The scene at the BRIC feels a bit like it’s in transition. This upper-middle-range boutique, built in 2004, has a Caribbean-hacienda vibe throughout, from the lobby, to the pool, to the breakfast palapa -- and is even noticeable in the staff’s casual but chic uniforms. You won't find a bonafide lobby at the entrance, just a built-in couch with dark blue tile back and glass-topped dark wood coffee table. From the couch, there are straight-on views of the small, indoor reception area as well as the nearby covered outdoor sitting space, large breakfast palapa, and central garden pool area. Guest rooms are housed in light peach hacienda-style buildings with white trim, curved doorways, and textured concrete walls. Everything out here is open-air, bright, and relaxed -- although if it’s a packed house, you may have to fight for space by the pool as there’s barely a handful of loungers and cabanas combined. Unfortunately, the rooms themselves feel a few decades behind, lacking the stylish and chic vibe found in the public outdoor areas. 

BRIC hotel is located just a half-block west of the swarms of pedestrian traffic, shops, restaurants, and bars on the La Quinta Avenida strip. While there’s still a fair amount of foot traffic along the street right outside, the hotel is fairly quiet for its proximity to the strip, although, as with most places in Playa, all bets are off at night. Cancun Airport is about a 45-minute straight shot north on Highway 307, while Akumal’s famed snorkeling waters and lazy beach town Tulumn’s picturesque ruins are about 30 and 45 minutes south, respectively. Popular parks Xplor, Xcaret, and Xel-Ha are all located (and clearly marked) off the highway on your way to Cancun.

With only 14 rooms, BRIC hotel is one of the smaller boutiques in Playa del Carmen. And while the current management company made a few upgrades in 2014, like switching out the old boxy TVs for flat-screens, overall, the rooms could use a little more attention -- or at least some help bringing them up to the same standards as the common outdoor spaces. Rooms are small (but not cramped) and come with purified drinking water, mini-fridges, and patio or balcony space with a hammock. Biodegradable toiletries include shampoo, bath gel, conditioner, and soap. Decor includes white walls, tile floors, and basic wooden furniture. 

While the hotel has typical boutique features, the free breakfast is better than most. Billed as a continental, the breakfast is served in the covered, but open-air poolside palapa and goes a step beyond the traditional cold fare. Each day there is a different hot main course, such as pancakes, Mexican breakfast burritos, or Chilaquiles (a traditional Mexican dish), and the space has a casual country-kitchen vibe. Hot coffee, tea, orange juice, toast, and mixed fruit with granola and yogurt are always included. Beyond the breakfast, the hotel is centered around a small garden set pool area with minimal lounge space (though there is a comfy cabana), and guests get free Wi-Fi, a DVD and book library, communal water cooler with drinking water, and use of a microwave. Unfortunately, unlike most other boutiques in Playa, this hotel does not offer any beach club deals or discounts.