The Sunrise 42 Suites Hotel is a fantastic option for travelers who want to stay right in the heart of Playa del Carmen's tourist area and avoid the larger, all-inclusive resorts this area of Mexico is known for. This budget boutique hotel has a few extra touches (like a rooftop pool with city views, continental breakfast, and an Italian Mexican fusion cafe) but otherwise, it focuses on function. The 30 large, bright rooms are clean and come with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and balconies. The ferry to Cozumel is a 10-minute drive (or roughly a 30-minute walk), as is the Paseo del Carmen shopping mall and the ADO Quinta Avenida bus terminal. For something more romantic, La Tortuga Hotel & Spa has a lagoon-style pool, spa, and Mediterranean restaurant -- but higher prices.
The Sunrise 42 Suites Hotel is a fantastic option for travelers who want to stay right in the heart of Playa del Carmen's tourist area and avoid the larger, all-inclusive resorts this area of Mexico is known for. This budget boutique hotel has a few extra touches (like a rooftop pool with city views, continental breakfast, and an Italian Mexican fusion cafe) but otherwise, it focuses on function. The 30 large, bright rooms are clean and come with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and balconies. The ferry to Cozumel is a 10-minute drive (or roughly a 30-minute walk), as is the Paseo del Carmen shopping mall and the ADO Quinta Avenida bus terminal. For something more romantic, La Tortuga Hotel & Spa has a lagoon-style pool, spa, and Mediterranean restaurant -- but higher prices.
Eurostars Hacienda Vista Real is an upper-middle-range, 77-room property located in the gated beach community of Playacar. Though it’s not on the beach, the hotel is quieter and more compact than the nearby mega-resorts that are closer to the sand. Rooms are large, but a bit on the darker side, with beautiful marble finishes and stunning local artwork. There is a small, rarely crowded pool with a swim-up bar and two hot tubs, but the hotel’s spa -- with gorgeous Roman baths, multiple treatment rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center -- is surely its standout amenity. Though not included in the room rate, there is a breakfast buffet each morning; but guests will have to look elsewhere for other meals, as there is no full-service restaurant. There is also no elevator, and though there are ground-floor rooms available, the pool, breakfast room, spa, and even the lobby require stairs to reach.
Eurostars Hacienda Vista Real is an upper-middle-range, 77-room property located in the gated beach community of Playacar. Though it’s not on the beach, the hotel is quieter and more compact than the nearby mega-resorts that are closer to the sand. Rooms are large, but a bit on the darker side, with beautiful marble finishes and stunning local artwork. There is a small, rarely crowded pool with a swim-up bar and two hot tubs, but the hotel’s spa -- with gorgeous Roman baths, multiple treatment rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center -- is surely its standout amenity. Though not included in the room rate, there is a breakfast buffet each morning; but guests will have to look elsewhere for other meals, as there is no full-service restaurant. There is also no elevator, and though there are ground-floor rooms available, the pool, breakfast room, spa, and even the lobby require stairs to reach.
Maya Villa Condo Hotel & Beach Club is an excellent option for vacationers who want an upscale condo near the beach and bustling 5th Avenue. The heated (but tiny) swimming pool is located by the rooms, but the restaurant, fancy beach club, and sprawling fitness center are a block away. Condos are spacious and prettily decorated, especially for this price point: Full kitchens have stainless steel appliances, bathrooms include marble, and some units have rooftop terraces with ocean views and private hot tubs.
Maya Villa Condo Hotel & Beach Club is an excellent option for vacationers who want an upscale condo near the beach and bustling 5th Avenue. The heated (but tiny) swimming pool is located by the rooms, but the restaurant, fancy beach club, and sprawling fitness center are a block away. Condos are spacious and prettily decorated, especially for this price point: Full kitchens have stainless steel appliances, bathrooms include marble, and some units have rooftop terraces with ocean views and private hot tubs.
Located in central Playa del Carmen, the 57-apartment El Taj Oceanfront & Beachside Condos Hotel is really two adjacent luxury properties in one, sharing facilities and amenities. Two blocks from shopping mecca Fifth Avenue, El Taj is rightly considered one of the area’s best hotels, with a private beach and beach club, a spa, a large, modern gym, and several excellent restaurants, as well as gorgeous rooms, all with private balconies and full kitchens, and some with rooftop decks and private hot tubs. It's worth being aware, however, that many of the hotel's facilities (like the restaurants and gym) are a few minutes away from the hotel.
