The Reef Coco Beach

This property is older but clean and well-maintained. From the outside, it's a confusing blend of an almost windowless, industrial-looking facade and a huge traditional Mayan thatched roof acting as a porte cochere. A green island of palm trees and grass adds some much needed color. A turtle pond and fountain entrance placed in the lobby entrance is a fun touch. The space also holds worn orange sofas and wicker chairs centered around metal angel statues. There's a lobby bar with a flat-screen TV and counter seating. The lobby is also where guests can find tour desks, the gift shop, and time-share offices. Or more appropriately, the lobby is where time-share salesmen track down guests to deliver annoying sales pitches.Because of the relatively small size, the property is easy to get around via foot. Three-story buildings are arranged horseshoe style around the sprawling pool complex that faces the beach. A wooden foot bridge leads from the lobby to the pool. Landscaping is smartly manicured with trimmed hedges, flowering bushes, and tall palm trees. Many of the guests are families with younger children, but couples are happy here too.

The Reef Coco Beach has an excellent location for those who want to split their vacation between the beach and the shopping and nightlife in Playa del Carmen. Tourist-friendly 5th Avenue is about a 10-minute, pleasant stroll from the property. Expect a 45-minute drive to Cancun International Airport. Parking at the hotel is both free and plentiful.

Reef Coco Beach's 202 guest rooms (there are no suite options) are distributed among three-story buildings centered around the resort's freeform pool. Guests can choose from Standard, Superior, or Premium Rooms with views of the ocean, pool, or garden -- though views can be obstructed and limited. Decor is simple. Think: white walls, tile floors, and wooden furniture. Closet doors are made of mirrored surfaces. Bathrooms include long vanities with single sinks and toilets tucked underneath, next to shower/tub combinations. Bottles of water and toiletries are presented on the vanities. Private balconies and terraces come standard; some have cheap plastic furniture while others have comfy, beach-style chairs. Note that some balconies are directly next to the neighboring balconies, with only a short wooden railing to separate them.Upgrade to the Superior Room package and get a coffeemaker, a bathrobe, a minibar restocked with soft drinks and beer daily, a discount at the spa, and dining at the a la carte restaurants without a surcharge. Premium Rooms include these extras as well as free Wi-Fi, premium-brand alcohol at bars, a free welcome bottle of wine, access to a private beach bar, and dinner at the Japanese a la carte restaurant. Everyone else must pay to use the Wi-Fi.

Features at The Reef Coco Beach are typical of what you'll find in this price range, though the pool is larger than average and there's free access to the Ya’ax Spa. Guests can schedule body and beauty treatments (for a charge) or just enjoy the sauna and zen garden. The outdoor pool is the real highlight of this property. A large pool patio is lined with sun loungers and umbrellas around the flowing, freeform pool that's accented by occasional pedestrian bridges, so the overall effect is that it looks and feels like several distinct pools. A swim-up bar is popular, but rarely rowdy. There are three large whirlpools.Organized activities include water aerobics, volleyball, and a weekly Mexican fiesta. Kids ages four to 12 are supervised in the kids' club. An on-site gift shop sells souvenirs, sunscreen, and beach gear -- as well as cold bottled drinks. Expect to pay for Wi-Fi or to use the Internet point in the lobby. Staff can arrange excursions and change dollars for pesos.

There are four on-site restaurants at The Reef Coco Beach, and they're mostly included with the price of the room. Sabor Latino serves a la carte Mexican food for dinner, but unless you upgraded to a Superior package, expect to pay a surcharge to eat there. There's also an Italian a la carte restaurant as well as the Miramar for three buffets a day (lunch and dinner provide mainly the same options) with ocean views. Samurai has Teppanyaki and Shabu-Shabu tables, for an extra fee (except in Premium rooms). El Palmar snack bar provides casual fare like hot dogs and burgers throughout the day.Bar options include a swim-up bar, lobby bar with a flat-screen TV, and sports bar. Local booze and beer are included with the price of a room, but guests have to purchase a bracelet to get upgraded to the high-quality stuff. Past guests report that lines are usually short and pours are generous, though that might be because the vibe here isn't a party. Tipping is included with the all-inclusive package.

Sand worshippers may want to look elsewhere before booking at The Reef Coco Beach. Though the sand is indeed white and soft, there isn't much of it. Only a few feet of sand sit between the water and one short row of sun loungers. Past guests have reported that the water is filled with sea grass and diesel odors from nearby boats. However, it's a short walk to more swimmable shores. Drink service isn't available on the sand except for Premium guests, who have access to a private lounge. One bright spot is the on-site dive shop, which can arrange SCUBA and snorkel trips. Kayaks are free for guests to use.