Honest Hotel Xcaret Arte Review: Pros & Cons 2023

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Review Overview

First, let me start by saying that this Hotel Xcaret Arte review is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.

And to be honest, I absolutely loved my stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte and highly recommend it for a luxurious, relaxing adults-only getaway!

With a unique art and design concept, Hotel Xcaret Arte provides a sophisticated and elevated all-inclusive resort experience, far different from other Riviera Maya resorts.

The hotel pays homage to Mexican art with each building inspired by different “Casas” and offering one-of-a-kind artist workshops for painting, pottery, textiles, dance, and more.

You’ll also find impressive sculptures, paintings, and installations throughout the entire property. It’s almost like walking through a Mexican art museum–but far from boring!

The resort also offers luxury accommodations, as well as all-inclusive dining at 10 different restaurants, multiple bars and lounges, and a speakeasy.

From over-the-top buffets to sit-down dining at Asian, Mexican, and International restaurants, Hotel Xcaret Arte truly delivers elevated gastronomy.

When it comes to relaxation, Hotel Xcaret Arte offers a natural rock spa, a main pool with a swim-up bar, and rooftop infinity pools on the top of each “Casa”.

And for those looking for a little more adventure, paddleboarding and kayaking are available on the property’s stunning natural lagoons and waterways.

Is Hotel Xcaret Arte worth visiting?

Hotel Xcaret Arte is definitely worth visiting! This is one of the best adults only resorts in Riviera Maya and perfect for couples, honeymooners, or groups of friends looking for an elevated all-inclusive experience.

Aside from its luxury accommodations, gorgeous amenities, and elevated gastronomy, Hotel Xcaret Arte also offers some amazing value adds when booking on the Hotel Xcaret Arte website.

These include free access to all of the Xcaret parks and tours, free luxury airport transfers, and free Xcaret Xailing tickets to Isla Mujeres.

Current Hotel Xcaret Arte Promo Codes

Hotel Xcaret Arte Review: Quick Facts

What are the Hotel Xcaret Arte Casas?

Hotel Xcaret Arte offers 900 luxury adults-only suites divided into 6 different buildings, which are known as “Casas”.

Each “Casa” has a different theme and offers artist workshops for guests to participate in.

Generally speaking, you don’t have to be staying in a particular Casa to participate in its workshops. However, Casa de los Artistas is exclusive to guests staying in the building.

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Pros

Hotel Xcaret Arte definitely has more pros than cons! These are some of the best things about the hotel:

✅ Location

Hotel Xcaret Arte is located in the heart of Riviera Maya, just 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, and just over an hour south of Cancun Airport.

The hotel is situated directly on the Caribbean Sea in between Hotel Xcaret Mexico and La Casa de la Playa.

As part of the Xcaret destination, it’s also on the same property as Xcaret Park, Xplor, and Xenses.

Free round-trip transportation is provided from the airport as well as the Xcaret theme parks, which makes getting around quick and convenient.

And if you want to go to any other nearby destinations, taxis can be easily arranged.

Overall, the location of Hotel Xcaret Arte is convenient and perfect for exploring Riviera Maya.

✅ Luxury Accommodations

One of the best things about Hotel Xcaret Arte is the luxurious accommodations, which provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The hotel was just built in 2021, so the decor is very modern and chic yet still maintains an authentic Mexican feel.

Plus, all rooms comes equipped with balconies or terraces, traditional Mexican hammocks, comfortable beds with premium bedding and Egyptian cotton sheets, Nespresso coffee machines, jacuzzi tubs, and more.

Hotel Xcaret Arte Room Categories

• River Suites: Suites with a view of the emerald river that frames the hotel

• Ocean View Suites: Suites with a partial view of the Caribbean Sea

• Ocean Front Suites: Suites with a front view to the Caribbean Sea

• Junior Suites: Suites with a separate living and dining room area

• Master Suites: Larger suites with a separate living and dining area, as well as an outdoor jacuzzi

• Presidential Suites: Ultra-luxury two bedroom suites with living and dining areas and multiple terraces with pools and jacuzzis

Within each suite category, you can choose between Standard Suites or upgraded Spa Suites, Adults Suites, and Swim Up Suites.

Travelista Tip: You can view interactive 360° views of each of the room types on the Hotel Xcaret Arte website.

Hotel Xcaret Arte Ocean View Suite Review

I personally stayed in an Ocean View Suite and it was absolutely stunning! The suite itself was decorated in a modern Mexican style with tasteful pops of color in the artwork, embroidery, and furniture pieces.

Each suite is equipped with a private balcony or terrace with a hammock, lounge chairs, and a cozy reading nook–complete with a power outlet!

A plush king-sized bed with crisp white bedding faces the terrace, providing amazing views from the comfort of your bed.

