Hotel Riviera del Sol

Built in 1999 and opened the following year, Hotel Riviera
del Sol's collection of pool and garden-facing rooms, pool, bar, and open-air
lounge area are condensed into a fairly small space, though, thanks to good
design, it never feels too cramped. Sticking to an overall open-air
architectural design, the hotel’s Mexi-Mediterranean style has breezy outdoor
hallways, textured white walls with peek-a-boo cutout windows, and dark-stained
Caribbean-style wooden railings. As a byproduct of the open-air design (and
thin walls), there’s not much privacy as all public areas and rooms face inward
toward the small, central pool. Therefore it’s most ideal for small groups,
families, and friends who aren’t looking for a romantic getaway. Oddly, the
most private place in the hotel may be the chilled-out and slightly “hidden”
second-floor lounge space located just above the bar. Riviera del Sol also has an active commitment to the
environment and community. While some hotels only ask you to leave your towels
hung up unless you want them refreshed, Riviera del Sol takes it a few steps
further by donating to a local sea turtle foundation for each time a guest reuses
their towel, physically sorting through trash for recyclables, and using only
LED lights throughout the property.

Hotel Riviera del Sol is located on the northern edge of La
Quinta Avenida, known as Playa Norte, six blocks north of Avenue Constituyentes.
Immediately surrounding the hotel are a varied selection of restaurants, bars,
and shops. Riviera del Sol’s partner beach club Mamita’s is about a five-minute
walk away, while (free) public sands of Playa’s famous beach are a few minutes
further down the beach. Cancun Airport is about 45 minutes north up Highway 307,
while Akumal Bay and Tulum are 30 and 45 minutes south, respectively. Keep in
mind that traffic is rough, often one-way and pedestrian-only, and the ADO bus
station is a good 15-minute walk south of the hotel.

All four categories of the small boutique’s immaculately clean rooms
have a basic hacienda-style design with terracotta tile floors, dark stained
wood furniture, built-in headboards and night tables, and broken Talavera tile
murals above the beds. There’s free bottled water, snacks and drinks inside the
minibar for a fee, and free and reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. Flat-screen TVs have lots of English channels. Archaic hotel room safes are meant to be updated in 2015. Bathrooms include high porcelain tile runners, Mayan bath products, and hot
showers with water pressure to rival any hydrotherapy spa. Ground floor rooms
have entry by way of sliding glass doors (with finicky lock and keys). Upgrades to Suites will buy a kitchenette area with sink, tiled bar with bar
stools, portable electric burners, and coffeemaker with coffee kit. Standard Rooms have a wet bar area with just a sink and tiled countertop. Light
sleepers beware: the walls here are fairly thin, especially ceilings, and don’t
expect to sleep in on in the ground floor rooms around the bar and breakfast area; you’ll
be privy to early morning sounds of the hotel’s free breakfast.

Riviera del Sol’s leading on-site features start with the central pool
and garden area. Surrounded by tree leaves, vines, and a few succulents, the
pool -- complete with a bridge and smaller mini-waterfall dipping pool -- is
sunniest at the beginning of the day with its wooden deck, tiny barbecue area,
and loungers becoming fully shaded by early evening. Just over the bridge,
guests will find a palapa bar and breakfast room area with upscale wicker table and
chairs and a small bar with padded stools near the back. The bar is open from
mid-afternoon to evening and is where guests can exchange their free drink ticket
received at check-in. Above this area is a quiet lounge with comfy lounger
beds, wicker chairs and couches, and an Eastern vibe. This is also where guests
can elect to have on-request massage and spa treatments (as well as in-room or
by the pool). Other on-request services include babysitting, a free yoga class
(per stay with 24-hour advance notice), and concierge/tour desk in the lobby. Riviera del Sol has also worked out deals and discounts with local
businesses like Mamita’s Beach Club (free coupon for a lounger and umbrella),
Evolve gym (large discount on entrance), and a tanning salon for special
occasions. The hotel provides free high-speed Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast
with hot and cold items, and a few free parking spaces out on the street. The
spaces are technically public, but the staff will do their best to arrange or
save a spot for you when possible. The hotel also provides overnight security
during the hours reception is closed.