This four-story, adult-only hotel sits on the town's main pedestrian drag, wedged between a 7-Eleven and a jewelry and cosmetics boutique. Its tiny entrance can make it a bit hard to find -- there's only a doormat with the hotel's logo and small sign above a glass door. The narrow lobby holds a plastic and wooden bench, a tiny coffee station, and the front desk next to the stairway. A large map of Mexico adorns one wall, while the other has a wall-to-wall mirror to help alleviate the claustrophobic feel of the small space. The minimal, utilitarian look continues into the rooms, though sea-life artwork adds some character. The only real gathering space is a tranquil rooftop terrace, with seating and ocean views. The Xtudio Comfort attracts mostly couples on a budget.     

As the hotel is located on Playa del Carmen's main pedestrian street, it's within walking distance of a plethora of stores, hotels, restaurants, tour- and car-rental companies, scuba shops, and other tourist-friendly services. Convenience stores, pharmacies, and shops selling handcrafts and jewelry are all nearby. The beach is one block away, and the hotel is three blocks from the main ADO bus station. It's also just a five-minute walk to Calle 12, the main nightlife area. Calle Corazon, Paseo del Carmen, and Quinta Alegria shopping malls are within a 10-minute walk, while the ferry terminal to Cozumel is about a 15-minute walk away. Cancun International Airport is about a 50-minute drive from the hotel.

The Xtudio's 10 studio rooms are spread over a four-story building. Rooms vary somewhat in size and layout, but all have the same basic decor -- tile floors and dark-wood furniture, plus tropical or sea-inspired artwork. All have kitchenettes separated from the sleeping areas, equipped with full refrigerators or mini-fridges, microwaves, electric burners, sinks, coffeemakers, and toasters. Basic cutlery and dishware are also provided, but the lack of a full oven or pots make it difficult to cook a complete meal. Street-facing rooms have private balconies with seating, but interior rooms will be quieter. Beds are either king- or queen-size, and some have Murphy beds. Small bathrooms come with shower, wall-mounted hairdryers, and toiletries. All rooms include small safes, ceiling fans, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and TVs -- which are either tube-style or flat-screen.

The Xtudio Comfort Hotel lacks features such as a pool and restaurant, though there is a pleasant rooftop terrace with loungers, a dining table and chairs, a rainfall shower, and excellent views of the ocean and city. The front desk is open 24 hours, with a security guard taking over in the hours before dawn. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The lobby has free coffee, plus some rates include a continental breakfast from the hotel's sister property, Illusion Boutique. All guests can use their rooftop plunge pool as well.