Wyndham Garden Playa Del Carmen

The Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen is a modern budget hotel that offers few surprises for the chain. It's not the freshest outpost that we've ever seen from the brand, and interiors are the definition of simple, but there's enough here to make it a modestly pleasant stopover while touring the Mayan Riviera. The entryway sets the tone for the rest of the hotel: cream-colored ceramic tile, white walls, and the occasional spark of color where white is exchanged for dark blue. As a business-ready hotel, the lobby double as a lounge and meeting space, and clusters of leather seating that look a bit worn are set about the space. The hotel is primarily a quick place to rest for most guests, as it's not convenient for walking to downtown's tourist haunts -- though the relatively quiet area is a bonus for most guests here. Those staying at this hotel are an even split of American and domestic tourists -- including families and couples -- though some business travelers do pass through as well.

Depending on the reasons for visiting this Wyndham Garden, the location is either a pro or con. It's a mostly quiet, if slightly charmless spot next to the posh Playacar residential development. For those who have their own vehicle and whose plans involve touring around the rest of the Mayan Riviera, the setting next to the federal highway to Tulum and Cancun will be a boon. However, most of the tourist destinations in town are a hike from here. Expect at least a 20-minute walk to Fifth Avenue -- Playa del Carmen's main strip -- as well as the beach. The same trip takes about five minutes by car or taxi.. Some destinations are a bit closer -- there's decent shopping at Paseo del Carmen mall, about 15 minutes away on foot, and a couple of shops and restaurants along the way. The ferry to Cozumel is also a 20-minute walk from the property, while the airport in Cancun -- the closest major option -- will take about 45 minutes to reach by car.

The majority of guests who visit this Wyndham Garden are here to explore the surrounding Mayan Riviera, which is a good thing, as the 196 rooms include only the most basic amenities and a style that's the definition of simple. Expect to see blond wood furniture, plus white bedding, flooring, and walls, with just a spare piece of abstract art. A gray accent wall and some navy bucket chairs perk up the rooms a bit, but all in all the bland, modern look here favors function over form.  Rooms are split between Standard Double and Standard King options, with the latter featuring a single king-size bed and a fold-out sofa that can sleep two additional people. There are also two suites with separate living rooms, and two rooms for disabled guests. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, and coffeemakers. None of the rooms have microwaves or mini-fridges, with the exception of the suites, which have the latter. Free Wi-Fi is provided. Bathrooms include roomy walk-in showers done in ceramic tile plus light marble vanities with a decent amount of counter space. Soap, shampoo, and towels are provided.

As a business-ready chain outpost, features are predictably limited here. The breakfast buffet features simple American options with a regional dish changing on a daily basis. Even though it's a reasonably nice perk, many guests provide mixed reviews on what's offered. The pool is surprisingly lovely and stylish, surrounded by gardens and a lawn with lounge chairs and a few covered tables. While there is a gym that's fine for a simple cardio workout, there are no free weights or weight machines. Towels are provided. The free one-way beach shuttle is a convenient feature, especially given this hotel's distance from Playa del Carmen's main attractions. There are four event spaces available, with room for 15 to 300 guests. Ample free parking is provided, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel as well.