Best Playa Del Carmen Hotels
I love staying in Playa del Carmen because it has a vast selection of resorts and hotels to choose from – there are hundreds of them! Whether you’re looking for luxurious 5-star beach resorts or affordable boutique options, you’ll find plenty of choices. However, with such a wide variety, it can be challenging to determine which hotels are the best in Playa del Carmen.
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Hotel Esencia is a luxurious boutique hotel located on a quiet beach that stretches across one kilometer. Surrounded by 52 acres of jungle and cenotes, this hotel offers elegant accommodations with two beautiful pools, a traditional Maya spa, and gourmet dining options. The suites and villas are spacious and well-equipped, with some featuring soaking tubs, plunge pools, and even full-sized pools. Although popular with honeymooners, families can also enjoy the large villas that can accommodate up to nine guests.
Additionally, the hotel offers babysitting services and family-friendly activities. There is a variety of delicious food options available in this location, including a Nikkei restaurant which offers Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, regional Mexican food, and international dishes, all made with fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients. The place is situated in Xpu-Ha, which is midway between the shopping and nightlife of Playa del Carmen and the ancient ruins and cenotes of Tulum.
Book your stay at this family-friendly resort, owned by Xcaret Adventure Parks, which includes unlimited access and transportation to all 10 parks and tours. Enjoy exciting activities such as ziplining, snorkeling, ATVs, and underground rivers. The resort features 6 pools, a lazy river, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and a beautiful beach for swimming. Plus, the resort is all-inclusive for added luxury.
Hotel Xcaret provides roomy suites that can accommodate up to five individuals. Each suite features a private balcony, equipped with a hammock. Some rooms also offer direct access to a shared pool. The hotel is conveniently situated in South Riviera Maya, just 5 km away from Playa del Carmen’s dining establishments, nightlife, stores, and the Cozumel ferry.
This hotel in Mexico is for adults only and offers all-inclusive packages. Their suites are among the most amazing in the area, especially the Overwater Bungalows which are on stilts above the sea. These feature glass floors, infinity plunge pools, outdoor showers, a two-person indoor Jacuzzi, and ladder access to the ocean. The hotel also has other suite and villa options, including a five-bedroom option with a private pool and personal chef.
The resort is located at Punta Maroma, which is a beautiful white sand beach. There are three pools in the resort which are connected with a lazy river. You can also enjoy two spas that have an elevated massage palapa. At the resort, you can indulge in farm-fresh gourmet meals and engage in scuba diving and other water sports. Additionally, there is nightly entertainment to keep you entertained. The resort is also located near Maroma Adventures’ marina, where you can partake in dolphin swims and excursions.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a five-diamond resort that is ideal for families and offers all-inclusive amenities. It boasts three pools, clubs for kids and teens, and an excellent spa. With a variety of four- and five-diamond restaurants, the dining options are incredible and diverse, ranging from creative molecular gastronomy to fution Mexican fine dining to pan-Asian fusion. Their award-winning spa includes a hydrotherapy circuit, a seven-step water ceremony, couples packages, and many other treatments. Rooms and suites all come with private terraces and whirlpool tubs, while some also feature plunge pools.
There are two clubs for children and teenagers, with different closing times and activities. The resort also provides plenty of adults-only areas for you to relax, including a dedicated pool, restaurant, a nightclub, and several bars. It is located by the edge of a mangrove jungle, on a beautiful unspoiled beach with soft sand and gentle waves.
Bayan Tree Myakoba resort is located on a sunny beach in a protected mangrove jungle and offers luxurious villas suitable for families. The resort has a boutique design that combines Mexican handicrafts with contemporary Thai design. The staff, including the owners, chefs, and spa staff, are all from Thailand. Each villa has its own private pool, outdoor whirlpool tub, and terrace with a hammock.
The property has two big pools and a spa where you can get a Thai massage. There’s a fun club for kids and a boat that takes you to the beach. The food is excellent and caters to all tastes. You can also try two unique dining experiences: Ixchel, a romantic dinner in a boat, and Haab, a dinner with a Maya show. The resort is located in the Mayakoba complex, which includes a golf course, and it takes around 20 minutes to drive to downtown Playa del Carmen.