Located in central Playa del Carmen, the 57-apartment El Taj Oceanfront & Beachside Condos Hotel is really two adjacent luxury properties in one, sharing facilities and amenities. Two blocks from shopping mecca Fifth Avenue, El Taj is rightly considered one of the area’s best hotels, with a private beach and beach club, a spa, a large, modern gym, and several excellent restaurants, as well as gorgeous rooms, all with private balconies and full kitchens, and some with rooftop decks and private hot tubs. It's worth being aware, however, that many of the hotel's facilities (like the restaurants and gym) are a few minutes away from the hotel.
One of the older hotels in Playa del Carmen, the budget Pelicano Inn sits between the beach and the restaurants, shops, and nightlife on Quinta Avenida. Resembling a villa, it’s a quiet, Mediterranean-style property centered around a tranquil inner courtyard that opens to the beach. The 39 spacious rooms include terraces or balconies, and while a few face the Caribbean, most have garden views. Oceanfront suites have been remodeled, but most of the rooms still await some much-needed updates -- we noticed tube-style TVs and broken tiles and countertops on our visit. The hotel has a small fitness room with three cardio and weight machines, along with free weights, and a restaurant -- breakfast is included in most room rates. While guests have complained about noisy air conditioners, slow-to-heat showers, sewer and mold smells in some rooms, and shaky Wi-Fi, for price, location, and room size, the hotel still packs a lot of value. Travelers could also check out the Hotel Lunata or Posada Mariposa.
One of the older hotels in Playa del Carmen, the budget Pelicano Inn sits between the beach and the restaurants, shops, and nightlife on Quinta Avenida. Resembling a villa, it’s a quiet, Mediterranean-style property centered around a tranquil inner courtyard that opens to the beach. The 39 spacious rooms include terraces or balconies, and while a few face the Caribbean, most have garden views. Oceanfront suites have been remodeled, but most of the rooms still await some much-needed updates -- we noticed tube-style TVs and broken tiles and countertops on our visit. The hotel has a small fitness room with three cardio and weight machines, along with free weights, and a restaurant -- breakfast is included in most room rates. While guests have complained about noisy air conditioners, slow-to-heat showers, sewer and mold smells in some rooms, and shaky Wi-Fi, for price, location, and room size, the hotel still packs a lot of value. Travelers could also check out the Hotel Lunata or Posada Mariposa.
The four-pearl Family Club at Grand Riviera Princess is a 144-room all-inclusive property with a heavy focus on kid appeal and family-friendly facilities. Guests have access to features at sister property Grand Riviera Princess All Suites Spa & Resort, for a total of 12 restaurants (three buffets and seven a la carte options), 12 pools, and nine bars. Family Club's pirate theme extends from the main buffet to the water park, and kids can expect dolls on pillows, bathrobes, and activity clubs for ages 4 to 16. Free Wi-Fi, daily activities and nightly entertainment, and most food and beverages are included, though food receives mixed reviews. This expansive property requires shuttle service to the beach. It's worth considering the Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Esmeralda, another huge family-focused resort with a Family Concierge level that comes with added perks.
The four-pearl Family Club at Grand Riviera Princess is a 144-room all-inclusive property with a heavy focus on kid appeal and family-friendly facilities. Guests have access to features at sister property Grand Riviera Princess All Suites Spa & Resort, for a total of 12 restaurants (three buffets and seven a la carte options), 12 pools, and nine bars. Family Club's pirate theme extends from the main buffet to the water park, and kids can expect dolls on pillows, bathrobes, and activity clubs for ages 4 to 16. Free Wi-Fi, daily activities and nightly entertainment, and most food and beverages are included, though food receives mixed reviews. This expansive property requires shuttle service to the beach. It's worth considering the Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Esmeralda, another huge family-focused resort with a Family Concierge level that comes with added perks.
The Apart Hotel Casaejido is a unique budget property off the beaten path in Playa del Carmen, and has a wide range of accommodations, from basic bungalow rooms to partially furnished studios to fully furnished modern apartments with ovens, stoves, king-size beds, and air-conditioning. While this is a cute and comfortable property with a distinctly bohemian vibe, its location on the western side of the highway far from the downtown sprawl and beaches means guests are in the middle of nowhere. Those looking for a more central property at a similar price point could consider the Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya.
