My mother and I just returned from a 5 night stay at the Posada Mariposa. We both enjoyed our time very much at this quaint little hotel. I've traveled for work and pleasure quite a bit and stayed in all kinds of accomodations( from hostels and Motel 6's, mainstream Hyatts, Marriots, to luxury and boutique hotels such as those of the Kor group).
My mother is slightly obsessive about cleanliness, and I am about service. We chose this hotel as opposed to an all-inclusive resort because we knew we were going to be gone site seeing the majority of the time and just needed a safe, and clean place to lay our head at night and help point us in the right direction when needed. So we weren't looking for a lot of bells and whistles, just clean and safe. I was a little apprehensive getting there because it seemed to good to be true ( especially since we booked last minute). I emailed and spoke with Nadyelli quite a few times even before arriving and always got a prompt and courteous response.
She was so patient, helpful , informative, and happy to be of service. My only dissapointment was that I never got to meet her personally to thank her for all her help. Alfonso and Axel at the reception desk wear many hats ( concierge, bell hop,etc). They also were very helpful, informative, nice, and always delivered service with a smile! They are the kind of guys you could easily just hang out and chat all day with. On our last day, our airport shuttle came 45minutes early. Axel sent someone to the restaurant we were having brunch at so we would not miss our shuttle. They always went above and beyond the call of duty and did so happily. You can't get this kind of service at a large chain hotel anymore.
Surprisingly, the maids cleaned our rooms to my mothers satisfaction. So overall I would have to say that the service was one of the best things about this hotel. Hotel itself: FREE internet connection if you bring your laptop, SANS phone( but someone at reception will be happy to make a local call for you for free, and there is a calling booth right across the way) simple, clean, natural al-fresco garden setting, 23 total rooms, staircases only, firm mattresses, TV ,mini fridge, A/C, ceiling fan,outdoor seating, fun towel sculptures. Just the bare necessities. Think a budget version of the TIDES hotel without any bells or whistles.)
So much to see and do and so little time. Be sure to take the time to talk with Axel and Alfonso, they are very helpful and nice.

Cindy

With three of my friends I went to Posada Mariposa in PDC. We loved the place. We had two rooms; one standard plus and one junior suite both on the third floor. The one overlooking the 5th avenue was a bit noisy but since there is a separate door between the kitchenette and the bedroom, it stopped most of the noise.
Our room (standard) was large enough with a big closet (all clothes, shoes and luggages for two girls fitted in the closet). The beds are hard but I prefer it to too soft. We had a little balcony, a mini-fridge and a large shower with enough water pressure.
It is well situated in the old Italian area where you have access to bars, restaurants, internat cafes, shops but without the crowd. the beach is less than five minute walk and with the hotel discount it costs you 15 pesos for a chair and an extra 15 pesos if you want a palapas.
You will find restaurants on the beach and sometimes you will see locals selling fruits on the beach too.
All in all, I loved my stay at Mariposa and would recommend to all my friends to at least once, experience the carribean not in an all inclusive resort. And I think Playa del Carmen is just the place for.

Lucy

This hotel has a charming courtyard area and the staff is pleasant. The place is very clean and AC worked well. Room was on the small side (I had a standard ground floor unit). The location right on 5th Avenue was terrific.
My biggest complaints were:
There is no parking at the hotel itself. So, beware if you have a rental car, you will have to park on one of the side streets near the hotel.
The bed was extremely hard and uncomfortable. I heard this is typical of Mexican beds, but the hotel where I stayed in Cozumel was much more comfortable and it also was a budget place.
The noise from people opening and closing their doors was horrible. Due to the courtyard setting, everything echoes and the doors just slam. Luckily, it was quiet at night and not a party type place so I was able to still get a good night's sleep - but forget about the ability to take an afternoon siesta.
All in all, if you are on a tight budget and want to be in a good location and safe, this is a good choice. If you are expecting anything more than very average accomodations, you will be disappointed.

Brenda & Tony