Hard Rock Hotel Resort located on the beach is themed around music and has five pools, some only for adults and some for families with children. It has a natural lagoon that houses native fish and also boasts the largest spa in Riviera Maya. Families can enjoy additional perks such as kids’ and teens’ clubs, a rock climbing wall, and unique music amenities including loaner guitars, music instrument and DJ lessons, band camp, etc. Furthermore, there is a large skate/bike/gymnastics center on the property.
The hotel has 9 restaurants and 8 bars that serve various types of food all day long. Additionally, they offer 24-hour room service. For adults, there is a section called “Heaven” that has a private beach and cove. The hotel has different types of rooms and suites with private balconies, hammocks, and indoor or outdoor jacuzzis. The biggest room can accommodate up to 6 people. The hotel is located near a golf course, marina, and Dolphin Discovery in Puerto Aventuras.
This is a small and charming hotel located on the main beach of downtown Playa. With only 27 suites, it offers a cozy atmosphere and amenities such as a small pool, sun terrace with beach views, and the option for in-room spa treatments. The hotel also features a restaurant called C-Grill, which mainly serves Mexican and Maya seafood dishes and opens throughout the day for dining and drinks.
The guests can also use their signing privileges at Thompson Playa del Carmen, which is only a five-minute walk away from the hotel. They can visit Catch, an amazing gourmet restaurant with a breathtaking rooftop view. All suites come with balconies, and some feature soaking tubs. If guests choose Panoramic Corner Suite, they can enjoy a wraparound terrace and plunge pool. The hotel’s location is very convenient, as it is near some of the best restaurants, beach clubs, bars, and shopping areas in the city.
This is a boutique hotel located on a beachfront and meant for guests who are at least fourteen years old. The hotel is eco-conscious and has a design inspired by Mayan culture. Guests can enjoy a shaman ritual and Mayan drink, and there is a spa that offers native treatments. The spa also has a temazcal (sweat lodge) and hydrotherapy circuit. The hotel is built in a way that blends in with the surrounding jungle, and guests can see animals such as coati, iguanas, and monkeys on the grounds.
The villas and restaurants are spread out and there is no central lobby area, allowing for increased privacy and minimal disturbance to the natural surroundings. Each villa is spacious and has a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, hammock, and shaded patio. Some villas also have soaking tubs. The resort has a pool and hot tub, and the restaurants serve dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, blending Mexican and international flavors. Viceroy is located just fifteen minutes north of Downtown.
This is a family-friendly resort situated by the beach and boasting five pools spread across the areas near the ocean, lagoon, and jungle. The rooms and suites are spacious and well-lit, and come with private terraces and soaking tubs. Guests staying in oceanfront and beachfront rooms can enjoy butler service. While most of the suites have one bedroom, families can book connecting rooms. The residences have up to four bedrooms and kitchens for those who prefer this option.
The resort offers a kids’ club with cooking classes and crafts, as well as an adventure camp that offers kayaking and beach sports for older kids. Recently, the beach has been renovated in an eco-friendly way to make it longer and wider. The beach now has private palapas, plenty of loungers, and excellent food and drink service. The resort is located at Mayakoba resort complex, near the restaurants and shops at El Pueblito Village.
Andaz is a luxurious hotel located in the exclusive Mayakoba beach resort. The hotel features a golf course and lagoons, and it is situated on a beautiful white beach. Guests can enjoy two pools and a holistic spa. The rooms and suites are spacious and come with complimentary minibar items (excluding alcohol) and private balconies. The suites also offer private outdoor plunge pools. The hotel has four restaurants that serve excellent regional Mexican and international cuisine. Guests can choose to add a meal plan or book a room only. Andaz is a family-friendly hotel and offers amenities such as a kids’ club for children aged 4 to 12, babysitting services, and free bike rentals.
This resort is modern and has everything a family could need. It is located on a beautiful beach with a coral reef. The resort has suites in different sizes, from junior to two-bedroom connecting units. For families who want even more luxury, they can upgrade to the Family Concierge option. This adds a private terrace with a Jacuzzi, kids’ minibar items, access to a private restaurant, club lounge, and an Xbox or PlayStation.
This resort is great for parents traveling with young children. They have a very nice Baby Club for ages one to four and a Kids’ Club for five to twelve-year-olds. Parents can enjoy some adult time at the adults-only Paradisus La Perla while their children are taken care of. The resort also boasts three pools, good food, and a beach with a very nice reef for snorkeling. La Esmeralda is located a fifteen-minute drive or a twenty-five-minute walk from downtown Playa del Carmen.
