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Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
It is renowned for its beautiful palm-lined beaches and idyllic vacation resorts, but it also boasts excellent restaurants, fascinating Mayan ruins, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.
If you’re planning a trip to this scenic beach town, read on to discover which neighborhood to stay in Playa del Carmen and find a hotel or resort that perfectly suits your style of travel.
El Centro for Authentic Atmosphere
Photo Credit: JessicaGirvan
Highlights: Quinta Avenida, Parque los Fundadores, shops, restaurants
El Centro, also known as Downtown Playa del Carmen, is the most central part of town and also the liveliest. The streets here are lined with stores, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is a particularly popular stretch that’s packed with boutiques and street vendors, so head here to grab some souvenirs. Another lively attraction is Parque los Fundadores (Founders Park), a pretty oceanfront green space that hosts many performances, festivals, and Mayan cultural events.
Many of the hotels and resorts in Playa del Carmen are situated along the beach, but the hotels and guesthouses in El Centro are a short walk away from the beach and don’t have as many on-site amenities. This makes them more affordable, so if you’re visiting Playa del Carmen on a budget, Downtown is the ideal place to stay. You’ll have plenty of attractions and amenities within easy walking distance, including the beach, and you’ll be able to get a taste of authentic life in the city compared to staying in a beachfront resort. Just be prepared for the area to be relatively noisy because the busy bars and entertaining street performers generate lively nightlife.
Where to stay in El Centro
These Playa del Carmen hotels lie close to the action of the city center and within easy walking distance of the beach:
- Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen is an adults-only all-inclusive resort with a beachfront location close to the heart of Playa del Carmen. There are multiple swimming pools and restaurants on-site, plus many activities and entertainment options to take advantage of, such as an in-house spa.
- Hilton Playa del Carmen is a luxurious five-star hotel with incredible oceanfront views and a private beach. There are seven on-site restaurants and multiple bars to choose from, as well as a spa. In addition to all-inclusive hospitality, the resort offers a range of entertainment options, including scuba-diving lessons.
Playa del Carmen Beach for Relaxing Getaways
Photo Credit: Arkadij Schell
Highlights: White sand beaches, watersports, beach clubs
If sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, or diving are set to be the main activities of your vacation, it makes sense to stay right on Playa del Carmen’s beachfront. There are plenty of very good beachside resorts to choose from here, some of which are incredibly luxurious and offer perks like private beach access and all-inclusive dining.
Resorts have the benefit of copious on-site amenities and activities, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of walking or taking taxis very often.
A downside of Playa del Carmen beach is that it tends to get very busy, particularly in the high season. Some people love this lively atmosphere, but if you’d prefer to have more peace, you might be better off visiting the likes of Playa Maroma or Playa Paraiso, which are further away from the center.
A good way to avoid having to fight for an empty spot on the beach is to make use of one of the many beach clubs set along the central Playa del Carmen beach. Once you’ve secured a sun lounger and umbrella, you’ll be able to sip cold drinks and eat delicious food while taking in the gorgeous ocean view.
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen Beach
Stay in one of these popular hotels for convenient access to Playa del Carmen’s white sand beaches:
- Mahekal Beach Resort is an upscale resort hotel that offers a mix of rooms and bungalows, each with a private terrace or balcony. It’s situated next to the beach amongst landscaped gardens, and some of its accommodations include private plunge pools and canopy beds. There are two shared outdoor pools, a hot tub, a private beach, and a dive center to make use of, as well as free WiFi.
- The Reef 28 is an adults-only resort that combines convenience and luxury. It lies just a block away from the beach and has a rooftop pool and bar area where guests can enjoy fantastic ocean views and a lively atmosphere.
- Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort is a sophisticated beachside resort with modern rooms and suites that provide exceptional views from their floor-to-ceiling windows. All rooms boast free WiFi, flatscreen televisions, minibars, and coffeemakers, and upgraded rooms have a range of extra perks such as sea views, private plunge pools, and direct pool access. There are three infinity pools, three bars, and two restaurants on-site, as well as a fitness center, a spa, and a teen arcade.
The Cancun-Tulum Corridor for Natural Beauty
Photo Credit: Inspired By Maps
Highlights: Akumal Beach, Cenotes Dos Ojos, Tulum Mayan Ruins, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Xcaret, Xel-Ha
The Riviera Maya, once known as the “Cancun-Tulum corridor”, is a stretch of coastline that runs from the southern outskirts of Cancun down to Punta Allen. It also encompasses the Isla de Cozumel, which is renowned for its diverse coral reefs.
There’s a host of fantastic attractions to explore along the Riviera Maya. Akumal Beach is a great spot for snorkeling because sea turtles are regularly seen in its waters. Cenotes Dos Ojos is another fantastic snorkeling and diving spot because it comprises a series of stunning underwater caves.
The Mayan ruins of Tulum are a must-visit for fans of history because they contain incredibly well-preserved ancient structures. If you love wildlife, head to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site home to a diverse array of animals, including manatees and jaguars. There’s even more natural beauty to be found at Xcaret and Xel-Ha eco-parks, both of which offer fun activities like ziplining, kayaking tours, and swimming with dolphins.
