Just returned from an absolutley wonderful stay at the Illusion. (5/2-5/6/08)
Both of us have been to Playa Del Carmen a few times in the past but have stayed at the larger, crowded "all-inclusive" resorts. We booked the Illusion on the internet. We originally had a Deluxe Balcony room (a very nice room ) but as soon as we saw the Luxury rooms on the roof-top we asked to be upgraded. Javier, our favorite staff member, got right on it. Before we knew it, we were unpacking our bags and sitting by the pool drinking Margaritas. Our room was just lovely. A king canopy bed with shear drapes, mini bar, fridge, and microwave. Each morning, we awoke to a lovely ocean view. It should be noted that the hotel did not want to move us to this room at first because the air-conditioning was not working properly and they didn't want to inconvenience us. We told them air-conditioning wasn't important and that the view and location were spectacular. Although we didn't care about the air-conditioning, Javier made certain the air-conditioner was fixed by 2pm that day! That pretty much sums up the treament we received. No request ever was ignored. By the way, we never found the music or construction to be an issue, as was commented in previous reviews.
The location of this hotel is unbeatable. A few steps to the right is the ocean. A few steps to the left, 5th Ave. A Dive shop, mini market and money exchange are adjacent to the Hotel.
I love the fact that this is not an all-inclusive, as we wanted try a variety of restaurants and not eat the same 5 ingredients re-arranged at breakfast, lunch and dinner in 5 different "themed" dinning rooms, as most all-inclusive's offer.
Our favorite, by far, was "Babes" about 2 blocks away. Great thai food and drinks. VERY reasonable. Sit on the street and watch the crowds stroll by.
Here is the best Tip of All!!! When you arrive at the Cancun Airport, walk past all of the cabs and private shuttles. They want to charge$60-80.00 each way to Playa Del Carmen. Continue to walk down the side walk to the "ADO" buses at the very end. You can not miss them. They leave regulary (don't believe the Cab drivers that tell you the bus just left and it will be hours before the next one). These are luxury, air-conditioned buses that go directly to Playa. The cost is $ 8.00 dollars per person and the trip takes about 45-50 min.
There are also ADO buses that go to Akumal, Tulum and other destinations. The bus station in Playa is right on 5th ave so it is an easy 4 block walk to the Hotel. I could go on and on about the Illusion Hotel but I'm running out of space. Take my advice and just go there for your self. One small neg is that it's more of a quiet romantic boutique hotel and would be boring for small children. Older kids would love being able to walk down 5th and the beach.