Playa Del Carmen Paradise: Hotel Plaza Playa Awaits!
Playa Del Carmen Paradise? Okay, Let's See If Hotel Plaza Playa Lives Up To It…
Okay, deep breaths. I've just returned from a whirlwind trip to Playa del Carmen, and my base of operations was the Hotel Plaza Playa. The marketing blurb promised "Paradise," but let's be real, hotels always promise the moon. So, did it deliver? Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this is going to be a long one. And trust me, I've got opinions.
(SEO/Metadata – Don't worry, I'll get to that eventually!)
- Keywords: Playa del Carmen, Hotel Plaza Playa, Mexico, Review, Accessibility, Spa, Dining, Wi-Fi, Beach, Hotel, Vacation, Travel, [Add more specific keywords based on my ramblings!]
Let's start with the accessibility stuff because, honestly, it's a huge deal for some people and often overlooked. Right off the bat, the hotel does claim to be wheelchair accessible. I'm not wheelchair bound, so I can't give a 100% definitive answer on everything, but I saw elevators (yay!), and the public areas seemed reasonably navigable. Now, finding specific details about accessible rooms on the website was a headache. Seriously, hotel websites, this is 2024! Make it easy. So, a mixed bag on accessibility for me, but a definite "check" on the surface level.
The Rooms: My Little Cuban Crisis
The room itself… well, it was a room. Perfectly average. And I mean that in the most utterly uninspiring way possible. I had a "non-smoking" room (thank goodness), with air conditioning (essential!), a mini-bar (yay, emergency tequila!), and free Wi-Fi (massive win!). The Internet access – wireless was… mostly reliable. Except when I was trying to finish a deadline, of course. Then it was a buffering, agonizing test of my patience.
The air conditioning was on the weaker side. And the blackout curtains? Forget it. It did't block the streetlight. You get to wake up with the Sun. Just the way the universe planned.
The Free Bottled Water was a blessing since I have to have water.
And about that bathroom… Mirror, Private bathroom, Shower, Toiletries, Towels, Slippers, Hair dryer… and also a bathtub… Okay, the bathroom was… functional. Nothing fancy. Plenty of hot water, though, which is appreciated. The extra long bed! I am really tall.
Cleanliness and safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I guess? How am I meant to know?
- Breakfast in room: Didn't try, had to get up and walk.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Didn't see it.
- Cashless payment service: YES! Thank goodness!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Not that I noticed.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Hopefully never need it..
- First aid kit: Always a good thing.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Can't judge.
- Hygiene certification: I hope
- Individually-wrapped food options: Nice
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Some staff tried.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Again… maybe?
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Seriously? Who'd do that?
- Rooms sanitized between stays: I hope.
- Safe dining setup: Seemed okay.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Probably.
- Shared stationery removed: Whew!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They pretended to.
- Sterilizing equipment: Where?
I didn't see any actual evidence of any serious security practices, but that is just me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Coma Begins
This is where things get… messy. And by messy, I mean wonderfully, hilariously, sometimes-slightly-disappointingly messy – just like life, right?
- Restaurants: Okay, this is where things get messy. The website, bless its heart, promised a bunch of restaurants. In reality? There seemed to be one main restaurant, a pool bar, and a… snack bar, I guess? The main restaurant offered Breakfast [buffet], buffet! (I am a sucker for buffets), with a solid range of options. International cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, and Asian breakfast were all available! The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good enough. The Happy hour was a lifesaver.
- Room service [24-hour]: Didn't try it honestly.
- Poolside bar: The pool bar was a saving grace. It had great cocktails and some snacks for a quick bite.
The pool!!
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a decent size and clean. Plenty of space. The Pool with view part was a bit overblown, to be honest. It overlooked the street.
Things to do, Ways to Relax and Spa, Spa/sauna
Alright, let's talk about the "paradise" part – the relaxation. The hotel boasted a spa, a fitness center, and all sorts of pampering.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Swimming pool: Did I use it all? No. Could I have? Yes. Did I feel a pang of guilt for not fully embracing the "wellness" aspect? Probably.
