We arrived in Playa del Carmen having never been there before, with no clue where we were going to stay, determined to just drive around near whatever we determined to be the approximate center of the touristy area and find a decent looking place to stay for a couple of nights.

We did not pass up too many places when we spotted the Sahara Hotel. I parked in a loading zone and stayed with the car while my partner went in to ask the usual questions. It passed, so I found the parking lot, parked, and in we went. Before accepting the room, I asked to see it, in order to check the a/c. I have never stayed in a hotel in Mexico that had a/c up to my standards, although most of it is OK. This room was iffy, to say the least.

The window unit was a little noisy (I have heard much much worse) and it was recessed in what would probably otherwise have been a small storage area above the closet. It was set back in so far I was concerned the cool air might not make it out... more