Just got back from a week long trip in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and I finally had an opportunity to check out the Hotel Basico, the latest Micha family hotel in the Mayan Riviera and the most creative and fuctional hotel I have ever visited. Everything seems to fit under the contemporary Mexican theme, including the quirky recycled patio furniture, the sliced oil drum/plunge pools and the unbelievable view of the Caribbean sea. But despite the press they’ve been getting, the hotel seemed a little empty. Granted, they were packed solid during and just after the holiday season, but didn’t seem like there was anyone enjoying the one-of-a-kind facilities.
With the Basico, and many others like it in areas catering to a wide range of tourists, there is a certain intimidation factor that may come into play with some guests and other visitors in the area. In my humble opinion, the hotel is about two to three years ahead of its time, just like the Deseo just down the road never really took off until guests and visitors alike realized that a hotel, with the right design and atmosphere, can be a lot more than just another “hotel.”
2 responses so far ↓
Julie R. // January 29, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Playa del Carmen is my favorite destination in the winter, but our hotel The Gala Sandoz is undergoing massive renos so we are avoiding our trip to Mexico this year. I’ll miss my annual jaunt to my southern Cancun retreat, but I don’t want to hear jack hammers all day. I’ve been to Deseo and Basico (on your recommendation) and loved them both. I wouldn’t stay there with children, but could see a weekend getaway thing. Hope your trip was grand nonetheless … ola!
prnation // January 29, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Hey Julie. The Gala and many other properties are undergoing renos and expansions. It’s crazy. I agree, the Basico — and Deseo — are not for kids (in fact, they’re verboten, according to their respective websites), but we still managed to squeeze in a couple of afternoons by the pool. If you’ve got some extra cash to invest, I would buy some land in Tulum. With a few new properties going up in 08-09, Tulum set to become the next hot spot. Hope all is well. Hasta luego!
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