Akumal, Quintana Roo, Akumal, Mexico | (618) 248-8274
Great location along
scenic Akumal Bay with fabulous sunrise views
Around the corner from
dive shops, bars, and restaurants
Large, individually
decorated units with big outdoor spaces overlooking Akumal Bay
Beautiful, quiet, and
private (if small) beach area with free kayaks
Quick walk to pharmacy,
grocery stores, ATM, and twice-weekly farmers market
Each room gets its own
private parking space and purified water jug
On-site tennis courts
surrounded by verdant gardens
Free Wi-Fi
Reception desk is five
minutes' up the road from actual property (with just one parking space)
No market, restaurant,
or bar on the property
Faucet water is unsafe
for consumption
Some units are in need
of an update
Private beach area could
get congested with a full house
The mid-range Las Casitas Akumal is located along the waters
of northern Akumal Beach, and all 18 of its units have generous private terraces with uninterrupted views of Half Moon Bay and the leafy grounds. Ideal for small groups or families looking to self-cater, these
simple house-like units feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and full kitchens
with everything needed to whip up margaritas or mac and cheese. However, the
prime central location brings lots of foot traffic and some noise near the
entrance; if you’re looking for a more secluded escape you may want to check
out Las Villas Akumal a few minutes south.
Scene
A mid-range, self-catering property with quiet vibe, beachside location, and garden grounds
It may seem odd that
this hotel’s front desk and lobby are located about a five-minute walk from the
actual room buildings, separated by restaurants, bars, and shops. Seeing the small
but bustling center now, it may be hard to imagine the 1970s environment when Las
Casitas Akumal was built, a time when most, if not all, of these places did not
exist. While increased development and rise in tourism can be seen
from the vantage point of the lobby or casitas’ entrance -- increased foot
traffic, new buildings and businesses, and the sound of more and more cars --
behind the casitas is still calm. Each of the 18 individually owned units faces
out toward the ocean giving guests a panoramic view of Half Moon and Akumal
Bay, a view that probably hasn’t changed much over the last few decades. Back
here it’s quiet and relaxing. Because many families have owned their units
for over 30 years, there's a congenial vibe and many guests seem very familiar with the grounds. There’s not
much by way of communal or social space save a garden encompassed tennis court
area, small stretch of beach, and wide stretch of walking space between the
beach and the casitas; the property is mostly made up of the large
self-catering units.While the hotel is in
stumbling distance from the area’s bars, most of the guests here are owners,
families, or couples looking to relax, soak up some sun, and enjoy the property's private slice of Akumal Beach -- so it may be best to leave the party at the door.
Location
Just around the corner from the heart of Akumal Beach's center
Located just around the
corner from the small but lively heart of Akumal Beach, Las Casitas Akumal is
one of the most conveniently located properties in area -- if you want to be
near the hustle and bustle. Within a 10-minute walk of the property
you can reach multiple dive shops, a farmers market corner, two grocery stores,
a pharmacy, tour operators, the famous snorkeling stretch and white sands of Akumal
Bay, and almost every restaurant/bar the area has to offer, including tourist
favorites Turtle Bay Cafe, Lucy’s Homemade Ice Cream, and (in the other
direction) La Bueno Vida. Cancun Airport is about
an hour-and-15-minute drive north, Playa del Carmen is around 30 minutes north,
and the beachside ruins of Tulum are about 20 minutes south -- all directly off
main Highway 307. Popular adventure parks like Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Xplor, are
all located off the main highway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
Rooms
One- and two-story traditional "casitas" with full kitchens and ocean-facing terrace space
Las Casitas has four
Large Casitas and 14 Original Casitas, all with traditional interiors featuring
beautiful ceramic Talavera tiles, built-ins, and roomy outdoor space. All units
are individually owned, so decor varies from house to house, but is usually
always cheerfully simple -- although, some owners have gotten creative,
outfitting their casita in all pink or with a Frida Kahlo theme. Unfortunately,
updates and renovations are also up to the owners, so it’s a gamble: while some
units feel contemporary and updated, others look worn, dated, and show their
age. While you may want to
spring for the Large Casita’s two-story design, pesky palm fronds from the patio
palapas can block views, so the unobstructed views from Original Casitas are a
better bet. The Originals also have homier layouts and (usually) larger outdoor
space and bathrooms. All units have thin brain coral paved pathways leading to
the large and private back terrace; full-size kitchens equipped with gas
stoves, appliances, dishes and utensils; air-conditioning; free Wi-Fi; beach
towels; gorgeous tiled bathrooms; and open living and dining room space.
Features
Not many features besides the beach and tennis courts
Las Casitas doesn’t
provide much to guests by way of restaurants, bars, or even a mini-market to
stock up your self-catering kitchen, but it’s hardly a problem since all of
this can be found within a few minutes' walk from your front door. On-site
amenities are limited to a tennis court; small, private beach area with
loungers and umbrellas; free kayak rental; and free Wi-Fi in each casita. Each
unit also has a large jug of purified water (you can’t drink the water from the
faucets) and a personal parking space near the front door.