The five-pearl Banyan Tree Mayakoba is one of Playa del Carmen's most sought-after resorts. Set on beautiful beachfront grounds teeming with lush greenery, lagoons, and mangroves, the resort comprises 118 stylish villas complete with private pools set in lovely gardens and large, luxurious bathrooms with rainfall showers and outdoor bathtubs. The grounds also offer several public pools as well as a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach, while an array of features includes a high-end spa, a plethora of outdoor activities (golf, tennis, snorkeling, and eco tours), and fantastic dining -- though food and drink are notably expensive. It's easily one of the area's top luxury resorts; only the Rosewood Mayakoba can compare.
The five-pearl Banyan Tree Mayakoba is one of Playa del Carmen's most sought-after resorts. Set on beautiful beachfront grounds teeming with lush greenery, lagoons, and mangroves, the resort comprises 118 stylish villas complete with private pools set in lovely gardens and large, luxurious bathrooms with rainfall showers and outdoor bathtubs. The grounds also offer several public pools as well as a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach, while an array of features includes a high-end spa, a plethora of outdoor activities (golf, tennis, snorkeling, and eco tours), and fantastic dining -- though food and drink are notably expensive. It's easily one of the area's top luxury resorts; only the Rosewood Mayakoba can compare.
A super convenient spot with comfortable features, the 45-room mid-range Illusion Boutique is just a half-block from both 5th Avenue and the beach. The sunny rooftop deck with small pool and smaller bar has wide city views out to the ocean. Other features include a tiny massage room and a garden courtyard to grab a quick and healthy breakfast for a fee. There’s also 24-reception and tea and coffee, public computer, concierge, and bike rentals. The fifth floor has the newest and most contemporary rooms, while generally, the hotel is in various shades of dated and contemporary decor. For all-inclusive rates and beach access, check rates at Hotel Riu Cancun.
A super convenient spot with comfortable features, the 45-room mid-range Illusion Boutique is just a half-block from both 5th Avenue and the beach. The sunny rooftop deck with small pool and smaller bar has wide city views out to the ocean. Other features include a tiny massage room and a garden courtyard to grab a quick and healthy breakfast for a fee. There’s also 24-reception and tea and coffee, public computer, concierge, and bike rentals. The fifth floor has the newest and most contemporary rooms, while generally, the hotel is in various shades of dated and contemporary decor. For all-inclusive rates and beach access, check rates at Hotel Riu Cancun.
The 291-room luxury Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort located halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Rooms are of moderate size, with elegant decor that includes four-poster canopy beds, furnished balconies or terraces, and jetted tubs. Guests at this outpost of the Secrets chain are granted Preferred status, with additional amenities and privileges that include premium liquor, concierge service in rooms, on the beach, and by the pool, free Wi-Fi, and free international calls. The property is stylish and upscale and resembles a Mediterranean villa, with lots of terraces, wrought iron, and marble. The spa has a full menu of treatments, including fish pedicures. On-site activities include water sports, games, language lessons, and beer tastings. The location in between two major cities makes it convenient for guests with a car, but there's nothing of interest within walking-distance.
The 291-room luxury Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort located halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Rooms are of moderate size, with elegant decor that includes four-poster canopy beds, furnished balconies or terraces, and jetted tubs. Guests at this outpost of the Secrets chain are granted Preferred status, with additional amenities and privileges that include premium liquor, concierge service in rooms, on the beach, and by the pool, free Wi-Fi, and free international calls. The property is stylish and upscale and resembles a Mediterranean villa, with lots of terraces, wrought iron, and marble. The spa has a full menu of treatments, including fish pedicures. On-site activities include water sports, games, language lessons, and beer tastings. The location in between two major cities makes it convenient for guests with a car, but there's nothing of interest within walking-distance.
Anah Suites is a three-pearl condo-style property geared to travelers seeking a private, modern setting with the comforts of home. Located within walking distance from the beach, a grocery store, and happening 5th Avenue, this property is convenient for tourists. The 70 one- to four-bedroom units have a minimalist beach house style and feature kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and daily housekeeping (in most). Some units are privately owned and only receive weekly housekeeping. All guests can use the lovely rooftop pools, bar with snacks, and terrace, as well as the small fitness center and spa. There's no restaurant on-site, but guests of the property-owned suites can order room service and private chef services. Travelers who want a livelier boutique property with more amenities could try the Be Playa Hotel, directly on 5th Avenue.
