Thompson Playa del Carmen

Hip new hotels open their doors in Playa del Carmen all the time. But rarely is the opening of a hotel met with such anticipation as that of Thompson Playa del Carmen, along the happening pedestrian promenade of Quinta Avenida. It’s the counterpart to the Thompson Beach House, a five-minute stroll away, and the feel, compared to its sister, is necessarily more urban — but hardly any less laid-back.

And while the beach has its own obvious charms, “downtown” has a lot going for it: a killer rooftop pool with half-submerged chaise lounges, cocktails, and the buzzed-about Catch restaurant. Inside, the Thompson Playa del Carmen has a sleek aesthetic that’s more D.F. than Cancún or Cabo, thanks in large part to its designers, a Mexico City–based team. Like other Thompson hotels, there’s a mid-century flavor, but here, the clean lines and vintage-inspired bespoke furnishings are warmed up with locally sourced marble, stone, and textiles. Standard features include king-sized beds with sateen-woven linens, minibars stocked with craft beers and the mixings for craft cocktails, free wi-fi, rain showers and kimono-style robes; suites have private terraces with daybeds and sea views.

You’re welcome at the Thompson Beach House as well, and its daytime attractions don’t need much elaboration — but it’s after dark that the Quinta Avenida site truly comes into its own. See for yourself from the vantage point of the gorgeous rooftop pool, as you sip mezcal to the tune of some DJ-spun house music, well into the night.