- Sauna, Spa, Steamroom: The steam room was definitely not as steam as it should have been. A bit disappointing.
- Massage I did get a massage, which was incredible. The therapist was fantastic, and I walked out feeling like a new person.
The Staff: A Mixed Bag of Smiles and… Well… More Smiles?
The staff at Hotel Plaza Playa were generally very friendly. I’m talking, like, over-the-top friendly. Which, when you’re tired and just want to check in, can be a little… overwhelming. But genuinely, they were trying. The front desk was 24-hour, and the concierge was helpful. There were a few times when I got the feeling that the staff were just trying to be helpful by trying to sell me something.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Or Don't)
- Air conditioning in public area: Praise the heavens!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Never saw it.
- Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Seminars: Didn't use any of it.
- Concierge: Always helpful.
- Convenience store: Tiny, but useful.
- Currency exchange: Yeah, but go to a bank first.
- Daily housekeeping: Mostly good.
- Doorman: There was, mostly helpful.
- Elevator: Check.
- Food delivery: I think so.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Tiny and overpriced.
- Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: No idea.
- Invoice provided: Yes
- Ironing service, Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- On-site event hosting: Doubt it.
- Projector/LED display: Nope.
- Safety deposit boxes: Good.
- Shrine: Huh?
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Nice.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Don't think so.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: They organized it.
- Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: All available.
For the kids
- Babysitting service: I think so.
- Family/child friendly: Yes.
- Kids facilities, Kids meal: See above.
The Verdict: Paradise Found…with a Few Quirks
So, did Hotel Plaza Playa deliver on its promise of paradise? Not quite. It was a solid, comfortable, and convenient base from which to explore Playa del Carmen. But perfection? Nope.
Here's my honest take:
- Pros: Good location, clean rooms, friendly staff, great massage, convenient.
- Cons: The website is… lacking, the rooms, and the pool view were a little underwhelming, some areas a bit worn, and the "paradise" hype was a bit much.
- Would I go back? Maybe. If I was looking for a no-frills, centrally located hotel, I'd consider it. But if I was looking for a truly luxurious, mind-blowing experience? I'd probably keep searching.
Final Thoughts:
Hotel Plaza Playa is a decent option
Escape to Comfort: Fultondale's BEST I-65 Hotel!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your sanitized, airbrushed travel brochure. This is my Playa del Carmen, post-pandemic, slightly-hungover, and ready to spill the beans on my (mis)adventures at Hotel Plaza Playa.
Day 1: Arrival, Humidity, and Humble Pie (or, the Cockroach Chronicles)
Morning (like, 1 PM because…vacation): Arrive at Cancun airport. Ugh, humidity. It hits you like a soggy, sweaty hug. The pre-booked shuttle van is crammed. A crying toddler, a guy with a Hawaiian shirt ripped at the shoulder, and me, already regretting the extra tequila sunrise I definitely didn't need last night.
Afternoon: Hotel Plaza Playa. It's…quaintly functional. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and desperation (just kidding, mostly). Check-in is a blur of Spanish I barely understand and my increasingly frantic attempts to remember where I packed my sunscreen. Room: decent. Balcony: yes! View: street, with a glimpse of the ocean. A win!
First Imperfection of many: Unpack. Realize my favorite swimsuit is missing. Cue internal panic. Rummage through the suitcase, tear apart bags, and find my favorite swimsuit.
Evening: Stumbled into the pool, which is basically a human stew. I then ordered room service and took a nap, a deep one.
Late Night (the Cockroach Chronicles Begin): Stumble into the bathroom, turn on the light…and meet my first cockroach of the trip. The size of a small thumb. I shriek. Loudly. Embrace my inner warrior woman and make the mistake of trying to kill the intruder. Which escapes under the sink, to never be found again.
Day 2: Beach Bliss, Bargaining Battles, and Burrito Breakdown
- Morning: Beach time! Ah, the turquoise water, the soft sand…it’s almost enough to make you forget the cockroach. I plant my towel, slap on sunscreen and immediately get barraged by vendors. They are relentless. Bargaining for a beach umbrella and a beer is a test of wills. I win…sort of.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a beachside shack. The fish tacos are legendary or at least a story. I find bliss. Maybe I should have ordered more.
