See all properties
Save

ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa

Property class: 3.5

Photo gallery for ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa

A rooftop swimming pool with a clear view of the sky and distant buildings.
A modern hotel room with two beds, a bathroom, and a small kitchenette.
A modern kitchen with a black countertop, white wicker chairs, and a wooden bar area.
A rooftop terrace with a table and chairs, a potted plant, and a view of the city skyline.
A beach with multiple sunbeds arranged in rows.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is NZ$84
includes taxes & fees
8 Sept - 9 Sept

Explore the area

View map
Calle 6 entre Avenida 15 y Avenida 20, Playa del Carmen, QROO, 77710
  • Place, Quinta Avenida
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Playa del Carmen Main Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Mamitas Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

A hotel room with two beds, a nightstand, a wall-mounted TV, and two paintings.

Standard Twin Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(10 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Quadruple Room

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, and two paintings on the wall.

Deluxe Quadruple Room

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Double Room, Ocean View

A hotel room with a large bed, two nightstands, a wooden headboard, and two wall-mounted artworks.

Double Room, Ocean View

  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

A hotel room with a large bed, a stone accent wall, a modern bathroom, and artwork on the wall.

Deluxe Double Room

7.8 out of 10
Good
(16 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

You may also like

Ad
A modern hotel room with a large window, a sofa, a coffee table, and a TV.

Alila Mayakoba by Hyatt

Playa del Carmen
  • On private beach
  • Pool
  • Spa pool
  • Spa
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 4 reviews
The price is NZ$758
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Alila Mayakoba by Hyatt

About the area

Playa del Carmen

ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa puts you in the heart of Playa del Carmen, within just a 10-minute stroll of Quinta Avenida and Playa del Carmen Main Beach. Highlights at this hotel include an outdoor swimming pool and in-room free WiFi. .This smoke-free hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, concierge services and a 24-hour front desk. Additionally, you'll find a snack bar/deli, a terrace and luggage storage. .Places within a 15-minute walk of this 3.5-property class Downtown Playa del Carmen hotel include Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal and Mamitas Beach.

What's nearby

  • Central Square - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Quinta Avenida - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Playa del Carmen Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Mamitas Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Playacar Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • Cancun, Quintana Roo (CUN-Cancun Intl.) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Osteria De Roma - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Yum Yum - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪La Brocherie - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Café Andrade - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Romeo Trattoria Pizzeria - ‬2 min walk

About this property

ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa

There's a snack bar/deli on site. Public spaces have free WiFi. An outdoor pool, a terrace, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa.

This 3.5-star Playa del Carmen hotel is smoke free.

  • 37 guestrooms or units
  • Deli
  • Cabanas on the beach (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa offers 37 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and a safe. Satellite televisions are provided.

Bathrooms include a shower with a rainfall showerhead, and hairdryers. This Playa del Carmen hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices). Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Similar properties

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and thatched umbrellas, a hotel building with balconies, and a view of the surrounding area.
Caribbean Paradise Hotel & Spa - 5th Avenue
Gonzalo Guerrero
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
3.8 out of 5, Good, 881 reviews
The price is NZ$121
includes taxes & fees
26 Aug - 27 Aug
Caribbean Paradise Hotel & Spa - 5th Avenue

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Offsite parking available (MXN 120 per day)
  • Street parking available

Food and drink

  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Beach cabanas (surcharge)
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways (89 centimetre high)
  • Lift (90 centimetre wide door)
  • Low-height door lock
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (95 centimetre high)
  • Wheelchair-width doorways (90 centimetre wide)

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your passport after booking
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests booked in breakfast inclusive rate plans receive a boxed to-go breakfast.
This property's beach club is 600 yards (550 metres) away.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 8 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: MXN33.94 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 12 years of age.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Nearby parking fee: MXN 120 per day
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Cleaning/housekeeping/linen are available for an additional fee

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, window guards and outdoor lighting
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Union Pay, debit cards and cash. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, window guards and outdoor lighting in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • One child aged 8 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.
  • Alcohol isn't served at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa.

Property is also known as

Xcala Illusion Express Hotel Playa del Carmen
Xcala Illusion Express Hotel
Xcala Illusion Express Playa del Carmen

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa?

ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa?

As of 20 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa on 8 Sept 2026 start from NZ$84, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Are there any beaches close to ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa?

Yep, ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa is a short 7-minute walk from Playa del Carmen Main Beach.

Does ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa have a pool?

ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger. The pool is open 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

What makes ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa a romantic place to stay?

Beach cabanas, plus rainfall showerheads in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa?

No, ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Are pets allowed at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 164 out of 388 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 104 out of 388 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 48 out of 388 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 388 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 43 out of 388 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Karankumar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and location is excellent.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Sergio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Clean, comfortable, and well-located—great for a short stay. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Downsides include very limited TV options and a below-average breakfast. Overall, a decent choice for a quick night.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

KAREN

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room, perfect location, and Samuel was SO welcoming and helpful! I would stay again for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Sam

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Helpful staff and good location with access to the main tourist strip.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Philip R.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It would be nice if all of the staff can understand English.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
amazing value, highly recommend! i’ll be returning :)
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great customer service and the room was very clean
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Rachel Ria Van

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
We lost power a good few times and water as well it would sometimes co.e back in and be all redish brown the staff were nice the room got cleaned daily and breakfast is at 8:30 runs out quick and is limited its close to the beach and the tourist area of playa so everything its really easily accessible
Stayed 12 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Esther de

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was basic but fine. Cleanliness was not great and you only get one towel for the stay. The area is quiet and the staff very friendly.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

sharesa y.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Sam was great. The hotel was clean but bare minimum… close to everything
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Kay

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Although there was supposedly a breakfast nothing was provided. The room was relatively clean. Strangely there were no blankets. The location of the hotel was initially difficult to find as there was no signage. On the whole the location was not too bad only a couple of blocks from major roads and a local ‘restaurant’ to be able to get a breakfast! Didn’t spend a lot of time at hotel as it was more of ‘base’ room.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sofia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff was very helpful and friendly. The breakfast was really good. Pancakes, bread, coffee and fruit. No noises from the street etc even though it was new years.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

hannah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice and affordable place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Levi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly staff
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay, excellent location. Very clean, friendly staff. Will stay again
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bouchra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff Patricia was wonderful she did make sure that my stay in wonderful Thank you Patricia
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Ashton

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Amazing location, its a decent room in the heart of the city. Small things were a bit off. My shower leaked a bit and somethings were a bit broken but staff was amazing, kind, and helpful. Happy to assist anyway they could
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good hotel.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was one of the best places i've ever stayed in Playa Del Carmen. It was a wonderful stay and in a great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Maria Gabriela Mejía

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Property was conveniently located close to beach and walking distance to tourist attractions.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

JUAN HERNANDEZ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excelente
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Rene

Liked: Amenities
Not experienced staff
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Glorily

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Hotel has a convenient location
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Philbert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Way nice area hotel and being on the top floor we had a great view of the ocean and the downtown area.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023