What can I say about the Shangri-la except that it is absolutely fabulous!! This is a resort along a beautiful, wide, quiet, white stretch of beach, just north and within walking distance of Playa del Carmen. The resort is a collection of bungalows right on the beach. Each one has either one or two rooms. Ours was a single story. Each has a front porch area with a hammock. No phone, no TV, no air conditioning. The evenings were quite breezy, as you were very close to the ocean, so we did not get too hot. If you have a room further back from the sea, I would suggest getting one with AC.
The Shangri-la is divided into two sections, an older on and a newer one. The newer one has bungalows that are a little taller, with rooms on three floors.
The price included breakfast and dinner. Both were very tasty and service was wonderful. The staff goes out of their way to try to get to know you.
The grounds are immaculately kept - I always saw staff cleaning and raking the beach.
There are two pools and a hot tub. The bar is set off from the beach, but you don't have to walk too far for a drink. On the beach are a number of palapas for guests, along with numerous lounge chairs. We never had a problem finding a chair on the beach, and it's only a few feet from your room.
Bottled water was supplied daily to your room.