The hype
The location and rooftop views are unbeatable, but the service and pricing transparency need serious work.
The Fives Downtown Hotel, Curio By Hilton
$116-250 / night
Book this if You want a chic, urban boutique vibe with a killer rooftop pool, steps from 5th Avenue, and don't mind sacrificing direct beach access.
Why People Love It
- Stunning rooftop infinity pool with panoramic Caribbean views [3.4.1]
- Prime location just one block from the endless dining of 5th Avenue
- Modern, spacious rooms with massive walk-in showers
Quick Take: It's a stylish city hotel with a gorgeous rooftop, but hidden fees, non-guest pool crowds, and severe humidity issues can quickly kill the vibe.
Reviewed by @getready2travel: My stay at The Fives Downtown was exactly the tropical escape I needed. The massive room had such a sleek design, but the real star was the rooftop infinity pool. Sipping drinks up there with that distant ocean view was pure magic. Highly recommend for a Playa del Carmen trip!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Rooms frequently suffer from intense humidity, leading to musty odors and visible mold in the bathrooms.
- You want to be walking distance to 5th Avenue nightlife [3.4.4]
- You prefer a modern, urban aesthetic over a traditional mega-resort
- You plan to spend your days exploring cenotes rather than sitting on a beach
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.5
- Housekeeping: Generally daily service, but inconsistent. Some guests report missed spots and a weird $4/day charge.
- Bathroom hygiene: Large modern showers, but multiple reports of black mold in the grout and broken fixtures.
- Maintenance: Struggles heavily with the tropical climate; reports of peeling paint, leaking pipes, and broken AC units.
- Linens & towels: Hit or miss. Some get plush 300-thread count sheets, others complain of stained, threadbare towels.
- Odors & scents: A major red flag: recurring complaints of a strong musty, moldy, or damp smell in the rooms and hallways.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rooftop pool parties that go until midnight [2.4.2]
- Street noise from nearby bars and traffic
- Pool machinery for rooms directly underneath (specifically room 2405)
Before you book
Good to know
- There is no ATM on site, and nearby street ATMs are often out of order or unsafe [4.1.5].
- The breakfast buffet is minimal and often not included in the base rate.
- Valet parking will run you $15-$18 per night.
What to pack
- Earplugs to block out the rooftop party noise [2.4.2]
- Your own beach bag since the hotel isn't on the sand
Room Genie
Best picks
- Courtyard view rooms on lower floors to avoid the rooftop noise while staying away from street traffic [4.1.5].
Rooms to avoid
- Room 2405 (directly under pool machinery, 50-60 dB noise) [3.1.4]
- Any room facing the main avenue due to late-night street noise.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm excited for my stay! Could I please request a quiet courtyard-facing room away from the main avenue, and strictly NOT directly under the rooftop pool or machinery? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel directly on the beach?
No, it's about a two-block walk to the beach. You'll need to carry your own gear or rent chairs once you get there [3.4.4].
Is the rooftop pool only for hotel guests?
No, they sell day passes to non-guests. It gets crowded early, so claim your chair in the morning.
Are there any hidden fees?
Yes. Expect a $10/night resort fee and a mandatory 5000 MXN deposit at check-in that they don't heavily advertise.
Is this an all-inclusive resort?
No, it's a standard hotel. They have restaurants on-site, but you'll pay a la carte unless you book a specific breakfast package.
Is it loud at night?
It can be. Between the rooftop parties and the bustling 5th Avenue nearby, light sleepers should request a courtyard room.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, dogs under 10kg are welcome for a flat fee of around $75 USD, but they must be leashed in public areas.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel's overpriced drinks and walk one block to 5th Avenue for better, cheaper authentic options [3.4.7].
- ✨
If you need cash, avoid the sketchy street ATMs and walk to the Soriana supermarket on 30th Avenue.
- ✨
Don't fall for the 'welcome desk' trap—they will aggressively try to sell you a Hilton Honors timeshare presentation.
5 things to know before you go
💡The Marley Coffee shop attached to the lobby is a hidden gem for your morning caffeine fix [3.4.4].
💡The courtyard lobby is open-air with a massive living wall, which is beautiful but makes the area quite humid.
💡Some guests report being charged a sneaky $4 USD/day fee for basic maid service.
💡The hot tub jets on the rooftop are frequently broken or turned off.
💡The hotel's AC systems struggle with the jungle climate, leaving many rooms feeling damp and clammy.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Fives Downtown Hotel, Curio By Hilton is located and what's nearby.