Hotel Hacienda del Caribe

Though wedged between busy artisan shops and street vendors, Hotel Hacienda del Caribe’s bright-yellow building is hard to miss. Styled after colonial hacienda buildings, guests can expect yellow walls and pops of blue throughout, large stone trim, and black wrought iron. Light tropical landscaping and trickling fountains give the courtyard a relaxing vibe, that is a pleasant respite from the cacophony of the nearby 5th Avenue. Having such a stellar location paired with affordable prices means it’s popular with folks on a budget, who are looking for convenience without sacrificing too much quality. That said, some guests have reported varying conditions in the rooms, from broken TVs and dead light bulbs to wall cracks. If you don’t mind being on the northern side of the strip, there are several spots with similar price tags and more contemporary digs, though you'll be further from the ADO bus station and ferry port. 

Hotel Hacienda del Caribe has an excellent location right in the thick of the tourist hub of Playa del Carmen, on Second Street between 5th and 10th Avenues. The hotel is within a block-and-a-half from both the beach and the ADO bus station, less than a five-minute walk from the Ultramar ferry port, and surrounded by a plethora of shops, convenience stores, restaurants, and bars in the southern section of downtown Playa del Carmen. Cancun International Airport is about an hour's drive north, while popular destinations like Akumal and Tulum are 35 and 55 minutes, respectively, south by car. Eco-adventure parks Xcaret, Xplor, and Xenses are a 15-minute drive away. 

Hotel Hacienda del Caribe's 34 rooms are basic in terms of amenities, but they have lovely, colorful Mexican touches like bright-yellow walls, bold blue trim, hand-painted flower designs, and Mexican tiling. Most bathrooms lack windows (or sufficient lighting) and feature tiled showers with small, old showerheads backed by decent water pressure. Vanities have magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and a baseline selection of toiletries. Perks are often paired with caveats, such as strong and crisp AC, in-room coffeemakers (though no coffee), and flat-screen TVs (that may or may not work), and bottled water. Guests report comfortable beds but late-night noise, so most recommend bringing earplugs. 

Standard Rooms have a slight motel vibe, while the large and bright Junior Suites -- outfitted with dining tables, domed ceilings with chandeliers, and balconies or terraces -- feel more like rooms in a rustic country home. Honeymoon Suites have a more contemporary vibe with white walls and tile floors, plus upgraded bathrooms. However, there are still a few Mexican touches like painted wooden headboards, Mexican tiling around the whirlpool tubs, and colorful ceramic lamps. 

Hotel Hacienda del Cariba is tiny and its features are few, though it still manages a small, central pool and adjacent restaurant. The courtyard’s open atrium and hanging vines help keep the tiled pool area feeling relaxed and secluded, even though the hotel is located in the heart of the tourist hub. A small bar sits off the side of the pool and reception, serving international-brand liquor and beer. Additionally, guests have direct access to the adjacent Mr. Dog restaurant. There’s no free breakfast, but full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are available, consisting of international and Mexican dishes. No parking is available, but the hotel provides free Wi-Fi and beach towels (with a fee if lost).