Hotel Tukan & Beach Club

Finding the (correct) Tukan building can be a bit tricky since the hotel comprises different buildings, off different streets -- so you might mistake the guest room buildings as the main complex where reception lies. The entrance to the main complex is wedged between one of the hotel's bars and its a la carte restaurant, just off pedestrian-only La Quinta Avenida. A few feet through the stone entryway, the craziness of the concrete jungle right outside is replaced by Tukan’s lush and green jungle grounds. All 12 buildings (within four separate areas) have this rich, tropical landscape, but it’s not enough to completely block out noise from other guests or the streets. Getting a good dose of shut-eye can be hard to come by here. Plus, there's the communal, long-term motel-stay vibe of the outdoor spaces; it’s not uncommon to find guests hanging out on their porches and balconies, or even leaving their front doors wide open. For these reasons, Tukan seems best suited for guests looking to have a clean and simple, somewhat reliable place to crash while they explore the streets and sands of Playa del Carmen, though is not too ideal for anyone looking to relax, rest up, or a enjoy a romantic holiday.

Spread out over a few buildings off or near to La Quinta Avenida, Tukan couldn’t be more convenient to, well, basically everything. No matter which building they're staying in, guests are easy waking distance to shops, restaurants, and entertainment (and safe stumbling distance from bars and clubs). However, while these things may be within arm’s reach, the beach is a few blocks down, and the hotel’s beach club is an annoying 15-minute walk away. Cancun Airport is between 30 to 45 minutes by car, although it’s almost easier to jump on the ADO aeropuerto bus which drops off in Playa, just a 12-minute walk from the hotel.

Tukan’s 157 rooms are clean and reasonably modern, but basic. The Deluxe Rooms have an overabundance of hard materials and feel a bit cold, with wrought-iron and faux-marble furniture, a tile accent wall, off-white quarry tile flooring, white textured walls, and simple bedding on rock-hard beds. Bed linen is limited to small and lumpy pillows, thin waffle blankets, and a decorative runner.Bathrooms have updated showers with nice mosaic tiling and strong showerheads, but the selection of Tukan toiletries only includes shampoo and bar soap. It’s also worth noting that there are no phones in the rooms and that there are no locks (or handles) on the sliding glass terrace doors above ground level. All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private outdoor spaces.

Tukan Hotel & Beach Club is a slightly misleading name when you consider the hotel doesn’t have a dedicated beach or beach club. The public beach is about a five-minute walk from the hotel, but not really worth the walk. There are seaweed, vendors, and a row of fishing boats blocking the view. Instead, the hotel has partnered with Kool Beach Club, about a 15-minute walk from the hotel (if you have a Premium package, there is a free shuttle included).In stark contrast to the public beach, Kool Beach Club is relaxing and upscale with a small pool, restaurant and bar, and spa area. Unfortunately, there seems to be some confusion if entry is free for those not on the Premium plan or if the cost of admission is turned into a food and beverage credit. In addition to totally free entry, Tukan guests on the Premium all-inclusive plan have a dedicated little bar hut serving up top-shelf beachside drinks, while regular guests must use the club’s outdoor restaurant bar. No matter what meal plan you are on, if you’re hungry be prepared to fork over the cash for food.The beach area itself is wide, but mostly covered in row after row after row of loungers and umbrellas, each with its own privileged price. Only Premium guests get a free and reserved seat -- all the way in the back row. Front and side row cabanas come at a hefty price, while lounger prices are based on type and location.

Tukan may have the best intentions at heart, but the multiple levels of guest packages is confusing, exclusive (in a negative way), and a big point of contention with several guests. The room and breakfast package is a good deal, but there’s so much to eat around the area, you may want to skip the other all-inclusive options unless you go for the Premium plan. The Premium level is the top tier, and Premium guests receive all meals and drinks (including top-shelf liquor) at the hotel’s buffet La Ceiba, international a la carte Los Tulipanes, terrace bar Living Bar, and sports bar Legends. They also get free drinks at and a free ride to Kool Club and a guaranteed room in the main complex.All guests receive a free welcome drink at Legends, free (if spotty and slow as molasses) Wi-Fi in the lobby and some rooms, and free purified water via coolers set up around the hotel. There are also two pools, a small pool with hot tub in the main complex, and a tiny dipping pool in the courtyard of the 900 annex building. Since only guests on an all-inclusive plan are given rooms in the main complex, if you decide to fend for yourself, be prepared to walk a few blocks with your luggage.