21 Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen for a 2023 Beach Getaway
Wondering where to stay in Playa del Carmen? I’ve got you covered!
Before I moved to Playa del Carmen, I worked for a luxury hotel brand for six years so talking about hotels is something I get very excited about!
If you’re just starting your search for hotels and resorts in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, I know it can definitely be overwhelming!
There are literally HUNDREDS of hotels and resorts in this part of Mexico and figuring out the best brands and locations can be a lot of work.
In this post, I’m sharing my complete guide to the best hotels in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya region, including my top picks for the best all-inclusive resorts, beachfront properties, and boutique hotels.
Read on to find out where to stay in Playa del Carmen!
Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen Mexico
These are the best hotels and resorts in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya whether you’re looking for something downtown, all-inclusive, boutique, or AAA 5 diamond luxurious hotels.
1. Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
If you are looking for luxury in downtown Playa del Carmen, I would definitely recommend staying at the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. It’s the newest and most modern hotel on the beach in Playa del Carmen.
The Grand Hyatt has an impressive ocean view lobby, infinity pools, and canopy lounge beds directly on the beach. Some guest rooms even have a private pool.
With multiple restaurants, a unique cenote spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, it’s the perfect choice for an elevated experience in the heart of Playa del Carmen.
- All Inclusive Optional
- Beachfront
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
2. Thompson Beach House Playa del Carmen
Another popular oceanfront hotel in Playa del Carmen is the Thompson Beach House, which is a boutique hotel with only 27 contemporary rooms and suites.
The beach area here is pretty small, but the swimming pool area and outdoor seating is very cute and trendy.
It’s located right in the center of downtown Playa del Carmen, so it’s a great option for small groups, intimate weddings, or family celebrations.
- Not All Inclusive
- Beachfront
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Thompson Beach House
3. Mahekal Beach Resort
Personally I think Mahekal Beach Resort is the most beautiful hotel in Playa del Carmen and it would probably be my first pick if I had to choose the best hotel in Playa del Carmen.
Located on the beautiful 38th Street, Mahekal is located on one of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen surrounded by lush palm trees and a tropical forest environment.
With bungalow-style accommodations, private balconies and terraces, and personal hammocks, the resort exudes a bohemian vibe and offers an authentically Mexican experience.
It also has multiple pools and restaurants, boutiques, and a full-service spa. And its beautifully landscaped grounds offer a serene tropical retreat while being still close enough to the liveliness of Fifth Avenue.
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Mahekal Beach Resort
4. Hotel HM Playa del Carmen
Hotel HM Playa del Carmen is a stylish boutique hotel with a great location right in the heart of Playa del Carmen and just two blocks from 5th Avenue.
It’s a more budget-friendly hotel with lovely Mexican design elements and an enticing courtyard pool.
- Not All Inclusive
- Not beachfront
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Hotel HM Playa del Carmen
5. Thompson Playa del Carmen
Located in the heart of the downtown area, the Thompson Hotel Playa del Carmen is a chic hotel with a killer rooftop pool. It’s not located on the beach, but just a few blocks away.
I would definitely recommend the Thompson Hotel for bachelor or bachelorette parties in Mexico as it’s known for its rooftop pool parties and is just a block away from the most popular spots for Playa del Carmen nightlife.
- Not All Inclusive
- Adults Only
- Not beachfront
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Thompson Playa del Carmen
6. The Fives Downtown Hotel
Located just two blocks from the beach, the Fives Downtown Hotel is a Hilton Curio Collection Hotel that is one of the newer and more modern Playa del Carmen hotels.
They have an amazing rooftop pool and Mexican restaurant with an alluring infinity pool overlooking the ocean and all of downtown Playa del Carmen.
- Not All Inclusive
- Not beachfront
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Fives Downtown Hotel
7. Rosewood Mayakoba
Rosewood Mayakoba is a luxury AAA 5 Diamond resort located in the exclusive Mayakoba community, which is an expansive area of Playa del Carmen luxury hotels all connected by lush lagoons and coastal waterways.
