Built in 1999 and opened the following year, Hotel Riviera del Sol's collection of pool and garden-facing rooms, pool, bar, and open-air lounge area are condensed into a fairly small space, though, thanks to good design, it never feels too cramped. Sticking to an overall open-air architectural design, the hotel’s Mexi-Mediterranean style has breezy outdoor hallways, textured white walls with peek-a-boo cutout windows, and dark-stained Caribbean-style wooden railings. As a byproduct of the open-air design (and thin walls), there’s not much privacy as all public areas and rooms face inward toward the small, central pool. Therefore it’s most ideal for small groups, families, and friends who aren’t looking for a romantic getaway. Oddly, the most private place in the hotel may be the chilled-out and slightly “hidden” second-floor lounge space located just above the bar.

Riviera del Sol also has an active commitment to the environment and community. While some hotels only ask you to leave your towels hung up unless you want them refreshed, Riviera del Sol takes it a few steps further by donating to a local sea turtle foundation for each time a guest reuses their towel, physically sorting through trash for recyclables, and using only LED lights throughout the property.

Hotel Riviera del Sol is located on the northern edge of La Quinta Avenida, known as Playa Norte, six blocks north of Avenue Constituyentes. Immediately surrounding the hotel are a varied selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. Riviera del Sol’s partner beach club Mamita’s is about a five-minute walk away, while (free) public sands of Playa’s famous beach are a few minutes further down the beach. Cancun Airport is about 45 minutes north up Highway 307, while Akumal Bay and Tulum are 30 and 45 minutes south, respectively. Keep in mind that traffic is rough, often one-way and pedestrian-only, and the ADO bus station is a good 15-minute walk south of the hotel.

All four categories of the small boutique’s immaculately clean rooms have a basic hacienda-style design with terracotta tile floors, dark stained wood furniture, built-in headboards and night tables, and broken Talavera tile murals above the beds. There’s free bottled water, snacks and drinks inside the minibar for a fee, and free and reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. Flat-screen TVs have lots of English channels. Archaic hotel room safes are meant to be updated in 2015. Bathrooms include high porcelain tile runners, Mayan bath products, and hot showers with water pressure to rival any hydrotherapy spa. Ground floor rooms have entry by way of sliding glass doors (with finicky lock and keys).

Upgrades to Suites will buy a kitchenette area with sink, tiled bar with bar stools, portable electric burners, and coffeemaker with coffee kit. Standard Rooms have a wet bar area with just a sink and tiled countertop. Light sleepers beware: the walls here are fairly thin, especially ceilings, and don’t expect to sleep in on in the ground floor rooms around the bar and breakfast area; you’ll be privy to early morning sounds of the hotel’s free breakfast.

Riviera del Sol’s leading on-site features start with the central pool and garden area. Surrounded by tree leaves, vines, and a few succulents, the pool -- complete with a bridge and smaller mini-waterfall dipping pool -- is sunniest at the beginning of the day with its wooden deck, tiny barbecue area, and loungers becoming fully shaded by early evening. Just over the bridge, guests will find a palapa bar and breakfast room area with upscale wicker table and chairs and a small bar with padded stools near the back. The bar is open from mid-afternoon to evening and is where guests can exchange their free drink ticket received at check-in. Above this area is a quiet lounge with comfy lounger beds, wicker chairs and couches, and an Eastern vibe. This is also where guests can elect to have on-request massage and spa treatments (as well as in-room or by the pool). Other on-request services include babysitting, a free yoga class (per stay with 24-hour advance notice), and concierge/tour desk in the lobby.

Riviera del Sol has also worked out deals and discounts with local businesses like Mamita’s Beach Club (free coupon for a lounger and umbrella), Evolve gym (large discount on entrance), and a tanning salon for special occasions.

The hotel provides free high-speed Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast with hot and cold items, and a few free parking spaces out on the street. The spaces are technically public, but the staff will do their best to arrange or save a spot for you when possible. The hotel also provides overnight security during the hours reception is closed.