Illusion Boutique Hotel - Playa del Carmen

Good location for both beach and shopping. Also we had privledges for some really nice lounge beds just down the street and just steps from the surf. It was so nice to have real palm trees for shade for our lounge beds.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Hotel is worth the buck, excellent location, steps from beach but downside no parking on site for rental cars.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel is right in the heart of 5th avenue in a great neighborhood. It's clean and they have free wifi. The beds are not the greatest in regards to comfort but they were clean. I would highly recommend. The beach is less than a block away.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

It's conveniently located as it's close to the main shopping area and to the beach I'd recommend it for a cheap stay meant to travel around this area Staff is great; they'll make a pleasant stay and will provide you valuable assistance Facilities are not the best although functional

Genuine Expedia guest review

I recommend this hotel based on service level. The room and amenities were all about average. The room was certainly clean, but dated and uninspiring. The bathroom fan did not work so it was a humid smelly place. For the price I would recommend this hotel.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Bed was old and firm but hotel was in great location.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We truly enjoyed ourselves. The hotel was steps from 5th ave and the beach yet very quiet. A true gem. Staff extremely helpful and friendly.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Location was great (only steps to the beach and 5th ave.). The room itself was clean, but bare-bones...not even a dresser to unpack your suit case. The view from my room on the 2nd floor was horrible (looking into some run-down center area with lots of debris, a loading dock and ongoing construction), so I kept the curtains shut literally 24/7. If you […] are looking for a resort-style hotel, stay away. If you are looking for a clean room in a centrally located hotel at a decent price and do not plan on spending much time in your room, this is a good option. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We really enjoyed the service at this place they even held our bags overnight as we where headed for a day trip the day before we where ti check in . Service at the restaurant was perfect and its great they imclude a free continental breakfast and Wifi nice touch.Rooms are clean but could use a bit if updating larger T.V couch to sit on etc. But they […] have everything you need I really like the refill your own water bottle out of larger ones in the lobby creating less waste . The location is great if you want to party but you can hear music from the bars and crowds till about 3 am maybe a bit of soundproofing would help. My older other cimpaint is the venders they really should not be alowed to follow people to the hotels yelling at us to buy a doorman might help this situation.The pool I s nice to hang after the beach clean plenty of sun . Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We stayed in a room with a balcony and it was nice to be able to see the ocean and Quinta avenida from it. I had told them it was my wife's birthday and they decorated the whole room prior to our arrival. The pool is a little small but it was nice to get into and just hangout in the terrace with the nice view. Not sure about the beach clubs they recommend […] we only tried one and it wasn't that good, the next day we just grabbed some drinks, towels and found a palm tree with shade to hangout. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great place to stay. Very close to the beach, very clean. The staff was friendly, though there were a few issues with check in. During our stay, it was the low season, so some work was going on in the hotel. It was noisy during the day, which was no big deal. But, the workers did start quite early, which we found to be quite a nuissance. If the price […] is good, I would definitely go with this place. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Good for the price

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This guest did not leave a comment.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We will recommend this hotel to everyone! The location is PERFECT!! Clean room, super cold AC, an amazing location! Our corner had a great restaurant for breakfast on one side and on the other corner a very yummy one for dinner and drinks. Mariachi's at night, lots of little shops during the day. Don't worry about the hotel not being on the beach, there […] are tons of areas available for beds/chairs and umbrellas as long as you buy food or drinks, usually only $20. The only downside was the bed, it was a bit too hard for our taste. The hotel is older but very clean. We are already planning next trip! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

First of all this hotel has changed names and it is not called the Illusion Hotel any longer. We had a hard time finding the hotel when we arrived in PDC because of this. Our first room's a/c did not work but after calling the front desk they immediately moved us to another room which we were satisfied with. The convenience of this hotel to the beach […] is awesome and they have reciprical priviledges to a couple of hotels on the beach. The breakfast was disappointing as they have only a continental layout. We were also charged double for the environment of local community fee they charge, typically $2.00 US per night. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Location is fantastic. Hotelrooms are not all in a good condition. Breakfast is very poor.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Generally good hotel. Rooms are clean and it is located within a block from the beach. Air conditioning in rooms is wonderful. There were only two drawbacks. First, the swimming pool is nothing more than a tiny, tiny wading pool even though the picture featured on Expedia makes it look like a good-sized swimming pool. So if you are looking for a good […] pool, this is not the place. Second, the continental breakfast is pretty pathetic and sparse. You are much better off not taking the "breakfast included" option and just head out the door and around the corner onto 5th avenue where there are loads of restaurants, both local and international (e.g., Starbucks, etc.). This hotel is a generally good value if your plan is to spend all day on the beach or venturing out and about. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

