One Playa del Carmen, part of the budget chain One Hotels, is a modern no-frills property that delivers solid value. Located within a shopping center behind the alternative ADO bus station, it's a five-minute walk to the restaurants, bars, and nightlife along Avenida Quinta, and a 10- to 15-minute walk to the beach. The 108 rooms of this smoke-free property are small with little storage space, but they're immaculately clean and include air-conditioning and mounted flat-screen TVs. A breakfast buffet of fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, toast, eggs, and chilaquiles is included in the rates. The hotel also has an outdoor terrace where guests can kick back, a modest business center (two computers and a printer), a meeting room, a free self-service laundry, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Travelers could compare rates with the Riviera Maya Suites or the Magic Blue Hotel.
One Playa del Carmen, part of the budget chain One Hotels, is a modern no-frills property that delivers solid value. Located within a shopping center behind the alternative ADO bus station, it's a five-minute walk to the restaurants, bars, and nightlife along Avenida Quinta, and a 10- to 15-minute walk to the beach. The 108 rooms of this smoke-free property are small with little storage space, but they're immaculately clean and include air-conditioning and mounted flat-screen TVs. A breakfast buffet of fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, toast, eggs, and chilaquiles is included in the rates. The hotel also has an outdoor terrace where guests can kick back, a modest business center (two computers and a printer), a meeting room, a free self-service laundry, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Travelers could compare rates with the Riviera Maya Suites or the Magic Blue Hotel.
Located on Avenida Constituyentes, arguably one of Playa del Carmen’s busiest streets, mid-range Hotel Las Golondrinas is right in the middle of downtown Playa. It’s three blocks from the beach, and two blocks from La Quinta Avenida, and within walking distance to many of Playa’s best shops and restaurants -- a lifesaver considering the area’s horrendous parking. The hotel has two small outdoor pools and a gorgeous interior courtyard where many guests relax throughout the day. The 51 rooms feature traditional Mexican Colonial decor, including hand-painted tiled headboards, but rooms receive little natural light, and the beds are atrociously uncomfortable. Breakfast is served each morning in a lovely little room just off the lobby, and while not overly expensive, it does cost extra.
Located on Avenida Constituyentes, arguably one of Playa del Carmen’s busiest streets, mid-range Hotel Las Golondrinas is right in the middle of downtown Playa. It’s three blocks from the beach, and two blocks from La Quinta Avenida, and within walking distance to many of Playa’s best shops and restaurants -- a lifesaver considering the area’s horrendous parking. The hotel has two small outdoor pools and a gorgeous interior courtyard where many guests relax throughout the day. The 51 rooms feature traditional Mexican Colonial decor, including hand-painted tiled headboards, but rooms receive little natural light, and the beds are atrociously uncomfortable. Breakfast is served each morning in a lovely little room just off the lobby, and while not overly expensive, it does cost extra.
A secluded spot 25 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Paamul Hotel is a small, upper-middle-range property on a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach. There aren’t many high-end frills at Paamul -- don’t expect a spa, fitness center, or even lounge chairs by the large pool. Here, it’s all about low-key rest and relaxation. The 12 rooms are spacious, simply decorated, and have small living areas and kitchenettes; their best feature is the wall of windows that overlooks the ocean just a few yards away. The 10 cabanas offer ecological and rustic sleeping options. A Brazilian chef and authentic margaritas are wonderful additions to the restaurant that overlooks the beach. Those seeking a beachfront hotel in this price range in Playa del Carmen should consider Playa Palms Beach.
A secluded spot 25 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Paamul Hotel is a small, upper-middle-range property on a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach. There aren’t many high-end frills at Paamul -- don’t expect a spa, fitness center, or even lounge chairs by the large pool. Here, it’s all about low-key rest and relaxation. The 12 rooms are spacious, simply decorated, and have small living areas and kitchenettes; their best feature is the wall of windows that overlooks the ocean just a few yards away. The 10 cabanas offer ecological and rustic sleeping options. A Brazilian chef and authentic margaritas are wonderful additions to the restaurant that overlooks the beach. Those seeking a beachfront hotel in this price range in Playa del Carmen should consider Playa Palms Beach.
