The Palm at Playa

One of the younger boutiques on the block (or within many blocks), adult-only The Palm at Playa was built with a modish mentality. Chic common spaces are adorned with antique accents that draw from mid-century farmland nostalgia, such as old, rusty carts. The hotel entrance is an unobtrusive corridor off the street, leading to an elevator. The interior decor is characterized by off-white walls and dark woods, and the property is centered around a bright garden overflowing with greenery. The central courtyard has multiple lounge areas, a tall graffiti art mural, and relaxing vibe. If you are looking for action, head up to the rooftop terrace -- Playa’s largest -- where the chic pool, bar (servings drinks and snacks), hot tub, and white cabanas are located. Guests at The Palm tend to be couples and small friend groups under 40 looking for a sexy spot to sunbathe and relax in between late-night dance parties. 

Just around the corner from the center of La Quinta Avenida, The Palm at Playa is walking distance to the beach, ADO bus stop, and hordes of shops, restaurants, and bars. There’s also a lively (and loud) late-late-night dance club across the street, which is either a blessing or a curse depending on how much you like to party. The boutique is around a 10-minute drive from the highway, which will take you north to Cancun in 45 minutes or south to Akumal and Tulum in 30 and 50 minutes, respectively.

All of The Palm’s 69 room have upscale decor incorporating dark woods and white fabrics. All have glass showers, but Lofts and Suites include humongous two-person walk-in showers with double rainfall showerheads, luxury L’Occtaine toiletries, and large wet bar areas with mini-fridges, sinks, and bars with wooden stools. You can also expect to find bathrobes, outdoor areas, and separate lounge areas in these two categories.

The entry-level Palm Rooms lack the large wet bars, double showers, and outdoor areas of the Lofts and Suites but are still an attractive, more affordable option for those who want to take advantage of the hotel and its amenities. Suites are the only rooms that can sleep more than two people and have stocked minibars (fees apply for both extra persons and minibar items).

Without a doubt, this boutique’s best feature is its impressive (and superlative) rooftop area with panoramic views out toward Cozumel. Divided into two large sections, you can find a meeting room, small spa, and modern gym on one side, and the hotel’s infinity-edge pool, bar (which also serves snacks), and hot tub on the other. During the day, the poolside is fairly calm; guests can be found lying out on loungers lining the pool’s perimeter, stretched out across the water on the hammock, or on one of the unique island lounge beds. There’s also a scattering of loungers, cabanas, and wicker seating near the bar area and a large above-ground hot tub. Finger foods and small entrees are served off the bar menu in a small open-air dining area near the hot tub or at the bar itself. The Roof Club bar has twice-daily happy hours in addition to daily specials such as ladies nights, where women drink select beverages for free. On weekends the area turns into a late-night club where DJs spin and the noise goes on well into the wee hours of the morning.

Free beach towels are available at the front desk and the hotel offers special discounts at partner beach clubs including Indigo and Zenzi. Free breakfast is available at the adjacent restaurant Aroma Cilantro. This spot has hip barn-chic decor incorporating weathered wood chairs, rusted accents such as an old-fashioned typewriter, a rope swing seat bar, pendant lightbulbs, and contrasting bright patterned fabrics. The menu is modern Mexican, though breakfast also includes American-style favorites like eggs and pancakes.

The hotel also has a small tours desk, multiple elevators, and a central garden area with a graffiti mural and plenty of relaxing lounge space. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.