garden, which climbs all the way up to the hotel's roof. All four floors have seating areas with views of the greenery, creating a pleasant away-from-it-all vibe as soon as one steps into the hotel -- a feat in party-hard Playa del Carmen. There isn't much to see or do on-site otherwise, and with Fifth Avenue just outside the hotel's front door, there's really no reason to spend an abundance of time at the hotel. Be aware, though, that the hotel's location may translate into noise, especially in high season. Guests are a mix of domestic and international tourists, most of whom are couples, though some families and groups of friends pass through as well. 

The Posada Mariposa has one of the town's best locations for those looking to take in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of hopping Playa del Carmen. Situated right on busy Fifth Avenue, there are almost countless restaurants, shops, bars, and all manner of things to see and do just outside the hotel. This does mean that the area is bustling day and night, which will either please or irk travelers depending on what they are seeking. The beach is only a five-minute walk from the hotel as well. It's a five-minute cab ride to the ferries that depart for Cozumel, and Xplor Park, a popular theme park for those traveling with kids, is a 15-minute drive outside of town. It's a 45-minute drive to even more boisterous Cancun, which is home to the closest major airport.

There are 30 rooms at the Hotel Boutique Posada Mariposa, and all continue the hotel's rustic, colorful style. Bold stripes are the dominant design motif, done in yellow or blue hues on the accent walls, making the dark wood furniture pop as a result. Brown and cream shades are used as a complement, and funky patterns in the soft furnishings adding even more appeal. Furniture is a blend of antique-like pieces and more modern items with clean lines in most rooms. The older rooms are on the lower floors, and the most modern rooms on hotel's top floor. It’s worth booking those top floor rooms, as those on lower floors have a bit of wear and tear that can include discolored grout and cracked tiles in bathrooms, stained bedding, and chipped finishes on furniture. All come with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs with basic cable, and iPod docking stations. Slippers and robes are included, and all rooms have a small desk with chair. The Grand Master Suites have a small kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffeemaker, electric range, and basic kitchen furnishings, along with a small wooden table and chairs. They also have an individual bed set in a separate area, sleeping a maximum of three guests; in one of the suites the extra is located in the same area as the kitchen, which is a little awkward. It's worth noting that many previous guests have found the rooms to be compact. Some of the rooms have their own terrace looking over the vertical garden and courtyard below, with a small wooden table and two chairs. Other rooms overlook Fifth Avenue and can pick up noise from the activity going on below. These also don't have the most pleasant street views. The bathrooms are done in classic ceramic tiling and walk-in showers, though pedestal sinks don't offer much space to store belongings. Towels are hand-folded to match those set on the beds upon arrival, and hairdryers plus basic toiletries are provided.

Features are quite limited here, though that might be expected given the small size and central location of this boutique property. The lobby has coffee and tea available in the mornings and evenings, along with spring water. There's also a small seating area with chairs and a sofa, and several books. Each floor has an additional seating area with views out over Fifth Avenue or the garden and interior courtyard. Guests are entitled to discounts at a nearby restaurant, and the beach loungers and food at Mamitas, one of the town's beach clubs, are also available at discounted rates. There's no on-site parking, and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi and can arrange laundry services as well for a fee. The hotel had plans to add a pool as of our 2016 visit, so check ahead on the progress of that project.