One of the most unique things about Rosewood Mayakoba is that gondola boats are used to transport guests to their own private docks at their accommodations.
The resort offers 6 outdoor pools, and all rooms have their own private plunge pools. In addition, there are 8 restaurants and bars to enjoy, including a new bar called Zapote featuring locally sourced hand-crafted cocktails.
- Not All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Luxury AAA 5 Diamond
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Rosewood Mayakoba
8. Fairmont Mayakoba
Located in the exclusive Mayakoba community, Fairmont Mayakoba is a luxury AAA-5 Diamond resort nestled on the Caribbean coast just north of Playa del Carmen.
With over 400 accommodations, it’s an expansive resort offering lush vegetation, natural lagoons, and a pristine Caribbean coastline.
All inclusive hotel packages are available or you can dine on your own at one of the 5 restaurants and bars.
- All Inclusive Optional
- Beachfront
- Luxury AAA 5 Diamond
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Fairmont Mayakoba
9. Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a luxury all-inclusive resort located on a private beach just 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.
All suites have private terraces, spa bathrooms with a jacuzzi hot tub, and some with private plunge pools.
The Playa del Carmen 5 Diamond resort also offers five signature restaurants, casual lounges, bars, beachfront bistros, and 24-hour suite service.
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Luxury AAA 5 Diamond
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Fun Fact: For my reality TV buffs, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is where the Netflix series “Love is Blind” was filmed.
10. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
Located on the world famous Maroma Beach, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a luxury adults only all inclusive resort that has also earned the AAA 5 Diamond Award.
The resort offers 13 outdoor pools, 7 different restaurants, as well as a coffee shop. In addition, the suite accommodations have hot tubs, marble baths, furnished terraces, and minibars.
Maroma Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya, making it the perfect place for the best adults only getaway.
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Adults Only
- Luxury AAA 5 Diamond
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Secrets Maroma
11. Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Recently opened in 2017, Hotel Xcaret is a modern luxury resort that has also earned the AAA 5 Diamond award. The coolest thing about staying at Hotel Xcaret is that they have an “All-Fun Inclusive” concept.
This means you have unlimited access and roundtrip transportation to 9 Xcaret parks and tours: Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco, Xenses, Xavage, and also Xenotes and Xichén.
Entrance fees to those nature parks can be very expensive on their own so it’s a great opportunity for families or if you have any interest in visiting the adventure parks.
- All Fun Inclusive
- Beachfront
- AAA 5 Diamond
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Hotel Xcaret Mexico
For an adults only option, check out the sister property Hotel Xcaret Arte.
12. Hotel Esencia
Hotel Esencia is the cutest Mexican boutique hotel located right on Xpu Ha Beach in Mexico.
I discovered it on Instagram when I first moved to Playa del Carmen and have been obsessed with it ever since!
It’s a high-end boutique luxury hotel and the minimalistic Mexican design elements on the property are just stunning.
- Not All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Boutique Luxury
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Hotel Esencia
13. Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel
Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel is a new boutique adults only hotel featuring 128 rooms just north of Mayakoba.
Accommodation options include spectacular beachfront casitas, private docks, ocean view rooftop terraces with sun chairs, rooftop infinity pools, private pools, and more.
All inclusive packages are available or you can dine on your own at one of the 3 on site restaurants and 3 bars.
- All Inclusive Optional
- Beachfront
- Adults Only
- Boutique Luxury
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel
14. Hotel Unico 20°87°
Hotel Unico 20°87° is a brand new adults only resort located on the beach near Akumal offering luxurious accommodations and amenities.
With three pools, as well as an on site spa and wellness center, it offers guests a relaxed luxury experience.
The hotel has beautiful design elements and has also earned the AAA 5 Diamond award. I really love the design of this hotel and it’s usually one of my top picks for the best Playa del Carmen all inclusive adults only resort.
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Adults Only
- Luxury AAA 5 Diamond
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Hotel Unico 20°87°
15. Barcelo Maya Riviera
Barcelo Maya Riviera is a brand new modern adults only all-inclusive resort located just north of Playa Xpu Ha. It just opened at the end of 2019 so it’s one of the newest hotels in Riviera Maya.