Anah Suites is a three-pearl condo-style property geared to travelers seeking a private, modern setting with the comforts of home. Located within walking distance from the beach, a grocery store, and happening 5th Avenue, this property is convenient for tourists. The 70 one- to four-bedroom units have a minimalist beach house style and feature kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and daily housekeeping (in most). Some units are privately owned and only receive weekly housekeeping. All guests can use the lovely rooftop pools, bar with snacks, and terrace, as well as the small fitness center and spa. There's no restaurant on-site, but guests of the property-owned suites can order room service and private chef services. Travelers who want a livelier boutique property with more amenities could try the Be Playa Hotel, directly on 5th Avenue.
Los Itzaes Hotel is a 16-room boutique property in the heart of Playa del Carmen -- five minutes from the beach. It's a spacious mid-range option for travelers looking for both walkability and a non-party spot to lay their head. However, until the hotel can soundproof the rooms, nighttime street noise is often a problem. Rooms come with minibars (for a fee), French balconies, simple furniture, and locally made toiletries. Junior Suites are large corner units with lots of natural light, shower/tub combos, and multiple balconies. The rooftop has a small jetted pool and loungers, and a free continental buffet is served under hanging vines. Convenient freebies cover beach towels and Wi-Fi, while upgrades to an off-site hot breakfast and parking discounts are available. Travelers looking to compare a beachfront properties should check out the which has a fun beach club.
Los Itzaes Hotel is a 16-room boutique property in the heart of Playa del Carmen -- five minutes from the beach. It's a spacious mid-range option for travelers looking for both walkability and a non-party spot to lay their head. However, until the hotel can soundproof the rooms, nighttime street noise is often a problem. Rooms come with minibars (for a fee), French balconies, simple furniture, and locally made toiletries. Junior Suites are large corner units with lots of natural light, shower/tub combos, and multiple balconies. The rooftop has a small jetted pool and loungers, and a free continental buffet is served under hanging vines. Convenient freebies cover beach towels and Wi-Fi, while upgrades to an off-site hot breakfast and parking discounts are available. Travelers looking to compare a beachfront properties should check out the which has a fun beach club.
The Reef Playacar is a beachfront, all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen. It's got a lot of the same bells and whistles as its competitors: two outdoor swimming pools, several bars and restaurants, jungle-like grounds, a small spa with a gym, and organized entertainment, along with some of the same complaints found elsewhere: charges for Wi-Fi, aggressive time-sales pitches, and crowded pools. Air-conditioned rooms are comfortable enough with private balconies, coffeemakers, and stocked minibars -- though some guests have complained about everything from noise to stained sheets. Overall, this is a decent choice with some of the same frustrations usually found in this price category. It may be worth paying more to stay at The Royal Haciendas, where Wi-Fi is included and the rooms are nicer.
The Reef Playacar is a beachfront, all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen. It's got a lot of the same bells and whistles as its competitors: two outdoor swimming pools, several bars and restaurants, jungle-like grounds, a small spa with a gym, and organized entertainment, along with some of the same complaints found elsewhere: charges for Wi-Fi, aggressive time-sales pitches, and crowded pools. Air-conditioned rooms are comfortable enough with private balconies, coffeemakers, and stocked minibars -- though some guests have complained about everything from noise to stained sheets. Overall, this is a decent choice with some of the same frustrations usually found in this price category. It may be worth paying more to stay at The Royal Haciendas, where Wi-Fi is included and the rooms are nicer.
Opened in September of 2015, the upscale Live Aqua Boutique Resort is a hip, adult-only boutique hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen, situated right on the lively Fifth Avenue that's lined with dining, drinking, and shopping options. Its 60 rooms are spacious and feature minimalist modern decor, private balconies or terraces, and sleek bathrooms with large walk-in rainfall showers -- plus Master Suites have outdoor whirlpool tubs. The hotel has an expansive rooftop terrace with an infinity pool and panoramic views over the coast and city, as well as several on-site dining options. Other facilities include a small spa and fitness room. Those seeking something more family-friendly may want to consider an activity-heavy resort such as Azul Fives by Karisma, which offers plenty of features like five restaurants, a private beach, and a kids' club.