- Second imperfection: Realization: the sun is strong. I forgot to reapply sunscreen. Red like a lobster.
- Evening: Fifth Avenue, the main drag. Overwhelming. Loud. A sensory overload. Shopping for souvenirs. I stumble into a shop that may or may not be a complete tourist trap. Bargaining: Round two. It's exhausting but I got three t-shirts. 🙄.
- Late Night: A burrito. A massive, glorious, dripping-with-sauce burrito. In a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness, I devoured it. Then I ordered another one. It ended with a stomach ache and the distinct feeling that I'd need to find a new place to live.
Day 3: Cenotes, Culture…and Complete and Utter Chaos
- Morning: Cenote exploration! The most Instagrammable adventure. Took a Collectivo (local bus) to a cenote. The journey itself is an adventure. The bus driver, a whirlwind of energy, blasting reggaeton, and weaving through traffic. The actual cenote? Magical. Swimming in that cool, clear water felt like a religious experience.
- Afternoon: The Mayan ruins! I've always loved learning about history. I don't have a great sense of direction, so I spent way too much time wandering around the ruins and was pretty happy with my wandering.
- Late Afternoon: The restaurant recommendations that I got were spot on.
- Evening: Back at the hotel, a repeat of the cockroach incident. This time, a different species, a smaller, and more defiant specimen. I lock myself in the bathroom, cursing my inability to deal with bugs and vowing to buy a flame thrower.
Day 4: The Great Escape (and a Confession)
Morning: The cockroach experience has completely ruined my sleep. I wake up feeling like I've been hit by a truck (or maybe it's the tequila from last night). I decided to spend the day in the pool. It's a great hiding place.
Afternoon: I decided to take a walk. I stumble into someone's house and immediately apologize, and stumble back.
Late Afternoon: I was supposed to take a bus back home in the afternoon. In a moment of pure, unadulterated happiness (or maybe it's the tequila from last night), I missed it. It ended with a stomach ache and the distinct feeling that I'd need to find a new place to live. Confession time: Perhaps I'm enjoying this "Playa del Carmen" thing a little too much. I'm thinking of extending my stay.
Evening: The Great Escape! I'm extending my stay.
Day 5 (and Beyond): Rinse, Repeat, and Embrace the Mess
- Who knows? Maybe more cockroaches. Maybe more perfect beach days. Possibly more tequila. Definitely more questionable food choices. My best advice? Don't over-plan. Don't expect perfection. Embrace the chaos. And for the love of all that is holy, pack extra sunscreen. And maybe bug spray.
Playa Del Carmen Paradise: Hotel Plaza Playa Awaits! (Or Does It?) - Let's Get Real, Folks.
Is this place *actually* paradise? Like, Instagram perfect, margarita-in-hand paradise?
Oof, good question. See, I went in with *those* expectations. Scrolling through the website, you're picturing yourself, effortlessly tanned, draped in a flowing white dress, giggling with friends... Reality? Okay, let's just say it's more *work in progress* paradise. The beach? Gorgeous. But sometimes, the seaweed situation is... well, let's just say I spent more time dodging seaweed than actually *in* the ocean. And remember, the website's photos? They're probably taken at golden hour, with a filter the size of Texas. Don't get me wrong, it’s beautiful. Just maybe adjust your internal meter a little. My first day involved a spectacular sunburn and a near-miss with a rogue wave that nearly swallowed my beach bag. Paradise, eh? ;)
The rooms… are they as advertised? Specifically, about the air conditioning – a hot topic, right?
Ah, the A/C. You've heard things, haven't you? Look, mine worked. Mostly. There was a moment on Night 3 where I swore a colony of tiny, invisible suns had set up camp in my room. I was sweating rivers. I called reception. They sent someone. He jiggled something. It *kind of* worked better *after* that. But here's the thing: in Playa, the humidity is *relentless*. So, even with the A/C blasting, you're still gonna feel a little… sticky. Embrace it. It’s part of the charm. Kinda. Also, pack a fan just in case. You won't regret it, I promise. My friend, bless her heart, forgot hers and spent the whole week resembling a melting ice sculpture. Trust me.