Guests with an all-inclusive plan can also access the other hotels in the Barcelo Resort complex adding endless options for restaurants and entertainment.
Guests can also enjoy a shopping center, bowling alley, 24-hour sports bar, 3 theaters, and a nightclub.
Another unique feature of the Barcelo complex is the Ventura Fly and Ride, which is an adventure park with a zipline circuit and all terrain vehicles.
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Barcelo Maya Riviera
Travelista Tip: If you stay at Barcelo Resorts, be sure to check out Eden Cenote, Cenote Cristalino, and Cenote Azul, which are some of the best cenotes in Playa del Carmen and located just across the highway from the hotel entrance.
16. Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma
For a truly unique experience, check out the luxurious Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma.
This resort offers the only true overwater bungalows in Mexico, similar to those you might find in the Maldives or Bora Bora.
The resort consists of only 30 overwater bungalows on the beautiful Maroma Beach, each featuring private decks, direct ladder access to the ocean, infinity pools, glass bottom floors, and butler service. Pretty amazing right?!
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Adults Only
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Palafitos Overwater Bungalows
17. Catalonia Playa Maroma
Catalonia Playa Maroma is an all inclusive Playa del Carmen resort that provides a great overall experience but won’t break the bank.
I stayed at Catalonia Playa Maroma for a weekend getaway with some girlfriends and had a great experience!
I was very impressed with the dining options at Catalonia Maroma, which includes a variety of international restaurants, Mexican cuisine, cafes, and pool-side food trucks. Plus its location on the world-renowned Maroma Beach can’t be beat!
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Mid-range budget
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Catalonia Maroma
Travelista Tip: Be sure to sign up for Catalonia Maroma’s “Privileged” program for exclusive access to added benefits and upgrades.
18. Ocean Riviera Paradise
The Ocean Riviera Paradise is a newer and larger Riviera Maya all inclusive resort located just north of Playa del Carmen.
The resort has 974 modern rooms and suites all decorated in a contemporary design with maritime touches. Guests can enjoy 5 pools, a children’s pool, tennis courts, a diving center, bowling alley, theater, casino, and nightclub.
If you want an adults only option, book at the sister property Ocean Riviera Paradise – El Beso Adults Only.
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Mid-range budget
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Ocean Riviera Paradise
19. Sandos Playacar
Before I moved to Playa del Carmen, I stayed at Sandos Playacar for a week with some friends and it was a very fun all inclusive experience on a beautiful and widespread Playa del Carmen beach.
The resort is definitely older but it is very well maintained and offers a ton of dining experiences. They’ve since added a new waterpark with ocean views, which makes it a fun resort for families.
You can also book accommodations in the Select Club, which is an adults only program offering exclusive beach access, spacious rooms, and premium amenities.
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Playacar
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Sandos Playacar
20. Riu Palace Riviera Maya
Riu Palace Riviera Maya is a Playacar all inclusive beachfront resort that was recently refurbished in 2019.
The resort features direct beachfront access as well as 2 swimming pools and a swim-up bar.
There are five other Riu hotels in the same complex (Lupita, Tequila, Playacar, Palace Mexico, and Yucatan) which guests also have access to, but the Riu Palace Riviera Maya is the nicest and most recently renovated.
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Playacar
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Riu Palace Riviera Maya
21. Playacar Palace
Playacar Palace is another one of the best all inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen that offers an amazing location as it’s closest to downtown Playa del Carmen and just steps from the shops on 5th Avenue.
The resort can be seen just on the other side of the Cozumel ferry as you pass through the entrance to Senor Frog’s and is the sister property to Cozumel Palace Resort on the island of Cozumel.
Playacar Palace offers 201 tastefully decorated suites with ocean views, whirlpool tubs, and in-room liquor dispensers. All inclusive packages also include brand name liquors.
- All Inclusive
- Beachfront
- Playacar
👉 Click here to check rates and availability at Playacar Palace
Where are the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen?
The town of Playa del Carmen is located right in the middle of the Riviera Maya, which is the name of the coastal resort district that spans from Cancun all the way down to Tulum.
