HOTEL HULKU, Playa del Carmen

Hotel Hulku sits on a quiet street two blocks from the vibrant Fifth Avenue and a five-minute walk from Playa del Carmen's main beaches. The ADO bus station is within a few blocks, making it convenient for arrivals. Wal-Mart and numerous restaurants are within easy walking distance. However, the hotel faces bars that play loud music until 2-3 am, so rooms facing the street can be very noisy. The property is a 10-minute drive from Xcaret, 20 minutes from Puerto Aventura, and 90 minutes from Cancún International Airport. A paid airport shuttle can be arranged in advance.

Accommodation includes standard double rooms, suites with a balcony or terrace, and a single room with a private entrance. Select rooms offer a kitchenette with cookware. All have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. Some units have a coffee maker. Room sizes vary, and some are small. The bathrooms in standard rooms are compact and can get wet after a shower due to the shower placement, with limited storage. A number of rooms have dampness issues and can feel dark. Noise insulation is poor, especially for road-facing rooms, though some quieter rooms face the inner garden. Air conditioning units in some rooms are dated and may not cool effectively. A safety deposit box is available for an additional fee.

The outdoor pool is open all year and has a shallow end. It is set within the lush garden, though it tends to be shaded for most of the day and can be cold. There are only three loungers by the pool. The hotel also offers spa facilities (at an additional charge), bicycle rental (first two hours free), and a games room with board games. Diving trips can be arranged for a fee. A small playground is available for children.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property but can be weak or unreliable in some rooms; a portable router is available upon request. Free private parking is available on site, but spaces are limited to small cars and the gate is locked between 10 pm and 7 am, requiring guests to ask reception to open it. A paid shuttle service to the airport is available, and the hotel will need your flight details in advance. Daily housekeeping is included. The 24-hour front desk can assist with tours and taxi bookings. Meeting/banquet facilities and ironing service are available for an extra fee. Guests are asked to wear a wristband during their stay.