This resort is designed for adults only and offers an intimate, all-inclusive experience on a stunning beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters. The suites come equipped with outdoor baths and two-person showers and offer views of either the lagoon or cenote. The Casitas and Presidential Suite are located right on the ocean, with the Presidential Suite even featuring two private infinity pools.
The resort has amazing amenities such as three pools, fantastic restaurants and bars, and a hot tub. However, what sets it apart is the Maya spa which spans 2300 square meters and offers complimentary temazcal treatments to all guests. The secluded jungle location of the resort features several trails that showcase the protected mangrove forest, lagoon and cenote, which are home to different animals such as coati and iguanas. Guests can use the resort-provided bikes to explore the area.
The rates include a variety of activities such as a snorkel tour, scuba class in the pool, cooking classes, wine tastings, and more. The accommodation is situated in Punta Maroma, close to cenotes and adventure parks, and a reasonable distance from Playa del Carmen’s nightlife scene.
Mahekal is a resort that welcomes families and is situated on a lively beach with an eco-chic ambiance. It boasts a Bohemian atmosphere, four pools, outstanding bars and restaurants, and a Maya spa. Additionally, guests have the option to choose from different room types that vary in style, scenery, and arrangement, which include beachfront casitas, treehouse rooms, palapa suites, and penthouse suites. Certain rooms are equipped with private plunge pools, cool outdoor showers, hammocks, full kitchens, and a butler service.
Please be aware that this resort focuses on a natural environment, which implies that the majority of its rooms do not have TVs. Nevertheless, you can enjoy additional privacy by strolling through the resort’s jungle garden. Additionally, this resort is conveniently situated for those interested in exploring Playa’s famous Quinta Avenida – an area renowned for its nightlife and shopping.
This beachfront resort is designed for big families or those spanning multiple generations. It offers luxurious suites with a variety of features including swim-up access to the main pool, access to one of the nine balcony pools, or beautiful ocean views. Activities and amenities are available for many different age groups, including baby essentials like cribs and strollers, a kids’ club with cooking lessons, and a teen lounge with a pool table and plenty of video games.
At the adjacent El Dorado properties, adults can enjoy full access to bars, restaurants, and pools. While the beach is swimmable, there are some rocky areas. However, wave barriers have been installed to reduce erosion and make it a suitable place for novice swimmers. Generations is situated in Puerto Morelos, which is located midway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
This resort is family-friendly and all-inclusive, with a large pool that has a great view of a sandy beach and the Cozumel ferry. The rooms and suites are spacious and come with a whirlpool tub and liquor cabinet, and most have a balcony and a beautiful view of the ocean. The food and drinks are outstanding, especially at the adults-only Lahna restaurant which offers delicious Yucatan cuisine, and at the Luna Lounge which has a specialty mixology menu. Families can enjoy the kids’ club for ages four to twelve and free bicycle tours.
Guests are able to use their sign-in privileges at all Palace properties. The Cozumel location is just a short ferry ride away, and guests can also enjoy free transportation to the water park at The Grand at Moon Palace in Cancun. Additionally, guests can apply their resort credit towards various activities such as touring Chichen Itza, dolphin encounters, and spa services. The resort is located on Playacar Beach in Downtown and is situated near Fundadores sculpture park. Guests can easily walk to explore Quinta Avenida’s shopping and nightlife.
This is a resort that caters to adults only and specializes in weddings and special occasions for couples. They have junior suites with private terraces, outdoor Jacuzzis, and hammocks, with the option to swim up. Their spa provides treatments for couples and individuals, which include Maya-inspired rituals, temazcal, hydro-circuit, and their sky massage that takes place in a beachfront palapa at an elevated location.
This place offers excellent dining options. All the produce and herbs used are grown in their own onsite greenhouse. It is situated in Puerto Morelos, with a long white beach. The beach has a sandy area suitable for swimming and a rocky area with a coral reef to explore.
This is a high-end resort located on the beach, suitable for families. It has two infinity pools, one of which is for adults only. The resort offers excellent dining options and has a spa with a design inspired by the natural underwater sinkholes known as cenotes. The rooms are spacious and have balconies, while the suites have the added features of soaking tubs and optional swim-up access or private plunge pools. If you upgrade to the Club Level, you can enjoy daily breakfast, all-day snacks, an open bar, and evening appetizers.
