Balkon BoutiqueHotel

So I went to check on the balkon Boutique Hotel today as a mystery shopper since I decided to stay closer to the beach club and large shopping center . I went into the front lobby today and spoke with front desk associate . She was very polite and accommodating. The front lobby smelled like a very delicious coffee brew . I looked on and did not see the pastries that were mentioned in the online details . I asked where they were, and the front desk associate said they did not have them anymore . It was a limited edition. And if I wanted pastries, I would have to go to bakery across the street . Coffee was unlimited with tea . So I went on to look at the double rooms . Very small and washroom was grand . Windows were small and thin, and the room smelled very muggy with no good airflow but very cold from air-conditioning. The double beds were so close together and felt clostiphobic . I went on up to the rooftop Very small pool, and the sitting area was small . Just more for the quiet solo traveler noes in a book kinda feel . U have to climb stairs to get to dunk yourself in pool water and back down those steps with wet feet, and no hand railings could be dangerous for mobility restricted person or disability . View was of the carribean sea, but when u look down, it's in a very poor neibourhood. Run down, sadly . By foot 10th, Ave is one block up from 5th Ave but so far to walk to real shopping center and very old neighborhood and very uneven sidewalks . U must keep looking down not to trip on unsuspecting higher sidewalks . Yes, a million dogs barking sounds like a sympathy. But all of 10 Ave and 15 Ave has dogs everywhere . Seems like spade and neutering are not a thing in this culture . Dogs roam freely .. but non aggressive. So far ¡¡ some side roads going out to 60 Street by Balkon Hotel give you the icky feel . But it still appears to be safe . So not for you if it's your first time to playa del carmen . U probably feel weak @ the knees and lock yourself up in the stuffy room . Till you had taquilla . The elevator worked great . Quiet atmosphere during daytime . I would stay there if expedia had a good sale . Otherwise, I'm much happier at the Mare condo vacation suits. Way more spacious and closer to surrounding stores and a bit more vibrant. More expensive tho and beds are hard as bricks .