The Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Of all the questions I'm asked about Mexico — and there are a lot — the number one question people want the answer to is, "What are the best hotels in Playa del Carmen?"

It's a good question. Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico's best beach destinations. Why wouldn't it be? It has those powdery white sands, turquoise water, that tropical breeze, and a lively restaurant and bar scene. Plus, you're never very far from ancient ruins, world-class diving, indigenous culture, and, of course, some of the best hotels in Mexico.

So what are the best hotels in Playa del Carmen? First, it's important to talk about what "best" means to you. Are we talking luxury? Do you want beach? All-inclusive? Romance? Do you have kids? Are you LGBTQ+? You can see how the word "best" becomes tricky.

So let's make it a little easier. I've rounded up my favorite resorts in and around Playa del Carmen to help you decide which one is right for your next vacation. Take a look and see if any of these best hotels in Playa del Carmen is what is "best" for you.

Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Hotel UNICO 20°N 87°W

I can't say enough good things about this one. This is my favorite all-inclusive resort in all of the Riviera Maya. The luxury lifestyle hotel opened in 2017 and set a new standard for all-inclusive. The adults-only hotel is one of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen for couples, but it's also really fun for groups of friends.

It features 448 rooms, 90 percent of which have ocean views. All first-floor rooms have swim-up pools, while those on higher floors have deep hydro spa tubs on the terraces — big enough for two. There are three pools, some for parties and others for zoning out. By day, DJs spin, grills fire, and cocktails flow. At night, guests like to steal over to the Palmera Lounge for mojitos and cigars in this 1940s Havana-themed bar. For dining, I personally love Mura House, which serves top-notch sushi, as well as Mi Carisa.

The resort has an enviable spa and a slice of gorgeous, quiet beachfront. If I had to pick one beach hotel for adults in Playa del Carmen, it would be this one.

Book Hotel UNICO 20°N 87°W

Barceló Maya Riviera

I love the look of this resort. It has clean lines and a sleek design, which is a total changeup from other Barceló resorts in Mexico. Those tend to swing more traditional hacienda-style. I'm usually not a fan of mega-resorts, but with so many places to play and hide, you almost don't notice that the resort has 850 rooms. Most of the all-suite rooms have ocean views, and of those 110 are swim-up.

The dining here is fantastic, but I adored the Japanese restaurant and the Italian restaurant. If you're a Barceló devotee, you will love that guests of Barceló Maya Riviera have access to the other resorts in the complex, including their dining options and the impressive fitness center at Barceló Maya Caribe, which, in my opinion, is one of the best hotel gyms I've ever seen.

Book Barceló Maya Riviera

Hotel Xcaret Arte

Allow me to introduce you to this stunner of a resort in Riviera Maya. Hotel Xcaret Arte opened in 2021 and is an absolute masterpiece. Its sister property, Hotel Xcaret Mexico, opened in 2017 and is a fabulous family option, but I prefer Xcaret Arte because it is for adults only.

Located about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, the sprawling all-inclusive resort is all about the embodiment of Mexican art, culture, and design. The 900 rooms are spread between five different "Casas," each with a different Mexican artistic theme like painting, pottery, and music. The best casa is Casa de los Artistas because it is oceanfront and has the best rooms. And while 900 rooms seem like a lot, I find you're never overwhelmed because the property is very spread out, with plenty of pool space and things to do.

The food at this resort is truly next level, from the build-your-own ceviche bar to the Mercado de San Juan, which has regional Mexican specialties. For a Michelin-level meal, book a reservation at Xaak, which is helmed by a Michelin-starred chef and features a wine-pairing tasting menu. This experience does come at an extra cost.

My favorite place to hang out at this resort is either the main infinity pool or the spa. The spa is simply breathtaking. Hydrotherapy pools are built into grottoes and each of the massage rooms is inside of hollowed-out caves. The river that flows through the entire property passes by the relaxation areas of the spa, making for a jungle-themed hideaway.

Guests of the resort also have unlimited access to all of the Grupo Xcaret parks included in their room rate, so if you're interested in zip lining, water parks, cultural events, or nightly shows, this would be a great perk for you.

Book Hotel Xcaret Arte

Best City Hotels in Playa del Carmen

The best part about Playa del Carmen is that it offers both city energy and a beach vibe. You can spend the day lounging on the sand and walk one block in any direction to be at a fantastic restaurant or bar. There are plenty of people who want a healthy combo of sand & scene, so here are my picks for the best city hotels in Playa del Carmen

Thompson Hotel Playa del Carmen

Here’s what I love about Thompson Hotel Playa del Carmen: basically everything. The sleek design is something Thompson is known for at all of their locations, and it certainly holds up in Playa del Carmen. The Thompson Hotel on 5th Avenue has a perfect location within walking distance of all the restaurants and nightlife, and just a few blocks away is the Beach House, which has rooms, you guessed it, directly on the beach. All guests can use the Beach House facilities, though, which include a restaurant and beach club.

You’re going to spend some money if you book Thompson, but the service and quality are entirely worth it. The only downside, in my opinion, is if you are not into a scene you may feel overwhelmed on the pool deck, which is often flooded with wealthy Millennials ordering bottle service and has that omnipresent DJ thump.

Book Thompson Hotel Playa del Carmen

The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences

So full disclosure: I haven’t actually rested my head here...yet. But, I will say that I’ve had two spectacular meals here on their rooftop, have done a full property tour of The Fives Downtown, and often used their El Tigre bar as a workspace when I spent a month in Playa del Carmen.

I love the entire design of this space. It’s modern and eclectic but doesn’t feel pretentious or cluttered. I think I went around and took dozens of photos of all the different textures throughout the space. It just looks cool, and you feel that immediately when you enter the lobby. Note the massive living wall and dangling Vegas-style gold beaded curtains around the check-in counter. Jetting up to the roof you have an infinity pool and a fantastic restaurant (the hummus with grilled steak is a must).

The hotel has a cool coffee shop, as well, which is a partnership with Rohan Marley, one of Bob Marley’s children. Personally, my favorite hideout at the hotel is the El Tigre tequila bar, which has a wall of past/present photographs of Playa del Carmen.

Book The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences

Aventura Mexicana Hotel

If you’re looking to stay in Playa del Carmen on a budget, you absolutely cannot do better than this. To me, it’s one of the best Playa del Carmen boutique hotels. First of all, it’s right between Fifth Avenue and 10th Avenue, so you are in the heart of the action. It also has an adults-only side, which is tucked away from the family side. And even though it is smack dab in the center of town, it is perfectly quiet and peaceful. The hotel offers daily yoga (something like seven classes per day), has a small restaurant with complimentary breakfast, and has several sunbathing terraces scattered throughout. While it’s not on the beach, the hotel does have a partnership with Kool Beach Club, a few blocks away. Get a discount on food & drink, and enjoy the pool and the beach chairs. I can’t say enough good things about this gem of a city hotel.

Best Playa del Carmen Hotels on the Beach

Then some people want to be on the beach but also want the option of venturing out. Fortunately, Playa del Carmen has many resorts that are directly on the sand, but also within walking distance to the excitement of Fifth Avenue.

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen

Impeccable service, with a fabulous oceanfront location, Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is one of the best Playa del Carmen hotels on the beach. Hyatt aficionados know what they’re getting from a Grand Hyatt, and the Playa del Carmen iteration does not disappoint. Rooms are sleek and minimal, the food is excellent (particularly at The Grill at 1-26), and the infinity pool is worth getting lost in for several hours at a time. Bear in mind that the hotel is very close to some of Playa del Carmen’s biggest beach clubs, so depending on the season the scene might not be particularly tranquil. But if it’s a scene you’re after, you will feel perfectly at home.

Book Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen

Mahekal Beach Resort

I love this resort. The vibe at Mahekal Beach Resort is wonderful — picture Robinson Crusoe, but with infinitely better dining and amenities. Each of the rooms is like its own little beach bungalow. Some are directly on the beach and others are tucked amid palm tree-filled gardens. There is a small beachfront, wonderful restaurants (Fuego is my favorite), several pools, and a spa.

The best part? It’s within walking distance of Fifth Avenue, but you’d never guess it when you’re tucked away within its walls. It allows guests to have the very best of both worlds: beach and city. I will say that it is a family-friendly resort, so that does affect the pool scene noise levels. If you are looking for ultimate peace and tranquility, I might suggest an adults-only option, instead.

Book Mahekal Beach Resort

Best Luxury Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Mayakoba

There are a lot of luxury resorts in and around Playa del Carmen, along what is known as the Riviera Maya (the stretch of coast from Cancun down to Tulum). I have not stayed at all of them - not even close. But I feel confident in saying that some of the best luxury hotels in Playa del Carmen can be found in Mayakoba.

What’s cool about Mayakoba is that it is an enclave of four luxury resorts all built around mangrove canals — it’s like a tropical Venice. Within the community is the Fairmont Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba, and Andaz Mayakoba. Each has its own distinct vibe (and price point, though all would be considered luxury), and offers something unique for guests. We're talking golf courses, lavish spas, gorgeous rooms and suites, and one of the best beachfronts in all of Mexico.

What’s cool is that guests can take boats, bicycles, or buggies around the complex to experience each of the different resort vibes and dining scenes.

Book Fairmont Mayakoba

Book Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Book Andaz Mayakoba

Best Playa del Carmen Resorts for Families

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

You have to see it to believe it, but Hotel Xcaret is truly its own, special little world. Under the Experiencias Xcaret Group, the company behind the eco-parks scattered throughout the Riviera Maya, Hotel Xcaret is all about highlighting Mexican and Mayan culture, history, and heritage. Their first all-inclusive Playa del Carmen hotel, the massive jungle compound has 900 suites, spread over five different themed "Casas," which operate like individual mini-hotels. The resort is built to look like Xcaret Park. Picture Jurassic Park meets the Mayan world. All the rooms, which are suites, have balconies or swim-up terraces.

But what makes it so great for families is that entry to all of the eco-themed parks is included in the room rate, meaning guests have full access, from transportation to entry to dining, and beyond. Shuttles run from the lobby every half-hour taking guests to as many parks per day as they wish.

Of course, you don't have to be a family to enjoy the resort. Many of the casas are actually adults-only. My personal favorite is Casa Fuego, which is adults-only, with a private gym, restaurant, and rooftop infinity pool.

Book Hotel Xcaret Mexico