Iconic Playa del Carmen Bar and Hotel Shuttered in Surprise Takeover

Hotel La Rana Cansada seized in Playa del Carmen amid alleged labor dispute

Playa del Carmen – The iconic bar and hotel La Rana Cansada, along with a neighboring torta restaurant in the city’s bustling tourist zone, was seized and evicted on Thursday afternoon, the result of an apparent labor dispute. The sudden action leaves workers facing an uncertain future.

Founded in 1984, the hotel was purchased by a Swedish couple, Thed Pettersson and Pia Ekasala, in 1998. Since then, La Rana Cansada has been a cherished gathering spot for Playa del Carmen’s expatriate community and tourists alike. However, the establishment faced increasing challenges following Thed’s passing in 2022 and Pia’s death in May 2024.

Friends of the couple had stepped in to manage the business, but without legal clarity, the venue became vulnerable to an alleged labor claim that ultimately led to this surprise seizure.

A cargo truck arrived at the property on Calle 10, between 5th Avenue and 10th Avenue, supported by Municipal Police from Solidaridad. Workers and administrators were given just 10 minutes to vacate the premises.

Movers quickly began removing furniture, tables, and even kitchen equipment, leaving the once-vibrant establishment completely empty. The hotel, known for hosting international tourists for decades, was emptied in a matter of hours.

Locksmiths replaced the locks on the doors of the iconic site, which had operated uninterrupted in downtown Playa del Carmen for 39 years.

The hotel administrator expressed shock, stating that there had been no prior notification of the procedure. “We were caught completely off guard,” he said, speculating that the eviction might be tied to an old labor ruling from 2009.

The sudden seizure has not only shuttered a beloved community institution but has also upended the lives of those who depended on it.

The eviction has left around 10 workers in a precarious situation, some of whom had been with the business for up to 24 years – all are left in limbo. “We don’t know if we’ll receive severance pay,” one employee shared, while others broke down in tears, uncertain about their future.

Founded in 1984 by a Swedish couple, La Rana Cansada has long been a beloved part of Playa del Carmen’s cultural and tourist fabric. La Ranita, the hotel’s lively bar, was a cornerstone of the local community, even hosting an annual fundraiser to support the Bomberos of Playa del Carmen.

Sadly, the deaths of the owners—Thed in 2022 and Pia earlier this year—may have left the property vulnerable to opportunistic claims. “It feels like someone is taking advantage of the situation,” the administrator added.

Similar Cases Highlight Risk for Local Business Owners

The eviction of La Rana Cansada is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, on March 21, tourists were evicted from Blue Palms Hotel and Condominiums in Playa del Carmen following a judicial order.

Located on Calle 14 between First Avenue and the Federal Maritime Zone, the property had been owned by an Israeli national for over 15 years. However, it was claimed by another individual, leading to a legal dispute.

Movers emptied the property, placing furniture on the street, despite protests from the owner’s attorney, who alleged that the eviction lacked proper legal documentation. The lawyer claimed the case was part of a larger pattern, with lawsuits targeting “phantom individuals” instead of legitimate owners, a tactic reportedly seen with other properties in Quintana Roo.

These cases reflect an alarming trend in the region, where disputes over property ownership and labor claims are creating chaos for businesses, employees, and tourists alike.

Property Disputes Threaten Tourism, Investment, and Perceptions of Safety on the Riviera Maya

Recent incidents, such as the questionable eviction of La Rana Cansada and The Blue Palms hotels in Playa del Carmen, reveal troubling patterns that could have far-reaching consequences for the region’s economy and reputation. 

Abrupt property seizures such as this raise concerns that extend beyond individual cases, potentially impacting tourism, foreign investment, and perceptions of safety along the Riviera Maya.

Tourism, a cornerstone of the local economy, is particularly vulnerable to these incidents. Tourists may lose confidence in the region when accommodations are abruptly seized, leaving them stranded or scrambling to make alternative arrangements.

Such disruptions not only sour their experiences but also discourage repeat visits. Negative publicity spread through social media and online reviews further tarnishes the area’s reputation, deterring potential visitors and undermining its image as a reliable destination.

Foreign investment, the pillar of prosperity in hot spots like Playa del Carmen and Tulum may also be threatened. Incidents like these erode trust in the legal system, leading investors to question whether their property rights will be upheld.

Investors may perceive the Riviera Maya and Mexico in general as a risky environment and shift their focus to areas with more stable and transparent legal frameworks.

These disputes impact perceptions of safety and stability. Abrupt evictions and legal chaos create an image of unpredictability that can deter both tourists and expat investors. Many fear becoming entangled in similar disputes, further diminishing the region’s appeal.