This year marks the third year in a row I have stayed at Los Itzaes and, if I don't buy something in Playa, next year will be the fourth. I have traveled extensively for over 20 years and I love this hotel. I agree with the person who said it's hard to share these finds because you want to keep it to yourself. Rooms are very spacious, with a small fridge, air conditioning, cable television, etc. For the first time this year, there is a computer set up in the lobby and free for guests to check e-mail as long as you don't monopolize the computer. They say you are limited to 15 minutes, but if nobody is waiting, they seem not to care if you stay on longer. The staff, managed with great competence by Cynthia Sanchez Sosa, is uniformly pleasant, bi-lingual (at least) and will go out of their way to assist you. A stay comes with a pass to the beach, a beach towel for the day, and a lounge chair rental for free. You may also opt for breakfast included, which is very good and prepared and served very well by Juan Jose, who has been there all three years since I have stayed here if memory serves. I also am fond of the location. It is only three blocks from the beach, but one off 5th Ave., which can be noisy. Moreover, there is a great music bar across the street called "Captain Dave's" where Grady and his Fiends (sic...someone crossed out the "r" in the sign) hold forth nightly (picture attached). Overall, this is a hotel that you keep coming back to because you know the alternative is likely to disappoint.

Myself and 2 girlfriends just stayed at Los Itzaes from 2/20/05 - 2/27/05 and we had a terrific stay at this quaint, clean and quiet hotel. The location is perfect as it's a 2 minute walk from 5th Avenue where all the shops and restaurants are yet you are not in the middle of it. We had access to the Playa Tukan beach club that was a lovely 10 minute walk through town. Helped digest the wonderful breakfast we got every morning. The staff was friendly and helpful, the rooms were spacious and cleaned everymorning. When we got back to our rooms from the beautiful beach, we were greeted with a animal shaped towel. The lobby is filled with beautiful fauna and Mayan artwork. I would return in a second.
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Small hotels like these are hard to share- because you want to keep the secret to yourself- that is the best way to introduce Los Itzaes. We stayed in Playa del Carmen for 4 days. Los Itzaes became our welcoming base in Playa and where we looked forward to returning to after day trips away. It was wonderful: clean, comfortable, extremely gracious staff. The simple, yet beautiful hotel architecture, with vines flowing three stories down to the small courtyard entrance, was cool and crisp- part of what made this hotel a welcoming days end retreat from the multitudes of tourists, the heat and endless shopping possibilities. The short distance away from 5th ave. was what we wanted- close enough but not in the middle. The rooftop pool, wonderful breakfasts and the associated beach club just added to an already great little hotel. We look forward to returning.

Our stay at the Los Itzaes was super. It is a short block walk from 5th Ave. (close enough to the main drag, but without the endless parade of people). Enjoyed the unique tropical atrium as well as the rooftop pool, which was to ourselves most of the time. (I think there are only 16 rooms). Nicely furnished, marble baths, A/C, well maintained, clean,etc. The breakfast alone (included) was worth at least US$20 at the small Bistro in the Hotel front. For about US $70, a super value. There is a good Mayan resturant a half block away, as well as the "full parade of resturants" on 5th Ave. Captain Bob's is also a great resturant on 5th.