Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat within the resort community of Playa del Carmen, set on a mile-long stretch of beach. Though it features an extensive children's program, this high-end resort largely attracts couples with its serene atmosphere, upscale restaurants, and spa. The 129 suites feature attractive contemporary decor as well as high-tech amenities, private plunge pools, and beautiful bathrooms with outdoor showers. Seaweed debris along the beach keeps the Rosewood from being flawless (although the staff diligently attempts to keep it clean), but otherwise this hotel is top-notch -- for guests willing to pay top dollar. Another high-end option worth considering is the nearby Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat within the resort community of Playa del Carmen, set on a mile-long stretch of beach. Though it features an extensive children's program, this high-end resort largely attracts couples with its serene atmosphere, upscale restaurants, and spa. The 129 suites feature attractive contemporary decor as well as high-tech amenities, private plunge pools, and beautiful bathrooms with outdoor showers. Seaweed debris along the beach keeps the Rosewood from being flawless (although the staff diligently attempts to keep it clean), but otherwise this hotel is top-notch -- for guests willing to pay top dollar. Another high-end option worth considering is the nearby Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Hotel Riu Palace Mexico is an all-inclusive, upscale, 434-room resort set along the beach in Playa del Carmen’s upmarket Playacar area. A 2012 renovation brought most of the interiors up to date with plenty of glitzy touches while the hotel's ground are some of the most pristine you'll see. Facilities are excellent, including ample eating and drinking options, plenty of pools and sports, and daily entertainment, while kids are also well-catered for. Rooms aren't perfect -- some are prone to damp and others have poor views -- though jetted tubs and liquor dispensers as standard are high points. All in all, it's a strong contender in a crowded market, drawing families and couples who prefer relaxing over partying. This is the nicest Riu in the area; The Riu Palace Riviera Maya All Inclusive (within walking distance) has the same amenities but more traditional decor.
Hotel Riu Palace Mexico is an all-inclusive, upscale, 434-room resort set along the beach in Playa del Carmen’s upmarket Playacar area. A 2012 renovation brought most of the interiors up to date with plenty of glitzy touches while the hotel's ground are some of the most pristine you'll see. Facilities are excellent, including ample eating and drinking options, plenty of pools and sports, and daily entertainment, while kids are also well-catered for. Rooms aren't perfect -- some are prone to damp and others have poor views -- though jetted tubs and liquor dispensers as standard are high points. All in all, it's a strong contender in a crowded market, drawing families and couples who prefer relaxing over partying. This is the nicest Riu in the area; The Riu Palace Riviera Maya All Inclusive (within walking distance) has the same amenities but more traditional decor.
This 396-room, upper-middle-range Riu Playacar is located in the residential, gated Playacar community near Playa del Carmen. It's the nicest of the four Classic-level Riu properties in the complex (and priced accordingly); thanks to 2015 renovations, it's also even fresher than the two more expensive Palace-level properties. It’s jam-packed with activities, including nightly live shows, and there are four restaurants (but no room service or personal waiter service at the beach, unlike at the pricier Riu Palace Mexico and Riu Palace Riviera Maya). The kids' club has its own pool with small waterslides, and there are three other pools for the whole family, on top of an on-site gym and spa. Those looking for a cheaper option may prefer the Hotel Riu Tequila, but it's farther from the beach.
This 396-room, upper-middle-range Riu Playacar is located in the residential, gated Playacar community near Playa del Carmen. It's the nicest of the four Classic-level Riu properties in the complex (and priced accordingly); thanks to 2015 renovations, it's also even fresher than the two more expensive Palace-level properties. It’s jam-packed with activities, including nightly live shows, and there are four restaurants (but no room service or personal waiter service at the beach, unlike at the pricier Riu Palace Mexico and Riu Palace Riviera Maya). The kids' club has its own pool with small waterslides, and there are three other pools for the whole family, on top of an on-site gym and spa. Those looking for a cheaper option may prefer the Hotel Riu Tequila, but it's farther from the beach.
The Hotel Riu Yucatan is an upper-mid-range, all-inclusive resort on the beach that attempts to please everyone, but often falls short. Wristbands are required of all guests and though there are several restaurants and bars, the food is mostly bland and the drinks are watered down. An upgrade to a Suite is required if you want a bathroom door; liquor dispensers on the wall might be unappealing for families (but are a nice surprise for partiers). The white sandy beach is clean and there are two outdoor swimming pools, plus a pool with a swim-up bar and a small pool in the kids' club. It may be worth comparing rates at ClubHotel Riu Tequila across the street; rates are slightly lower and you get access to everything offered at Riu Yucatan.
