Playa Maya

Playa Maya can be hard to find. With no street entrance, the boutique is only accessible via the beach, which can leave some unknowing guests wandering around the general vicinity, bags in tow. But it turns out, the hotel’s seemingly inconvenient location is actually rather convenient. The slightly off-path position lends to the quiet, relaxing, vibe found on hotel grounds. Aside from a distant bass line, it’s easy to forget Playa’s crazy, non-stop La Quinta Avenida is just a half block away. 

A renovation and huge update in late 2014 replaced the hotel’s colonial architectural vibe with a more modern, whitewashed Mediterranean look. A large domed roof over the restaurant was converted into a large rooftop sundeck overlooking the oceanfront, a shaded lounge area was added, the deck partially obscuring the pool was removed, and the reception area was relocated closer to the beach, improving views for a few rooms and giving the hotel a much more open feel. Overall, Playa Maya feels comfortable and friendly, though it lacks a social scene -- making it more ideal for couples than partiers.

Playa Maya is literally located on the beach, between Calle 8 and Calle 6 in the popping central area off La Quinta Avenida. Completely surrounded by pedestrian-only traffic and impossible parking, it’s best to rely on public transport from the airport and around town. The hotel is located in a prime spot on the beach and in between Playa’s two main streets, Avenida Juarez and Avenida Constituyentes, and the ADO bus stop that leaves from Cancun Airport’s arrivals terminal drops off just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Cancun Airport is between 30 to 45 minutes north by car, while Akumal and Tulum are 30 and 45 minutes south, respectively. Tons of food, drinks, entertainment, and a plethora of shops are all in inescapable walking distance from the hotel. 

For a hotel with only 20 rooms, Playa Maya sure likes to mix it up. As Playa Maya slowly upgrades it rooms, decor may be either contemporary colonial style, or a more modern look (and various stages in between). Colonial-style rooms have lighter solid wood furnishings, faux-stone tile floors, white textured walls, and small decorative touches like headboard lighting, bright travertine countertops, and artwork on the walls. Upgraded rooms have dark laminated veneer wood furniture, bowl sinks, and newer appliances.

No matter what stage of upgrading your room is in, expect to find coffeemakers (with coffee kits), mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs with mostly Spanish channels, the sound of crashing waves, and walk-in showers with water pressure that's only OK. Bathrooms are tight, with showers only and limited toiletries (shampoo and bar soap). Keep in mind that Standard Rooms almost always come with double beds, while upgrades to Superior Rooms will get you a nicer ocean view (and most likely a king bed). Deluxe Rooms have double beds only, larger terrace areas, either an ocean view or personal hot tub, and DVD players. For families or larger groups, a small number of rooms are able to connect, converting into two-room suites.

The beach at the front (not back) of the hotel is quiet and relaxing, though a bit small; the loungers make it feel cramped. The sand here is soft, the water is blue, and there are a few rough rocks at the shoreline. Wearing water shoes is highly recommended if you want to enter the water from here. Playa Maya's beach also has a covered dining area with typical plastic table and chairs, drink service from the bar, and first-come, first-serve comfy padded sun loungers. The hotel's beach area bleeds directly into the neighboring property's loungers and is flanked on the other side by a beachside massage service. 

Playa Maya may be a tiny boutique, but it does its best to give guests resort-like features. If you don’t feel like fighting for beachfront space, consider snagging a spot on the rooftop sundeck. Located above the restaurant, this spot is usually fairly empty, has nice wicker woven sun loungers, and faces directly out to sea. There’s also a small dipping pool (maximum depth of four feet) if you want to cool off, a small jetted hot tub, and a singular shaded cabana on its own deck. All that's missing are poolside loungers. 

Open for breakfast and lunch, the hotel’s restaurant and bar has both deck and toes-in-the-sand palapa-covered dining areas as well as a bar with limited stool seating. The bar also services folks lounging on the hotel’s beach area. The restaurant and bar closes around sundown, so be prepared to check out some local eateries for dinner and nighttime drinks.

There’s free Wi-Fi in reception and guest rooms, plus a lending library in the lobby.