Hotel Casa Azul is a small, private beachfront hotel just north of the Playa Carmen crossroads in Santa Teresa, hosting about 12 to 16 guests at a time. It has 3 rooms, a 2-bedroom suite and 2 casitas around a pool, with a beach break right in front. It's ideal for surfers and couples who want to be on the sand and still walk to town.
What it's like
Hotel Casa Azul is about as close to the waves as you can sleep in Santa Teresa. It's a small, private hotel on roughly 2.5 acres of beachfront garden, with a 50-foot pool, hammocks, private patios and its own path onto the sand. With room for only 12 to 16 guests, it never feels crowded, and most of the units, the pool and the patios have ocean views and the sound of the surf.
Over the years the hotel has added a beachfront yoga and shade area and a bar-restaurant on the beach called Blu Bar. Opening hours for the bar aren't listed, so ask what's running during your stay. Staff are on site around the clock, and housekeeping comes 5 to 6 days a week.
Rooms
There are 3 types of accommodation:
- Rooms: 3 rooms on the ground floor of the main building. Two face the pool and ocean; the third is a small rear room without an ocean view. All have private bathrooms and share a kitchen on the first floor.
- 2 Bedroom Suite: the whole second floor, with balconies and use of the roof deck.
- Casitas: 2 small private houses in the garden. Casita Azul is the original, with a narrow view of the pool and ocean. Casita Jule sits behind it, has no water view and is wheelchair accessible.
Amenities across the property include kitchens, hot water, air conditioning, ceiling fans, screens and lockboxes. Ask which units have A/C if that matters to you.
The surf
There's a beach break right out front with both rights and lefts, so you can check the waves from your patio and paddle out a few minutes later. Santa Teresa's waves can get powerful, so beginners may want lessons at Playa Carmen or Playa Hermosa. See our surf guide for more.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
It's a great match for surfers, couples and small groups who want to be on the beach and still walk to restaurants, bars, banks and shops. Many guests don't need a car. If you want a large resort with a full restaurant and a spa, this isn't it.
Getting there
When you reach the crossroads at Playa Carmen, turn right toward Santa Teresa. Casa Azul is the first beachfront hotel, and a bakery sits in front of the entrance. Shared shuttles can drop you at the door, and car rental agencies are about 100 yards away. You can also fly to the Cóbano airstrip and take a short transfer. Our travel guide has more.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hotel Casa Azul right on the beach?
Yes. It's a beachfront property with private beach access.
Is there a kitchen?
Yes. The ground-floor rooms share a kitchen, and kitchens are listed among the hotel's amenities.
Is it accessible?
Casita Jule is described as wheelchair accessible. Ask about specific needs when you book.
Do I need a car?
Not really. It's in the center of town, and many guests get by on foot, with rentals nearby if you want them. Check current availability on the official Hotel Casa Azul website.
