Playa del Carmen ~ View topic - Hotel Lunata

Guest

Hi Jen,

first let me compliment you on the site, it really is most helpful and informative.

I was searching for a good hotel (not AI) in the centre of PDC. I'm looking for a hotel that is clean, has nice atmosphere, AC and safe deposit box. Can't really be bothered with food in the hotel, as I prefer eating out in the small street restaurants, so that's not a issue. I've come across Hotel Lunata and it seems just perfect.
Any thoughts and suggestions?
Thanks,
Damjan

Hiya Damjan!

Thanks for the kind message.

Lunata is one of those places I've walked past hundreds of times. I always take a moment to peek into their courtyard, because it is so pretty! I never looked inside any of the rooms, but it looks nice from the outside. I'd feel comfortable booking a room at Hotel Lunata.

The location is great! It's on 5th Avenue, in the heart of downtown. You can walk to the collectivos, bus stop and the beach is a block away. Restaurants and shops are all over the place.

This isn't a great picture of Lunata, itself...but...if you take a look at this photo:

http://www.iloveplaya.com/coppermine/displayimage.php?pos=-159

On the upper right side of the photo you can see the purple "Lunata" sign with the moon underneath on a golden-colored building. That is Hotel Lunata and you can get an idea of the location.

I always stay at budget hotels in Playa. If I was looking for something a bit nicer for myself, Lunata is one of those places I would consider, myself.

When are you going? Have you been to Playa del Carmen before?

Jen

Hi Jen,

thanks for your quick reply.

We're thinking of going in March. I've never been to Mexico before, but my girlfriend is a huge fan. She traveled a lot during her college years (Asia, North Africa, Central and Latin America) and Mexico remains her favourite destination. So I guess it's time I see what she is talking about with such enthusiasm Wink

!

In case they are fully booked at that time in March, could you perhaps recommend a hotel comparable to the Lunata?!

Thanks,
Damjan

Damjan,

Did your girlfriend go to Egypt? That would be an amazing experience.

If Lunata is booked, some places you might like are:

La Tortuga - Tortuga has some rooms with private rooftop jacuzzis, which would be very romantic.

Acanto - One bedroom villas located between 5th Avenue and the beach.

Villas Sacbe - Condos located downtown Playa- 5th Avenue.

Villa del Mar - Small, 7-room hotel located one block off of 5th on 10th Avenue. This place is very slow to respond to emails, you might want to call them if you are interested.

Illusion Hotel - Kind of pricey, upscale hotel located downtown Playa off of 5th Avenue toward the beach.

Blue Parrot - Check out the Blue Parrot 5th Avenue Hotel. This is located on 5th Avenue, and was recently remodeled and looks very nice. The only thing is that there is a bar/restaurant in the courtyard, and I am unsure if that creates a noise problem in the late evenings.

A lot of these places are quite small, so you might just want to start contacting them to see what they have available and go from there.

Please let me know where you decide to stay!

Jen

Hi Jen,

yeah, when traveling in North Africa she went to Tunis, Marocco and Egypt, it was awesome!

Thanks for the links, we checked it out and we love the look of Acanto! Illusion seems really nice as well, but I agree, it's a bit pricey!
Lunata remains our first choice, but it's good to have some nice alternatives!

Do you have any experience about discounts for a longer stay? We're planning to stay for 2 weeks and are wondering if it's customary to get a better rate if you stay the whole time at the same hotel?
Thanks!

Damjan,

I would love to go to Morocco and Egypt. She's a lucky gal to have experienced such magical places on our earth.

Some hotels advertise discounts for longer stays. Somebody who was recently posting on this forum got a discount for a two-week stay at Eclipse, too. It is up to the hotel, their availability and going during high-season might affect that, too. Just ask the hotel about it when you contact them for reservation information.

I'm not sure when you are going, but if it is soon, during high season, you probably should be contacting hotels to see what kind of vacancies they have. The smaller places fill up!

Let me know where you end up staying.
Jen

Guest

Hi Jen,

I've found another great place on the net (or so it seems) - Hotel Quinto Sol! Have you ever checked it out?

We might go later than planned, probably late April (definitely after Semana Santa) or first two weeks in May! Is that a good time to be in Playa - concerning weather, crowds and the like?

Thanks!

Hi Damjan!

Nope, I haven't walked around inside Quinto Sol.

It is north of Constituyentes Avenue, which is a little bit more quiet than the southern end of 5th Avenue. It has grown over the years and does have plenty of places to eat and drink nearby.

The weather will still be awesome in late April/early May. July and August is when it is really humid and is the beginning of hurricane season.

It will be less crowded, as the busy winter-escape season from the US and Canada will have dropped off a bit.

Please let me know what you think of whatever hotel you end up at.

Jen