Escape to Paradise: Hotel 52 Playa Del Carmen Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel 52 Playa Del Carmen Awaits! - A Real Review (and a Little Bit of Chaos)
Okay, buckle up Buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Hotel 52 Playa Del Carmen, and let me tell you, it was more like a chaotic vacation dream than a perfectly curated Instagram post. This isn't your typical travel blog puff piece – this is the real deal, warts and all. And with all that info you gave me, I'm going to try and shove it all in here. Wish me luck.
Accessibility – The Good and the "Almost" Good
Let's start with something super important: Accessibility. They claim to be accessible, which is great. The elevator was a lifesaver (especially after a serious margarita session at the poolside bar – more on that later). I had a peek at the facilities for disabled guests and they looked promising. But, and there's always a "but," I didn't personally test them for full wheelchair accessibility. I mean, I’m not that coordinated, and probably wouldn't realize if the bathrooms were perfectly designed for a wheelchair! More thorough investigation is needed, but the fact that it's considered is a good start.
Cleanliness and Safety – Pandemic-Proofed (Mostly)
Right, let's get the serious stuff out of the way. The current world situation? It's still a thing. Hotel 52 seems to take it seriously. They had anti-viral cleaning products listed (yay!). I saw staff practicing physical distancing of at least 1 meter (mostly – sometimes the enthusiasm for a good chat made them forget!). The rooms are sanitized between stays and they offer a room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch for the eco-conscious among us. They had hand sanitizer everywhere you looked. I noticed the daily disinfection in common areas too (though I'm pretty sure I saw a rogue fingerprint on a lobby mirror once). All in all, not bad. I think they're trying. The Staff trained in safety protocols. I didn't see anyone taking those protocols to the extreme, but that just made me feel like it was more of a normal place.
Rooms: Cozy Chaos with a View (Sometimes)
Okay, the rooms! They had air conditioning (a MUST!), blackout curtains (another MUST!), and a desk to pretend you're working (also a MUST…sort of). I snagged a room on a high floor, which meant a decent view! It wasn’t perfect but hey, window that opens! And the complimentary tea? A little touch of class that I appreciated after a long day of lounging by the pool. There was an in-room safe box, which I used (mostly) and a refrigerator crammed with temptations. They had bathrobes and slippers, which are always a welcome treat. I did feel like a king when I put those on. They may be the best thing about a hotel. The additional toilet was nice to have but it did lead to, uh, a few navigational challenges at 3 AM. Trust me.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Adventure (with maybe a few hiccups)
Listen, I LIVE to eat! So, the food situation was a big deal. They had a restaurant! They offer Breakfast [buffet] and an A la carte in restaurant, but let's be honest, the buffet was where it’s at. You could totally eat all the vegetarian International cuisine in restaurant. The Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant also looked amazing (but I stuck with the bacon). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent (needed a little kick, if you ask me). The poolside bar… oh, the poolside bar. Let's just say I "sampled" much of their menu. Happy hour was a daily necessity. I saw people eating the Desserts in restaurant, and they looked nice, but I was just having a great time with my drinks.
The Snack bar was perfect for those mid-afternoon munchies. I heard the Soup in restaurant was amazing. Room service [24-hour]? Brilliant. Especially when you've had a "few" poolside margaritas (yep, I'm still talking about them). The bottle of water was a lifesaver.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks (and the Possibilities)
Okay, they have a ton of stuff. 24-hour Front desk, luggage storage, dry cleaning, a gift shop (I snagged a tacky souvenir, obviously), and daily housekeeping (thank heavens!). They even have business facilities, which I completely ignored, because, hello, VACATION! They offer currency exchange and all the usual stuff. I was particularly thrilled with the Concierge. They helped me a bunch of times, which were all my fault.
Things to Do: Relaxation, then more Relaxation
This is where Hotel 52 really shines. The swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with a pool with view, and the poolside bar, well, you'll see. They have a Fitness center/Gym/fitness, which I saw, but I steered clear from. I'm on vacation! There's a Spa/sauna and yes, I did indulge in a massage. It was glorious. Pure bliss. I may have even snuck a little nap in there. They have body scrub and body wrap and foot bath.
Internet Access: Connect, Disconnect, Then Connect Again!
