Aldea Thai by Bric

A terrible, very rundown hotel. We were shocked to find a stained bed with what looked like blood on it. We asked them to change it, but the replacement was just as dirty. The photos are misleading, and the staff did nothing. We were very disappointed. Even though the conditions were disgusting, they charged us the full room price, 2000 pesso. We moved to a much better and cheaper hotel. I don’t recommend this one.

I booked unit 213 through Airbnb and had a wonderful, very responsive host. The unit was clean and kept that way daily, with drinking water and beach towels provided. The kitchen appliances, safe, hot water, hair dryer, AC, and TV all worked for me. The grounds were clean and well kept, and the pool was lovely. I didn’t use the swim-up bar because it seemed to open only from late morning until sunset, when I was usually out. There were taxis readily available, a bellhop to help you get where you wanted to go, and free valet parking for our car or rental. Aldea Thai’s location is hard to beat: it overlooks Kool beach club, next to Mamitas beach club and just off busy 5th ave. Most of the hotel staff were friendly and accommodating, and the front desk attendants spoke English, either fluently or well enough. I was there over Christmas, and things were fairly quiet apart from a few Christmas Eve parties that weren’t disruptive. Since this is a condo rental, each unit has a different owner or property manager, so read reviews for the specific unit and host. I’ve heard noise can be an issue because the all-tile building doesn’t absorb much sound and the hallways are open to the outside, with atriums for trees. The hotel is on the quieter luxury end of 5th, though the nightclubs are only a ten-minute walk away. People coming back late might bother their neighbors, but I had no trouble. My AC worked as white noise, and other guests were considerate during my stay. I felt safe in the hotel and the surrounding area. There were friendly police officers on almost every block on 5th, the other avenues off 5th, and the beach, which made me feel at ease. Even walking alone at night as a woman felt comfortable here. I’d recommend this condo hotel to people returning to Playa or visiting for the first time, especially more experienced travelers who want to shape their own stay and have home comforts like a full kitchen for a longer visit. It isn’t an all-inclusive resort where the hotel controls every unit, so anyone looking for that sort of experience should choose somewhere else.

The place itself was good and well located, but I was asked for a 200 deposit the day before we left and promised it would be returned. Months have passed, and despite several emails I still haven’t received the money. They said it had finally been processed, but it never came back. Now they don’t reply to my follow-up. I wouldn’t leave them a deposit.

We loved the swim-up bar at the pool, and the place was reasonably priced. It’s beautiful and well located, with the beach just steps away and everything within walking distance.