Hotel Riviera del Sol is a stylish boutique with 23 clean, simple, and spacious rooms with a contemporary (if basic) hacienda style design and Caribbean beach decor. Walking distance to a public beach and popular beach clubs, and surrounded by a plethora of bar, restaurant, and shops, this mid-range boutique is in a convenient location -- though parking can be rough. Guests can take advantage of a small garden-set pool with barbecue, massage treatments, and freebies like hot and cold continental breakfast, weekly yoga class, drink coupon for the bar, and Wi-Fi -- plus discounts at Mamita’s Beach Club and a nearby gym. For an all-inclusive, beachfront option, check rates at Hotel Riu Cancun, but lose the fast access to La Quinta Avenida.
Hotel Riviera del Sol is a stylish boutique with 23 clean, simple, and spacious rooms with a contemporary (if basic) hacienda style design and Caribbean beach decor. Walking distance to a public beach and popular beach clubs, and surrounded by a plethora of bar, restaurant, and shops, this mid-range boutique is in a convenient location -- though parking can be rough. Guests can take advantage of a small garden-set pool with barbecue, massage treatments, and freebies like hot and cold continental breakfast, weekly yoga class, drink coupon for the bar, and Wi-Fi -- plus discounts at Mamita’s Beach Club and a nearby gym. For an all-inclusive, beachfront option, check rates at Hotel Riu Cancun, but lose the fast access to La Quinta Avenida.
Introduced in 2013 and debuting Playa del Carmen’s largest rooftop terrace, The Palm at Playa is a modish, 69-room boutique just blocks from the beach. Rooms are large, featuring hip, mid-century decor; most have huge two-person walk-in showers, lounge areas, and large wet bars. Designed for the cool kids, the expansive rooftop terrace has an infinity pool, large hot tub, and bar with panoramic views. There are also a small spa, gym, and garden grounds to help guests relax after partying all night at the club across the street or rooftop disco.
Introduced in 2013 and debuting Playa del Carmen’s largest rooftop terrace, The Palm at Playa is a modish, 69-room boutique just blocks from the beach. Rooms are large, featuring hip, mid-century decor; most have huge two-person walk-in showers, lounge areas, and large wet bars. Designed for the cool kids, the expansive rooftop terrace has an infinity pool, large hot tub, and bar with panoramic views. There are also a small spa, gym, and garden grounds to help guests relax after partying all night at the club across the street or rooftop disco.
With 25 rooms and suites (and one upscale Master Suite), the lower-middle-range Riviera Caribe Maya has both standard budget rooms and larger, chicer suites with multiple bedrooms, tubs, and bidets. There’s also a small garden pool, built-in lounge areas, and a big lending library in an atrium where the hotel’s bar used to be; the hotel doesn't have a restaurant. Location is key here, it's just one block from La Quinta Avenida. While the main building is ideal for friends and families, the off-site is ideal for couples seeking privacy and tad more luxe vibe. For those that want beach access and a restaurant, check rates at Avalon Grand Cancun.
With 25 rooms and suites (and one upscale Master Suite), the lower-middle-range Riviera Caribe Maya has both standard budget rooms and larger, chicer suites with multiple bedrooms, tubs, and bidets. There’s also a small garden pool, built-in lounge areas, and a big lending library in an atrium where the hotel’s bar used to be; the hotel doesn't have a restaurant. Location is key here, it's just one block from La Quinta Avenida. While the main building is ideal for friends and families, the off-site is ideal for couples seeking privacy and tad more luxe vibe. For those that want beach access and a restaurant, check rates at Avalon Grand Cancun.
The Yak is a two-pearl hostel with dorms and private rooms that's popular with backpackers, solo travelers, and no-fuss travelers on a budget. Dorm rooms are spotless but bare, outfitted with wooden bunks, huge lockers, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning, while basic private rooms have simple kitchenettes and dining tables. This hostel's super social atmosphere is held up by a lively bar and daily activities, which provide free transportation and often center around food. There are also two kitchens, a small TV room, rooftop terrace with barbecue grill, and central courtyard with hammocks. Guests can expect to pay a deposit on arrival and wear required wristbands. This is a party hostel, so anyone looking for solid sleep should pack earplugs. It's worth considering the similarly priced and charming Hotel Hacienda del Caribe.
