Mararena By Nah Hotels

The host was responsive to our requests and even helped get the TV connected online. We had what we needed for the week, cooked most days with the basic utensils provided, and found supermarkets and convenience stores within walking distance. The apartment was clean and nicely decorated, with working air conditioners. When we reported that the washer was damaged, it was replaced that day, and a requested hair dryer was delivered too. Towels were changed every two days. It’s one block from 5ta Avenida and three from the beach, with an Italian restaurant right by the entrance. We had no mosquitoes or bugs. A few things would have made the stay better: blankets and a small pasta strainer would be useful, and there was a damp smell on our first day that might be helped by a humidifier or deodorizer. We hoped to use the rooftop, but the pool and common areas didn’t seem available then. We’ll keep it in mind next time we visit Playa del Carmen. Just don’t expect a fully equipped kitchen.

The balcony and living room have great views, and the rooms are spacious with comfortable beds. The location is very good. The bedrooms do have windows, just no views, and the lighting is weak, especially in the kitchen. Kitchen supplies are sparse, so if you plan to cook, bring a pan, salt, pepper, sugar, oil, a kitchen towel, spatula, and trash bags. The fridge, microwave, and capsule coffee maker were all good. Watch your legs around the bed, its edges are very sharp. The elevator makes a noise you’ll remember for a while, and the roof terrace hadn’t been fully cleaned.

The online photos give a misleading impression. The room was dirty, and the shower in one bathroom was completely blocked, so the water wouldn’t drain. The floor drain was clogged too, leaving water pooling around your feet while showering. There’s no reception area, and the parking space is tiny, maybe enough for two cars at most. The pool is very small. Not a nice place.

Carmen, the cleaning lady, was so friendly and thorough, and the location is right by 5th with great restaurants nearby. Wendy’s service didn’t meet expectations. We’d been told someone would be there to help, but through no fault of our own we arrived late and ended up stranded outside at 7:00 pm for 30 minutes because we hadn’t been sent the main door code. Maintenance also needs to improve: the AC was leaking and the toilet was blocked.