Hotel Playa Linda

We had an ocean-view room, and it was worth paying extra for. I heard the other rooms aren't as good. The rooms are okay, and the staff were great. Since the hotel is right on the beach, there's quite a bit of noise morning, night, and day. It bothered us less than I expected, but it might bother other people. Getting in and out is easy, there’s plenty of food nearby, and a grocery store is about a five-minute walk away.

We had a very pleasant room on the side, with two large double beds, a microwave, fridge/freezer, TV with limited channels, a table for four, balcony seats, a dressing table, a large wardrobe, and an adequate shower. It’s right on the beachfront. If you can afford a side or front room with a balcony, I’d say the extra cost is worthwhile. We’ve also stayed at the Scappata, and I’d say the rooms are better here.

The star rating doesn’t match the experience. We live in Mexico and have spent over 35 years traveling around the country. On this trip we’d already visited Maní, Ticul, Campeche, Izamal, Dzán, Santa Elena, and other places, so we know what to expect at different price points. This was our fifth hotel of the trip, and by far the worst for the price and all its three-star reviews. It deserves one star at most. The beachfront location is excellent and the hotel is clean. Those are the only positives. The place has no other appeal and is extremely noisy, both from guests inside and from outside. The rooms are so bright there’s no way to block the light. Sleeping there felt like trying to rest on the Las Vegas Strip. Bathroom windows open onto the hallways, spreading odors through the hotel. There was no hot water at night, and in the morning the water wasn’t even body-temperature warm. The beds are old style and extremely hard, basically concrete, and the pillows are just as uncomfortable. Our sheets were clean, unlike what we heard from other guests, but they were thin, scratchy, see-through flat sheets, clearly the cheapest available. It was about 54 degrees that morning, and there were no blankets. Be ready to sleep fully clothed or bring your own bedding. This used to be a small fishing town, but like many seaside destinations it has grown into an overpopulated city. The hotel's rating still doesn't reflect what you actually get.

Room 24 had an amazing view, and everything was extremely clean. Maria at reception gave us a very warm welcome. The location is excellent, and I’ll be back with a BIG smile.