Thompson Playa Del Carmen

Interiors at this upscale hotel are swish and stylish; black-and-white tile floors in the lobby are paired with attractive wooden furniture, funky lighting, and an exposed stone front desk. Gleaming marble paves the way throughout, with chic seating corners dotted about the property that are atmospherically illuminated by trendy lighting. The hotel's dining spaces, occupying a scenic rooftop setting that's also home to the pool, are impressive. The rooftop perch is peppered with greenery and offers panoramic views over the surroundings and sea. Both restaurants are decked out in stylish modern garb and offer varied seating options and nooks. Guests are almost exclusively leisure travelers, and the property tends to draw a younger crowd. The restaurants attract non-hotel guests as well, especially at night.

The hotel is centrally situated in Playa del Carmen, a coastal resort town about a 70-minute drive south of Cancun. It's two blocks away from the beach (about a two-minute walk) and located on Quinta Avenida, the town's Fifth Avenue that's lined with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, boutiques, and entertainment. The hotel's sister property, Thompson Beach House, where guests can use the beach club and other facilities, is a four-minute walk away. The ADO bus station is a four-minute walk away, while Cancun Airport is about a 60-minute drive from here.

Rooms are stylishly appointed with mid-century modern decor and a color palette of soft neutrals. Attractive wooden furniture includes nightstands and white marble-topped storage units. The spaces are well illuminated by natural light thanks to glass sliding doors that open onto private furnished balconies, while upper-category rooms have larger terraces with day beds. Suites have separate living rooms. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars stocked with Champagne and coconut water, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no tea/coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms are as chic as the rooms, with granite-topped wooden sink vanities and walk-in rainfall showers. Plush robes, mosquito repellent, bottled water, and toiletries are supplied. Note that the hotel is situated on a busy street, so noise can be an issue, plus there are live DJ sets on the rooftop at night.

The hotel's outdoor infinity pool is the highlight here, stretching along the rooftop and offering lovely views over the surroundings as well as a swim-up bar. Palm trees peppered throughout the area are a nice touch, and guests have a wide choice of seating, including sunbeds, in-water loungers, day beds, and round padded beds. Private cabanas can also be rented, which include waitstaff, bottle service, and a gourmet minibar. The rooftop is also home to two restaurants, both stylish places with trendy decor, plus great panoramic views over the city and sea. Catch serves seafood and sushi for dinner, as well as cocktails. At night it transforms into a popular nightlife destination with live DJ sets. Cinco is the hotel's all-day brunch restaurant, serving casual Mexican fare, plus it has a sushi bar. Other features here include meeting and event space, plus there's free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Note that there is a mandatory Lifestyle Fee included in all rates, which some guests complain about, but it includes daily yoga classes, tequila tastings, and bike rentals.Guests also have access to the beach club at sister property Thompson Beach House, which offers food and drinks and has a lovely outdoor pool.