The spacious suites also have a sofa, dining table, desk, and complimentary minibar with beers, sodas, and bottles of water.

Plus, the large bathroom comes with an oversized jacuzzi tub, rainfall showers, and double sinks. And the separate toilet area has a disappearing window for added privacy!

Some of the things I loved about the suite were the thoughtful touches and amenities like comfy bathrobes, beach bags, bubble bath and bath salts, complimentary water bottles, and an entire kit of toiletries.

And the room is technology-equipped with complimentary wifi access, a flat screen Apple TV, USB charging ports, a digital safe with a power outlet inside, and high-tech phones. You can even order room service directly from the TV!

✅ All-Inclusive Dining at Hotel Xcaret Arte

Hotel Xcaret Arte offers more than 10 different dining experiences, where guests can enjoy all-inclusive dining and elevated gastronomy.

Hotel Xcaret Arte Restaurants

• Arenal: Located near the beachfront, this restaurant is carved into the natural landscape and serves Mexican comfort food cuisine for lunch and dinner.

• Cafeteca: A coffee shop and deli bar located in Casa del Patron, serving coffee, espresso drinks, pastries, and sandwiches.

• Cantina VI.AI.PY.: Led by Chef Alejandro Ruiz, this casual sit-down restaurant serves Mexican cuisine with specialities from the Oaxaca region of Mexico.

• Cayuco: Led by Chef Franco Maddalozzo, this restaurant is located along the main pool and serves Mediterranean-Mexican Cuisine, as well as a breakfast buffet.

• Chino Poblano: Led by Chef Jonatan Gómez Luna, this Asian restaurant serves Chinese and Mexican fusion cuisine.

• Encanta: Led by Michelin-star Chef Paco Méndez, this upscale restaurant serves elevated Mexican cuisine.

• Kibi Kibi: Exclusive to Casa de los Artistas guests, this restaurant is led by by Chef Roberto Solis and serves Yucatan and Lebanon cuisine.

• Mercado de San Juan: This colorful restaurant is the main buffet restaurant serving flavors of Mexico’s towns for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Tah-Xido: Led by Chef Luis Arzapalo, this contemporary restaurant serves Asian and Japanese cuisine.

• Xaak: At an extra cost, guests can also make reservations for this exquisite 7-course tasting menu designed by Roberto Solís, Franco Maddalozzo, Paco Méndez, Jonatan Gómez Luna, and Alejandro Ruiz.

Overall, I was really impressed with the food and beverage offerings at Hotel Xcaret Arte. The restaurants are far superior to those found at other all-inclusive resorts and provide plenty of variety for guests.

You can choose from sit-down dining to full buffets to 24-hour room service, or just order food and drinks at one of the many pools. You’ll pretty much never run out of options!

And since it’s an all inclusive hotel, you can try as much as you want. Plus, they’re very accommodating to food allergies and dietary restrictions.

I’m normally not a fan of buffets, but I have to say I was blown away by Mercado de San Juan–it’s probably the most impressive buffet I’ve ever seen!

This buffet serves pretty much every type of Mexican food you can think of. And the desserts were on another level!

From a candy and sweets buffet to gourmet ice cream to a marquesitas station, you won’t be able to resist.

I was also particularly impressed with Cantina, a more casual Mexican restaurant serving truly authentic Mexican food. If you’re feeling bold, be sure to try the fresh guacamole with insects!

Travelista Tip: Some restaurants require reservations so be sure to contact the Concierge once you arrive to guarantee a spot.

Hotel Xcaret Arte Bars

When it comes to drinks, alcoholic beverages are served at most of the restaurants and you can order whatever you like.

So if you want a mimosa with breakfast, a frozen margarita by the pool, or a glass of wine with dinner, the choice is yours–I even saw some people ordering tequila shots at the breakfast buffet!

Additionally, there are wet bars scattered throughout the property, a swim-up bar at the main pool, and rooftop bars at all of the rooftop pools. It’s definitely not hard to find a place to get a drink!

Overall, I was impressed with the quality of the alcoholic beverages. All inclusive resorts are pretty much known for serving watered down drinks, but that is not the case at Hotel Xcaret Arte.

✅ Main Pool + Rooftop Pools

The main infinity pool at Hotel Xcaret Arte is huge and offers plenty of lounge chairs, beds, and a swim-up bar.

It’s kind of like the central zone of the hotel, where you can order food and drinks right to your seat.

Plus, the infinity pool has an incredible view overlooking the ocean and framed by palm trees.

And that’s not all! There are also 4 rooftop pools located on top of each of the Casas, each with their own bar and lounge area. These rooftops probably have the best views!

I went to the Casa del Diseño rooftop while I was waiting for my room to be ready and it was super relaxing!

