Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Which is better? (2024)
Can’t decide between Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico? You’ve come to the right place!
As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, I have personally stayed at and experienced these incredible hotels!
While both Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico provide guests with an unforgettable luxury experience unlike anywhere else, there are some key differences between them.
In this ultimate Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico guide, I’ll break down the differences between the two, explore the pros and cons of each, and help you determine which is the best hotel for you.
So if you’re wondering about how the rooms, pools, restaurants, and activities offered at Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico compare, I’ve got you covered.
Ready to find out which of these stunning Xcaret hotels is right for you? Let’s get started!
🏆 Best for Adults
✅ Adults-only
✅ Art & design concept
✅ Opened in 2021
Discount: Up to 35% off for December 2024
🏆 Best for Families
✅ Family-friendly
✅ Elevated gastronomy
✅ Opened in 2017
Discount: Up to 30% off for August and October 2024
What is the Difference Between Hotel Xcaret and Hotel Xcaret Arte?
The main difference between Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte is that Hotel Xcaret Mexico is family-friendly while Hotel Xcaret Arte is adults only.
Hotel Xcaret Arte is one of the best all inclusive adults-only resorts in Riviera Maya, and is slightly newer having opened in 2021, while Hotel Xcaret Mexico originally opened in 2017.
Hotel Xcaret Arte has more of a focus on art and design, while Hotel Xcaret Mexico has more of a modern Mexico feel.
🎨 You can read my full Hotel Xcaret Arte review and Hotel Xcaret Mexico review for full details on the hotels’ features and amenities!
Otherwise, both luxury hotels are very similar in how they look and are almost identical in how the property is laid out. Both hotels have also earned and maintained the highly-covered AAA 5-Diamond award.
Additionally, both Grupo Xcaret hotels offer the same “all-fun inclusive” experience, granting guests unlimited access to the Xcaret parks and tours, Xcaret Xailing tickets, as well as round-trip airport transportation.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico vs Hotel Xcaret Arte: Quick Comparison
| Hotel Name | Hotel Xcaret Mexico | Hotel Xcaret Arte |
| Number of Rooms | 900 | 900 |
| Number of Restaurants | 11 | 10 |
| Number of Pools | 20 | 23 |
| Beachfront? | Yes | Yes |
| All Inclusive? | Yes | Yes |
| Family-Friendly? | Yes | No |
| AAA Rating | 💎💎💎💎💎 | 💎💎💎💎💎 |
| Price Range | 💲💲💲💲 | 💲💲💲💲 |
| Book Now | ↳ Check rates here | ↳ Check rates here |
Current Hotel Xcaret Promo Codes
Here are the latest Hotel Xcaret and Hotel Xcaret Arte promotional offers:
Hotel Xcaret Mexico Promo Codes
Take advantage of these Hotel Xcaret Mexico promos to save money on your Hotel Xcaret Mexico booking:
- Click here to get up to 25% off the regular rate at Hotel Xcaret Mexico for bookings from July 1-24, 2024. Must book by April 30, 2024.
- Click here to get up to 30% off the regular rate at Hotel Xcaret Mexico for bookings in October 2024. Must book by April 30, 2024.
- Click here to get up to 30% off the regular rate at Hotel Xcaret Mexico for bookings in August 2024. Must book by April 30, 2024.
- Click here to get special advanced purchase rates at Hotel Xcaret Mexico. Must book by December 31, 2025.
Hotel Xcaret Arte Promo Codes
Take advantage of these Hotel Xcaret Arte promos to save money on your Hotel Xcaret Arte booking:
- Click here to get up to 28% off the regular rate at Hotel Xcaret Arte for bookings from August 1-27, 2024. Must book by April 30, 2024.
- Click here to get up to 35% off the regular rate at Hotel Xcaret Arte for bookings in December 2024. Must book by April 30, 2024.
- Click here to get up to 30% off the regular rate at Hotel Xcaret Arte for bookings in March 2025. Must book by April 30, 2024.
- Click here to get special advanced purchase rates at Hotel Xcaret Arte. Must book by December 31, 2025.
🤑 Travelista Tip: You can typically save the most money by booking the Advanced Purchase rate on the Hotel Xcaret Mexico or the Hotel Xcaret Arte official website at least 6-10 months in advance.
Hotel Xcaret vs Hotel Xcaret Arte: Casas
Both hotels have 900 suites that are divided into different buildings, known as “Casas.” These “Casas” are themed around each hotel’s design concept.
