Hacienda Paradise Boutique Hotel by Xperience Hotels

The most refined of its Playa del Carmen sister properties, the Hacienda Paradise by Xperience Hotels is a borderline upscale boutique with only a few minor dings and (missing) features holding it back. From the street, this corner-laid hotel looks much larger than its 34 rooms may have one think. The hotel is a big, white block of building that reflects a contemporary and subdued Colonial style, with a big entrance that involves a large, stone tiled pillar waterfall, big glass doors, and richly green plants. Inside, the lobby feels upscale, open, and slightly luxe: spotless white marble floors glint in the sun; decor consists of upscale, dark brown wicker furniture, rustic stone-brick walls, reed dividers, and dark wood desks. A thick tropical garden is at the hotel's center, containing a small pool and modest restaurant, Palapa. Overall, there's a lot of white, dark brown wood, black wrought-iron, plants, chic decor accents, and gleaming tile floors. 

The vibe is chill and pleasantly respectable; you're unlikely to find people walking around the lobby in their bathing suits or without shirts. Best suited for couples or solo travelers who want privacy, there isn't much guest interaction.  

Located off 10th Avenue and 22nd Street, just two blocks north of Constituyentes Avenue, Hacienda Paradise has a slightly unique central Playa position. It's only a block from the bars, restaurants, and nightlife of the La Quinta Avenida strip, but it's also kind of in no man's land by typical Playa standards. It (usually) gives guests some hard-to-find peace and quiet, yet it is still just a quick five-minute trot to some of the most well-trodden areas. The city’s ADO bus station is about a 10-minute walk south, while walk 10-minutes north and you’ll reach the end of the strip. Cancun Airport is around 45 minutes north on the main highway, while Akumal’s famous snorkeling and Tulum’s beachside ruins are 30 and 50 minutes south, respectively.  

With such a large building for just 34 rooms, Hacienda's spacious rooms (more so in the Luxury and Suite categories) shouldn't be much of a surprise. All rooms have an upscale style with a mixture of Indonesian and African decor consisting of marble floors, black varnished wood, and plush bedding. Most have a private balcony or terrace that faces the pool and garden area. Standard Rooms are the smallest, at nearly half the size of the Luxury Rooms, and have either a king- or queen-size bed, max-out at double capacity, and lack the balcony or terrace space. Occupying most of the hotel are the Luxury Rooms which have either two queens or one king-size bed, dual jetted showers, and balconies or patio. Upgrades to the hotel's only Master Suite will double the space, giving guests a separate room with flat-screen TV, living room, with king-size sofa bed, and standing dry bar area. The bedroom has a comfy king bed, flat-screen TV with cable and DVD player, wall closet with vanity, and luxe all-marble bathroom. The bathroom has a vanity, bidet, rainfall shower, and separate alcove with a whirlpool tub. This room has a large balcony overlooking the pool and tropical gardens that is accessible from both the bedroom and the living area. 

All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridge or minibar, organic Mayan toiletries, makeup mirrors, comfortable mattresses, VoIP phone calls (fee), and free bottled water. 

Hacienda Paradise has a few great features up its boutique'd sleeves. Outside of the hotel's leafy tropical gardens, small pool (with only a handful of loungers), and health-conscious continental breakfast buffet, most of the hotel's features can be found in the lobby. First off, there is 24-hour reception and a welcome drink and cool towel waiting for guests upon arrival, while the lobby corners are filled with a concierge desk, language sorted lending library, and two-computer business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There's also a lounge area with a flat-screen TV and 24-hour free tea, coffee, and bottled water. Push bikes are available for rent. The hotel's restaurant is a modest palapa next to the pool, and in addition to the breakfast buffet (which may or may not be included in the room price depending on packages), serves hot breakfast items, lunch/dinner items, and room service -- though it closes in the early evening. Also off the pool, guests will find a small spa treatment tent, surrounded by tropical garden plants, with bookings on request. Though the hotel isn't directly on the beach, guests get discounts to nearby beach clubs complete with chairs, a restaurant, and water toys.