ACANTO BOUTIQUE HOTEL PLAYA DEL CARMEN MEXICO

Just a half-block down from the popping pedestrian-filled La Quinta Avenida, Acanto Hotel and Suites offers guests a relaxing and refined respite from the shenanigans and non-stop action of the strip. Comprising two Spanish colonial-style hacienda buildings, Acanto has decorative black wrought-iron railings, woven wicker furniture, Spanish tiled roofing, and warm color hues throughout. Breaking up the pinks, browns, and oranges, guests will find elegant and verdant tropical landscaping, especially surrounding the pool area.The vibe is upscale and easygoing with a staff that happily goes the extra mile to make sure your needs are met, from calling cabs, to recommending restaurants, to providing amenities. Rooms are quite large and common space is limited, so there’s not much interaction with other guests save during breakfast (though many people pull a grab-and-go with the continental buffet) or the occasional sunbather by the pool. This is an ideal hotel for couples or families looking for a quiet, self-catering, and catered-for holiday while still being within easy access to the action and conveniences of the strip.

Located on a quiet(er) side street off the bustling La Quinta Avenida strip, Acanto is still within walking distance to hoards of restaurants, bars, clubs, and conveniences. There’s a mini-market across the street, gym around the corner, spa next door, and public beach area one (very) long block down the street. From Cancun, Acanto is roughly a 45-minute drive south. The snorkeling waters of Akumal are 30 minutes south, while the beachside ruins of Tulum can be reached in just under an hour.

While the architecture of Acanto may reflect a typical Spanish hacienda, all 21 condo-style units’ interiors are modern, upscale, and stylish. The smooth marble tile floors and granite countertops, chic wood furniture, and warm, earthy tones are a comforting contrast to the hard concrete and busy but colorful storefronts lining the outside streets. Rooms are either one-, two-, or three-bedroom units; each unit has a full kitchen (One-Bedroom Suites do not have ovens), two or more flat-screen TVs, telephones for free calls locally, to the U.S., and to Canada, dining tables, living rooms, and eco-friendly toiletries. While all units have outdoor space, some of the larger condos have huge patios with barbecues and sets of tables and chairs while others may have hammocks. Kitchens have electric stoves, blenders, microwaves, full-size refrigerators, toasters, all dishes and utensils, pots, pans, and even spices. The only downside to the rooms is the lack of privacy thanks to glassed front doors (the curtains are hard to close all the way when you are exiting the room, leaving the living room partially exposed).

If you are craving waves, you can walk a long block (really more like three blocks) down to the public beach, but unless you want to share your space of sand with tons of seaweed and have a view of several shore-anchored fishing boats, you might want to check out one of the beach clubs instead. Acanto has worked out a deal with several: Kool Club (the closest), Zenzi, El Faro, Fusion, and Canibal Royal (the farthest). The deals vary by club, but usually entail discount entry that then counts as a credit toward food and beverage purchases.

While Acanto may not be beachfront, it does have a lovely landscaped pool just off reception. This small spot only has four posh, stylishly cushioned sun loungers with a wide wicker weave and is built against a slate wall punctuated with green plants.And discounts don’t stop at the beach clubs. The hotel has also worked out guest deals and discounts with several nearby local businesses including the bakery and spa next door, a gym around the corner, and several fine dining spots. If free is more your style, they’ve got a free continental breakfast with coffee, yogurt, fresh fruit, and pastries; free local and international calls (to the U.S. and Canada); free high-speed Wi-Fi; and a lending library in the lobby. There’s also free, secured underground parking -- a near-priceless amenity in the area.