Casas at Hotel Xcaret Mexico
There are 5 Casas at Hotel Xcaret Mexico, each named after the natural elements:
- Casa Tierra (Earth House)
- Casa Fuego (Fire House)
- Casa Espiral (Spiral House)
- Casa Viento (Wind House)
- Casa Agua (Water House)
Casas at Hotel Xcaret Arte
There are 6 Casas at Xcaret Arte Hotel, each named after the artist workshops:
- Casa del Diseño (House of Design): Textile workshop
- Casa de los Artistas (House of the Artists): Painting workshop
- Casa de la Pirámide (House of the Pyramid): Pottery workshop
- Casa de la Música (House of Music): Latin Dance workshop
- Casa de la Paz (House of Peace): Library
- Casa del Patrón (Master House): Main building with restaurants and meeting space
Does Xcaret Arte Have Access to Xcaret Mexico?
No, guests at Hotel Xcaret Arte no longer have access to Hotel Xcaret Mexico.
Previously, guests at Hotel Xcaret Arte were able to access the facilities at Hotel Xcaret Mexico, but they have recently updated their policies.
Now, only guests staying at Casa de los Artistas at Hotel Xcaret Arte have access to Hotel Xcaret Mexico, and it is subject to availability.
All guests are given a colored wristband at check-in so the staff knows which hotel they are staying at and can help enforce the policy.
I suspect this decision was made to prevent overcrowding at the restaurants at Hotel Xcaret.
What is Included at Hotel Xcaret and Hotel Xcaret Arte?
Both Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte offer an all-fun inclusive package for guests, which includes:
- All-inclusive premium dining experiences including food, drinks, and alcohol
- Unlimited access to: Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xavage, and Xenotes
- Xcaret Xailing ferry tickets to Isla Mujeres
- Round-trip airport transfers
Admission tickets to the Xcaret parks 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.
Additionally, complimentary round-trip airport transfers are another huge value add as Cancun airport transfers can cost around $150 USD on their own.
Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Pros & Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of Hotel Xcaret and Hotel Xcaret Arte:
Pros of Hotel Xcaret Arte
- Adults only (16+)
- Newer (opened in 2021)
- More rooftop pools
- Larger spa
- Unique art and design concept
- Less expensive
Cons of Hotel Xcaret Arte
- Rocky beach
- Fewer restaurants
- Less variety of restaurants
↳ Check rates and availability at Hotel Xcaret Arte
Pros of Hotel Xcaret Mexico
- Family-friendly
- More restaurants
- Pulpo (Octopus) kids pool
- Trajinera transportation to Xcaret parks
Cons of Hotel Xcaret Mexico
- Rocky beach
- Restaurants can get crowded
- Fewer rooftop pools
- Older (opened in 2017)
- More expensive
↳ Check rates and availability at Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Location
🏆 Winner: Tie between Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico are located right next to each other, just 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and just over an hour south of Cancun Airport.
Both hotels are situated on the front of the Caribbean Sea, along with Casa de la Playa, Xcaret’s boutique adults-only hotel.
Map of Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Additionally, as part of the Xcaret destination, both hotels are located within the same complex as Xcaret Park, Xplor, and Xenses.
This makes getting to the Xcaret parks quick and convenient, as complimentary transportation is offered from the hotels.
The location of the Xcaret hotels in the heart of the Riviera Maya is great for exploring everything the region has to offer.
You can easily take a quick taxi ride if you want to go shopping in Playa del Carmen or book tours and excursions to visit the nearby Tulum archaeological zone or go snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal.
Alternatively, if you don’t care to leave the resort, there are many activities, pools, beaches, and natural lagoons within the complex to keep you entertained.
And since the resorts are private, you’ll get to enjoy a safe and secluded beachfront property away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Playa del Carmen.
Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Rooms
🏆 Winner: Hotel Xcaret Arte
Each offering 900 suites, Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte have very similar-looking rooms with the same general furnishings, layouts, and views.
Plus, both have the same types of room categories such as Garden Suites, River Suites, Ocean-View Suites, Master Suites, and Swim-Up Suites.
Both also offer luxury accommodations with balconies or terraces, traditional Mexican hammocks, comfortable beds with premium bedding and Egyptian cotton sheets, Nespresso coffee machines, jacuzzi tubs, and more.
The main differences between the guest rooms really comes down to the style and decor. The guest rooms at Xcaret Hotel feature natural elements such as stone and wood with pops of pink and turquoise.
On the other hand, the Hotel Xcaret Arte rooms are slightly newer and decorated with handcrafted Mexican art and textiles with pops of purple, giving them a more artistic and cultural feel.
Additionally, the rooms at Hotel Xcaret Arte are named after Mexican artists, and works of art are incorporated into the guestrooms and throughout the property.
