We stayed at Kai Kaana as a last minute (more like second) option. Yes, the hotel is very basic and lacks any form of luxury what-so-ever, but I guess you get what you pay for. Our first room didnt have a sea view but was changed the minutes we requested another. The room was clean when we arrived but were not cleaned very well from then on, however, as we just wanted a relaxing holiday, we overlooked the small things that would usually bother us. There were no telephones or minibars in the room which made it difficult to chill our wine! However, you could use the phone in the reception area which was no real problem. Bathrooms were rather rusty and old looking and could have done with a good scrub. Unfortunately, we also had to share our room with a few gekkos as the fly screen had a few too many holes.
The grounds of the hotel had seen better days but it looked like they were about to plant a few shrubs here and there. Pool is lovely but have now turned "swim up bar" into decking. The hotel has an open restaurant/bar area which makes a nice setting for breakfast. As we were on a b&b basis, we only ate breakfast and a couple of lunches in their restaurant. Breakfast consisting of toast and fruit was fine, and there was a good selection for the lunch menu which was tasty.
Although rather windy, the beach area was great. If you wanted a swim though, you had to walk a few metres down the beach to avoid the rocks. Plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas for all the guests which made a nice change. And every so often, the barman would come by offering drinks etc.
The only big problem (if I was to ignore the basic concept of hotel) is the location. It is located 8km from Playa Del Carmen which means that you have to hire a taxi every time you wanted to venture into town. Although the receptionist was always happy to order one, it wasnt exactly convenient. I know some of the guests walked to the main road (about 3km) and then flagged down a bus, but this simply isnt possible if you want to enjoy an evening meal without a hike! Also, the road to the hotel is very rough!!!
We ended up hiring a beach buggy which was fantastic and a must if you are to stay in such a secluded hotel.
The plus side to this hotel was definately the staff. They simply couldnt do enough to ensure we had a great holiday. The receptionist had been learning English and tried despertely hard to understand our requests, of which we really appreciated. The waiters didnt speak English but we had great fun trying to converse/laughing/making jokes that no one understood. They were simply wonderful and we shall miss their cheeky smiles.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone who wants a secluded relaxing holiday, providing they dont mind very basic/no frills accommodation.
- Kai Kaana Hotel
