Villas Las Anclas

From the exterior, Villas Las Anclas is almost nondescript, aside from the marine-blue paint and white sign on the front wall. Past the gates (accessed with a magnetic key fob) guests are greeted with the sound of a bubbling waterfall and the sight of a pretty communal patio set with built-in sofas and patio furniture. A jicama tree bears green fruit. There's a large barbecue area for grilling, complete with tools and various spices and oils. High walls and overhead tarps keep the sun and noise out. Two-story villas are centered around the patio. The front lobby resembles a living room complete with a carved wooden couch, American magazines, and a DVD library. Paintings by local artists line the wall and there's a mural on one wall of a Spanish family and village scene. Seashell mobiles hang from the ceiling and there are guides to Caribbean fish and maps of Mexico. Free coffee is available in the morning. 

Villas Las Anclas is popular with divers and families, though couples like it here too. The majority of the guests are off exploring from early morning until late afternoon, returning to the hotel for a shower or self-catered dinner before heading back out. Overall, the ambience is laid-back and quiet. 

Villas Las Anclas is located on a quiet section of Fifth Avenue, just one block from the bustling and built-up main drag of Avenida General Rafael E. Melgar, which runs along the water and is where the ferry terminal from Playa Del Carmen docks. Restaurants along this strip include tourist-heavy spots like Hooters, Starbucks, and Senor Frogs. The entire neighborhood is safe for walking and teems with tequila shops, local restaurants, dive shops, and souvenir gift shops. OXXO market is a one-minute walk from the villas, and a good spot to stock up on beer and snacks in the kitchens. Cozumel International Airport is a four-minute drive from the hotel and there's free parking in a lot next door. 

There are seven two-story villas at Villas Las Anclas, and though each is set up with the same layout and facilities, the decor and views vary slightly from unit to unit. Villa 8 is located directly next to the small pool, which can be viewed from the living room window. It's the only unit with a hand-painted mural of a tropical beach on the wall. All villas are divided into two stories. The first floor holds a small kitchenette with a large metal sink, substantial mini-fridge, small microwave, and coffeemaker plus cutlery and plates. Circular glass dining tables seat four people. One step down leads to the living room area, which includes white built-in couches (some look a little stained) and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player and cable. Stained glass circular windows are painted with flowers and skylights let in extra light. A cement spiral staircase (not ideal for small children) leads up to the bedroom area, which has two built-in closets and a safe. The bathroom is adjacent and features a large vanity, shower, and free bottled water. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap are also provided. White robes are an unexpected touch for this price range. Minor wear and tear, like peeling paint on the bathroom door, is evident, but the Villas are spotlessly clean and smell fresh. For families, the hotel can place a twin bed in the living room. 

As the villas provide kitchens and are within fast walking distance of restaurants, food and beverages (other than free coffee in the lobby) aren't provided at Villas Las Anclas, but there are many free creature comforts. Wi-Fi is fast and reliable throughout the small property. Beach towels are provided in each of the villas. Filtered water is set near the barbecue area so guests can refill their own water bottles. A DVD library and book exchange are on offer in the lobby. There's a small outdoor pool with a few lounge chairs and a waterfall feature. High walls make it private and a shower is often used by divers to rinse their gear after a day in the salty ocean. 

The American owner lives on-site and staff is happy to provide restaurant recommendations. The bilingual manager is knowledgeable about the island and can arrange tours.