It's a Hotel with good 3* amenities. What really separates it from other hotels in its class is the superb lobby and housekeeping staff. The hotel is located between 5ave and the beach, therefore it can not be totally quiet at nights, but its definitly not too loud for such a central location. Free entry to 3 beach clubs is included this is a plus […] as the beach in this part of playa del carment is just too crowded if you are not in a beach club. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel itself is an upscale boutique hotel and for the price in the area it cant be beaten. It is steps away from the beach. The decor is gorgeous, the breakfast (continental) is very fresh and tasty. We had a small problem with our toilet upon checkin and the maintenance staff worked on it and the next day (while we were gone) began with a full […] on repair and it worked flawlessly from then on. The computer in the reception area is available to all guests for free and was very useful for checking our itinerary and finding recommendations for restaurants (although the front desk could do this too). Every front desk person we encountered was great from Cassandra, Cynthia, to Jorge and many others I cant remember (they all work between the different Xperience hotels I believe). They helped me get the shuttle to the bus station from the ADO bus station and provided restaurant recommendations, directed me to walmart to unload my camera photos. This hotel is in the middle of everything steps away from 5th avenue for all the shopping. The hotel itself has 5floors I believe. Each floor has seating and a water tank to get water any hour of the day. The top floor has a pool and a bar open some hours throughout the day. The view is very nice and it is very relaxing to hang out there. The rooms were well appointed, nice bathroom shower, spacious room, nice lighting, although I wished they had a little more drawer space we were able to make due. Oh and the safe worked much better and easier than some places I've been. Overall a great hotel with one of the best bang for your buck in the area. If I come back to playa (which I have every intention of doing) I will stay here without question. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We love this hotel. so charming and such a nice and helpful staff. every day you have a new display of towels. At the check in, they gave you a freezing towel to cool down and a glass of water. there is a nice patio where you can take your breakfast. and the rooftop is nice with the swimming pool (very small but we didn't care we were close of the beach). Very […] good location. We recommend !!!! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

The hotel was taken over by Experience Hotels last year so the name is a bit confusing. The sign over the door says Experience in big letters with Illusion Hotel on a very small sign on the side of the door. The hotel is very well run and the staff could not be more accommodating. No complaints. We used the beach in front of Alhambra Hotel and they […] are only too pleased to have you if you consume beverages and food. There is an elevator in the hotel which is a blessing and a nice roof deck with a small splash pool. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very nice hotel, excelent location and very nice staff

Genuine Expedia guest review

Great place to stay. Friendly staff. Not in party zone yet no screaming little children.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We stayed in the most basic level room for a short trip to Playa del Carmen. It was a bit disappointing overall. The hotel is pretty small and very close to the beach. Upon check in we were charged approx. $55 US for a voucher for the mini bar. We were told this could be refunded at check out but the lady at the desk couldn't figure out how to remove […] the charges - she finally got her boss to take care of it 3 hours later. Our room was small, only a window without a view, the bed and linens were of low quality and extremely uncomfortable. We had a small ant problem in a light switch near the bathroom. Room had small tv, dirty chair, nightstands, rack for hanging clothes, the mini fridge, AC, hair dryer, iron and internet though service was a bit limited with a much stronger signal towards the center of the building. Walls were very thin and you could hear everything going on in the hallways and occupied rooms next door. Bathroom was pretty big. There was a small pool for dipping and 8 chairs on the 4th floor for sunbathing. This was ok except that the folks who had rooms attached to this area seemed to think it was for their personal use and were not always respectful of others and keeping the area free of their clutter. The blue awning at the entrance reads "Xperience" and the doors read "Xperience Infinity" - nothing has the Illusion name on it. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

the hotel is less than 1 block from Mosquito Beach in Playa del Carmen, wonderful looking place with a nice rooftop pool. Nice touch is the eco friendlyness of the hotel and bottled water dispensers on every floor. Comfy bed and quiet air conditioning. Only wish I stayed longer to take advantage of the pool.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

All the reviews from Trip Advisor are true....this little hotel has character and a good staff. The location is ideal....just off 5th, and the beach. The room was clean, the staff friendly, and the price was excellent. WE WILL RETURN!

