Set in the Playacar district of Playa del Carmen, the upscale Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort set on a pristine section of beach. Renovations in 2019 brought a sleek, modern style to common areas and the 460 rooms, while grounds are well-manicured with greenery. Suites have furnished terraces (none with full ocean views), free minibars, and separate tubs and showers, but the open-plan bathrooms lack privacy and may be an issue for families. All-inclusive rates cover dining at buffet and a la carte Italian, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants, in addition to non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, daytime activities, and nighttime entertainment. Outdoor pools – one with a swim-up bar -- a kids’ club, full-service spa, and non-motorized water sports keep guests occupied. This is a good option for the area, but couples may prefer the adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar, which has excellent dining and in-room jetted tubs.
Set in the Playacar district of Playa del Carmen, the upscale Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort set on a pristine section of beach. Renovations in 2019 brought a sleek, modern style to common areas and the 460 rooms, while grounds are well-manicured with greenery. Suites have furnished terraces (none with full ocean views), free minibars, and separate tubs and showers, but the open-plan bathrooms lack privacy and may be an issue for families. All-inclusive rates cover dining at buffet and a la carte Italian, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants, in addition to non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, daytime activities, and nighttime entertainment. Outdoor pools – one with a swim-up bar -- a kids’ club, full-service spa, and non-motorized water sports keep guests occupied. This is a good option for the area, but couples may prefer the adults-only Royal Hideaway Playacar, which has excellent dining and in-room jetted tubs.
The 201-room Royal Hideaway Playacar is an adults-only all-inclusive resort offering a luxury beachfront experience in Playa del Carmen. Extensive features consist of six swimming pools, a full-service spa with great treatments, lovely beachfront with sunbeds, and a good array of activities and entertainment. Unfortunately, guests have complained of loungers at the main pool getting snagged early. Six restaurants serve well-regarded food, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisines, but there’s no buffet and all eateries require reservations. Premium-branded liquor and non-alcoholic beverages are served at the three bars. Colonial-style rooms range from attractive standard units with jetted tubs, separate showers, and furnished terraces to two-level Casitas with living spaces and kitchens. The beautiful grounds, overall sophisticated vibe, adults-only policy, and beautiful coastal location a short drive from shopping on Playa’s Fifth Avenue make it one of the most attractive options for couples in Playacar. Families, meanwhile, should consider the kid-friendly Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-inclusive luxury resort.
The 201-room Royal Hideaway Playacar is an adults-only all-inclusive resort offering a luxury beachfront experience in Playa del Carmen. Extensive features consist of six swimming pools, a full-service spa with great treatments, lovely beachfront with sunbeds, and a good array of activities and entertainment. Unfortunately, guests have complained of loungers at the main pool getting snagged early. Six restaurants serve well-regarded food, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisines, but there’s no buffet and all eateries require reservations. Premium-branded liquor and non-alcoholic beverages are served at the three bars. Colonial-style rooms range from attractive standard units with jetted tubs, separate showers, and furnished terraces to two-level Casitas with living spaces and kitchens. The beautiful grounds, overall sophisticated vibe, adults-only policy, and beautiful coastal location a short drive from shopping on Playa’s Fifth Avenue make it one of the most attractive options for couples in Playacar. Families, meanwhile, should consider the kid-friendly Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-inclusive luxury resort.
The all-inclusive Grand Velas is one of Riviera Maya’s most sophisticated properties, offering 491 impressive suites and extensive features across over 80 acres of mangroves that meet a postcard-perfect beach. Suites are spread out in three different buildings (two family-friendly, one adults-only), with their own stunning pool complexes, gyms, and restaurants. All suites have jetted tubs, rainfall showers, and furnished terraces – some with ocean views and plunge pools. The property is so huge guests will need to take a three-minute shuttle ride from the farthest building to the beach, but the hotel’s spotless service, outstanding food, luxurious spa, and wonderful amenities make it a great pick for discerning (and well-heeled) travelers. Couples wanting a completely adults-only property should consider the chic Royal Hideaway Playacar.
The all-inclusive Grand Velas is one of Riviera Maya’s most sophisticated properties, offering 491 impressive suites and extensive features across over 80 acres of mangroves that meet a postcard-perfect beach. Suites are spread out in three different buildings (two family-friendly, one adults-only), with their own stunning pool complexes, gyms, and restaurants. All suites have jetted tubs, rainfall showers, and furnished terraces – some with ocean views and plunge pools. The property is so huge guests will need to take a three-minute shuttle ride from the farthest building to the beach, but the hotel’s spotless service, outstanding food, luxurious spa, and wonderful amenities make it a great pick for discerning (and well-heeled) travelers. Couples wanting a completely adults-only property should consider the chic Royal Hideaway Playacar.
Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat within the resort community of Playa del Carmen, set on a mile-long stretch of beach. Though it features an extensive children's program, this high-end resort largely attracts couples with its serene atmosphere, upscale restaurants, and spa. The 129 suites feature attractive contemporary decor as well as high-tech amenities, private plunge pools, and beautiful bathrooms with outdoor showers. Seaweed debris along the beach keeps the Rosewood from being flawless (although the staff diligently attempts to keep it clean), but otherwise this hotel is top-notch -- for guests willing to pay top dollar. Another high-end option worth considering is the nearby Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Rosewood Mayakoba is a gorgeous, peaceful retreat within the resort community of Playa del Carmen, set on a mile-long stretch of beach. Though it features an extensive children's program, this high-end resort largely attracts couples with its serene atmosphere, upscale restaurants, and spa. The 129 suites feature attractive contemporary decor as well as high-tech amenities, private plunge pools, and beautiful bathrooms with outdoor showers. Seaweed debris along the beach keeps the Rosewood from being flawless (although the staff diligently attempts to keep it clean), but otherwise this hotel is top-notch -- for guests willing to pay top dollar. Another high-end option worth considering is the nearby Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Hotel Riu Palace Mexico is an all-inclusive, upscale, 434-room resort set along the beach in Playa del Carmen’s upmarket Playacar area. A 2012 renovation brought most of the interiors up to date with plenty of glitzy touches while the hotel's ground are some of the most pristine you'll see. Facilities are excellent, including ample eating and drinking options, plenty of pools and sports, and daily entertainment, while kids are also well-catered for. Rooms aren't perfect -- some are prone to damp and others have poor views -- though jetted tubs and liquor dispensers as standard are high points. All in all, it's a strong contender in a crowded market, drawing families and couples who prefer relaxing over partying. This is the nicest Riu in the area; The Riu Palace Riviera Maya All Inclusive (within walking distance) has the same amenities but more traditional decor.
Hotel Riu Palace Mexico is an all-inclusive, upscale, 434-room resort set along the beach in Playa del Carmen’s upmarket Playacar area. A 2012 renovation brought most of the interiors up to date with plenty of glitzy touches while the hotel's ground are some of the most pristine you'll see. Facilities are excellent, including ample eating and drinking options, plenty of pools and sports, and daily entertainment, while kids are also well-catered for. Rooms aren't perfect -- some are prone to damp and others have poor views -- though jetted tubs and liquor dispensers as standard are high points. All in all, it's a strong contender in a crowded market, drawing families and couples who prefer relaxing over partying. This is the nicest Riu in the area; The Riu Palace Riviera Maya All Inclusive (within walking distance) has the same amenities but more traditional decor.
This 396-room, upper-middle-range Riu Playacar is located in the residential, gated Playacar community near Playa del Carmen. It's the nicest of the four Classic-level Riu properties in the complex (and priced accordingly); thanks to 2015 renovations, it's also even fresher than the two more expensive Palace-level properties. It’s jam-packed with activities, including nightly live shows, and there are four restaurants (but no room service or personal waiter service at the beach, unlike at the pricier Riu Palace Mexico and Riu Palace Riviera Maya). The kids' club has its own pool with small waterslides, and there are three other pools for the whole family, on top of an on-site gym and spa. Those looking for a cheaper option may prefer the Hotel Riu Tequila, but it's farther from the beach.
This 396-room, upper-middle-range Riu Playacar is located in the residential, gated Playacar community near Playa del Carmen. It's the nicest of the four Classic-level Riu properties in the complex (and priced accordingly); thanks to 2015 renovations, it's also even fresher than the two more expensive Palace-level properties. It’s jam-packed with activities, including nightly live shows, and there are four restaurants (but no room service or personal waiter service at the beach, unlike at the pricier Riu Palace Mexico and Riu Palace Riviera Maya). The kids' club has its own pool with small waterslides, and there are three other pools for the whole family, on top of an on-site gym and spa. Those looking for a cheaper option may prefer the Hotel Riu Tequila, but it's farther from the beach.
Fairmont Mayakoba is a luxury resort known for its gorgeous jungle grounds, wildlife sightings, and excellent food options. Foodies will appreciate three excellent gourmet restaurants and the resort's partnership with a celebrity chef, while the pet- and kid-friendly features such as dog kits, a kids' and teens' club, and waterslide are popular with families. An expensive restoration project has widened the beach and renovations have modernized a few public spaces, though decor in most of the 401 rooms, casitas, and suites feels a bit simple and underwhelming for a hotel of this caliber. Standout features include a fantastic spa with hydrotherapy, cooking classes, and insect gastronomy, and several resort activities are included in rates. All-inclusive packages are available. For a smaller beachfront luxury property with great food and walkable grounds, consider Le Reve Hotel & Spa.
