Playa del Carmen, located on the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya strip of Caribbean shoreline, is famed for its beautiful white sandy beaches, tropical palm trees, and year-round sun. The town’s beaches are packed with chic Europeans, and being a popular cruise ship stop, this resort remains lively throughout the year. The nearest airport is Cancún’s international airport, and the town has easy access to Cozumel, Tulum, and Cobá.
Here are our favorite hotels that are on or near the beach in Playa Del Carmen.
1. Acanto Hotel and Condominiums
My first pick is the best value in our listing and is a super boutique hotel located in the heart of the lively town of Playa del Carmen is Acanto Hotel and Condominiums (pictured above). It sits on a quiet cobblestone street just steps away from all the action, including restaurants, shops, and nightlife. This peaceful hotel could not be more conveniently located and is also just a block from the beautiful beach.
The Acanto features luxury rooms, great common space, a warm courtyard, and a great rooftop terrace with views of the Caribbean Sea. The suites are beautifully designed and decorated with a full kitchen and stainless steel appliances. There is also a comfy lounge and a spacious bedroom in each suite. For a romantic stay, book a room that opens onto a private rooftop terrace for romantic evenings.
On the grounds, there is a beautiful pool and a rooftop Jacuzzi where you can relax and suntan while enjoying the view of the Ocean. Take a complimentary continental breakfast up on the rooftop each morning and then head down to one of the local beach clubs for warm sunny days on the beach.
2. Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
Another hotel in the center of Playa del Carmen is the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, which was co-designed by the Mexican architect Sordo Madaleno and New-York based Rockwell Group, is located in the heart of Playa, a few steps from La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) with its luxury shops and directly on the beach front.
It is worth noting that this hotel’s central location in Playa Del Carmen means that it’s also walkable to local restaurants, making the meals cheaper than in-resort meals that you might be forced to eat at more remote resorts.
The hotel has just over 300 rooms, all with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can gaze out on the turquoise waters from the comfort of your bed. The highlight of the hotel is the swimming pool and spa, which was inspired by the Cenotes, a geological formation typical of the Yucatan Peninsula that creates natural swimming basins. The hotel has a number of infinity pools overlooking the beach and is an excellent new luxury option on the Mexican Riviera.
3. Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico
If you travel out of the center, one of your best luxury choices is Rosewood Mayakoba, a Riviera Maya resort surrounded by emerald jungle. Inspired by Mayan traditions, this 1600-acre resort enclave sits along a mile‐long arc of white Caribbean sand, nestled just north of the picturesque waterfront town of Playa del Carmen. Designed to blend harmoniously with natural landscapes, Rosewood Mayakoba is an oasis of luxury, offering 128 suites with private plunge pools, rooftop sundecks, garden showers, individual docks, and the finest modern design and details.
4. The Reef Coco Beach
At the more economy, all-inclusive end of the scale is The Reef Coco Beach, where you’ll feel the essence of a genuinely Mexican beachfront town. This intimate, relaxed, and locally-owned property has an easygoing vibe but with all the amenities you expect from a beach resort in the Riviera Maya.
Enjoy the friendly service, lavish buffets, expansive pool, and activities for both kids and adults. Wander off the property to nearby 5th Avenue to take in the bustling sites, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping of the world-famous strip.
5. The Fairmont Mayakoba
The Fairmont Mayakoba Playa del Carmen is situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya, approximately 42 miles or 70 km south of Cancun and less than a 20-minute drive from Playa del Carmen.
Set over 47 acres, the AAA five-diamond resort has spacious rooms and suites in the main building and in two-story casitas, with stunning views of the sea, golf course, mangroves, or lush tropical forests. The resort’s 401 guest rooms, including 34 suites, are located in a traditional low-rise hotel building and clustered throughout the property in 90 two-story Casitas with two to four rooms each. Wake up to an Oceanside breakfast and unwind with a poolside lunch; regroup with cocktails at sunset and wind up with some very sweet endings.
The Fairmont’s private beach is located just a quick ride from the resort. Take a bike, ride or shuttle, or take an electric boat across the magnificent sapphire blue waters and white-powdered sandy beach.
6. Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is also a 20 minute drive from Playa del Carmen and immerses guests in a hidden paradise where style meets nature. Situated on 25 square acres of breathtaking oceanfront, preserved mangrove, and lagoon surroundings, Andaz Mayakoba invites travelers to indulge in one of its 214 guestrooms, including 41 luxury suites.
The resort’s breathtaking design reflects Mayan culture in a mystical environment. Four unique restaurants and bars with pool, lagoon, or ocean views will offer a distinguished culinary experience. Amenities include a spectacular 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman, outdoor pools, a full spa, a fitness center, and a kids’ club. Pick a room with a private plunge pool, and you can cool down in privacy just steps from the beach.
7. Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
Belmond hotels are some of the best in the world. We are major fans of the Belmond Cipriani Venice and the Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, situated 25 minutes north of Playa del Carmen is similarly good, in a different way.
This boutique hotel is beachfront. Sixty-three rooms are aligned with the azure sea and are hidden among 200 acres of lush jungle on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Spend your days with your feet in the soft sand and cocktails in your hand. Try the award-winning spa or indulge in fantastic food at the two restaurants, the bar, or the celebrated wine cellar. At night, the staff lights 1,000 candles around the hotel, one by one, making the atmosphere even more magical.
8. Chablé Maroma
The brand-new Chablé Maroma, Riviera Maya, is 30 minutes drive from Playa del Carmen. Guests can enjoy a convenient retreat to Chablé Maroma, which offers a collection of 70 villas featuring private access to 650 feet of prime beachfront, private pools, and moon showers. The spacious villas offer glass walls that bring nature in and an inviting outdoor living area.
With an emphasis on whole-body well-being, the resort induces relaxation with a beach yoga deck, a full-service spa with eight treatment cabins, water sports, a gym, fitness classes, and cooking classes. Chef Jorge Vallejo of Mexico City’s acclaimed Quintonil and his team created innovative Mexican dishes highlighting local ingredients and seafood. As a Leading Hotels of the World member, Butler and Concierge service sweetens the stay for guests searching for impeccable and memorable service.
9. Grand Velas Riviera Mayan
The All-Inclusive Grand Velas Resort is a newly opened resort that sits on the edge of the stunning white-sand shore of Playa del Carmen, just under an hour’s drive from Cancun.
Expect exquisite accommodations, a gourmet culinary tour dining experience, a deluxe spa, personalized butler concierge services, and a state-of-the-art convention center. The hotel is located 5 minutes away from downtown Playa del Carmen and 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport.
The resort’s 491 spacious suites include such amenities, which include oceanfront and jungle terraces with private plunge pools, in-room massage tables, whirlpool bathtubs, 42 inch plasma TVs, wireless Internet, and 24-hour room service – all with stunning views of the ocean or lush, tropical jungle views.
The resort’s exclusive Grand Class section is designed for optimal privacy and relaxation, featuring 90 sophisticated ocean-front suites. Suites overlook the sparkling, azure waters of the Caribbean and offer a private plunge pool on the terrace and a rain shower head. Enjoy the cool night ocean breezes, or manage the interior climate with state-of-the-art temperature controls. These suites include every possible amenity to ensure that guests may bask in comfort while enjoying the richness of the breathtaking surroundings.
10. Viceroy Riviera Maya
Viceroy Riviera Maya is a 41-villa Mexico Luxury resort just 15 minutes drive from the center of Playa Del Carmen. Offering luxury accommodations, superb dining, terrific service, and an excellent full-service Wayak Spa, you can relax or get active, whichever you prefer!
Try deep seawater fishing, diving (Scuba and cenote), horseback riding, sailing, tennis, water skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing. For a quieter experience, have a go at bird watching and take nature walks. You can even go swimming with dolphins! There is a golf and driving range as well as Jungle tours.
From fine dining at superb restaurants to private luxury villas with Egyptian cotton bedding and private terraces, Viceroy Riviera Maya is a resort that needs nothing except a guest to indulge in its luxury.
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