Need to know

Rooms

15.

Rates

Midweek, $160–$280; weekend, $190–$330, including breakfast; excludes 12 per cent tax.

Check-out

Midday, but later may be possible, upon request.

Facilities

In-room massages, library, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: plasma TV, DVD/CD player, Polaroid camera, minibar.

Poolside

The hotel’s twin pools began life as water tanks for the petroleum industry. Sliced in two, hoisted onto the rooftop, and filled with water, they’re now a strikingly quirky bathing spot beside the terrace bar.

Children

Básico is a decidedly adult romantic getaway.

Also

Furry friends can stay free, although there are no particular pet facilities. There’s a two-night minimum stay at weekends.

In the know

Our favourite rooms

Lucia, Fernanda and Sofia, Básico’s trio of Sea View Rooms, look out over the Caribbean, offering some of the most beautiful panoramas in Playa del Carmen. If you’re after somewhere more removed from the sound of midnight-oil-burning in the bar, then plump for a Patio View Room on the quieter ground floor of the hotel. All the hotel’s rooms share the same pared-down chic interiors, with exposed plumbing, floor-to-ceiling glass walls (for showcasing your bikini body), and distressed concrete walls.

Packing tips

Don’t bother bringing snorkelling gear – Básico has a stash behind the bar. The rooftop terrace and the Playa del Carmen beach are Heidi Klein territory, so make sure your swimwear passes muster.

Also

Although the hotel’s not on the beach, guests have access to Mamitas beach club a few minutes’ wander away. You can spread yourself over one of the cosy canopied day-beds that line the sand or join the bronzed and buff brigade posing by the pool.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant

Fashioned like a market fish bar, with chalkboard specials and clear views of the cooks frying up the day’s catch, Marisqueria Bar is informal in style but impeccable in quality, serving a delicious selection of locally caught seafood.

Dress code

Glamorama.

Top table

Prime people-watching position is by the wall of the terrace, looking out over the town streets below.

Last orders

The kitchen closes at 11pm each night.

Room service

Available during restaurant opening hours.

Hotel bar

Azotea looks out onto the ocean from the hotel rooftop, and provides a sassy, youthful clientele with a bewildering array of martinis. DJs keep the crowd up late on weekends. There’s a juice bar downstairs too.

Smith card offer A bottle of wine and 50 per cent off your fourth night (except Friday and Saturday)

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

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Smith concierge

If you'd prefer to talk to someone, or don't want to book online, call our travel team on 1 866 610 3867. We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.

Básico

5ta Avenida y Calle 10 Norte, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo