Upon arrival, my husband and I were told due to the issues in Egypt (we're guessing influx of tourists???-no further explanation was given) we had been moved to the sister hotel, Alux.

The Alux, while clean and quiet (other than VERY thin walls) was not what we had hoped or paid for in the comfort department. We were given a discount of $10USD, yet the deposit we paid a month prior was not refunded, therefore, we paid the same as we would have at the nicer place, Playa del Karma.

We were only there for one night, so it wasn't so horrible...but lesson learned!

Great little hotel with fabulous staff, we stayed here over four nights and had a very nice time.

Pros - Great location if you want to get around Playa del Carmen quickly; Great little hideaway in the city with a lusciously green courtyard; Very helpful and courteous staff ready to help in anyway (pleasant for such a small hotel).

Cons - Location, right next to a large Catholic church so the bells can wake you up early; Thatched roofed-rooms make a nice atmosphere but let a lot of noise in; Karma sounds a lot like Carmen, make sure the taxi/shuttle/etc driver understands KARMA is the name of the hotel.

- Make sure to ask about the beach chair rental coupons (slight discount)
- WiFi is a little spotty but works well enough
- Pool is small but you have a beach a few blocks away
- Great location to a many great little taco shops one block over

This hotel is a great value, the service is very friendly, the inner courtyard with small pool and lights strung across palm trees is a lovely oasis, and the rooms are clean and equipped with AC, tv and small deposit box. There was a high vaulted thatched roof which made the room feel airy but unfortunately not too sound proof. Right across from the new ADO bus station so a good place to stay if you are catching an early morning bus from the station. Just a couple blocks from 5th ave where all the action happens at Playa.

Located steps away from the ocean, but also close to the supermarkets. "Low-rise" hotel with original and artsy interiors, and a palm-leaf roof that keeps the air inside cool. We never had to run the air conditioner.

Very helpful staff - let us use their fridge to store some queso, gave directions and ideas for day trips.