Where to Stay on the Riviera Maya
These luxury hotels are some of the best places to stay along the Riviera Maya’s Cancun-Tulum corridor:
- Hotel Xcaret México is an all-inclusive resort that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Each room has a balcony or terrace with hammocks, and some offer sea views and direct pool access. There are several outdoor pools to choose from, three gyms, tennis courts, a spa, and a kids’ club. Plus, guests can enjoy complimentary access to the nearby Grupo Xcaret amusement parks.
- La Casa de la Playa is a boutique hotel with 63 suites, which allows it to offer a more intimate and personalized experience than many of the larger Riviera Maya resorts. Guests have access to a variety of carefully curated experiences for an unforgettable stay.
- Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is a spacious resort with 13 pools, six gourmet restaurants, and a variety of relaxed eateries and bars to choose from. On-site activities include yoga, scuba lessons, dance classes, water aerobics, and pool volleyball. There’s also a Preferred Beach Club upgrade available for guests who want an extra special experience.
Playacar for Family Vacations
Photo Credit: Arkadij Schell
Highlights: Xaman Ha Mayan ruins, Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya, bike paths
Playacar lies just south of El Centro and is home to some of Playa del Carmen’s most popular and luxurious resorts.
It’s a gated community which allows it to be much quieter than the Downtown neighborhood. There’s a refined residential atmosphere here that makes it ideal for families, and many of Playacar’s resorts boast kids’ clubs, kids’ pools, and family-friendly activities and entertainment. You’ll also find some luxe adults-only resorts if you’re looking for a child-free vacation.
Compared to the majority of others in Riviera Maya, the beaches in Playacar are much wider which means you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by crowds even in the busy season.
There’s also plenty to do here other than just hang out on the beach. You’ll find an array of Mayan ruins dotted throughout the area, there’s an 18-hole golf course to play, and there are ample opportunities for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and more.
Where to Stay in Playacar
There are many accommodation options to choose from in Playacar, but here are two of the very best hotel resorts:
- Royal Hideaway Playacar is a five-star adults-only resort with a range of luxurious facilities, including a spa, a gym, a certified dive center, tennis courts, and six pools. The resort offers a range of activities such as bike tours and art classes.
- Iberostar Waves Tucan is an upmarket all-inclusive resort that offers a mix of rooms and suites that include free WiFi, minibar, and coffeemakers. Upgraded suites also include direct access to the beach, where sun loungers and umbrellas are available. There’s a lagoon pool, a gym, tennis courts, and a kids’ club.
Mayakoba for Luxurious Escapes
Photo Credit: Aberu.Go
Highlights: El CamaleĂłn Golf Course, gourmet restaurants, private beaches, exclusive hotels
Mayakoba is a 620-acre stretch of beaches and jungle and is renowned for its beautiful lagoons and mangroves. This gated community contains private residences and just four luxurious hotels, giving it an exclusive, luxurious feeling. The properties here have been carefully designed to fit in with the natural environment and leave much of the tropical landscape unspoiled. It’s an incredibly tranquil area that will give you the sense of being lost in nature — ideal if you’re looking for a very peaceful vacation.
The resorts in Mayakoba provide the indulgence of a resort holiday without the typical touristy feel. You’ll have access to a golf course, chic wellness centers, and world-class restaurants, all while being surrounded by natural beauty. There’s also no chance of feeling crowded when you head down to Mayakoba’s private beaches.
Where to Stay in Mayakoba
Check in at one of these four luxury resorts in Mayakoba:
- Andaz offers spacious rooms with balconies or patios and complimentary minibars, and those who opt for upgraded rooms can enjoy lagoon or beach views. An all-day buffet is available but there’s also a Latin-American restaurant, a seafood restaurant, and a cocktail bar to try. Guests can make use of two outdoor pools, a hot tub, and a kids’ club.
- Fairmont Mayakoba is a refined luxury resort with chic rooms that include balconies or terraces with gorgeous views. Suites have separate living and dining areas and upgraded suites include private infinity pools and private butler service. Fairmont has four restaurants, three bars, and a cafe, as well as multiple pools, a gym, and a spa.
- Rosewood is an indulgent beachfront hotel set within a lush jungle. Its open-plan suites have their own private plunge pools and are equipped with Bose music systems and flatscreen televisions. A chic Italian restaurant serves breakfast, dinner can be enjoyed in the on-site sushi bar, and there’s 24-hour room service available should you prefer to dine in private. There are three outdoor pools to choose from, and kayaking and snorkeling are on offer.
- Banyan Tree offers sleek private villas that have plunge pools and terraces or gardens for total seclusion. The hotel’s decor has Asian and Mayan influences, and every space is carefully designed to exude sophistication. There’s a rooftop bar, a poolside bar, a Thai restaurant, and an Italian eatery. Plus, guests can make use of a golf course, tennis courts, yoga classes, spa facilities, kids’ clubs, and complimentary bike rentals.
Book Your Stay in Pretty Playa del Carmen
Each area of Playa del Carmen has something unique to offer. Which neighborhood do you plan to stay in when you next visit this beautiful region of Mexico?
