ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa

3.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa

Outdoor pool, open 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool loungers
Free daily self-service breakfast
Standard Twin Room
A beach with multiple sunbeds arranged in rows.
A rooftop terrace with a table and chairs, a potted plant, and a view of the city skyline.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a 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

Standard Twin Room

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

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

Double Room, Ocean View

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

Deluxe Double Room

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

Similar properties

About this property

ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa

An outdoor pool, a snack bar/deli, and concierge services are available at this smoke-free hotel. Free self-serve breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk, tour/ticket assistance, and a front-desk safe are onsite.
ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa offers 37 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Satellite television is provided.

Bathrooms include showers with rainfall showerheads, and hair dryers. 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 daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the helpful staff at ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Quinta Avenida. You'll find features like free breakfast and free WiFi in public areas, plus an outdoor pool.
  • Free self-serve breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi (speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices))
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool
  • Services include a concierge, tour or ticket assistance, and luggage storage
  • Just a 3-minute walk from Quinta Avenida and 7 minutes by foot from Playa del Carmen Main Beach
There's a snack bar/deli on site. Free breakfast is available daily. 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.

Guests are served free self-serve breakfast daily from 8:30 AM to noon.

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

  • Free self-serve breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to noon
  • 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 meters) 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.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

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

  • Destination fee: MXN 33.94 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)
  • Housekeeping is 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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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
Onsite 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
To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property at least 24 hours prior to arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests will be asked to provide the property with a copy of their passport before arrival. Guests arriving after noon must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • One child 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

ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 163 out of 386 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 103 out of 386 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 48 out of 386 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 386 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 43 out of 386 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Maria

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Levi

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

8/10 Good

hannah

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

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

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

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

4/10 Poor

Rene

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

10/10 Excellent

JUAN HERNANDEZ

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

10/10 Excellent

Dom

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Dom

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

2/10 Terrible

Jacqueline

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was on the roof. Pool was very dirty wifi and internet almost never worked .no hot water for days some of the staff were rude didn't care bed was so hard I developed a back ache horrible place
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Glorily

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

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