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 is 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.
While there are a huge number of luxury hotels along the Playa Del Carmen coastline, around a 15 to 25 minutes drive from Playa Del Carmen, there is less choice within the city of Playa del Carmen itself.
Playa del Carmen has recently undergone extremely rapid development with new luxury residential condominium buildings, restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment venues. Tourist activity in Playa del Carmen centers on Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, which stretches from Calle 1 Norte to Calle 40. A pedestrian walkway located just one or two blocks inland from the beach, Fifth Avenue is lined with hundreds of shops, bars, and restaurants. There are many small boutique hotels on and just off Fifth Avenue and on the beach.
1. Acanto Hotel and Condominiums
My first pick is excellent value 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 gorgeous 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. It is located in the heart of Playa, a few steps from La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), with its luxury shops, and directly on the beachfront.
Despite being positioned in the busy heart of Playa Del Carmen, close to nightclubs, bars, and shops, >Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort has a relaxing and peaceful vibe throughout.
The hotel has just over 300 rooms, so is a little larger than a boutique in size, but it is worth considering if you want to be based in the heart of this seaside city,
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase turquoise water 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 also has a number of infinity pools overlooking the beach and is one of the best luxury hotels on the Mexican Riviera.
3. The Palm at Playa
The Palm at Playa a delightful boutique hotel in Playa del Carmen. The Palm at Playa is located in the very heart of Playa del Carmen, right by the beach, making it just about the perfect spot to stay. It is situated on the main street, 5th Avenue, where you are surrounded by trendy shops and restaurants.
The hotel, which is a member of ‘Small Elegant Hotels’, is a chic and contemporary dream. Think lots of chilled-out white and lots of wood accessorized with trendy color-blocking accents. The rooftop bar is fabulous, as are the views, and the pool terrace there has a real designer feel.
The rooftop is where you’ll want to spend most of your time. There’s that funky swimming pool on the terrace for a start, plus there’s a Jacuzzi, and the rooftop bar offers views to accompany your favorite drink.
If you fancy a change from the swimming pool (though that’s a big ask!), there’s a private Beach Club so you can relax with the sounds of the Caribbean Sea gently crashing on the soft sands in front of your lounger.
There’s also a gym if you want to keep in shape while you’re away, and when you need to indulge a little, head to the spa, which is inspired by holistic Mayan traditions.
Choose from 69 stylish rooms, lofts, and suites. The Lofts have an open-plan living area and rather hedonistic twin showers. There are One and Two Bedroom Deluxe Suites, both with separate living rooms and with several very tempting extras such as a wet bar and huge balcony.
4. The Reef 28
The Reef 28 is an adults-only and all-inclusive boutique hotel which is also found in the heart of Playa Del Carmen. It offers sleek modern suites, fine restaurants, and a prime position between Playa’s sands and Fifth Avenue.
The rooftop pool seems to be higher than most of the other rooftops in Playa Del Carmen and offers fabulous views. There are two whirlpools, an OKOM spa, and four restaurants in the hotel. Beach loungers can be purchased at nearby beach clubs for a small fee.
5. Mahekal Beach Resort
Mahekal Beach Resort is located on a verdant patch of greenery on Playa del Carmen’s lively beachfront.
Mahekal has cute thatched bungalows sitting on lawns with wildlife like iguanas and parrots. The resort is situated in a quiet area of Playa del Carmen, just a few minutes walk from lively 5th Avenue. The on-site concierge can arrange visits to the Mayan ruins of Tulum National Park, a 45-minute drive away.
6. Live Aqua Boutique Resort Playa del Carmen
Live Aqua Boutique Resort Playa del Carmen is a small, all-inclusive resort on Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue.
The rooftop pool with views is lovely, there are three restaurants with cooking demonstrations, and the hotel is close to the beach.
There are only 60 modern boutique rooms here which are stylish, and bathrooms have Molton Brown amenities.
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