Overall, the pools at Hotel Xcaret Arte are a real highlight. No matter how full the hotel is, you don’t have to worry about finding a place to relax and stay cool.

🎨 Guests staying in the Casa de los Artistas also have access to an exclusive glass tunnel pool on the rooftop.

✅ Free Access to the Xcaret Parks

One of the best parts about staying at Hotel Xcaret Arte is that guests receive an “all-fun inclusive” experience, meaning you get free access to the incredible Xcaret parks and tours!

There are 8 Xcaret parks each offering unique adventure experiences, from underground rivers to ziplining to ATVs. They are incredibly fun and not just for kids!

The “all-fun inclusive” concept gives you unlimited access to: Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xavage, and Xenotes. Plus, transportation is included so you can utilize the free shuttles to get there.

Park tickets can be $100-$200 USD per person if purchased on their own, so this is a huge value add if you have any interest in visiting the Xcaret parks.

The Xcaret parks are some of the top attractions in Riviera Maya and ones that I would highly recommend!

And as a bonus, you also get free tickets on Xcaret Xailing–Grupo Xcaret’s new luxury ferry service to Isla Mujeres.

🦜 Explore my Xcaret resource hub for easy access to all of my Xcaret park reviews, comparison guides, as well as current Xcaret coupons and promotional offers.

✅ Free Luxury Airport Transportation

Another amazing perk of staying at Hotel Xcaret Arte is that you get complimentary transfers to and from the Cancún Airport.

The transportation is provided by a luxury van and takes about 1 hour from the airport to the resort.

This is an incredible value–Cancun airport transfers usually cost around $150 USD–and will make you feel pampered right away!

✅ Exceptional Service

One of the things I was most impressed with during my stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte was the service.

From the front desk to the waitstaff to housekeeping, everyone greeted me with a smile and made sure my every need was met. It made me feel so special and taken care of!

When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll be greeted by a welcome team who will escort you to the Front Desk and offer a cold towel and Mexican popsicle. This is a nice touch that sets the tone for the rest of your stay.

There is staff available throughout the entire property to answer any questions or help with whatever you need. So if you get lost or can’t find what you’re looking for, there is always someone there to help!

I was also extremely pleased with the attentive food and beverage service around the pool. One of my pet peeves when staying at all inclusive hotels is having to flag down a server every time you want something.

But at Hotel Xcaret Arte, I never had to wait long for a drink or food order. Plus, they remembered my name and constantly were checking on me to see if I needed a refill or just a glass of water.

They also offer some nice touches around the pool like carts serving fresh fruits, magazines, sunscreen, and Mexican-themed snacks.

✅ Unique Art & Design Concept

The concept at Hotel Xcaret Arte is unique in that it combines art, design, and nature. The hotel was designed to pay homage to Mexican artists, culture, and heritage.

The entire resort is filled with mini art galleries, sculptures, murals, and installations. Everywhere you look there is something interesting to discover!

From Huichol guitars to wood carvings to colorful, hand painted tiles, the art is all authentic and brought in from local artists. And you can even watch a live muralist at work on a new work of art!

The 900 suites in the hotel are named after renowned Mexican artists and feature Mexican contemporary design, intermixed with luxury amenities. The attention to detail is really incredible!

The resort is perfect for art enthusiasts but you honestly don’t have to be an art connoisseur to appreciate the design and atmosphere. Even if you’re not particularly interested in the art, it still makes for a beautiful stay.

✅ Natural Rock Spa

The Muluk Spa at Hotel Xcaret Arte is a one of a kind experience. The spa is located in a cave-like atmosphere and offers a variety of treatments, therapies, and rituals designed to relax your body and mind.

The spa is set in a large, illuminated space with natural rock formations. It offers an array of facilities including hydrotherapy rituals, massage stalls in natural caves, a flotarium with mud and salt rooms, and more.

The natural rock spa also includes an Alchemist Room with a unique selection of ingredients, a Temazcal (vapor house), and an outdoor swimming pool with views of the river.

While spa treatments are not included in your stay, the luxury spa at Hotel Xcaret Arte offers a totally one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

✅ Lagoons and Relaxation Areas

One of the unique features of Hotel Xcaret Arte is that it has beautiful emerald lagoons, rivers and waterways flowing throughout the property.

These areas are perfect for kayaking and standup paddleboarding, which are both available for guests to enjoy.

If relaxation is more your style, then you can take advantage of the man-made beaches and relaxation areas. There are also gorgeous overwater hammocks with stunning views of the ocean and lagoons.

Hotel Xcaret Arte: Cons

These are the main cons about Hotel Xcaret Arte that you should keep in mind:

❌ Cost

Hotel Xcaret Arte is on the higher end of the price scale for Riviera Maya resorts and may not be suitable for all budgets.

However, it is definitely a luxurious resort and with Hotel Xcaret Arte packages, you will get what you pay for in terms of service, amenities, and experience.