The location… is it actually "steps from the beach" like they say? Because "steps" can be a subjective term, right?
Okay, this is where Plaza Playa *actually* shines (pun intended). Yes, it's basically steps. I'm talking, like, you could stumble out of the hotel – not that *I* ever did, mind you – and be knee-deep in sand in under a minute. Seriously, it's fantastic. The proximity alone almost makes up for the questionable A/C. Being able to pop back to your room for a bathroom break, a fresh towel, or just a quick nap without a major expedition is a *game changer*. I spent a full afternoon just wandering back and forth, from sun to shade to snacks to the sea... it was pure bliss. This is, undeniably, the best thing about this hotel, hands down.
The food! Tell me about the food. Are the included breakfasts as bland as they sound?
Okay, the breakfast. Let's be honest. It's… a breakfast. There's your standard buffet fare - eggs (sometimes rubbery), toast (easily charred), fruit (hit or miss on ripeness), and coffee which, honestly, if you're a coffee snob, you'll weep. My advice? Lower your expectations. Go easy on the buffet and instead, make a dash for the nearest street-side fruit stand. The mangoes? Out of this world. Grab a *churro* from one of the vendors. I was craving something familiar and salty and ordered a plate of fried eggs and bacon. It took forever. The bacon was okay but the wait? Forget about it. The pancakes at the buffet were sad. So, stick to the basics and seek outside options. They’re everywhere! Seriously, the street tacos alone are worth the trip. It’s heaven!
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or are they just going through the motions?
This is such a mixed bag! Some of the staff were absolute gems – genuinely friendly, always smiling, eager to help. They knew where to find the best tacos, the closest ATM, even remembered my room number (which, let's be real, is impressive). But others… well, let's just say communication could be challenging. I tried to explain about a problem with the lock on my safe. My Spanish is practically non-existent. Their English, also not fantastic. We ended up resorting to charades involving a mimed safe, a frantic hand gesture indicating it wouldn't open, and me making "ugh" noises. It was a hilarious, and slightly frustrating, experience. Ultimately, though, the genuine smiles outweighed the communication hiccups. Be patient, be polite, and learn a *few* basic Spanish phrases. It goes a long way – and it's fun too!
The pool! Is it crowded? Is it clean? Can you actually relax by it?
I loved the pool! It was lovely, clean, and usually not *too* crowded. Okay, *sometimes* it got a little rowdy. You get a few families, a few groups enjoying a bit too much tequila, and the occasional inflatable flamingo floating around (which, let's be honest, is slightly annoying but also kinda adorable). However, *most* days, I managed to snag a sunbed and soak up the sun and the cocktails. There's a swim-up bar, which is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because… cocktails! Curse because… it's easy to overdo it. Let’s just say I have a *very* hazy memory of a game of Marco Polo and an incident involving a pool noodle and a very grumpy-looking German man. Oops. But yeah, the pool is a good spot. Just… watch those margaritas and your general level of decorum!
Anything I need to know about the surrounding area - is it safe? What should I avoid?
Playa Del Carmen itself feels relatively safe, especially in the touristy areas. Of course, you should still always be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash a ton of cash, don't walk alone down dark alleys late at night (common sense, really!), and watch out for those guys on scooters who'll try to sell you, well, *anything*. Never walk home alone at night, take care with buying souvenirs, and keep your eyes peeled for pickpockets. The local markets! Gorgeous colors, amazing smells. Don't be afraid to haggle, but learn how to do it from a video. I just don't have the stomach for it and felt bad.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Honestly? Yeah. I would. Despite the sticky rooms, the sometimes-questionable breakfast, and the rogue seaweed attacks, I had a *fantastic* time. The location is unbeatable. The beach is glorious. The margaritas flow like waterHoneymoon Havenst
