Hotel Kinbe is a relaxed mid-range boutique hotel that's popular with vacationers, many of whom hail from Europe. It's been in operation since 1998 and hasn't grown much, but there have been remodels over the years. As of 2016 there's no elevator, but the hotel is considering adding one in years to come.

The overall property is split between a newer pool area with wood-slatted floors, a tile-wall waterfall, and lounge chairs (where more recently remodeled rooms are located), and an older garden side. While the pool side features artistic notes such as wood and onyx stone going up the stairwell, as well as the more modern rooms, the garden side is far more rustic. Wooden steps and scaffolding work their way up the side of the building to the rooms and there are cute little accents throughout, including river rocks, clay pottery, and plenty of tropical plants for shading. 

Hotel Kinbe is located less than 10 minutes away on foot from the ADO bus station in downtown Playa del Carmen, just off the 5th Avenue, and a one-minute walk from the beach. There are dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore in the area immediately surrounding the hotel. It's about an hour's drive to Cancun International Airport. 

The 29 rooms at Hotel Kinbe run the gamut from Standard Small Rooms that sleep only one, up to a variety of suites for two guests. Views and interiors vary depending on which side of the hotel guests end up in. As a general rule, the rooms on the garden side are more rustic, while the rooms on the newer pool side are chicer. Expect to see plenty of natural wood, paintings, artwork, modern lighting, and -- in some of the rooms -- peaked ceilings with wood slats. Furniture is limited: the desks are really just slabs of thick glass protruding out of the walls, just barely large enough for laptops. Amenities include air-conditioning, small TVs, and minibars. 

Bathrooms have either tile or epoxy floors and have some unique notes, such as glass block walls in some and river-rock accents around free-form mirrors in others. Toiletries with organic, locally sourced ingredients are provided. Note that there have been complaints of noise from 5th Avenue in the rooms as well as of musty smells and humidity.

There’s not much going on at the Hotel Kinbe, but the small downstairs pool does offer a spot to cool off, and has a tile-wall waterfall. There's also a rooftop with city views and a few lounge chairs for sunbathing. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.