Our first criteria when deciding on a romantic hotel is size.  Yes, in this case, size matters, and at least for our preference, the smaller hotels get the nod.  However, there are still a broad range of preferences and a a small number of points to keep in mind.  Smaller might mean a cabana on the beach with no amenities to speak of and possibly not even electricity 24 hours a day.  That manner of romance may be for some, but for our idea of romance, we’ll need a few added amenities and essential conveniences.

 Locality is a further important factor, beach front, central or off the beaten path.  Each of those options present benefits depending on what you are wanting.  Beachfront is of course always lovely with entrance to the beach and the Caribbean right out your front door.  Being central, if the beach is close, is also a nice alternative for dining and shopping and a retreat from the sand and wind; it may also denote having some items a beach front option is missing, like a pool.  Many beachfront properties in Playa del Carmen do not boast pools!

The décor and on-site services are also a significant consideration.  When you walk into your room, it’s nice to have a feeling of comfort and ambiance.  A comfortable king size bed and quality linens with a nice bathroom are great pluses.  A sitting area with a couch and table is also a nice touch.  A TV and telephone is also convenient but surely not a deal breaker if romancing is in the air.  On-site spa services or at least nearby options are a necessity if you are looking to spoil that special someone.

With these strategic elements in mind our list of hotels is now beginning to come into focus.  The top four small hotels on our list for a romantic getaway in Playa del Carmen are Mosquito Blue, Playa Palms, Mahekal Beach Resort and Mosquito Beach Hotel.  All of the above mentioned hotels have a mixture of most if not all of the features that make for a spectacular romantic getaway. 

Mosquito Blue features a central setting with a wonderful restaurant, spa services and two pools.  Mosquito Beach is a fashionable hotel right on the beach with a scrumptious restaurant and private beach club.   Playa Palms is a beachfront retreat with a river like pool with in-room iPod docs and flat panel TV’s.  At Mahekal Beach resort, you won’t locate phones or TV’s but you are able to pick up internet access in a couple of locations on the property, and with two pools, this is a very unique cabana style resort on one of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen. 

For our romantic weekend, we chose Mosquito Blue.  Mosquito Blue is especially centrally situated at the corner of 12th and 5th Avenue directly off the walking mal.  A lovely choice with Mediterranean flavored rooms offering ample space and bedding with some very good romantic touches such as the 4 post bed.  The service was amazing and the staff was very supportive and really catered to our every need.   The small “Zen Spa” on site at the hotel was a restful and peaceful opportunity for a variety of services.  The restaurant was fresh high-end international cuisine and as visitors, we also got a 30% discount!  The other reward was the free of charge breakfast included at the sister hotel Mosquito Beach, a full gourmet breakfast menu that also came with full entrance to the private beach club.  Mosquito Beach is merely a short leisurely walk along the mall.

Keep in mind that these romantic Caribbean weekends can lead to activities like Playa del Carmen weddings, so be primed to be swept off your feet if you dare to select one of these wonderful hotel getaways.  Stay tuned for more great insights on the best places to visit, for whatever you are searching for, in the way of Playa del Carmen themes, tulum hotels and other great Yucatan travel tips.