Sunrise 42 Suites Hotel

Sunrise 42 Suites Hotel feels much more expensive than it is. The standalone cinderblock high-rise has clearly been planned out with tourists and budget in mind. It checks all of the boxes for a good, comfortable vacation stay, but don't expect extravagance. For a beach hotel, the decor is surprisingly un-coastal -- the mosaic tile floors, bright orange walls, and simple furniture create a more urban vibe that's typically associated with business travel. However, the hotel is clean and modern, and it has some special touches -- like a chic rooftop pool. It attracts a frugal European crowd as well as local Mexican travelers.     

Sunrise 42 Suites Hotel is centrally located on a mostly quiet side street in Playa del Carmen’s main tourist area. This popular neighborhood is well situated within walking distance to almost everything Playa del Carmen has to offer. The three-mile pedestrian area of Calle Quinta Avenida, otherwise known as Fifth Avenue, is roughly half a block away. Quinta Allegra and Calle Corazon shopping malls are each about one mile from the hotel. For guests who want to explore the region, Xcaret Park is seven miles away and Xoximilco Park is 29 miles from the hotel. Expect a 45-minute drive to Cancun International Airport. 

In keeping with the rest of the hotel, the suites are clean and modern. The simplicity doesn’t detract from overall comfort, and the rooms have nice amenities like air-conditioning, a safe, a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and a 32-inch flat-screen TV. The black wicker table and chairs give the otherwise stark rooms a more relaxed atmosphere. The shower-only bathrooms are compact and functional, and toiletries and a hairdryer are supplied. In certain rooms, the bathrooms have small signs of wear and tear that don't detract from their overall appearance. Superior Rooms also include a 26-feet-long balcony. The two master suites on the top floor have a private terrace with a partial ocean view. Light sleepers might want to avoid rooms on the lower floor, which can get noisy at night. 

Features here are a step-up from what you'd usually find at a budget boutique. Up on the roof, the (slightly small) pool and sunbathing terrace are open year-round. Guests can enjoy city views of Playa del Carmen or watch the sunset from the comfort of a lounge chair, surrounded by potted palm trees. 

Doña Delia restaurant specializes in Italian/Mexican fusion cuisine. The restaurant is casual by day, but by night, the cocktails and dinner menu attract a mixed crowd of both budget tourists and fancier patrons. A cheap continental breakfast of cold items and scrambled eggs can be purchased in the mornings. 

The concierge is available to help book tours or arrange for car and bike rental. Amenities available for an extra charge include babysitting, laundry service, and shuttle transportation to or from the Cancun airport. Wi-Fi is free around the property.