They have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And internet across everything. Thank God. I needed to check my Instagram, ok?! And they gave you Internet access – wireless so you don't have to be shackled down. The Internet [LAN] never saw me.
For the Kids: I Don't Have Kids, But…
They said they were Family/child friendly and have Kids facilities, and even a Babysitting service. I didn't have any of those, but I'm sure they're great.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
I can't say enough about the simplicity of getting around Playa. Airport transfer was smooth, and they had a Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site]. I saw a Taxi service, but I never took one.
My Hotel Experience: The Good, the "Meh," and the Unforgettable
The Good: Honestly, the atmosphere. It's relaxed and chill. The staff genuinely seem to care. The pool is fantastic. The location is fantastic. The drinks are flowing from the poolside. The "Meh": The food (some items were forgettable). The Unforgettable: Let me tell you about the poolside bar. I may have stayed there for a good chunk of my vacation. The bartenders were amazing, friendly, and always ready with a smile (and another margarita). One evening, I was there chatting with a few other guests and we all laughed. It was perfect.
Overall Verdict:
Hotel 52 Playa Del Carmen is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it has a lot going for it. It's a great place to relax, unwind, and soak up some sun.
My Chaotic Recommendation and a Persuasive Offer (Because, Let's Face It, You Need This):
Are you ready to escape the chaos of everyday life? To trade spreadsheets for sunshine, deadlines for delicious cocktails, and stress for a truly chill vacation? Then, my friend, you need to book a stay at Hotel 52 Playa Del Carmen – right now!
Here's the deal: Book your stay within the next 72 hours using the code "CHAOSFREE" and get:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony. Because you deserve a little extra space to sip your morning coffee (or that late-night margarita).
- A free round of drinks at the poolside bar. Because, well, you deserve it. Seriously.
- A guaranteed spot in the next impromptu pool party that's gonna happen. (I won't be held responsible for any embarrassing dance moves.)
- And for a limited time only: A complimentary bottle of tequila in your room!
Don't let the stress win. Escape to Paradise. Book your stay at Hotel 52 Playa Del Carmen now. Tell them I sent you. And maybe, just maybe, we'll meet at the poolside bar. Just don't blame me if you wake up with a sombrero on.
Click here to book now! (Link to hotel)
P.S. I hope my little trip down memory lane made you laugh and gave you the information you needed. It's not perfect, but just remember, the best memories are often the
Escape to Dalhousie's Charming Days Inn: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's pristine itinerary. We're going to Playa del Carmen, Hotel 52, and let's just say, I'm bringing my baggage (both emotional and literal) along for the ride.
Hotel 52 Playa del Carmen: My Chaotic Mexican Adventure (Tentative and Subject to Change, Mostly Due to Me)
Day 1: Arrival. Hello, Sunshine… and Anxiety.
- Morning (7:00 AM - Because apparently, I'm still a morning person, thanks, jet lag!): Land at Cancun International. Pray to the luggage gods that my bag hasn't decided to take a solo trip to… I don't know, Reykjavik. The pre-trip jitters are kicking in – I did I think this was a good idea!?
- (ish) 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Shuttle to Hotel 52. Pray the shuttle driver isn't a speed demon. Settle into the hotel. Already questioning my room choice. Did I pick the one with the noisy air conditioner? Are those… mosquito bites?!
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Exploration (and immediate meltdown potential): Okay self, deep breaths. Let’s find the beach. First, some basic exploration. I’m going to find the beach - the real reason I came here. Maybe a quick dip in the ocean will chill me out.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM: Lunch & Questionable Life Choices: Find a taco stand. Pray the agua fresca doesn't lead to… issues later. Eat tacos, contemplate my life choices that led me to this moment. Maybe I should learn some Spanish before my next trip. My Spanish sucks btw.
Day 2: Beach Babes, Beach Bums, and Beach… Problems?
7:00 AM: Wake up! The sun's already up. I'm pretty sure I saw a gecko on my ceiling.
8:00 AM: Beach Day Round 1: Beach. Sunscreen. Book. Bliss… until the sand gets in… everything. And is that a jellyfish?! I'm pretty sure a seagull just tried to steal my sandwich.
10:00 AM: Beach Day Cont… I'm determined to master the art of beach lounging.
12:00 AM: Lunch: Taco time again! My stomach is currently questioning my decision to eat street food.
