AKBAL Playa - Beach Zone

The best thing about this place was the guy on reception. He made my whole stay very easy and pleasant, kept the place super clean and even helped me buy a big thing of water. The second best thing is the proximity to the beach: just 5 blocks or so. The third best thing was the roof terrace, a super chill place to be, and to meet other travellers. I also liked the area, the other end from the 'busy' chic end of town, it felt safe and relaxed with restaurants, supermarkets etc. If you want a nice beach, go to playa 88, a ten minute walk away from town.

This place really grew on me, but dont expect it to look like the pictures. The pool is more like a plunge pool, and the whole place is quite small. The bed: well, there were more springs than mattress. It would have been really nice to have a water dispenser in the communal area or in the rooms, even for a fee. This would be super cheap to provide and would be more environmentally friendly. Hostels do it, why not here?

It’s a fantastic little hotel with numerous roomy terraces to be outside, as well as a small pool which was a delight. The pool was cleaned regularly during the 2 weeks we were there and the staff was happy and helpful!! It’s tucked away in a quiet spot even though the entrance is on a fairly busy street. The WiFi was strong and consistent so no problem for those who work or play online. The toilets flushed well (not always the case in many places) and water pressure was slow but steady. There are restaurants and food stores within steps (our favorite is an organic fruit/vegetable store with specialty granolas, peanut butters etc. right across the street!!). Also, our dog was welcomed and treated well. There are no odors left from other dogs that have stayed, no strong cleaning agents to cover up smells like a lot of other pet friendly places. This was another thing that makes us rate this hotel highly as people who travel with a dog regularly. You would never be able to tell that pets have stayed there at all... they get a 10 out of 10?for this part!! The price was great for all that was available to us and it’s a short walk to the beach, just a few blocks. We have experienced much higher prices elsewhere in Mexico at places with many less amenities, so we’ll definitely stay at Akbal again if we’re back in Playa!! No, it’s not a resort, it’s not 5 star, there are not Egyptian cotton linens, etc etc, no... but it’s a budget friendly mini hotel with cooking options indoor and outdoor that offers a lot for the money in a clean, tidy, and convenient space. You can communicate on WhatApp with staff and it will translate for you, if you don’t speak Spanish, and this is a very common way to do things!! Have fun!!

Our room had a bit of a creaky and springy mattress on one corner, so that might be a problem for anyone who requires super comfortable beds. We were in the jungle for a few months so that didn’t bother us at all!!(Again I’ll repeat that the value you get for the money was a very pleasant surprise.)

This convenient accommodation has a good location, with a small supermarket just below the apartment, also a shop where you can buy all related to phone including the European plugs/converters. Planty of shops with natural products and vegetables and fruits, restaurants nearby, Oxxo etc. The hosts are making this property nice, they are in the process and therefore some hickups are happening. I liked how spacious is the apartment with two separate rooms. The hosts speak English and it was good. I appreciate hosts allowed me to come few hours earlier.

-I did not get any check in instructions prior to arrival, so I was a bit stressed, I had to find the place myself. -I didnt like that booking.com did not allow change of the room, so I had to do it directly. -smell in the bathroom and therefore there is a need for overall renovation of the bathroom - nevertheless, it is basic and ok, if you dont spend much in the room -the room facing the street is very noisy, for a very short period of time in the night it is ok, but generally there are supply trucks noise and people talking almost like they are inside the room - I would suggest to make better isolation on windows or change the windows and it will be ok. The place has a great potential with a bit more attention.

The location is very good. It is close to shops, restaurants and 5th avenue. There is a gate out front that requires a key so felt very safe. Can be a bit difficult to find though! There is a small pool. I stayed in a suite which was very spacious and very reasonably priced. My room was clean. I arrived in advance of the check in time and was given a key and able to leave my luggage in my room. I also left my luggage in my room after check out the following morning. Very convenient. Would stay here again. A taxi to the bus stop was easy to get on the street.

Nothing to note here. Really enjoyed my stay. The suite had a kitchen area so I could cook if I wanted. I only stayed for one night as I was moving on but would recommend this place. Nice restaurants nearby for food. Walked down 5th avenue as it is very close. Felt safe walking back in the evening.

Unfortunately, we barely had time to stay at the place - we had to leave at 3:30 am to get on the plane! I would have loved to stay for longer! Spacious room, nice courtyard with chairs and a table, great location, and OMG unbelievable price!!! It has this authentic Mexican feel from the old times which I personally love.

The AC in the main room took a little too long to cool off the room but that was ok since we didn't really stay long. The sink was a bit old but again, such a big nice apartment with a full kitchen for such a price - is unbelievable!

Jesus is a very king guy, available to help you always, room good, bed unfortunately to much hard for me , position very good, not so far from center but quite if u like to sleep in the night. No noise around, very good, position also very good to the beach, walking distance 10-15 min ,suggested to walk till Punta Esmeralda, most beautiful beach/water in Playa del Carmen, I will come back for sure, good wifi , chair/desk minimal

It is a nice place to stay, no noise like on the hoteles on the fifth. Kitchen, fridge, a nice bed. I liked it.

They charge you an extra 5% when you pay with Credit or debit card. So it's better to pay Cash.

I was concerned reading a lot of negative reviews, but the place is actually quite nice, clean and fully equipped. Good wifi, nice common terrace and patio by the pool. Right next to a supermarket and a veggie store, 5 min from 5 avenida. Fairly good price, they also give you access to their beach club

The bed is extremely uncomfortable, the mattress really needs changing. A nasty mouldy smell in the room unfortunately

The host/ named -gesus Verry helpfull. Welmanerd. Welspoken. This guy deserves the best. After staying here a couple days, I realy enjoyed my stay. Gesus helped with annything. I hope the company can see his worth. I whent to another hotel to travel, And imediately felt a different way of treathment. After a couple days i came back here, First thing i asked for is, where is gesus.😂 I am not kidding.

Nada

Good staff , very helpful , great location..

Kitchenware no good for cook and pool not very clean