The Hotel Riu Yucatan is an upper-mid-range, all-inclusive resort on the beach that attempts to please everyone, but often falls short. Wristbands are required of all guests and though there are several restaurants and bars, the food is mostly bland and the drinks are watered down. An upgrade to a Suite is required if you want a bathroom door; liquor dispensers on the wall might be unappealing for families (but are a nice surprise for partiers). The white sandy beach is clean and there are two outdoor swimming pools, plus a pool with a swim-up bar and a small pool in the kids' club. It may be worth comparing rates at ClubHotel Riu Tequila across the street; rates are slightly lower and you get access to everything offered at Riu Yucatan.
Iberostar Tucan Hotel is a family-friendly all-inclusive in Playacar, a residential and hotel compound in Playa del Carmen. The resort is built around a large and peaceful jungle expanse full of native plants and wildlife, such as howler monkeys, iguanas, and agoutis. Bright and spacious rooms have Mexican touches like stucco walls and Mayan-inspired art, plus flat-screen TVs, minibars, and furnished terraces or balconies. Sun and water lovers will enjoy the lovely white-sand beach and the trio of great pools. By comparison, the next-door, similarly priced Sandos Playacar Beach Resort has more pools and specialty dining options, but feels more sprawling and impersonal.
Iberostar Tucan Hotel is a family-friendly all-inclusive in Playacar, a residential and hotel compound in Playa del Carmen. The resort is built around a large and peaceful jungle expanse full of native plants and wildlife, such as howler monkeys, iguanas, and agoutis. Bright and spacious rooms have Mexican touches like stucco walls and Mayan-inspired art, plus flat-screen TVs, minibars, and furnished terraces or balconies. Sun and water lovers will enjoy the lovely white-sand beach and the trio of great pools. By comparison, the next-door, similarly priced Sandos Playacar Beach Resort has more pools and specialty dining options, but feels more sprawling and impersonal.
The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences is an upscale beachfront property with 475 apartment-style suites a 20-minute drive from downtown Playa del Carmen. Good kids' and teens' clubs, and units with up to three bedrooms make it a family favorite, while couples can use an adults-only pool and luxe spa. All rooms have a contemporary look, though those in the newer block shine brighter. All units have outdoor spaces, free Wi-Fi, and luxe touches like pillow menus, while suites add full kitchens and some have whirlpools. Eleven largely well-regarded gourmet restaurants and five bars make this a hit with foodies. A small gym, water sports, and various activities and entertainment are also on offer. This spot is great for fun-loving guests, but for something more peaceful, it's worth checking out the smaller Le Reve Hotel & Spa.
The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences is an upscale beachfront property with 475 apartment-style suites a 20-minute drive from downtown Playa del Carmen. Good kids' and teens' clubs, and units with up to three bedrooms make it a family favorite, while couples can use an adults-only pool and luxe spa. All rooms have a contemporary look, though those in the newer block shine brighter. All units have outdoor spaces, free Wi-Fi, and luxe touches like pillow menus, while suites add full kitchens and some have whirlpools. Eleven largely well-regarded gourmet restaurants and five bars make this a hit with foodies. A small gym, water sports, and various activities and entertainment are also on offer. This spot is great for fun-loving guests, but for something more peaceful, it's worth checking out the smaller Le Reve Hotel & Spa.
The Grand Sunset Princess All Suites Resort & Spa is an upscale all-inclusive property along a pretty stretch of beach in Playa del Carmen. Together with its adjacent sister property, the Grand Riviera Princess All Suites Resort & Spa, the property has 672 modern, spacious rooms with a balcony or terrace. The huge complex -- 12 pools, nine restaurants, 10 bars, sports facilities, and spa -- is spread out among gorgeously manicured grounds, but requires a lot of walking. Note that some a la carte restaurants and Wi-Fi aren't included in the all-inclusive except for Platinum guests, so it may be worth upgrading. There is no significant difference between the Grand Sunset and Grand Riviera as all features are shared, so book at whichever side has cheaper rates.