2:00 PM: A Walk on the Mild Side: Walk along 5th Avenue. My head is spinning. The constant sales pitches from the vendors are making me want to scream. "No, I do not want a timeshare! No, I do not want a massage! Just leave me alone!"
4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Nap time. I'm exhausted.
Day 3: Cenotes! (And my existential crisis)
- 8:00 AM: Cenote Tour! This is the day I've been waiting for. Cenotes! Natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Booked a tour to a few nearby.
- First Cenote (Name I can't pronounce): Holy mother of… gorgeous! The water is so unbelievably clear, turquoise. I swim, I float, I feel… at peace… for about five minutes.
- Second Cenote (Even harder name): Okay, this one's a bit more… crowded. Kids are splashing. People are taking selfies with their selfie sticks. The peace bubble… is bursting. I'm starting to question my life, again. Why do I always get the worst of situations?
- Third Cenote: I take a video of myself underwater, and I realize… I'm starting to look like a drowned rat. I’m feeling a bit melancholic, you know? So many people, and I'm just here, floating in water. I'm turning into that one person who cries at every destination, aren't I?
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. I need comfort food. Lots of it. This time, I'm having pasta. Because carbs never judge.
Day 4: The Ruins of Tulum and A Rollercoaster of Emotions
- 7:00 AM: Tulum Bound! Early start! Got a ride to Tulum. I've always wanted to see these famous Mayan ruins.
- 9:00 AM: Tulum Arrival: The ruins are impressive, but the heat and the crowds are already getting to me. It’s a beautiful place, definitely, but maybe I should have chosen a less popular time to visit.
- 10:00 AM: History and Sweat: I’m trying to appreciate the history. I really am. But all I can think about is how much I sweat. What ruins are made of should be a question on the History test.
- 12:00 AM: Beach Break! The beaches at Tulum are beautiful. I sit near the edge of the waves and let the water cool me down.
- 1:00 PM: Post-Tulum Dinner: Time for Dinner.
Day 5: Farewell, Playa Del Carmen
- 7:00 AM: Sleep! I have to leave Playa Del Carmen today. I don't want to go.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast I am not even excited that I have breakfast in front of me.
- 10:00 PM: Last Check! I'll take one last look at everything, and pack my bags.
- 12:00 PM: Bye Bye I'll leave with a heavy heart. Goodbye, Mexico.
Important Notes (Because I'm Forgetful):
- Sunscreen: Seriously, slather it on. You'll hate me if you don't.
- Spanish: Try to learn some basic phrases. You'll make friends (and avoid overpaying for tacos).
- Pace Yourself: I'm notorious for over-scheduling. Build in downtime. Naps are your friend.
- Embrace the Mess: Things will go wrong. Laugh about it. Maybe have a margarita.
- Most Importantly: Have fun! This trip is meant to be an adventure, even if it's a slightly disorganized one.
This is just a guideline, of course. I'll probably deviate wildly. But hey, that's half the fun, right? Wish me luck, and maybe send reinforcements. I'm going to need them.
Tenerife Escape: Adults-Only Paradise at Gran Melia Palacio de Isora (Red Level)
Escape to Paradise: Hotel 52 Playa Del Carmen - Ask Me Anything (Seriously, I've Been)
So, what's the deal with Hotel 52 in Playa Del Carmen? Is it actually paradise? (Don't lie!)
Alright, alright, let's get real. Paradise? That's a BIG word, right? Think... *mostly* paradise. Look, the turquoise water, the white sand, the constant warmth... yeah, that's paradise-adjacent. Hotel 52? Well, it’s got its quirks. Like, the Wi-Fi that decided to take a vacation of its own at precisely 3 PM every single afternoon. Seriously, I think it had a secret siesta schedule. But for the most part? Pretty damn good. Think of it as a slightly flawed diamond – still incredibly sparkly, just with a few tiny imperfections you learn to love (or at least, tolerate with a healthy dose of tequila). I mean, I have some pictures... lemme find the one where I'm dramatically holding a margarita at sunset. Ah, there it is. Proof, people, proof!
What kind of rooms are they offering? And, uh, which one should I *actually* book?