Overall, both properties offer comfortable and luxurious guest rooms but Hotel Xcaret Arte’s rooms are slightly newer and have a more artsy and hand-crafted feel.
Travelista Tip: You can view interactive 360° views of each of the room types on the Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte website.
Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Pools
🏆 Winner: Hotel Xcaret Arte
Hotel Xcaret México and Xcaret Arte resort both offer stunning pools and you’ll find no shortage of places to relax and unwind–with a tropical drink in hand!
The pools at both hotels are surrounded by lush vegetation and many are embedded near the beaches and lagoons, making for a tropical oasis experience.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico is one of the best Playa del Carmen family resorts with a water park with its Pulpo (Octopus) kids pool and water slides.
Plus, there’s the main infinity pool with a swim-up bar, smaller pools at Casas Viento and Espiral, and the rooftop Fuego Infinity Pool.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico is probably best known for its rooftop Fuego Infinity Pool–a glass tunnel infinity pool that’s all over Instagram!
However, it’s important to know that this gorgeous pool is exclusive to guests stay at Casa Fuego.
Hotel Xcaret Arte has a glass tunnel infinity pool too, but it’s also exclusive and reserved just for guests of Casa de los Artistas.
Additionally, Hotel Xcaret Arte features a main infinity pool with a swim-up bar, as well as 4 rooftop pools on top of each of the Casas. There are also some other smaller pools scattered throughout the property.
Overall, I think the Hotel Xcaret Arte pools are better, just because they offer the 4 rooftop pools, which are really relaxing and offer amazing ocean views.
But you can’t go wrong with either — and if you have kids, they’ll love the fun Pulpo pool at Hotel Xcaret Mexico, offering slides and waterfalls.
Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Restaurants
🏆 Winner: Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Both Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte are known for providing elevated gastronomy and unique dining experiences.
That means you’ll find more gourmet options than the typical all-inclusive resort fare. Compared to other all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya that I’ve stayed at, the Xcaret hotels really deliver an elevated dining experience.
Trust me, you’ll be blown away by the expansive buffets and variety of dining options available at each resort. I’m usually not a fan of buffets but the Xcaret buffets are next level!
Hotel Xcaret offers the Mercado de la Merced as the main buffet restaurant, which is impressive, but not as large as Hotel Xcaret Arte’s Mercado de San Juan buffet.
Here’s a break-down of the dining options at each resort:
Restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Hotel Xcaret Mexico offers a variety of international cuisine options at its 11 restaurants ranging from Mexican to Japanese, seafood, and even vegetarian and vegan options.
What’s great is that the hotel offers a mix of buffets, casual sit-down restaurants, and more upscale dining so there’s something for everyone.
And the restaurants are also family-oriented so while the gastronomy is more gourmet, you’ll still find plenty of options for kids.
Here’s an overview of the restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Mexico:
- Bio: This restaurant is set in a cave-like setting and serves 100% vegan cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Cantina Los Faroles: A lively cantina serving tequila and cocktails alongside traditional Mexican food from the Oaxaca region
- Chibali: This kid-friendly colorful international restaurant serves buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch along with fun desserts like milkshakes, cotton candy, and ice cream
- Fuego: Exclusively for Casa Fuego guests, this oceanfront restaurants serves Italian cuisine with a touch of Mexico
- Ha’: At an additional cost, this 9-course tasting menu was developed by Carlos Gaytán, the first Mexican chef to receive a Michelin star
- Las Cuevas: At an additional cost, this restaurant is set in a cave-like setting and serves traditional Mexican dishes and meats cut directly at your table.
- Las Playas: This casual restaurant serves comfort food where you can dine with your toes in the sand
- La Trajinera: Named after the gondola-style boats at Xoximilco in Mexico City, this poolside Mexican restaurant serves cuisine from Mexico’s coastal areas
- Mercado de la Merced: A vibrant buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with international and Mexican specialties
- Teatro del Rio: With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, this 6-course dinner experience combines local gastronomy with dancing, music, and acting
- Xin-Gao: An Asian restaurants featuring four different Japanase flavors and culinary techniques such as Teppanyaki, Robatayaki, Fusion, and Omakase
Restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Arte
Hotel Xcaret Arte takes dining to the next level at its 10 restaurants ranging from Mexican to Asian, Mediterranean, and even Lebanese cuisine.
Just like at Hotel Xcaret Mexico, you’ll find a mix of buffets, sit-down restaurants, and more upscale dining options.
Here’s an overview of the restaurants at Hotel Xcaret Arte Mexico:
- Apapachoa: Located on the rooftop of Casa de la Paz, this is a 100% plant-based vegan restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Arenal: Located near the beachfront, this restaurant is carved into the natural landscape and serves Mexican comfort food cuisine for lunch and dinner.
