Fodor's Expert Review La Tortuga Hotel & Spa

Within walking distance from the bustling 5^th Avenue of Playa del Carmen, you will find this mid-sized, adults-only cozy boutique hotel. La Tortuga is not a luxury hotel, but it does come with a chic vibe, its fine design and intimate atmosphere make of it one of the best budget-conscious, non-beach options in Playa del Carmen.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There is a nearby parking lot that offers preferential rate to guests of La Tortuga, however it can run out of parking spots quickly.

room

There are 51 rooms distributed in 5 categories. All rooms enjoy balconies or terraces overlooking the gorgeous swimming pool/central patio. Décor is typically Mexican, with bright colors and clay-tile floors. There is nothing too flashy, but they have good taste and a certain charm.

There are only 5 swim-up suites at La Tortuga, but they do make a difference. This hotel highlight is that amazing swimming pool and the ambience that surrounds it. Having access to it directly from your suite, is well worth it.

bathroom

Bathrooms are modern and well-appointed. Some come with traditional colored-tile walls so common on the Mexican style, while others present a most modern look. Showers come with glass walls and door, and some suites include a whirlpool bathtub. Featuring their own brand of toiletries is a nice touch.

lobby

La Tortuga’s lobby is not representative of the good taste that prevails in the rest of the hotel. Just a strange green room with built-in sofas and a front-desk. Don’t let it fool you, the place is much better than that.

pool

This is where La Tortuga makes its money from. What could should have been an otherwise boring central courtyard, has been transformed into a fascinating, intimate and peaceful swimming pool, surrounded by a dark wood deck and lavish vegetation. A Jacuzzi, a kind of lazy river and stylish loungers scattered are fine complements to the central pool.

spa

Choose from a variety of treatments including exotic ones such as chocolatherapy or a Samunprai massage, at Zen Eco Spa by La Tortuga. The space is small but harmonic, just like the rest of the hotel.

dining

The Como Como restaurant serves complimentary continental breakfast every morning starting at 7:00 am. Lunch and dinner services are also available, but not included on the room rate. The place serves Italian and Mediterranean dishes in a contemporary setting. Some tables look directly to the street, while on the other extreme of the establishment there is a more private area near the interior garden.

drinking

Como Como also has a full bar and that’s the only drinking option at La Tortuga. However, the location of this hotel brings a lot of possibilities to the table in that regard.