Plus, with so many value adds like free Xcaret park tickets and round-trip airport transportation, I really do think it is worth the cost.

❌ Rocky Beach

One of the downsides of staying at Hotel Xcaret Arte is that the beach area is rocky and is not always suitable for swimming.

It depends on the weather conditions, but when I was there it was a red flag day and the waves were pretty big with lots of rocks in the water.

You can still relax on lounge chairs on the beach, but it is definitely not the most ideal swimming area.

So if you’re a beach person and dreaming of widespread white-sand beaches, this might not be the best option for you.

However, there are plenty of pools onsite, including the main pool with a swim-up bar and 4 rooftop pools with stunning views of the Caribbean!

Additionally, there are some man-made beach areas throughout the lagoons and waterways where you can swim and relax.

❌ Large Property

Hotel Xcaret Arte is situated on a massive property with over 900 guestrooms, which can make it a bit overwhelming to navigate. I’m not gonna lie–I got lost a few times!

There are also lots of winding pathways, steps, and some suspension bridges throughout the resort, so you will definitely do some walking to get from one area to another.

If you have mobility issues, this may not be an ideal place for you. There are still elevators and handicap ramps available, but you might want to consider staying in one of the Casas that is closer to the pools and restaurants.

There is also a handy Xcaret app that can be downloaded that has interactive maps and a navigation system to help you get around.

❌ Swim Up Pools Are Not Private

If you are interested in staying in a room at Hotel Xcaret Arte with a swim up pool, it’s important to know that there are not totally private.

The pools are shared with the neighboring rooms, so you may end up in a situation where your neighbor is just outside of your pool area.

Plus, passerbys can also walk by the pools in some of the buildings, which may not be ideal if you’re looking for maximum privacy.

The pools are still a nice upgrade and are very convenient, but they just aren’t totally private like you might expect from a swim up pool.

❌ Resort Activities Are All Art-Focused

If you’re looking for a wide variety of activities and entertainment options, Hotel Xcaret Arte Mexico might not be the best choice for you.

The main activities at the resort are the different artist workshops offered in each Casa such as textile workshops, painting workshops, art classes, and Latin Dance lessons.

They are unique and different but might not be for everyone! So if you’re looking for classic all-inclusive resort activities like tequila volleyball, BINGO, and karaoke nights, you might be disappointed.

However, if you’re looking for a unique and creative experience with lots of art and design elements, this resort is definitely for you.

❌ Basic Room Service Menu

Another thing to consider when staying at Xcaret Hotel Arte is that the room service menu is pretty basic.

When compared to the elevated gastronomy offered at the restaurants, the Room Service menu is a little underwhelming with simple pasta dishes, burgers, and salads.

However, room service is available 24 hours a day and it’s included in the all-inclusive rate, so it can be a good way to get some food quickly if you don’t have time to go out.

❌ Limited Nightlife

Lastly, if you’re looking for a party scene at the resort, Hotel Xcaret Arte might not be the best choice. Overall, the resort is pretty quiet at night.

The resort does have a speakeasy-style lounge called El Deseo, which has live music but seemed more low-key. Additionally, there are shows and performances at the Forum Theater on some nights of the week.

So if you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, this might not be the best option for you. However, if you’re really looking for nightlife, it’s easy enough to take a taxi to Playa del Carmen to enjoy the bars and nightclubs.

Hotel Xcaret Arte Review Recap

Overall, Hotel Xcaret Arte is a great option for travelers looking to experience Mexican culture in an elevated way.

The adults-only hotel has something for everyone—from gorgeous pools with swim-up bars, to beautiful lagoons and waterways perfect for paddleboarding.

Plus, there’s plenty of art workshops and activities available if you’re looking for an elevated cultural experience.

Although the resort can be expensive and the beach area isn’t the best, the unique concept, incredible gastronomy, luxury accommodations, and numerous value adds make it worth it.

Plus, the level of service and attention to detail at Hotel Xcaret Arte is among the best I’ve experienced in Riviera Maya.

Hotel Xcaret Arte: FAQs

Conclusion: Hotel Xcaret Arte Review

I hope these honest Hotel Xcaret Arte reviews have given you all the information you need to decide if this is the right resort for your next Mexican getaway.

With its beautiful lagoons and waterways, luxury accommodations, and emphasis on art, Hotel Xcaret Arte is a great choice for those looking for an elevated cultural experience in Riviera Maya.

Not to mention, the level of service and attention to detail is unparalleled! For me, the only real downside was the rocky beach, but the resort makes up it for it with its numerous pools and relaxation areas.

I honestly had an amazing stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte and can’t recommend it enough! Just be sure to follow some of the Hotel Xcaret Arte tips outlined in this post and you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable stay.