Just got back yesterday from Playa. We have stayed at many large hotels that were beyond belief in services offered. The La Tortua is by far now our favorite, even given it's small size the staff can seem to never do enough for the guests. We never once encountered anyone without a smile on their face. This hotel is the cleanest place we have been to. We can't wait to return again and would go back tomorrow if we could. Located right off 5th avenue there are places to eat everywhere. With the beach located a short 2 blocks away. Slept like a baby every night and wondered about the posts about noise cause we never heard any. You can't go wrong with this Oasis in Playa Del Carmen.

My husband and I spent six days in Playa and were so glad that we stayed at La Tortuga. It was our first time to come to the Yucatan without being on a ship so we booked our stay based on Tripadvisor reviews.
Everything about this hotel was wonderful. Bernado and Lisa were especially helpful with telling us where to eat and how to get around even though I had read about that on Tripadvisor as well.
The little things added the special touch such as: welcome drinks, help with the luggage to our 2nd floor room, towel art, etc.
We stayed in a standard room since that was all that was available at the time, but we were not disappointed. It was a little small, but if you plan right, you won't be in your room much anyway. We had a small balcony with a view of the pool.
The included breakfast was excellent. The staff there is very accommodating and nice.
The pool was nice and a great way to cool down after a humid, hot day spent walking around in Playa. The staff really takes great effort to keep the areas clean. There were at least 2 people cleaning the pool area at any given time.
The bar staff was also great. We didn't order from the bar much, but when we did, they were even nice enough to bring the drinks to our chairs.
Our room was always clean by the end of the day. We did have to call for wash cloths once, but other than that, they were very prompt to responding to anything we needed.
The only complaint we had was the noise from the construction next door. This is nothing the hotel can help. There is construction everywhere in Playa so if you stay in the tourist area, you are bound to hear it at some point.
Mamamitas was a great place to relax. It is a bit of a walk, but after eating such a great breakfast, my husband and I welcomed the exercise. The staff there was very helpful in getting us an umbrella with chairs. The water at the beach is amazing. The beach club is not as busy as most people complained it was. We had a great time there.
I would definitely recommend staying at La Tortuga. It is such a bargain, and I hope that they always will be. It's proximity to 5th Avenue can't be beat.

Typically we stay in all inclusives, but we want to experience more of Mexico. We chose La Tortuga based on all of the reviews on this site.

We stayed 3 nights (a bit too short) in a superior jr suite. The bedroom was smaller than I expected, but nicely appointed. The bed was very comfortable, the tv and air worked great. They even emptied the mini-bar for us so that we could fill it with our own beverages.

The bathroom was beautiful (although the lighting was not the best). Also, house keeping never hung up our towels let alone replaced them (not a big deal, but worth a mention).

We did not use our jaccuzzi tub on the roof top, but we did frequent the pool in the afternoons (very nice).

The restaraunt was wonderful as was the bar (try the palmarita's or the mojito's).

There was construction early (8:00am in the morning) but we are early risers. We did not hear any music from the night clubs.

Overall, it was a great stay, and I would not hesitate to return.

Stayed at La Tortuga in mid June while in Playa for a wedding, traveling with my brother. Had read good reviews and agree that the hotel is a great find.

Staff - cannot say enough, they were excellent, friendly, helpful, and well trained. Anna in particular was great and helping to make arrangements prior to the trip via email. Laura was also helpful.

Rooms - rooms are clean and comforable. I had a swim up room and my brother stayed in a standard plus. They were a little small but perfect for one person. Couples might want to stay in a slightly larger room, but would recommend them all. The air conditioners were a little noisy, but I got used to it. Bath products are great and towels shapped like animals were fun!

Food - breakfast was excellent, great choices. Other meals were good and sitting outside to eat was really nice.

Spa - spa is very nice, though double check if you are getting your nails done that the staff is trained. I had a great massage and body treatment, but the woman doing my nails had not been trained and it took multiple trys so I would not recommend nail services until Spa Itza hires/trains real manicurists. It was slow, so maybe they use used this woman who was a trained masseuse. But, nail services were not worth the money and I should have just done it myself. I was dissapointed after getting a great pedicure there the year before, during a trip to Playa in 2007.

Tours - the hotel will arrange tours at reasonable prices. We went snorkling off the beach. If they don't have a tour that meets your needs they will recommend someone.

Pool - very peaceful and cool....extremely nice pool and refreshing on VERY hot days (beware that it is very hot in June!).

Overall, highly recommend and can't wait to go back!