Sleek, trendy, and fun are all perfect adjectives to describe a stay at the Fives Downtown Playa del Carmen. It’s perfect for an hip urban getaway or chill place to set down your laptop. Located right at the edge of 5th Avenue, the absolute centre of all the action in Playa del Carmen, you’re right where you need to be. I recently spent a few days here, here’s my honest review

At A Glance:

Suitable for Business Travel: Yes  Business Facilities: Yes  Should you work here?: Yes Wifi: Yes. Fast and Reliable throughout the property

About The Fives Downtown

The Fives Downtown is a modern hotel featuring 133 spacious residence style suites featuring contemporary Mexican design with the charm of the Mayan Riviera. There are two restaurants, and a cafe serving some of the best coffee in Playa del Carmen (but more about that later).  If you’re looking to rest and recharge, there’s a spa as well as a small fitness centre. If you’re looking for a party, the rooftop bar is the place to be and be seen in Playa del Carmen

Arrival

The moment you arrive, you’ll be transported from busy city life to an indoor/outdoor oasis. No grand entrance from street level but the moment you enter the lobby, you’re greeted by friendly staff, a surprise amenity/welcome drink as well as a gorgeous plant canopy and water feature. Take a deep breath and start to relax. 

Hotel Grounds

The Fives Downtown is located within a one minute walk from the busy and bustling downtown area of Quinta Avenida (or Fifth avenue for us Gringos), but located on a quiet stretch on the southern end, far away from all the noise. The hotel is only a few years old, so shows no sign of wear and tear and is well worth the mid range price. I still say the Fives Hotel Group (Downtown, Beach and Oceanfront) are some of the best deals in all of Playa del Carmen

Rooms

The Fives Downtown is comprised of 133 rooms. All with modern and sleek amenities. Some rooms face the street, and others face the inner courtyard and vertical garden. I know this screams cruise ship, however, with all the greenery and water features around the lobby, this is hardly considered a “lesser option”. I stayed in the courtyard rooms and my friends stayed in the outside facing rooms. Personally, I loved the courtyard suites. Having a morning coffee out on the balcony (not all outdoor facing rooms offer a balcony), with the sound of the water was an extremely relaxing way to spend the morning.

Superior Room

This is the entry level room and to me, was perfect for what I needed. Comfortable, modern, stylish. All suites include a Nespresso machine, with capsules, a smart tv, rainfall shower and a VERY comfortable bed. Some Superior rooms face the street and others the inner courtyard.

Deluxe Suite

Very similar to the Superior room, mainly featuring a different layout and decor but slightly smaller. Personally I’d stick with the superior room

Junior Suite

A layout similar to the Superior room and decor similar to the deluxe suite. There’s a divider separating the bed and living areas and has a larger balcony.

One Bedroom Resort Residence

This is the signature suite at the Fives Downtown. The room features a separate bedroom and living area, with a Smart TV in each. The suite also features a fully equipped kitchen, private furnished balcony, as well as a seating and dining area 

One Bedroom Partial City View Residence

Similar to the one bedroom resort residence but with a partial sea view/City view

One Bedroom Mezzanine Suite

Features two floors with an open bedroom on the second floor

One Bedroom Whirlpool Residence

Located on the top floor of the property with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea from its large terrace with private Jacuzzi. It offers a living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchen.

Two Bedroom Resort Residence

Each bedroom comes with a 40″ Smart TV, and  luxurious modern bathroom. The master bedroom is equipped with a king, the second bedroom with two queens and a sofa bed in the living room. 

Two Bedroom Whirlpool Residence

Similar layout and location as the one bedroom whirlpool residence, but this time with two bedrooms. The master bedroom is furnished with a king-size bed, the second bedroom with two queen beds, and a sofa bed in the living room.

Two Bedroom Presidential Pool Penthouse

Modern two bedroom apartment-style residence located on the top floor, ideal to enjoy stunning partial views of the Caribbean Sea from a fully furnished balcony with a Jacuzzi. Equipped with a king-size bed, two double beds and a sofa bed. Each bedroom offers its own bathroom and a 50″ Smart TV.

Food

The Fives Downtown is the place to be in Playa del Carmen whether you’re looking for a great meal or cocktails with a view. 

Mercatto

If you’re looking for homestyle Italian comfort food, this is the place. Featuring fresh pastas, tender filets and mouth watering desserts with a modern twist

The Fives Rooftop

This is the most famous rooftop in all of Playa del Carmen. Come for the day to enjoy the pool or come for dinner and cocktails as the sun goes down. 

El Tigre

This is the Mexican cantina located on the ground floor. Perfect margaritas for a pre dinner drink

Marley Coffee

I have had many cups of coffee in Playa del Carmen and this small coffee shop on the ground floor is, in my opinion the best in the city. All coffees here are made with sustainable beans and are the perfect place to pick up a bag for home

Fitness

If you’re one of those that needs to hit the gym while you’re travelling, you’ll find that the gym at The Fives Downtown will do the trick. It’s pretty basic with multi functional cardio and resistance machines as well as free weights. Who needs anything fancier when staying at a hotel right?

Spa

There’s something so wonderful about treating yourself to a some self care at a spa when you’re smack dab in the middle of a bustling city. Just tune out the outdoors and lose yourself in a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating facial. My favourite part of the spa at the Fives Downtown has to be the hydrotherapy circuit. If you need a quick boost of energy after a night on the town, this will do the trick

If you’re looking to book your next city getaway to The Fives Downtown Playa del Carmen it’s best to book directly from their website for the best deals here