If you’ve ever looked at a map of the Playa del Carmen neighborhoods, you will maybe be confused by the title of this blog… Colonia Hollywood doesn’t even appear on any of the maps!
Nestled in the heart of Centro, Hollywood is part of the Gonzalo Guerrero neighborhood, but this small area of tree-lined streets and cute cafes was locally renamed by the Playa community, with spray painted street signage to boot! It runs from Avenida 20 y 30 and between Calle 20 y 34.
It may be small, but this part of Playa del Carmen has a big heart. Read on and we’ll tell you more about why this is a great place to stay in Playa del Carmen.
A Great Neighborhood
Colonia Hollywood mainly consists of quiet residential streets, with many buildings that are available for long and short-term rentals. You find a lot of expats, digital nomads, and visitors to Playa del Carmen will try to find places to stay in this area as it tends to be well priced, and is close to a range of cafes and restaurants to work from, and close to the bustling 5th Avenue too, without having the issues of the noise that comes with being on La Quinta.
The buildings here are generally more traditional, and you can find a range of 2 bedroom, 1 bedroom, and studio-style apartments. Many are converted from houses, are individual in their style, unlike many of the newer constructions which all look identical inside.
Do take a look before renting though, as not a lot of the buildings here have private security, as many of the newer buildings. It’s also worth doing an internet speed test just to ensure you can get online properly.
Cafés and Restaurants
One of the best things about Colonia Hollywood is the ample range of restaurants and bars within the few blocks of the neighborhood.
Many digital nomads flock to cafes for coworking reasons, so they can type away on their laptops whilst they eat brunch and sip a coffee. The cafes in Colonia Hollywood are used to this type of client and have great combo menus and good wifi too.
photo taken by “Ian MacKenzie”
The wonderful Mercado 30 is one of them, a cozy combination of restaurants and tienditas within a small courtyard space. Here you can grab a meal and coffee from the DN favorite ‘Bajo Café’, feel healthy with a smoothie bowl from ‘Peace & Bowl’, or even pick up some artisan crafts and kombucha from the shops inside.
Close by you also have Papa Charly’s, a Playa hidden gem. This Italian restaurant offers delicious food at great prices. Plus, they are also connected to what can only be described as the BEST artisan ice cream shop in town. Be sure to sample a scoop!
You also have other café options, open daily:
Choux Choux – Serving great coffee and delicious home-cooked food. You may wait outside for a table, but it’s worth it.
Ressio – A cute coffee bar in an outdoor setting. Check out their breakfast smorgasbord option for a real treat!
Basic Foodie – Another DN favorite to work from, you’ll find people tapping from their laptops here daily. They also offer a great selection of home-baked bread.
MigaPlaya – This Argentinian bakery has a great range of pastries at reasonable prices.
Café Orange – They have a ‘menu del dia’ at a great price.
“Photo taken from TripAdvisor”
For evening dining, there are other options too, highlights include Mucho Gusto, Take Italy and Buzos.
Things to Do
Not only is Colonia Hollywood a great place to live, but it’s also an area frequented for many of the popular events hosted in the area.
A place well known to most Playenses is the seafood restaurant Buzos. Not only do people head here for deliciously fresh lobster and fish tacos, but it is home to a lot of evening entertainment nights including comedy shows, salsa socials, and the infamous ‘Tuesday Trivia’ at Laura’s Quiz.
Within the area, you also have the local sports stadium. This venue hosts daily exercise classes both outdoors and under their covered palapa. They have a running track and soccer field, where local team Inter Playa hosts their home games. Plus basketball courts and a small outdoor gym.
“Photo taken from ligapremier-fmf.mx”
The classes here are for everyone and are a great and inexpensive option compared to joining a gym.
Colonia Hollywood – A great neighborhood
It’s hard to believe that such a small part of Playa del Carmen can have so much going on! Take a stroll around soon and you too will discover why this part of town is so enchanting and sought after.