5 Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen, The Riviera Maya

This small, colorful inn three blocks from the beach is split in two, with a family-friendly side and a separate adults-only area, both with pools. The garden restaurant serves up tasty fare for an early dinner (try the tequila shrimp, but go early: it closes at 9 to keep noise down for guests). A palapa out back hosts a weekly fresh market and daily pay-what-you-can yoga classes. The design is a work of art, with Mexican decor, batik wall hangings, and rustic wood-frame beds. Junior suites in both buildings have living rooms and microwaves for a quick meal. There's also a small business center and spa.

This funky boutique hotel melds retro with modern, as evidenced by the red vinyl couches in the lobby and the exceedingly cool rooftop pool bar, where tables and chairs wade in the water. Whitewashed concrete walls lead to stylish rooms with wood-plank floors imported from Brazil; freestanding whirlpool tubs; dual rain shower heads; and basics like a TV, minibar, and safe. Guests receive a good deal at the ground-floor sushi restaurant.

An interesting fusion of Maya and contemporary decor, budget-friendly Kinbé (which means "path to the sun") is steps from the beach. Even if you don't stay here, visit the impressive lobby, where an onyx bridge crosses an illuminated pool filled by a three-story waterfall. Rooms are divided into four categories: Pretty (the smallest, with one double bed), Moody (two doubles or a king), Rugiada (one king), and Garden (a striking bilevel option with a king bed in the loft). There are private terraces in 10 of the 29 rooms, but only one has a partial ocean view (for better views, head to the rooftop sundeck). Rooms are simple, clean, and stylish with bright white linens and small pops of color on pillows and blankets.

Although it has few facilities, this hotel is still a great value, with impeccable rooms set around a garden courtyard where trees grow past the third floor. Dark cedar furniture, queen-size beds, spacious bathrooms, and shared patios are among the creature comforts. There's no breakfast included here, but four suites have full kitchens where you can make your own. The beach is just a few blocks away, beach towels are provided free at reception, and beach club discounts are available for guests.

It may not have the bells and whistles of other Playa hotels, but this small property, on a quiet street two blocks from the beach, is very pleasant. Surrounding an attractive pool are rooms with tile floors, cedar furnishings, and spacious baths; suites also have hot tubs. If you want a balcony, request a "standard plus" room. Considering the central location and lovely setting, this may be the one of the best values in town. Although the hotel doesn't operate its own restaurant, there is one attached near the pool.