The Apart Hotel Casaejido is a unique budget property off the beaten path in Playa del Carmen, and has a wide range of accommodations, from basic bungalow rooms to partially furnished studios to fully furnished modern apartments with ovens, stoves, king-size beds, and air-conditioning. While this is a cute and comfortable property with a distinctly bohemian vibe, its location on the western side of the highway far from the downtown sprawl and beaches means guests are in the middle of nowhere. Those looking for a more central property at a similar price point could consider the Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya.
Barrio Latino Hotel is a budget-friendly boutique located in the center of Playa del Carmen. Just two blocks from Quinta Avenida, the town’s main tourist thoroughfare, and three blocks from the beach, The property is ideally situated for travelers who have come to Playa to shop, dine, and hit the beach. The 18 guest rooms at Barrio Latino err on the smaller side; thatched roofs, personal hammocks, and rattan furniture give most of them a Caribbean flair. There's free Wi-Fi, parking, and continental breakfast, but parking is limited and breakfast is a bit sparse. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted, which could be a good thing, considering there's no pool or other amenities to keep little ones entertained. Families traveling with young children might consider nearby Hotel Las Golondrinas, which has two pools and bigger rooms for higher nightly rates.
Barrio Latino Hotel is a budget-friendly boutique located in the center of Playa del Carmen. Just two blocks from Quinta Avenida, the town’s main tourist thoroughfare, and three blocks from the beach, The property is ideally situated for travelers who have come to Playa to shop, dine, and hit the beach. The 18 guest rooms at Barrio Latino err on the smaller side; thatched roofs, personal hammocks, and rattan furniture give most of them a Caribbean flair. There's free Wi-Fi, parking, and continental breakfast, but parking is limited and breakfast is a bit sparse. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted, which could be a good thing, considering there's no pool or other amenities to keep little ones entertained. Families traveling with young children might consider nearby Hotel Las Golondrinas, which has two pools and bigger rooms for higher nightly rates.
The Pure Mareazul is a 300-room, upscale condo property situated within a world-class golf and resort development facing the Caribbean beaches of the Riviera Maya. Two-bedroom suites are sleek and modern, all featuring full kitchens, living areas, and large balconies or terraces. The beachfront is lined with loungers and umbrellas, plus an infinity-edge pool, while the main freeform pool is huge and has a snack bar. The property also has a spacious gym, a spa with sauna and steam room, and guests receive preferential green-fee rates. Located about a 15-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, the setting is quiet and tranquil, best suited to guests on extended stays. For a more central setting, check out Maya Villa Condo Hotel & Beach Club, another apartment-style property just a block from the beach and main avenue in Playa del Carmen.
The Pure Mareazul is a 300-room, upscale condo property situated within a world-class golf and resort development facing the Caribbean beaches of the Riviera Maya. Two-bedroom suites are sleek and modern, all featuring full kitchens, living areas, and large balconies or terraces. The beachfront is lined with loungers and umbrellas, plus an infinity-edge pool, while the main freeform pool is huge and has a snack bar. The property also has a spacious gym, a spa with sauna and steam room, and guests receive preferential green-fee rates. Located about a 15-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, the setting is quiet and tranquil, best suited to guests on extended stays. For a more central setting, check out Maya Villa Condo Hotel & Beach Club, another apartment-style property just a block from the beach and main avenue in Playa del Carmen.
This three-pearl hotel is located right on the beach, overlooking turquoise waters and pristine white sands north of Playa del Carmen. Small, intimate, and informal, this 55-room property is set in lush tropical gardens, with a choice of individual beach bungalows nestled under a canopy of palm trees, or spacious hotel rooms with private balconies. Bungalows have a rustic feel, but include modern amenities such as air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a quiet stretch of beach with sun loungers and hammocks, plus a small swimming pool, casual restaurant, beachside bar and grill, and spa. Travelers looking for a bit more nightlife should consider La Tortuga Hotel & Spa instead, which is just one block from Fifth Avenue.
This three-pearl hotel is located right on the beach, overlooking turquoise waters and pristine white sands north of Playa del Carmen. Small, intimate, and informal, this 55-room property is set in lush tropical gardens, with a choice of individual beach bungalows nestled under a canopy of palm trees, or spacious hotel rooms with private balconies. Bungalows have a rustic feel, but include modern amenities such as air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a quiet stretch of beach with sun loungers and hammocks, plus a small swimming pool, casual restaurant, beachside bar and grill, and spa. Travelers looking for a bit more nightlife should consider La Tortuga Hotel & Spa instead, which is just one block from Fifth Avenue.