The Yak is a two-pearl hostel with dorms and private rooms that's popular with backpackers, solo travelers, and no-fuss travelers on a budget. Dorm rooms are spotless but bare, outfitted with wooden bunks, huge lockers, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning, while basic private rooms have simple kitchenettes and dining tables. This hostel's super social atmosphere is held up by a lively bar and daily activities, which provide free transportation and often center around food. There are also two kitchens, a small TV room, rooftop terrace with barbecue grill, and central courtyard with hammocks. Guests can expect to pay a deposit on arrival and wear required wristbands. This is a party hostel, so anyone looking for solid sleep should pack earplugs. It's worth considering the similarly priced and charming Hotel Hacienda del Caribe.
This upper-middle-range, all-inclusive resort has 287 rooms, over half of which have ocean views and all of which come with hand-carved furniture and modern art on the walls. Many of the rooms are near the protected white-sand beach -- but the surf itself isn't the best in the area, as there are rocks and the water can be murky. There are world-famous beaches nearby, however, and the enormous, free-form pool provides an alternative venue for sunning and swimming. What sets the Gran Porto apart from other area resorts is the location in the center of popular Playa del Carmen, one block from the Fifth Avenue shopping district, surrounded by bars, restaurants, and nightlife. If a pristine beach with clear water is a priority, though, consider Sandos Playacar Beach Resort and Spa, which has the longest stretch of unspoiled white-sand beach in the area.
This upper-middle-range, all-inclusive resort has 287 rooms, over half of which have ocean views and all of which come with hand-carved furniture and modern art on the walls. Many of the rooms are near the protected white-sand beach -- but the surf itself isn't the best in the area, as there are rocks and the water can be murky. There are world-famous beaches nearby, however, and the enormous, free-form pool provides an alternative venue for sunning and swimming. What sets the Gran Porto apart from other area resorts is the location in the center of popular Playa del Carmen, one block from the Fifth Avenue shopping district, surrounded by bars, restaurants, and nightlife. If a pristine beach with clear water is a priority, though, consider Sandos Playacar Beach Resort and Spa, which has the longest stretch of unspoiled white-sand beach in the area.
Right off the beach in a secluded area 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen’s center, the 23-room Le Reve Hotel & Spa has an instantly relaxing vibe well-suited to couples and honeymooners. The boutique hotel's interiors are upscale and stylish after a 2014 makeover. Rooms have lots of special elements ranging from hand-painted tiles to plunge pools, though dim lighting can be a downside -- as can the price of cabs to and from Playa proper. However, positive features include the (unsupervised) kids' club, pool bar, massage area, classy sports bar, and impressive gourmet restaurant menu.
Right off the beach in a secluded area 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen’s center, the 23-room Le Reve Hotel & Spa has an instantly relaxing vibe well-suited to couples and honeymooners. The boutique hotel's interiors are upscale and stylish after a 2014 makeover. Rooms have lots of special elements ranging from hand-painted tiles to plunge pools, though dim lighting can be a downside -- as can the price of cabs to and from Playa proper. However, positive features include the (unsupervised) kids' club, pool bar, massage area, classy sports bar, and impressive gourmet restaurant menu.
The 314-room Grand Hyatt Resort is one of the only luxury resorts in downtown Playa del Carmen, and has a convenient location within easy walking distance of 5th Avenue. It opened in 2015, and has gorgeously designed spaces with lots of natural light. Rooms are stylish and airy, and some of the furnished balconies have amazing ocean views. Other property features include the chic ocean-view infinity pools, spa with a man-made cenote, and two restaurants with good food (half-board and full-service meal plans are available). The beach is pretty but on the smaller side and can get busy; those looking for a bigger, more private slice of sand should look outside of downtown. An independently operated club near the adult-only pool blasts loud music during the day, which will annoy some guests. The nearby El Taj Oceanfront & Beachside Condos Hotel is slightly less expensive (and less luxurious).
The 314-room Grand Hyatt Resort is one of the only luxury resorts in downtown Playa del Carmen, and has a convenient location within easy walking distance of 5th Avenue. It opened in 2015, and has gorgeously designed spaces with lots of natural light. Rooms are stylish and airy, and some of the furnished balconies have amazing ocean views. Other property features include the chic ocean-view infinity pools, spa with a man-made cenote, and two restaurants with good food (half-board and full-service meal plans are available). The beach is pretty but on the smaller side and can get busy; those looking for a bigger, more private slice of sand should look outside of downtown. An independently operated club near the adult-only pool blasts loud music during the day, which will annoy some guests. The nearby El Taj Oceanfront & Beachside Condos Hotel is slightly less expensive (and less luxurious).