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ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa

Property class: 3.5

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Photo gallery for ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa

A rooftop swimming pool with a clear view of the sky and distant buildings.
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.
A modern kitchen with a black countertop, white wicker chairs, and a wooden bar area.
A modern hotel room with two beds, a bathroom, and a small kitchenette.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is $50
$38 nightly
$50 total
Total with taxes and fees
Sep 25 - Sep 26

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

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 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

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 WiFi

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 WiFi

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 WiFi

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The price is $49
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Total with taxes and fees
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About the neighborhood

Playa del Carmen

ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa is centrally located in Playa del Carmen, a 3-minute walk from Quinta Avenida and 7 minutes by foot from Playa del Carmen Main Beach. .This hotel is 0.8 mi (1.4 km) from Mamitas Beach and 1 mi (1.6 km) from Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal.

What's nearby

  • Central Square - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Quinta Avenida - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Playa del Carmen Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Mamitas Beach - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Playacar Beach - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Cancun Intl. Airport (CUN) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Osteria De Roma - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Cocina Doña Paula - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪La Brocherie - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Yum Yum - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Café Andrade - ‬2 min walk

About this property

ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa

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.
Make yourself at home in one of the 37 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a terrace. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Grab a bite from the snack bar/deli serving guests of ILLUSION XPRESS Downtown Playa.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and a safe deposit box at the front desk.

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 transportation

  • 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.
  • Elevator (35 inch wide door)
  • Handrails in stairways (35 inches high)
  • 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 elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (37 inches high)
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

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

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 8 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Destination fee: MXN 33.94 per person, per night. This fee does not apply to children under 12 years of age.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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
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

We should mention

Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
Alcohol is not served at this property

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. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Dom

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

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