A guide to Best Hotels in Playa Del Carmen
The seaside town of Playa del Carmen is one of the most stylish holiday resorts in the Riviera Maya region. The focus here is on luxury accommodation, complete with beachside locations that offer spectacular views over the Caribbean Sea. There are several 5* rated Playa del Carmen All Inclusive resorts, as well as a selection of boutique hotels that make the most of the areas beautiful beaches, a three-kilometre shopping street, lively nightlife and international dining.
Riu Tequila
Situated in the Playacar end of town, the Riu Tequila is like a village unto itself. Rooms are nestled in well-maintained grounds with the beach just a short stroll through the trees and some shops less than 100 metres away. The rooms are quite basic, but with on-site entertainment, plenty of food and glorious pool surroundings, you won’t be spending much time in yours.
Riu Yucatan
Another large hotel complex close to Playacar, Riu Yucatan offers smart and modern rooms with plenty of on-site activities to entertain the family. It’s three kilometres from the main street of 5th Avenue, but benefits from beachfront access and expansive pool areas. If you’re looking for a shiny hotel with friendly, professional staff, this is it.
Riu Palace Mexico
Riu Palace Mexico lives up to its regal name, with contemporary, minimalist rooms, vast poolside decks and high-end dining. It’s just a short taxi ride from the heart of Playa del Carmen and feels a world away from any worries back home. Come here to be waited on hand and foot, before going home completely revitalised.
Riu Lupita
Riu Lupita is a funky hotel for the Playa del Carmen hipsters. In fact, this place looks like it’s been transported from Cancun with its shiny interiors and modern, clean lines. It’s a short two kilometres from the bustling 5th Avenue so is perfect for getting home after a night out. The beach is three and a half kilometres away and easily accessible by bus, but there’s always space by the pool for those preferring to stay home and recover from the night before.
Bluebay Grand Esmeralda
The Bluebay Grand Esmeralda is a 15-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, so it can afford to be greedy with space. This hotel relies on elegant simplicity, with a white-washed exterior and palm tree-lined pathways. The large pool area overlooks the ocean, and your own little patch of beach adds to the luxury factor.
Iberostar Tucan and Quetzal
This hotel is unique, being the only hotel in the region to artfully combine ancient Mayan heritage with contemporary luxury. Dedicated to the local culture, you’ll find traditional palm leaf roofs and magical stone statues alongside luxurious spa facilities and a well-stocked bar. The Iberostar Tucan and Quetzal has beachfront access and is just a five-minute drive from downtown Playa del Carmen.
Sandos Playacar Beach Resort
Guests at Sandos Playacar Beach Resort enjoy far reaching views of the ocean to the front, and a lush, green canopy to the sides. It’s definitely more resort than hotel, with a wide range of kids’ and adults’ activities, a choice of pool areas and international dining. It has a cosy feel too, with Mexican inspired interiors feasting on pattern and colour. There’s a white-sand beach on the doorstep and the town centre is three kilometres away.
Platinum Yucatan Princess All Suites Spa Resort
The 5* Platinum Yucatan Princess is a luxurious All Inclusive adults-only spa resort. This beachfront hotel has superb sea views and is perfect for romantic getaways. It offers a range of sumptuous suite accommodation options, including Junior Deluxe Swimout rooms with direct access to the pool. It’s also perfectly located for the shops, bars, clubs and restaurants of Playa del Carmen’s centre.