Fairmont Mayakoba is a luxury resort known for its gorgeous jungle grounds, wildlife sightings, and excellent food options. Foodies will appreciate three excellent gourmet restaurants and the resort's partnership with a celebrity chef, while the pet- and kid-friendly features such as dog kits, a kids' and teens' club, and waterslide are popular with families. An expensive restoration project has widened the beach and renovations have modernized a few public spaces, though decor in most of the 401 rooms, casitas, and suites feels a bit simple and underwhelming for a hotel of this caliber. Standout features include a fantastic spa with hydrotherapy, cooking classes, and insect gastronomy, and several resort activities are included in rates. All-inclusive packages are available. For a smaller beachfront luxury property with great food and walkable grounds, consider Le Reve Hotel & Spa.
A boho-chic, beachfront property, the upper-middle-range Mahekal Beach Resort has 196 rooms with garden or ocean views, many of which have thatched roof bungalows -- though they lack TVs and telephones. Features include four swimming pools, three bars, three restaurants, and a spa with a gym. Kids are welcome here, but with its bars, sexy, naturalistic decor, and proximity to nightlife, the resort feels more like a place to bring a significant other (or to meet one). For a boutique hotel property in Playa del Carmen more geared to families, travelers could try the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo instead.
A boho-chic, beachfront property, the upper-middle-range Mahekal Beach Resort has 196 rooms with garden or ocean views, many of which have thatched roof bungalows -- though they lack TVs and telephones. Features include four swimming pools, three bars, three restaurants, and a spa with a gym. Kids are welcome here, but with its bars, sexy, naturalistic decor, and proximity to nightlife, the resort feels more like a place to bring a significant other (or to meet one). For a boutique hotel property in Playa del Carmen more geared to families, travelers could try the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo instead.
The massive, 900-room Hotel Xcaret is an eco-minded, upscale all-inclusive resort that draws equal amounts of families and couples thanks to its plethora of on-site features and free access to area parks. Expansive grounds house several pools, stunning architecture utilizing natural rock, 10 restaurants, eight bars, a kids' club, and swish spa. The lounger-equipped beach is lovely, and kayaks are available to weave through a river. Gorgeous rooms have local decor, jetted tubs and separate showers, comfy beds, and furnished terraces with hammocks. Buffet and a la carte dining covers Mexican, Asian, and international cuisines, but a few are exclusive to certain guests or require an extra fee. Travelers won't feel the number of guests outside of check-in and check-out, but otherwise, the atmosphere is largely peaceful and relaxed. For a smaller, nearby property, consider Rosewood Mayakoba.
The massive, 900-room Hotel Xcaret is an eco-minded, upscale all-inclusive resort that draws equal amounts of families and couples thanks to its plethora of on-site features and free access to area parks. Expansive grounds house several pools, stunning architecture utilizing natural rock, 10 restaurants, eight bars, a kids' club, and swish spa. The lounger-equipped beach is lovely, and kayaks are available to weave through a river. Gorgeous rooms have local decor, jetted tubs and separate showers, comfy beds, and furnished terraces with hammocks. Buffet and a la carte dining covers Mexican, Asian, and international cuisines, but a few are exclusive to certain guests or require an extra fee. Travelers won't feel the number of guests outside of check-in and check-out, but otherwise, the atmosphere is largely peaceful and relaxed. For a smaller, nearby property, consider Rosewood Mayakoba.
The Viva Wyndham Maya is an all-inclusive mid-range resort located in the beachside, gated community of Playacar, a few miles from the center of the popular tourist city of Playa del Carmen. The 604 rooms are clean and bright, but basic and on the small side. The property is middle-of-the-road in terms of the quality of the food and activities, although there are classes, games, and shows scheduled nearly every hour, as well as a 24-hour bar and snack bar for night owls. Unique offerings including trapeze and juggling lessons for adults and kids, and the location is great for taking day trips to area eco parks and archeological wonders. The white-sand beach is gorgeous, but the pools are not as large as those at neighboring resorts.
The Viva Wyndham Maya is an all-inclusive mid-range resort located in the beachside, gated community of Playacar, a few miles from the center of the popular tourist city of Playa del Carmen. The 604 rooms are clean and bright, but basic and on the small side. The property is middle-of-the-road in terms of the quality of the food and activities, although there are classes, games, and shows scheduled nearly every hour, as well as a 24-hour bar and snack bar for night owls. Unique offerings including trapeze and juggling lessons for adults and kids, and the location is great for taking day trips to area eco parks and archeological wonders. The white-sand beach is gorgeous, but the pools are not as large as those at neighboring resorts.