Genuine Expedia guest review

We stayed at this hotel for the beginning of our vacation in Riviera Maya and got a good deal through Expedia as a combination through our flight. Overall the hotel was unexceptional but fine. It may be a little pricey for what is actually offered. The location is fantastic and the hotel is very clean. The major downsides are: 1) Some balconies and […] windows (including ours) face the inner courtyard and don't really feel like they are outside, so the room felt somewhat claustrophobic. 2) Pool is very small (but the beach is just down the street). 3) Breakfast is not much to write home about -- just a bit of fruit and cereal. 4) Beds are HARD. We slept fine because we were so tired, but they really are not high quality mattresses. 5) There are a lot of hotels in the area that looked nicer and had similar pricing, if not cheaper. Take home message: a fine place to stay for a base in Playa del Carmen, but there are probably better places to stay nearby. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

nice place. really enjoyed the sun deck on th 4th floor A/C worked well.little store right next door with cheap beer and snacks. Hotel is not marked as illusion but as an Experiance hotel two big wooden heads by lobby door

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

staff excellent, location perfect, continental breakfast excellent, only small complaint, two sinks, one had a mirror, the other didn't

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Loved the location and the hotel, right off the beach.

Genuine Expedia guest review

found this hotel through expedia and booked it for a long weekend stay. the location is amazing - only half a block from the beach. they have a friendly staff with one exception. the first attendant i was in contact w/ when checking in was a little short and/or distracted and i had to return to the front desk a few times to ask questions. otherwise, […] had a great stay in the clean and spacious room i booked. word to the wise - the sign outside the hotel doesn't say ILLUSION BOUTIQUE HOTEL. instead the awning and signs outside display the name of the hotel corp. XPERIENCE. i walked by the place several times before realizing this was the location of the hotel. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

perfectly located- right by the beach and the downtown activity on 5th Ave. can't beat the price either! we had a little trouble finding it though, since it doesn't say Illusion Boutique on the outside.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I had a great experience staying at this hotel.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Spent two days there. The price was very competitive and the service was great. Not on the beach but 100 yards away in the best (middle) section of town. Quality breakfast as well. We had an interior room but still it was perfect since we spent most of our time outside of the hotel.

Genuine Expedia guest review

If you are looking for value, this place is in walking distance from the ADO bus station (if you are coming from Cancun). It is also as close to the beach as you can get. It is a short one block walk down the road to a nice clean beach. The only negative I would say about this hotel is the pool on the roof is REALLY small. We got there after the swim […] up bar was closed, but that would be the only reason to get in. Otherwise just hit the ocean if you wanna get wet. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This guest did not leave a comment.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

After a couple of weeks backpacking through Mexico my girlfriend and I were hoping to have a last few relaxed days in a slightly more laxyrious hotel then those we had stayed in up to then. Upon arriving at Illusion we were immediately dissapoibted by the fact that the hotel is not actually on the beach, and was not at all what we had expected. The […] first room they gave us had a single window facing a wall. When we asked them to move us to another room they provided to move us in to another room with what they called a "partial view of the sea" (if you crained your neck). Though during the day this was fair enough at night we had the wonderful pleasure of finding out we were right on top of a dance club with unbearable noise even with ear plugs! I would strongly encourage staying else were! Terrible terrible hotel, and a poor end to an otherwise unforgettable adventure! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Nice, unpretentious hotel right in the middle of Playa's main drag. We had a roof top room with a nice view of the ocean and access to the pool. The rooms were clean and well appointed. The continental breakfast was a bit underwelming--just toast and juice/coffee. However, the staff was extremely nice and helpful. A tad bit pricey for the room.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

