Sunrise 42 Suites Hotel

The location is great, tucked onto a quiet street just around the corner from restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, churches, chemists, and the high street, with a gorgeous beach close by. Our room was spacious and clean, with a balcony, and the air conditioning and fan kept it comfortable. We also enjoyed the rooftop pool, open 24 hours, with lovely views and patio chairs for sunbathing or a dip in the afternoon heat. The reception staff were very friendly and helpful. A blonde, curly haired woman assisted us during our stay, though we never learned her name, and she had made some of the hotel's wall art. There's a very cheap continental breakfast downstairs with fruit, croissants, cheese, and juice, and you can hire bicycles at the front. Water parks and other main attractions are a 15-30 minute drive away, depending on where you're headed. I was skeptical about the low price at first, but there was no catch. We stayed in 2016, and I'd definitely return if I visit Playa Del Carmen again.

The staff really made the stay. They were friendly and knew a lot about local events, nightlife, and restaurants. The hotel looked new or recently remodeled and was very clean. It's a little farther from Quinta Ave, but still a short walk to the entertainment, and the price made it worthwhile. My only complaint was the nearby construction noise when I visited in late November. A great budget stay.

I booked a deluxe room, but it was very dated and the A/C barely worked well. Construction made the mornings really noisy. The breakfast was the biggest letdown: the front desk had described it as a buffet, but it was only a poor continental spread of old dry bread, margarine instead of butter, strawberry jam, yogurt, and extremely dry sandwiches. The coffee was okay, but the juice was bad. I've stayed in plenty of boutique hotels, and this was the worst and most disappointing meal I've had in Mexico. As a travel agent, I often check out hotels for clients. This one was just okay, and I wouldn't recommend it.

The hotel is only half a block from 5th Ave, with its shops, restaurants, and nightlife, and you can walk to the beach too. There's also a restaurant on site, and the paella is worth trying. The rooftop pools are cute, and the staff are amazing. The listing on Expedia said there was parking, laundry service, and AC outside the rooms, but the hotel didn't have those things. The AC is only in the rooms, there's no parking, and no laundry service.