Playacartaya Aquapark & Spa Hotel

The main foyer of Playacartaya is actually a large internal courtyard. Bright and grand, the foyer has several stories of sunny walls and orange columns, with ivy hanging from the encircling hallways and a somewhat lackluster fountain in front of white marble staircases. The smattering of black couches around the humongous lobby seem dwarfed by the extra space; typically there are a few guests milling about or reading. On either side of the staircases are the hotel's two buffet restaurants -- the bright, beachy La Marisma and the woody, salon-like Rio Piedra.

The expansive green grounds of the Playacartaya offer several different places to lounge in the sun, with endless blue chaise lounges scattered both near and away from the pool. (Some vacationers might opt to avoid the children and continuous entertainment found poolside.) There's also a rooftop naturist solarium for adults craving sun sans bathing suits.

Outside of the town of Islantilla, the hotel is fairly removed from commerce in a suburban area near a golf course. There isn't much in the way of dining or entertainment outside of the Playacartaya’s grounds. The resort has a private beach at the mouth of the Piedra River, which is beautiful and calm (there are no waves), although a bit muddy at low tide and not great for swimming. A 10- to 15-minute walk east improves conditions significantly, or guests can take a boat across the river to a lovely, less populated beach.

Standard rooms at the Playacartaya are moderately-sized and simply and brightly designed. The blue and gold bedspreads are no better quality than standard chain-hotel fare, but the colors work nicely here with burnt-red floor tiles and seascape scenes above the beds. Each room comes with a desk, TV, and mini-fridge. While there's no extra seating inside, there's a sizable balcony with a table and chairs that looks out on greenery, the pool, the ocean, or some mix thereof. Bathrooms are simple with green marble countertops and white marble floors as well as separate baths and showers. Hotel-brand toiletries are also fully stocked. Upgrading to a Junior Suite will offer much more space and an in-room extra-large tub, while a Family Suite has a kitchenette, dining area, and living room in addition to a bedroom.

The Playacartaya offers a range of activities for all ages. The mini-club, with its entertainment team and playground, will keep children running all day long. There are also two outdoor children's pools, one of which is equipped with two waterslides. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the large, multi-depth outdoor pool or the quieter, smaller indoor pool, both of which are flanked by hot tubs. The resort also has an array of games such as mini-golf, table tennis, and billiards along with a card room and reading room. Meal options come in the form of two buffet restaurants as well as an a la carte seasonal eatery. Nighttime entertainment consists of a small theater and bar. 

The Acquaplaya spa has a beautiful, cave-like atmosphere with several dipping pools, saunas, and a steam room. The spa also offers beauty and body treatments and there's a hairdresser on-site. Overall, there are a few pesky extra charges to be aware of, such as fees for Wi-Fi (you get 30 minutes free at reception), pool and spa towels, and flip-flops for the spa if you don't have any. Fees are also charged for billiards and outdoor games.