- 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, Hotel Xcaret Arte’s dining options offer a more refined and intimate experience compared to Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s larger, family-oriented restaurants.
However, I’m giving this one to Hotel Xcaret Mexico solely because it offers more restaurants and has a bit more variety.
Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Spa
🏆 Winner: Hotel Xcaret Arte
If you’re looking for some pampering during your Riviera Maya vacation, both Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte offer exceptional spa services in a unique cave-like setting.
Each hotel has their own spa on property, but they both go by the same name–Muluk Spa. This name is derived from one of the Mayan calendar signs associated with water.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s spa is unique in the fact that it is located on the oceanfront, and offers 15 cabins facing the Caribbean Sea.
This means you can get massages, facials, and Mayan treatments with the soothing sounds of the waves in the background.
While Hotel Xcaret’s spa has a prime location on the beachfront, the Hotel Xcaret Arte spa, however, is larger and more luxurious.
The spa at Hotel Xcaret Arte is nestled into the rivers towards the back of the property and offers an Alchemist Room, a Temazcal, and an outdoor swimming pool with views of the river.
They also offer hydrotherapy rituals, massage stalls in natural caves, a flotarium with mud and salt rooms, and more.
Overall, if you’re looking for a luxurious spa experience, both hotels deliver but Hotel Xcaret Arte has more offerings, facilities, and services.
Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Activities
🏆 Winner: Hotel Xcaret Arte
When it comes to activities, the biggest draw to staying at both Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte is that both offer unlimited access to the Xcaret adventure parks.
This honestly is a huge value and perfect for families or adventurous adults looking for an adrenaline rush.
There are 8 Xcaret parks and tours each offering unique adventure experiences, from underground rivers to zip lines to cenotes and ATVs.
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. And Hotel Xcaret Mexico offers unique “trajinera” gondola-style boats to get to Xcaret Park.
So if you choose to stay at one of the Xcaret hotels, you have plenty of activities to choose from and these adventure parks are full-day experiences that will keep you busy!
🦜 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.
But back on property, you’ll also find beautiful emerald lagoons and waterways that flow throughout both resorts, where guests can go kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming.
And throughout the lagoons, there are suspension bridges connecting the areas and leading to unique lounge areas with hammocks and beds to hang out and relax.
Additionally, Hotel Xcaret Arte offers unique optional activities with an art focus like painting classes, dance lessons, and pottery workshops.
They also have nightly performances at the Forum theater, as well as live music at a speakeasy-style lounge known as El Deseo.
Overall, both Xcaret hotels offers plenty of activities to keep you busy, but Hotel Xcaret Arte offers more unique activities with a focus on art, Mexican culture, and entertainment.
Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Hotel Xcaret Arte and Hotel Xcaret Mexico:
Both Hotel Xcaret and Hotel Xcaret Arte are located just over an hour south of Cancun International Airport.
Both Hotel Xcaret and Hotel Xcaret Arte are located about 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.
Guests must be at least 16 years old to stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte. Young adults (16-18) must be accompanied by an adult.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico first opened in 2017.
Hotel Xcaret Arte first opened in 2021.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico is family-friendly, Hotel Xcaret Arte is adults-only, and La Casa de la Playa is a boutique adults-only property with only 63 rooms.
The best Casa at Hotel Xcaret Mexico is Casa Fuego, which has the best location, as well as as exclusive rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar. This is also where you’ll find the property’s iconic glass tunnel infinity pool.
The best Casa at Hotel Xcaret Arte is Casa de los Artistas, as it is closest to the Caribbean Sea and offers the most premium accommodations, as well as an exclusive restaurant and rooftop pool.
Check-in at both Hotel Xcaret Mexico and Hotel Xcaret Arte is at 3PM and check-out is at 12PM.
Final Thoughts: Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Hotel Xcaret Mexico
I hope this comparison of Hotel Xcaret Arte vs Xcaret Mexico has helped you decide which one is the best fit for your vacation needs!
Since both hotels are so similar, it really comes down to whether you want a family-friendly resort or are looking for something that is adults-only.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico offers a unique and authentic experience for families, while Hotel Xcaret Arte is perfect for couples and adults who want a more relaxed vibe and a unique art and design concept.
But at both of these 5-Diamond resorts, you’ll be treated to amazing amenities, elevated cuisine, and excellent service that make the Xcaret hotels a truly unique all inclusive hotel experience.
Not to mention unlimited access to the Xcaret parks and tours for the ultimate adventure experience!
Honestly, no matter which one you choose, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