The Grand Sunset Princess All Suites Resort & Spa is an upscale all-inclusive property along a pretty stretch of beach in Playa del Carmen. Together with its adjacent sister property, the Grand Riviera Princess All Suites Resort & Spa, the property has 672 modern, spacious rooms with a balcony or terrace. The huge complex -- 12 pools, nine restaurants, 10 bars, sports facilities, and spa -- is spread out among gorgeously manicured grounds, but requires a lot of walking. Note that some a la carte restaurants and Wi-Fi aren't included in the all-inclusive except for Platinum guests, so it may be worth upgrading. There is no significant difference between the Grand Sunset and Grand Riviera as all features are shared, so book at whichever side has cheaper rates.
This four-pearl all-inclusive resort is a favorite among families and travelers looking to be as close as possible to the wildlife and beauty of Xcaret eco-park. This is one of the only hotels with direct access to the park, and it offers packaged entrance deals and river transportation. Seven pools, 11 restaurants, nine bars and a disco, plus a popular lagoon-style beach keep guests entertained. The 765 rooms were renovated in 2016 and now have a basic style, minibars, balconies, and large flat-screen TVs. Royal Club perks include upgraded amenities and exclusive features. There is nothing within walking distance, but the hotel has daily activities, nightly shows, and a kids' club. For a more traditional and high quality beach, the Barcelo Maya Tropical is a solid alternative.
This four-pearl all-inclusive resort is a favorite among families and travelers looking to be as close as possible to the wildlife and beauty of Xcaret eco-park. This is one of the only hotels with direct access to the park, and it offers packaged entrance deals and river transportation. Seven pools, 11 restaurants, nine bars and a disco, plus a popular lagoon-style beach keep guests entertained. The 765 rooms were renovated in 2016 and now have a basic style, minibars, balconies, and large flat-screen TVs. Royal Club perks include upgraded amenities and exclusive features. There is nothing within walking distance, but the hotel has daily activities, nightly shows, and a kids' club. For a more traditional and high quality beach, the Barcelo Maya Tropical is a solid alternative.
The Viva Wyndham Maya is an all-inclusive mid-range resort located in the beachside, gated community of Playacar, a few miles from the center of the popular tourist city of Playa del Carmen. The 604 rooms are clean and bright, but basic and on the small side. The property is middle-of-the-road in terms of the quality of the food and activities, although there are classes, games, and shows scheduled nearly every hour, as well as a 24-hour bar and snack bar for night owls. Unique offerings including trapeze and juggling lessons for adults and kids, and the location is great for taking day trips to area eco parks and archeological wonders. The white-sand beach is gorgeous, but the pools are not as large as those at neighboring resorts.
The Viva Wyndham Maya is an all-inclusive mid-range resort located in the beachside, gated community of Playacar, a few miles from the center of the popular tourist city of Playa del Carmen. The 604 rooms are clean and bright, but basic and on the small side. The property is middle-of-the-road in terms of the quality of the food and activities, although there are classes, games, and shows scheduled nearly every hour, as well as a 24-hour bar and snack bar for night owls. Unique offerings including trapeze and juggling lessons for adults and kids, and the location is great for taking day trips to area eco parks and archeological wonders. The white-sand beach is gorgeous, but the pools are not as large as those at neighboring resorts.
The Viceroy Riviera Maya is a seriously upscale resort nestled in a lush rainforest setting 15 minutes' drive from the Playa del Carmen town center. Chic, rustic villas are awash with deluxe touches, and private patios feature heated plunge pools and alfresco "moon showers." Although rocky in places, the beach has white-powder sand and turquoise waters; it makes an attractive backdrop to the serene pool area and sea-facing restaurants. While families with kids should look elsewhere (children under 14 are not allowed) couples looking for a secluded, romantic retreat -- who aren't afraid of splashing the cash -- will be sure to find it here.
The Viceroy Riviera Maya is a seriously upscale resort nestled in a lush rainforest setting 15 minutes' drive from the Playa del Carmen town center. Chic, rustic villas are awash with deluxe touches, and private patios feature heated plunge pools and alfresco "moon showers." Although rocky in places, the beach has white-powder sand and turquoise waters; it makes an attractive backdrop to the serene pool area and sea-facing restaurants. While families with kids should look elsewhere (children under 14 are not allowed) couples looking for a secluded, romantic retreat -- who aren't afraid of splashing the cash -- will be sure to find it here.