Below is a map of the Riviera Maya region to give you an overview of where the hotels and resorts are located. When booking hotels, check the location to see where they fall on the map.
Basically you have these main resort areas:
- Downtown Playa del Carmen
- Playacar
- North of Playa del Carmen to Cancun (Puerto Morelos, Punta Maroma, Mayakoba)
- South of Playa del Carmen to Tulum (Puerto Aventuras, Akumal)
Each area has its advantages and disadvantages so you’ll want to consider what kind of vacation experience you’re looking for.
If you want an all-inclusive option or don’t plan on leaving the resort, I would recommend staying at one of the many beautiful Riviera Maya resorts, where you’ll find more widespread white sand beaches, landscaped grounds, and expansive pools.
Just keep in mind that the all inclusive resorts are located further away from downtown Playa del Carmen.
You can definitely still visit the city center but it just means you may have to take up to a 30-minute taxi, which can be costly going back and forth.
Downtown Playa del Carmen
If you want to be close to 5th Avenue and within walking distance of the restaurants and nightlife in Playa del Carmen, I would recommend staying in downtown Playa del Carmen, known as “Centro”.
The entire downtown area is pretty walkable, which makes it very easy to explore new restaurants, cafes, shopping, and nightlife.
Downtown Playa del Carmen is a great place to be and there are some very nice Playa del Carmen beach resorts but to be honest the beaches in Playa del Carmen are not as beautiful or as widespread as those you’ll find at many of the Riviera Maya resorts.
Playacar
If you like the idea of staying at an all-inclusive resort but still want to be close to the liveliness of downtown Playa del Carmen, I would recommend staying in Playacar, which is a gated community just south of downtown Playa del Carmen.
There are many all-inclusive resorts and vacation homes in Playacar, and they also have some of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen.
Plus, visiting downtown Playa del Carmen is just a quick 10-15 minute taxi ride away.
North of Playa del Carmen to Cancun
There are many all-inclusive resorts north of Playa del Carmen to Cancun, with the most popular areas being Mayakoba, Punta Maroma, and Puerto Morelos.
The best beach I have seen north of Playa del Carmen is at Punta Maroma, which has been voted as one of the best beaches in the world.
Another popular resort area is near the town of Puerto Morelos, which is a quaint fishing village however the beach here is a little rocky due to its proximity to the coral reef.
South of Playa del Carmen to Tulum
As you head south of Playa del Carmen towards Tulum, you’ll find just as many beautiful and massive all-inclusive resorts.
In my opinion, the beaches get better as you get closer to Tulum and especially near Akumal and Playa Xpu Ha so I usually recommend this area if you’re looking for a really stunning beach experience.
FAQs about Hotels in Playa del Carmen
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about hotels in Playa del Carmen:
You should choose an all-inclusive hotel in Playa del Carmen if you want an easy booking option that includes all of your food, beverages, and alcohol.
All-inclusive resorts are typically located further away from downtown Playa del Carmen and are the best option if you want expansive pools, superior beaches, and don’t plan on leaving the resort.
However, if you prefer to be closer to the city center within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, then I would recommend choosing a non all inclusive hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen.
Unlike the hotels in Tulum, the majority of the resorts in Riviera Maya are all-inclusive, meaning that all of your food, beverage, and alcohol are included with your stay.
Some resorts even include room service and daily stocked minibars. You’ll want to check the all-inclusive policies at the resort to determine everything that is offered.
No, you are not required to tip at an all inclusive resort in Mexico. However, it’s recommended to have some cash on hand (pesos or USD) to tip the resort staff for exceptional service. It’s not required but just a nice gesture.
Celebrities have been known to stay at the most private and luxurious Playa del Carmen resorts like Rosewood Mayakoba and Hotel Esencia.
Final Thoughts: Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen
Are you ready to book your Riviera Maya vacation!? I hope this best resorts Playa del Carmen guide was helpful in your vacation planning.
Which do you think is the best Playa del Carmen hotel? Any others I should add to the list of the top resorts? I personally want to stay at them all!
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