Sharp and simple might be the motto at this tiny boutique hotel, which opened in 2010. More of a place to bed down for a night in between hitting the beach than a destination in its own right, there's not too much on offer here. The lobby is quaint and compact, done in hardwood and wicker furniture and Frida-centric books and prints scattered around. Coffee, tea, and cookies make the welcome a little more homey. While the hotel is mostly for guests wanting a clean place to sleep, the rooftop terrace is a lovely place to hang out, and the infinity pool is a major plus for cooling off during the day. Despite its lack of frills, a free nightly glass of wine helps any guests who might want to to mingle. The vibe, though, is decidedly low key. Given the compact nature of the hotel, it's not surprising that most of the travelers here are couples, though a few small pairs of friends pass through as well. 

Casa la Galeria has a pretty excellent location, situated right in the center of Playa del Carmen. Just in front of the building is the intersection of Avenida Treinta and Avenida Constituyentes. From there, it's easy to get a taste of Playa del Carmen’s local atmosphere, including meals (with vegetarian options) at La Ceiba de la 30 just across the street. To the side of the restaurant is the local DAC fruit and vegetable market, and just around the corner from there is El Fogon Tacos, and the street-side El Rey del Taco just in front of the Mega Comercial Mexicana supermarket on Constituyentes. Avenida Treinta is also the major artery tfor local taxis and buses heading throughout the city for those who want to get out and explore. The beach is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, or a little less depending on the destination, and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and water-sports outfitters along the shore. Cancun International Airport is about an hour and 15 minutes away by car, and Cozumel -- just off shore -- is reachable by ferries that can be booked in town. 

Guests have two types of rooms to choose from at the Casa la Galeria, though the only difference is in the size of the beds -- king or queen. The look is sharp and simple, with bright accent walls, chunky modern hardwood furniture in dark hues, and pops of color like magenta in the soft furnishings. White marble tabletops add a touch of class, and color schemes reflect the rooms' names -- Papaya, Coral, Mango, and so on. Modern art hangs on the wall, ranging from portraits of Frida Kahlo to moody black-and-white photographs. The size is a bit compact, though there's at least a chair or two for seating. 

Air-conditioning, safes, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and 36-inch flat-screen televisions come standard. Each room also has a small furnished balcony, though unless the room is on the top floor, views aren't much to write home about. Bathrooms are equally modern, with cream-colored ceramic tilework on the walls and floors and walk-in showers with contemporary fixtures. We did spot some hard water stains. All bathrooms include shampoo, conditioners, soap, and towels, though it's worth noting that there's almost no counter space around the sinks for storage. Keep in mind that some guests have levied complaints about street noise in certain rooms.

The Casa la Galeria is a no-frills mid-range hotel and as its more of a place to recharge at night, the features on offer are limited. The rooftop infinity pool and terrace both offer a contemporary hang-out space, with rustic wood railings and outdoor furniture. There's only room for a handful of guests, which isn't a problem given the small size of the hotel. People are also allowed to smoke up here, and there are views out over the city. Aside from free coffee, cookies, and teas, the lobby also hosts a wine reception in the evenings that's free. There is no on-site parking. As a general rule, the side avenue where the entrance is located is the best option for those with cars, as parking on the Avenida Treinta is a risky venture given the amount of traffic that rolls through 24 hours a day. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and the hotel can help arrange tours and other bookings.