LM by Inmense

This small boutique is ideal for folks seeking a safe, quiet, and intimate experience instead of the impersonal vibe found at the area's many mega-resorts. Originally built in the late ‘90s, LM by Inmense underwent a big renovation in 2016 that swapped out the hotel’s red-and-white color scheme for lighter and fresher cool tones of gray, blue, and white. The furniture was updated and the rooms and public spaces were redecorated, though they kept a few of the large, red mosaic heart sculptures hanging in the outdoor hallways. Kids are welcome here, but, since there’s little in the way of on-site activities, they aren’t common. From the outside, this small hotel looks like a residence, and, on the inside, the small staff of eight receive consistent praise for making guests feel at home. The residential feel of the street and canal out back help keep things feeling peaceful and relaxed.

LM by Inmense is located inside the private gated subdivision of Puerto Adventuras. Once inside, it’s about a five-minute drive down a handful of turns to reach the hotel. While this setting means it's quiet and safe, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from the public beach and concentration of restaurants and bars. Playa del Carmen is a 30-minute drive north, Tulum is a 45-minute drive south, and the ruins of Coba are an hour and 20 minutes’ drive inland. Popular nature parks like Xplor, Xenses, and Xcaret are 20 minutes north off the main highway, and the Cancun International Airport is just over an hour’s drive north. 

The six rooms here are spotless and outfitted in a mostly blue color scheme -- think baby-blue walls and bed canopies, and slightly darker blue bed runners and matching pillows. Large, high heel-shaped cushion chairs, small stained-glass windows, and white-painted, wrought-iron peek-a-boo holes into the bathrooms’ vanity areas add personality. Stucco walls and terra-cotta tiles create a traditional Mexican vibe, while iPod docks with remotes, large flat-screen TVs with cable, and minibars lend contemporary conveniences. Bathrooms have small wall-mounted hairdryers and pump toiletries in the tiled step-in showers, plus simple vanity kits and terrycloth robes. All rooms have lovely patios or terraces with hammocks and canal views. Ground-floor rooms have direct access to the sandy terrace surrounding the hotel’s natural pool, while second-floor rooms have better views of the canal. 

This tiny hotel has more features than expected, including a natural rock pool directly off the canal. Guests can literally swim with the fishes, or for a freshwater option, there’s another, smaller aboveground pool. Back here, there’s also a catamaran that can be rented for private snorkel trips or romantic excursions. A small sandy area has been created around one side of the rock pool; it’s not much, but given there's no real beach here, it's a welcome addition. It's lined with six cushioned loungers and a handful of palm trees. There’s a small swing-seated tiki bar, but it only opens for special occasions. Additionally, poolside massages are available for a fee.The hotel’s small restaurant and bar shares space with reception and serves up a free breakfast with continental and hot a la carte options -- such as tasty chilaquiles -- that include in-house baked bread and fresh marmalade. Lunch and dinner are also available from a small menu of well-reviewed Mexican and international dishes. Full-board and all-inclusive options are available. Between the rooms and restaurant is a quiet courtyard area with a few tables and chairs. Freebies include Wi-Fi, bike rental, and use of the kayaks and canoes on the canal. For an extra fee, the hotel can provide romantic dinners on guest room patios, transportation to the airport, and restaurant space rental for events. No pets are allowed.