There is a fee for accessing the babysitting services and kids’ club area, but the teens’ arcade is open to everyone. The arcade includes video games, mini-bowling, and foosball. The hotel is located on Playa del Carmen’s main beach in the newest area of the city. There are also nearby facilities such as a new mall, restaurants, nightlife, and beach clubs.
This is an urban, stylish hotel located on 5th Avenue. It has a rooftop infinity pool and massage cabanas for your relaxation. The hotel has a mid-century modern style with unique touches and a beach atmosphere. All rooms and suites have jetted tubs, and some have private terraces with daybeds or Jacuzzis. Catch, the hotel’s restaurant, offers gourmet food made with locally sourced ingredients and has sister locations in NYC and Dubai.
The hotel welcomes families and pets, however, it primarily caters to adults, particularly couples. Guests can enjoy signing privileges and access to the beach at their sister property, Thompson Beach House, which is situated two blocks away.
This is an all-inclusive resort that caters exclusively to adults. It features modern, spacious suites and multiple shimmering pools. The spa includes a hydrotherapy circuit. The suites vary in size, ranging from studios to two-bedroom options, with access to dual soaking tubs and showers. Some suites also include a terrace Jacuzzi and a swim-up option. By upgrading to the Royal Service, guests can enjoy additional amenities such as a private restaurant and club lounge, butler service, and access to an extra pool.
There are ten great restaurants and bars at the location, and guests also have access to 16 additional dining and drink options at the nearby Paradisus La Esmeralda. The resort is situated by a sandy beach next to a coral reef, which is perfect for snorkeling. It’s only a ten-minute drive or twenty-five-minute walk to Downtown.
This resort is situated on the beach and has nine pools, a large spa, and several dining and drink options. It consists of four hotels, each with its own theme, including Maya-style, Spanish, contemporary, and adults-only. All sections offer beach access, but Kantenah and Colonial have the most beachfront rooms and suites. White Sand is located near the kids’ clubs, water park, and spa.
The Royal Suites are located around the lagoon, and some have private jetties and canoes. You can choose a suite that comes with outdoor showers, whirlpool tubs, or private pools, and connecting rooms are offered as well. The location is on a long beach near Akumal, a few cenotes, and adventure parks. It’s approximately halfway to Tulum.
This is an all-inclusive hotel that is exclusively for adults and located on a one-kilometer-long beach. It has three free-form pools, a peaceful spa, and a choice of twenty restaurants and bars. The suites come with a balcony or terrace, and some have outdoor Jacuzzis or whirlpool tubs. There are also swim-up suites available that are connected to the resort’s quietest area, which has a lazy river.
The food at Ginger, a Japanese restaurant that requires reservations for seating at the teppanyaki table, and L’Alsace, a French fine dining establishment with a dress code, is outstanding at this hacienda-style resort. The resort overlooks a kilometer-long beach with soft sand that is great for swimming along its length, although bigger waves can occasionally arrive. Additionally, there is an opportunity for snorkeling in a man-made reef located at the southwest end of the beach.
This is a luxurious, five-star resort that is perfect for families. The resort is located on a beautiful beach with crystal-clear and blue waters. It has three swimming pools, a peaceful spa, and offers delicious dining options. Each suite or villa comes with a personal plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a butler service. Guests can choose a stunning view of the beachfront, the lagoon, or the ocean. The resort has its own Chef’s Garden where much of the produce used in the onsite restaurants are grown. Twice a week, they host dinners in the garden, and they also offer botanical tours for kids.
The resort has a kids’ club that provides unique activities like tree planting, yoga, eco-adventures, and outdoor movies. Additionally, there are various options for adults-only rooms available, such as overwater and island suites that provide stunning views of the lagoon. This resort is situated near the PGA golf course in the Mayakoba resort complex, and visitors can take a boat service to the nearby beach.
Playa used to be a small fishing village, but it underwent rapid development in tourism and population after the Cozumel ferry service started. Since 1995, the number of residents has increased by 10 times, with many now employed in the tourism industry catering to millions of visitors who stay in the hundreds of newly-built hotels and resorts. The downtown area features numerous resorts, primarily located along the expansive public beach that stretches throughout the town and beyond.
The vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Playa is concentrated in three areas: Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), the beachfront, and Calle 12 Norte. Quinta Avenida spans four kilometers starting from Paseo del Carmen Mall in the southwest and ending close to the Paradisus Resorts in the northwest. The first three kilometers of Quinta Avenida are restricted to pedestrians, and they feature malls, street vendors, excellent restaurants, and comfortable bars.
The most recent and attractive area of town is located close to the Quinta Alegria shopping center. The beachfront has multiple beach clubs that offer music, cocktails, and food. Among them, Mamita’s Beach Club and Coralina Daylight Club are the most recommended. If you’re looking for nightlife, head to Downtown where you’ll find plenty of nightclubs on Calle 12 Norte located north of the Cozumel Ferry terminal. The biggest clubs with the wildest parties are Coco Bongo, Club Mandala, and Club and Bar La Vaquita, all three of which are sister properties of Clubs in Cancun.
The North Playa area located at the far end of Quinta Avenida boasts several luxurious resorts, residences, and restaurants along a beautiful beach. Although it is less crowded than Downtown, it is still within a reasonable distance; just a 20-30 minute walk (depending on the resort) or a quick 10-minute drive. This spot is perfect for travelers who want to experience everything the city has to offer. At the same time, it provides a peaceful retreat away from the party atmosphere for a restful night’s sleep.
The South Riviera Maya, which lies between the towns of Playa and Tulum, has long stretches of white sandy beaches. Thanks to the reef and Cozumel, the waves here are gentle. The hotels are tucked away in the lush jungle and offer miles of unspoiled beaches.
The town that is located between Playa and Tulum is called Puerto Aventuras. It has several attractions such as the Dolphin Discovery park, resorts, and restaurants. This is where some of the biggest and most exciting adventure parks in Mexico are located, such as Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Río Secreto. Some of the biggest and most popular cenotes like Dos Ojos, Jardin del Eden, Cenote Azul, and more can be found here as well, as this place is also their home.
The Riviera Maya is a coastal area that spans from slightly south of Cancun to just below Tulum, with Playa del Carmen situated in the middle. Additionally, it comprises Cozumel Island. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, extending from Cancun to Guatemala, is situated in front of the mainland beach.
The North Riviera Maya, which is the area between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, is home to many spacious all-inclusive resorts. These resorts are nestled in mangrove forests and are situated along extended sections of shoreline that are safeguarded by the reef. Because of this, the waves are usually calm.
Apart from Puerto Morelos and Punta Maroma, the resort beaches located further out are less crowded since they are not within walking distance of any town. If you’re near Puerto Morelos, which is the more northern of the two towns, you can visit a botanical garden, Croco Cun Zoo, and some cool cenotes located inland. On the other hand, Punta Maroma has a relatively less crowded beach and offers dolphin encounters and more activities at Maroma Adventures.
Located just outside of Playa del Carmen’s north end, this complex is a luxurious resort that utilizes the natural geography of the area, featuring cenotes, lagoons, and a sandy beach. The resort also provides a habitat for several species of native animals, such as coati, iguanas, spider monkeys, and tropical birds.
The complex has a PGA golf course and El Pueblito village which resembles a very traditional Mexican city center and square with a chapel, art gallery, and restaurants. Guests can travel around the complex through a boat taxi on the lagoon, which is included in the hotel rates. Alternatively, they can also travel on foot or use the bikes available at the resort to ride along the nature trail.
Some of the top-rated resorts in Playa del Carmen are Banyan Tree Mayakoba, El Dorado Royale, and the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. They provide 5-star luxury accommodations and receive excellent guest reviews, making them among the best properties in Riviera Maya.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen that is suitable for families, consider Panama Jacks Resort, Quinta Magarita Boho Chic Hotel, the Fives Beach Hotel and Residence, and the Mahekal Beach Resort. These hotels have areas that are tailored to children, safe surroundings, and activities that are suitable for families.
Some of the top resorts located in Playacar are Playacar Palace, Hotel Riu Yucatan, and Hotel Xcaret Mexico.
Playa del Carmen can be a safe travel destination overall, but there have been instances of violence related to cartels. However, for most tourists, the main safety concern is petty crime. The hotels and resorts in Playa del Carmen prioritize the safety of their guests, but if you want extra security, you may want to look into staying in the gated communities of Playacar.
A lot of hotels now have free cancellation policies, with some even allowing free cancellation up to two days prior to your reservation start date. To add more security and protection against cancellations, you may want to think about getting trip insurance for your Mexico trip.
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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