Hotel B&B by Playa del Karma

This boutique property is a compact budget stop in downtown Playa del Carmen that first opened in 2004. It's quite simple, overall, but there's enough here to make this hotel a pleasant place to crash after long days and nights exploring the beaches and downtown of Playa del Carmen. Despite its small stature and city-center location, the hotel has a few places for guests to kick back and a nice dose of charm. Details like stacked-stone and flagstone walls, wood and leather furniture, and rustic wood-framed windows looking out onto the hotel's garden all combine to make this a cozy property. The garden is a delight, and there are gourds handing from trees, seashell wind chimes, and terraces strung with hammocks and set with chairs throughout the tropical greenery. At the heart of it all is the lagoon-esque pool -- it could use a scrub, but is otherwise a nice place to cool off or mingle with other guests. In fact, it's the only real social space here, as the hotel lacks a restaurant or bar. Unfortunately, while Playa del Karma claims that it's an adult-only property, several guests have mentioned sharing the hotel with those who have small children. Otherwise, this is a quiet place in the middle of a bustling town, and most guests are adult couples.

Playa del Karma is in downtown Playa del Carmen, albeit just a bit removed from the absolute heart of the action in town. Fifth Avenue -- the city's famous strip -- is only two blocks away and is lined with all manner of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and tourist shops. The beach is just beyond Fifth Avenue, or about a five-minute walk from the hotel, while the ferry to Cozumel is only 15 minutes away on foot. Many guests find the proximity to big-box stores like Wal-Mart convenient, which is only a five-minute walk away as well. It will take 45 minutes to reach Cancun's International Airport and about an hour to arrive in downtown Cancun. It's likewise an hour by car to comparably beachy and bohemian Tulum, in the opposite direction.

There are only 28 rooms to choose from at Playa del Karma, split between their original Nativo Rooms and the more up-to-date Karma Rooms. The latter are set in a tower at the back end of the property, while the main building and ground floor host Nativo Rooms, where we spotted some wear and tear and older amenities like wall-mounted box air-conditioners. 

Rustic wood furniture is found in all of the rooms, combined with hard-leather bindings and accents in some rooms, while others employ wicker details and woven fabrics. Colors keep things bright and cheerful, with plenty of white and warm wood tones accented by marigold yellow, orange, deep red, and earthier tones like olive green. A bit of lively abstract wall art perks things up, and extras like hand-painted ceramic sconces add a dash of local personality.

Rooms come in a variety of layouts, from those with king-size beds up to quadruple rooms with a combination of a king bed with two twin beds. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, mini-fridges, safes, and free drinking water. All of the rooms have either balconies or patios with lounge furniture (or hammocks on the ground levels), though some of the terraces are shared with other rooms. Coffeemakers and ironing facilities are available upon request at the front desk. 

The bathrooms are a bit drab, with dark tan tiling in many rooms, and the walk-in showers could do with a deep scrub in some rooms, as we spotted a bit of discolored grout. The older rooms have hand-painted tiles on the countertops, which are installed with painted basin sinks. However, the countertop edges are extremely rough and chunks of grout were missing during our visit. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and towels are provided.  

There aren't many features here, and the hotel offers no meal service of any kind. Free coffee is available in the lobby in the mornings, and the gardens offer a nice place to sit back and start the day. There's also an indoor lounge with books, as well as an ATM. The highlight is the pool, which calls to mind something like a grotto. It's tiny, with space for just a few adults, and an adjacent terrace with seating. While the hotel has a no-pets policy, those with allergies should understand that there is a cat named Karma who roams the property who randomly shows up and can sometimes wander into rooms if doors are left open. She's seen throughout the property. There is no on-site parking and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.