Hotel La Semilla

La Semilla started as the dream of a couple who worked in hospitality. This adult-only property opened in 2013 with the mission to create a tranquil space where people can find escape without losing touch with the world outside. The small hotel is slightly hard to spot from the road thanks to the tropical landscaping, back-to-back neighboring businesses, and only a small metal placard sign. A large wooden door with wrought-iron bolts and a peek-a-boo square greets customers and is a good introduction to the overall upscale, vintage style of the hotel. The Boho-chic look utilizes white-painted, exposed wood-beam ceilings, reclaimed light fixtures, and tiles with faded patterns. There’s infused water in the lobby, but no air-conditioning, though the multiple fans keep it cool. The entire hotel, outside of the rooms, is outdoor or open-air. The shabby-chic style isn’t for everyone, and the boutique tends to draw young couples between 18 and 30 years old. There are no pets allowed. 

Located on Calle 38 in the northern section of Playa del Carmen, just a block down from the waters of Soliman Bay. Thanks to its position just below the pedestrian-only La Quinta Avenida, La Semilla is less than a five-minute walk from all the tourist buzz. The ADO bus station is a 20-minute walk or five-minute taxi ride, and the ferry to Cozumel leaves from a port just a few blocks farther down. Tulum is an hour drive south, while Cancun International Airport is a 45-minute drive north. Popular eco-parks like Xplor, Xcaret, and Xenses are a 17-minute drive away. The hotel is surrounded by the numerous shops, restaurants, and bars off the main drag. 

Hotel La Semilla’s nine rooms follow suit with the rest of the boutique’s Boho-chic decor, each room having its own one-of-a-kind furniture and accent pieces. Some examples include a reclaimed birdcage on the balcony, brass animal towel hooks, framed vintage labels, and weathered wood furniture. There are also white-painted brick walls, personalized needlepoint bed pillows, and hand-picked paintings that each have a story. In an effort to uphold the hotel’s mission of helping guests disconnect from their usual lives, you won’t find TVs or telephones in any of the rooms, though each room has an individual Wi-Fi network. Rooms come with either one king or queen-size bed with a maximum double occupancy. Guests also get AC, fans, and glass jugs of purified water (refilled once a day), but no fridges. Shower-only bathrooms have local organic toiletries. There are also small dreamcatchers by the beds, organic insect repellant, and mosquito coils. Small Rooms have no balcony and are snug, while the basic Room category feel more spacious. Terrace Rooms have balconies with mismatched chairs facing the garden. Terrace Suites are the largest and come with either an outside shower or whirlpool on the terrace. Hairdryers are available on request.

Even though it’s small, Hotel La Semilla has a good helping of decent features, though the central garden is its standout. A tall, ropey tree, several green plants, and small cutout stream give this space a jungle feel, and the trickling rock waterfall adds to the serene vibe. A few seating areas give guests options for reading or chilling out, or they can walk up the stairs to the lofted terrace with several potted plants and a wooden picnic table. Unfortunately, there are no pool or wellness facilities. This lounging spot is directly above the hotel’s small, open-air breakfast room, where the hotel’s free breakfast is served to guests seated at the handful of mismatched tables and chairs. Breakfast is good, and consists of a continental buffet alongside one traditional hot Mexican breakfast dish that changes daily. There’s also a small roof terrace with contemporary tile floors, a sunbed, shaded seating area, and two cushioned loungers, all with treetop views. Freebies include Wi-Fi, beach cruisers with baskets, and beach towels and bags. Throughout the day, coffee and some of the continental items from breakfast, like dried fruit and nuts, are available for free. Additionally, free evening wine and beer is well-regarded. There’s also a small selection of books and magazines. This hotel has no elevators, and pets and children under 18 are not allowed.