Opened in September of 2015, the upscale Live Aqua Boutique Resort is a hip, adult-only boutique hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen, situated right on the lively Fifth Avenue that's lined with dining, drinking, and shopping options. Its 60 rooms are spacious and feature minimalist modern decor, private balconies or terraces, and sleek bathrooms with large walk-in rainfall showers -- plus Master Suites have outdoor whirlpool tubs. The hotel has an expansive rooftop terrace with an infinity pool and panoramic views over the coast and city, as well as several on-site dining options. Other facilities include a small spa and fitness room. Those seeking something more family-friendly may want to consider an activity-heavy resort such as Azul Fives by Karisma, which offers plenty of features like five restaurants, a private beach, and a kids' club.
The Reef Coco Beach is a solid mid-range option for families and couples looking for an all-inclusive beach vacation at a smaller, more intimate property. There are some annoying additional charges, like a bracelet for premium alcohol and Wi-Fi charges, but tipping is included with the price of the rooms, and past guests have reported efficient and helpful service. Clean rooms get the job done, and some have microwaves and beach chairs on the balconies. The beach here is on the smaller side, though the swimming pool is huge and has a swim-up bar. Staff organizes entertainment by the pool and puts on a live show at night. There's a kids' club and weekly Mexican fiesta. Guests who want to explore can walk 10 minutes to 5th Avenue.
The Reef Coco Beach is a solid mid-range option for families and couples looking for an all-inclusive beach vacation at a smaller, more intimate property. There are some annoying additional charges, like a bracelet for premium alcohol and Wi-Fi charges, but tipping is included with the price of the rooms, and past guests have reported efficient and helpful service. Clean rooms get the job done, and some have microwaves and beach chairs on the balconies. The beach here is on the smaller side, though the swimming pool is huge and has a swim-up bar. Staff organizes entertainment by the pool and puts on a live show at night. There's a kids' club and weekly Mexican fiesta. Guests who want to explore can walk 10 minutes to 5th Avenue.
Residences El Faro is an upscale condominium complex on the beach. The 66 self-catering units have one to three bedrooms in various layouts, sizes, and decor. While the details boil down to the specific unit owners, all guests can expect to have a full-sized kitchen, dining room, balcony, and air-conditioning. There’s no restaurant or shop on-property, but guests have access to the large tiled pool and hotel loungers on the beach. Wi-Fi is free in the reception area and most rooms, though parking depends on the unit. The hotel has an excellent location in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen, close to many restaurants and shops. Travelers looking for more on-site features for around the same rates should check availability at El Taj Oceanfront & Beachside Condos Hotel.
Residences El Faro is an upscale condominium complex on the beach. The 66 self-catering units have one to three bedrooms in various layouts, sizes, and decor. While the details boil down to the specific unit owners, all guests can expect to have a full-sized kitchen, dining room, balcony, and air-conditioning. There’s no restaurant or shop on-property, but guests have access to the large tiled pool and hotel loungers on the beach. Wi-Fi is free in the reception area and most rooms, though parking depends on the unit. The hotel has an excellent location in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen, close to many restaurants and shops. Travelers looking for more on-site features for around the same rates should check availability at El Taj Oceanfront & Beachside Condos Hotel.
Riviera Maya Suites is a small, three-pearl family-run property set in the heart of Playa del Carmen, right between the famous 5th Avenue and the beach. The 16 fully furnished units are set in a landscaped tropical garden and feature apartment-style amenities including kitchens; most also have washer/dryers. Features include lovely gardens with a pool and whirlpool, free (but limited) on-site garage parking, and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi, but little else. Travelers may also want to compare rates and amenities at Hotel Lunata, an affordable nearby property with 10 rooms.
Riviera Maya Suites is a small, three-pearl family-run property set in the heart of Playa del Carmen, right between the famous 5th Avenue and the beach. The 16 fully furnished units are set in a landscaped tropical garden and feature apartment-style amenities including kitchens; most also have washer/dryers. Features include lovely gardens with a pool and whirlpool, free (but limited) on-site garage parking, and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi, but little else. Travelers may also want to compare rates and amenities at Hotel Lunata, an affordable nearby property with 10 rooms.