Okay, the rooms. They've got a bunch, from standard rooms (which, let's be honest, are perfectly fine if you plan on just sleeping and showering) to suites with private plunge pools (insert dreamy sigh here). I splurged on a suite – because, let’s be honest, the possibility of *not* sharing a pool with a bunch of strangers after a day in the sun was worth the extra dough. It was *glorious*. Seriously. Like, I spent a solid hour just floating, feeling like I was living in a commercial. Now, my advice? Try to get a room facing the ocean. Even if it's a small peek of the ocean, do it. That salty air and that view... pure magic. One minor hiccup: construction next door. Kinda noisy at 8 a.m., but hey, that's life, right? (Plus, the coffee maker in my room was amazing, so I forgave a lot.)
The food! Tell me about the food! I'm a foodie, you know?
FOOD. Okay, my people, FOOD. The Hotel has a lovely restaurant with amazing view. The included breakfast was decent (the fruit was spectacular!), but the lunch options? Sometimes a bit... hmm... let's call it "inconsistent." One day you'd get a taco that would make you weep tears of joy, the next, it's a bit... meh. Overall, pretty solid, though. Just don't go in expecting Michelin-star level dining every single meal. Embrace the adventure. Hit up local restaurants. Seriously. Get *off* the resort for at least one meal a day. Trust me on this. The street tacos? Life-changing. I’m still dreaming of the pastor from that tiny, hole-in-the-wall place down the street. Mouth watering...
Is it family-friendly? Kids? Should I bring the little darlings?
Oh boy, Family-Friendly. That depends on how much you enjoy the sounds of tiny humans. Overall, Yes, Family-friendly. Plenty of kids running around the pool. You'll see some families enjoying themselves. You'll also see some frantic parents wrestling kids into floaties or trying to sneak them extra sugar. I, personally, went kid-free, so I can't speak to the *experience* of traveling with spawn, but the resort itself seems equipped to handle it. They had a kids' club, and a kiddie pool. Your mileage may vary.
Let's talk about the pool... because, pools. Are there enough chairs? Is it a total scrum for a sunbed?
The pool situation. Okay, this is where things get a teensy bit... competitive. There are pools. Plural. They have the main pool near the resort, and then a quieter one further back. The main pool? Yeah, it's a bit of a free-for-all. People are up at dawn, slapping towels down like they're claiming territory in a zombie apocalypse. Seriously. I witnessed it firsthand. One day, I slept in (because vacation), and by the time I got down there, it was like a sunbed massacre. My advice? Either rise with the roosters or embrace the fact that you *might* have to park yourself on the beach. Which, frankly, isn’t the worst thing in the world. The beach is gorgeous. Just be prepared to maybe, possibly, not get the *perfect* pool chair. And maybe bring your own towel, just in case. I saw someone try to steal my towel. I had a strong reaction... I think it was a bit of a "what the actual..." moment. Yeah. I was not amused.
The beach! Give me the lowdown on the beach!
The beach! Ah, the beach. The sand is that perfect, powdery white stuff you dream about. The water is a glorious, shimmering turquoise. It's pretty darn amazing. They provide beach chairs, but they filled up fast, as I said before. Vendors are on the beach, but they weren't overly pushy (which I appreciated). The waves are usually pretty calm, perfect for wading or splashing around. One day, I even saw a sea turtle! It was magical. Truly magical. And the sunsets? Don't get me started. Sunset + margarita on the beach = pure bliss. Just be warned about the sand fleas, they're the only downside. Bring repellent, the little buggers were ruthless with me. And pack some aloe vera, just in case.
What's the vibe? Is it a party place? Romantic? Relaxed? Help me out!
The vibe? It's mostly a relaxed, chill vibe. Definitely not a raging spring break kind of place, thank God. There's a good mix of people... couples, families, groups of friends. The evenings are pretty mellow. You can grab dinner, enjoy a few drinks, maybe catch some live music (it varied – sometimes good, sometimes... interesting). If you *want* to party, Playa Del Carmen itself is a hop, skip, and a jump away, with plenty of bars and nightclubs. But at the hotel, it's more about unwinding and soaking up the sun. I will say, I did see a few couples get *very* lovey-dovey. Which, you know, good for them. But as a solo traveler, it's sometimes a bit much to witness. So... yeah, mostly relaxed, with a sprinkle of romance.
Anything else I should know? The hidden gems? The "oh, I wish I'd known" tips?
Okay, listen up: My "hidden gem"Hotel Hide Aways