What you'd expect from a mid-range Playa hotel. Had everything we needed. Clean, nice bathrooms, etc. Only complaint: we were given a large corner room (which is nice), but it was situated just above the open-air kitchen on the ground below, which led to some noise around breakfast time.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This little gem was everything we hoped for - knowledgeable and friendly staff, and no noise despite being literally 4 doors off of the beach on one side and bustling 5th Ave on the other. We rented a car a couple of days and parked a few blocks from the hotel as the downtown area is pedestrian only. This was no problem at all.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Well just hope nothing goes wrong that requires you to speak with the management (such as booming music so loud through the night until 7 am that you cannot sleep) because they will just call you a liar and say they cannot do anything to help you. Though the rooftop is pretty it is not worth staying somewhere where they do not value customer service. […] I have worked in the service industry for 10 years and know how to treat customers whereas the manager here could use a course on how to treat people. Side note: The regular staff is very nice. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This hotel is located in the best part of Carmen, it's cute, clean and a fantastic bargain!! I would recommend it to anyone!! My only complaint is that they try to push tours on the residents a bit too much.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Overall this was ok. The double rooms don't have balconies, and poor views. The hotel was clean. WATCH OUT FOR FAKE CHARGES AT THE END OF YOUR STAY. They said they were crediting me the deposit, (and pointed to 'Credito' on the slip), but actually they were running a charge through. So if you don't read Spanish, BEWARE, as they will try to rip you off. […] I took it up with my credit card co., but they said I signed the slip so I was out of luck. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Outstandingly friendly and well trained staff, from front desk to cleaning. Very thoughtful appointments, 24/7 coffee/tea, free water, library selections, fridge, etc. Very tasty and healthy breakfast buffet, with fresh fresh fresh everything. Friendly chef assembled a tasty selection of healthy menu items as well. Location is best in PdCarmen. 77 paces […] to beach (I counted). In the heart of the action, but set back from 5th enough to be quiet to sleep. Clean. Best we've tried in Playa. Friendliest we've tried in world. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I stayed here for 3 nights in December 2012 before joining a tour at another hotel. I chose this hotel based on other reviews on Trip Advisor and I was not disappointed. The hotel, including my room, was clean and the staff were friendly and helpful. I was given a complimentary room upgrade. My room was on the same level as the pool but was very quiet […] and spacious. The location was brilliant- a very short stroll to the beach, shops and restaurants. As a single, female traveller it was perfect as it was in a very convenient and safe location. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Very central loaction 50 meters from Beach, 50 meaters from shoping street and resturants. Nice and tidy hotel. Good cleanliness. Very friendly and helpfull staff. Staff spoke English. Brekfast consisting of fruit, cereal, juic, coffee etc included in price. Could also order extra from Menu, but I did not try that. The included breakfast was enough […] for me. I had room facing the streat and there was som noice from resturants but not more than one would expect from a central hotel like this. If worried about noice ask for room away from street. I had no problems sleeping in my room despite the music. Pool on roof is for children (not very deep). The beach was very nice. Hotel arrange day-trips to local sights - can recomend these Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Location is very good ,The people are friendly and the service is good , The restaurant food delicious. However it was a little noisy as they are making repairs ....Wish I would have known they were renovating . The balcony door didn,t lock so the room really wasn,t secure , Would be very easy to access. The hotel initially only supplied us with one […] towel , Maybe they think my wife and I should share ?The hotel is located in an area not accessible by car, so no parking is provided. I think they could offer you something even if they need to arrange it with a local parking venture. Some minor little details I suppose , I would say it was ok! Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

We really enjoyed our stay at the Illusion Hotel, very friendly staff and an awesome continental breakfast. Clean, close to beach and action at night. A true gem to be discovered.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Pros: location and staff are very good, and of course cheap. Cons: cleanliness and breakfast! The rooms and specially the towels are not clean. I would expect from a low-priced hotel to not be perfect, but I don't accept the towels not to be 100% clean! You can clearly see stains. Their room service was weird; you put the "do no disturb" sign and leave […] the room, and she still enters the room, and moves the sign into the room! The staff are not professional at all, that said, they are very helpful and would do whatever you ask them to do. DO NOT TAKE THE BREAKFAST option, it's a joke! For 7 days, our breakfast was a jar of fruits (around 10 small pieces of the same 3 fruits) and 2 small bakery items. We used to go out for breakfast and on a couple of days we decided not to take the hotel breakfast. Their free continental breakfast as well is too poor. On my next visit to PDC, I would try another hotel. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My girlfriend and I stayed at the Illusion for 3 nights. The staff was very friendly and offered great advise on what do to around the area for fun and unlike resort hotels that try to make a commission on everything they sell you, the staff here give you advise on how to save money and the best ways to get around. It is very close to the bus station […] that can get you to Cancun or other destinations for a lot less compared to caravans or taxis. There are several really cool taco stands and small restaurants where the local people from the area eat at...and they are absolutely delicious if you like Mexican food. Its a min walk away from the beach and a 5 minute walk to Coco Bongo night club. The other guests staying in the hotel were also really cool and friendly and on the same vibe as us, ready to hang out and have fun and get to know each other. It can get a little noisey at times at night, but what else would you expect if you were staying in the heart of the action and 5 minutes away from all the night clubs. I would definitely recommend this hotel and I would definitely consider staying at the illusion again. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review