Ammare Hotel Boutique

I spent five days here and found the property beautiful, tidy, and peaceful, a nice fit for a short break. My room was clean and comfortable with good amenities, and housekeeping kept up the good work throughout. The staff were welcoming, and the place felt safe. Breakfast had plenty to choose from and the food was generally good. The pool and beach were lovely, and there were enough things to do without it feeling like too much. Getting around the resort was easy and well organized. A few minor setbacks aside, I left with good memories of the scenery, cleanliness, and relaxing atmosphere. A good choice for comfort and some quality time away.

The junior suite was huge, and the hotel was really clean. I felt safe the whole time, which mattered a lot to me. We were there for my birthday and they left a mini cake in the room. Such a sweet touch. Everyone was wonderful, from the coffee shop girls and bartenders to housekeeping and the front desk. The restaurant servers were our favorites, they had us laughing every night. The food was amazing wherever we went, including for a picky American used to Chicago and Midwest food. The Italian restaurant's pasta was especially good. The bartenders were so nice and worked incredibly hard. There was entertainment every night, and I had fun with the karaoke, rock band show, and silent party. Being right along 5th Ave also made it easy to go explore. I had an amazing time!

We had a lovely 10-night stay at the start of February, thanks in large part to the great staff and food. The bar staff and waiters were fantastic, offering drinks around the pool from 11 a.m. without expecting tips. Housekeeping came every day and refilled the minibar. The restaurants were nice overall. I found the Mexican menu limited, but the buffet had lots of choice even at breakfast, the grill had a great menu and food, and the Italian was our favorite. We also liked the quick delights and coffee shop. The location is great, right on the main strip with bars and shops. The pool loungers were frustrating. People put towels on them early and disappeared for hours, even though a sign says not to reserve them unless you're using them. The hotel didn't enforce it. We were up around 8 a.m. and still found few loungers left, while nobody was outside. By 9 or 10 they were usually all taken. If you sleep in, you won't get one for the day. This isn't a beach resort. There's only a tiny rocky strip that's inaccessible, at the far end of the hotel, away from the pizza and entertainment. It didn't bother me because I'd seen it in reviews and usually spend more time by the pool. Reception wasn't very helpful or polite, unlike the rest of the team. They said there was no laundry service even though I'd seen one advertised online, so I had nothing warm to wear on my return to the UK, where it was 0 degrees, just short skirts and dresses. When our transport didn't show, they handed me the phone and left me to it. I felt they could have helped more, since they speak Spanish and have the relevant numbers. I'd stay again, but there are things the hotel could improve.

The staff made this stay special. Jannika is the star of the hotel, and we loved her. Sebastian at the bar was our favorite bartender, and housekeeping kept our room spotless every day. The sushi place and steak house were both good, but the hotel's Mexican restaurant was the best. It's also a great base for exploring Playa del Carmen. I loved this place and can't say enough good things about it.