Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Katrina
Beach, lush greenery, a walkable “downtown”—and myriad ways to relax. About an hour’s drive south of Cancun (but just 30 miles from the Cancun airport), the resort town of Playa del Carmen offers a something-for-everyone Mexico getaway. Picking your hotel comes down to deciding whether you want all-inclusive, kid-friendly, or a party-friendly resort close to Quinta Avenida—or a little bit of each. Here are the best hotels in Playa del Carmen.
Paradisus Playa del Carmen – Riviera Maya (5 Av. Nte., Luis Donaldo Colosio; 52-984-877-3900) Playa del Carmen
You can easily stay put at this all-inclusive resort that has a water park, three pools and a whopping 22 restaurants. “A sprawling playground with something for every style of traveler,” writes Travel+Leisure. “For a little extra oomph, consider splurging on The Reserve, a VIP experience that includes access to a private beach, pool, and Reserve-only restaurants.” A Tripadvisor user likes it for families: “The kids club is a great amenity, and the pools seem endless. The main pool had a big pirate ship for the kids to play on. The food was delicious, although at times we weren’t blown away by the buffet options.” >> Book this hotel for less
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort (1A Avenida Esquina Calle 26; 52-984-875-1234) Playa del Carmen
The Telegraph likes the “slick, modern architecture” of this beachfront Grand Hyatt. It’s got three infinity pools, a kids club and spa, and adds that “despite being positioned in the busy heart of Playa Del Carmen, close to nightclubs, bars and shops, this hotel has a relaxing and peaceful vibe.” All of the 314 rooms have private balconies, and some have swim-up access or their own plunge pools. A Tripadvisor user writes that “the pools and beach area are nice,” yet recommends that one “avoid [staying in] the northeast corner of the resort,” since the beach club there can get noisy. >> Book this hotel for less
Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Carretera Cancun Tulum Km 62; 877-418-2963) Playa del Carmen
“The 539-suite Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers its guests multiple experiences in one,” writes Travel+Leisure of this beachfront resort on 205 acres. “Each building is like a mini-resort with its own activities, restaurants, and pools, and guests have a choice of eight elegant dining venues.” A Google reviewer notes that the pools are more user-friendly than the beach. “If you are looking for a place with crystal clear waters, Grand Velas is not the place. Very few people ever actually go in the ocean. The water is a bit rough, and it is incredibly rocky.” >> Book this hotel for less
Fairmont Mayakoba (Carretera Federal Cancún Km 298; 52-984-206-3000) Playa del Carmen
Travel+Leisure calls this Fairmont, set on 45 acres inthe luxury Mayakoba complex, “an iconic five-star resort on one of the most beautiful beaches in Playa del Carmen.” The grounds, the magazine continues, include “a thick mangrove jungle… sun-caressed oceanfront pools, and wildlife tours in one of the many boats that cruise the canals.” Lodgings range from standard rooms to suites and casitas their own plunge pools. A Google reviewer writes that “Mayakoba feels wonderfully removed from the busy area around Playa and Cancun,” while another writes that “we did the all-inclusive package and the food did not disappoint. Even though this resort is very kid-friendly, it did not feel overwhelmed by kids.” >> Book this hotel for less
Thompson Playa Del Carmen Main House by Hyatt (Calle 12 entre 5ta Ave. y 10 S/N; 52-984-206-4800) Playa del Carmen
“Perfect for party people” is how Travel+Leisure describes this 92-room hotel. It is also a “sleek, chic luxury hotel with a buzzing rooftop pool scene overlooking Quinta Avenida.” Indeed, one Google reviewer says, “Hands down, this is the best rooftop pool in the whole city, running the entire length of a city block.” But they add, “This hotel is in the middle of it all, so if you are a light sleeper it might not be the place for you.” >> Book this hotel for less
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