The Best Hotels In Playa del Carmen

Need to book a hotel Playa del Carmen and wondering where to stay in Playa del Carmen? The first thing you need to decide before booking Playa del Carmen hotels is what kind of vacation or experience you want here. As someone who lived in Playa del Carmen for almost 4 years the area you choose to stay in can make or break your vacation.

If you want to party then book a hotel Playa del Carmen in El Centro. If you want to want to spend a week sipping Mojitos on the beach then you probably want to avoid El Centro and choose one of the Playa del Carmen beach hotels or resorts.

Although Cancun does have the better beaches, I think the fact that you can easily walk everywhere in Playa del Carmen makes it a better option for many people. In this post, you will find the best Playa del Carmen resorts all located pretty centrally. I’ve only included 1 or 2 on the outskirts.

In this post, I have broken down everything you need to know to help you decide the best Playa del Carmen hotels for you including recommendations of Playa del Carmen hotels I know you will love.

QUICK TIP: Book your tours, rental cars, and transfers through my local contacts

I’ve been working with Living Dreams Mexico for years and they are who I send all my family and friends to when they visit the Riviera Maya. I really can recommend them enough for private tours and experiences. They have solid 5* reviews on Trip Advisor and Google from almost 4000 reviewers! You can view all their tours here.

If you’re looking for private airport transfers and rental cars then Vanessa and Oliver from Turismo Channel are personal friends of mine and I can 100% recommend them to make an inquiry click here and complete the form. Someone will be in touch within 24 hours.

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen

I lived in Playa del Carmen for some time, so although I haven’t stayed in many of these places myself, I have visited them all, and/ or I have friends who have stayed there and had great experiences. This list is, in my opinion, a list of the best Playa del Carmen hotels.

But first, let’s talk about the different areas to help you decide where to stay in Playa del Carmen. This will help you to narrow down your choices of Playa del Carmen hotels.

El Centro

If you decide to stay in El Centro you need to be careful of your location. Especially if you are booking an Airbnb or VRBO. As a general rule only book places between Juarez and CTM and on the beachside of the federal (or Avenida 50). I’m not saying you won’t be safe anywhere else because there are safe areas outside of the main downtown area. It is more convenient, especially for first-time visitors without a car.

The main avenue is 5th known as La Quinta and it is full of great restaurants, bars, and shopping. Aim for Playa del Carmen hotels and accommodations as close to here as you can so you can walk everywhere. Bikes are also cheap to hire and save walking in the heat. You will find plenty of accommodation choices in this main area so there is no real need to go outside of this.

Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress. 

Best Playa Del Carmen Tours: Click here to check out the top Playa Del Carmen tours
Best Playa Del Carmen Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Playa Del Carmen
Best Playa Del Carmen Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Playa Del Carmen

Playacar

Playacar is a huge gated community with some of the best resorts in Playa del Carmen. In Playacar, you will find everything from all inclusive Playa del Carmen adults only hotels to private condos and villas. Plus a rather huge golf course.

It is the main area for people traveling here on vacation who just want to spend a week or two in one of the Playa del Carmen luxury hotels. It is a very safe area and a popular choice for families as it has some of the best family resorts Playa del Carmen.

In Playacar, you will find everything you need, the beach, small shopping malls, and even some Mayan Ruins. Another reason why many people are attracted to Playacar is its greenery and quietness. You can hear the birds sing in the morning and see wild animals like raccoons, monkeys, iguanas, squirrels, and many more.

There is also a large ex-pat community that lives in this area. It feels more like a gated city it is so large! It is also located just to the south of downtown so you can easily access the 5th Avenue area. The only cons are if you are staying deeper in Playacar you may need to take a taxi and taxi drivers will charge extra to get into Playacar for both pickups and drop-offs.

Other gated communities in the wider Playa De Carmen area:

Tohoku

Right in the center, one of the oldest communities in Playa, therefore, some houses are a little rough on the edge but most of them have been renovated. Lovely, small, safe, and quiet area with a refreshing park in the middle that comes with a palapa that can be rented for events. The neighborhood is a pleasant mix of nationalities. It is close to restaurants, supermarkets, OXXO, laundry place, and the beach and 5th street are directly down the street, less than a 10 minutes walk away. It’s close to the higher-end tourist dining and bars as well as close to the local cuisine found on 30th Ave.

Real Ibiza

One of the most well-known gated communities outside of the center. A new, beautiful, quiet, and secure neighborhood with a swimming pool, sunbeds, green areas, and palapa for gatherings. Ideal for families, much cheaper than staying in the center, you can get an entire apartment for 800 pesos a night, it’s a bargain!

Oxxo is only a few steps away, supermarkets 2km away, 8 km to the ADO bus station, and a 10 min drive to the beach and 5th street. A taxi costs around 80 pesos to the center, public transportation leaves right outside, or the most comfortable way is to rent a car

Just be aware you are not going to be able to walk from there into the center, when staying here unless you are happy to take taxis.

Balam Tun

This was the area I stayed for a week when I first moved to Playa. It is a nice quiet area and the house I was in was inside a gated community and seemed very nice, if not a little run down. The beach is a short bike ride away and there is an OXXO close by. However, it is quite far away from downtown and a taxi will cost between 70-80 pesos. I would recommend hiring a car if you decide to stay here.

Two other communities that I can recommend are Selvanova and Bosque Real, being very similar to Real Ibiza, they are safe, quiet and also come with a swimming pool, green areas, and a palapa. Which makes these 3 neighborhoods the ideal place to stay if you are traveling with your family or with a group of friends.

Again, you not going to be able to walk from there into the center, so renting a car really is a must when staying here unless you are happy to take taxis.

Need to rent a car in Playa del Carmen?

Whenever I’m in Playa or Tulum, I always rent a car through the Turismo Channel, as they include everything in the quoted price. Car rental companies in Mexico are notoriously tricky to deal with, and nine times out of 10, they will quote you a low cost, but then when you get there, they add on all kinds of insurance and won’t give the car to you unless you pay up. It can also take weeks or even months to refund your deposit. I wrote a blog post here, which you can read for more information. If you want a quote to rent a car with the Turismo Channel, click here to complete the form.

The Best Time To Visit Playa del Carmen

Visiting Playa del Carmen is a wonderful experience, but timing is key to making the most of your trip. Based on my experiences and preferences, here’s my take on the best times to visit:

Best Weather (November – March): These months are ideal if you’re looking for comfortable temperatures and sunny days. The weather is just perfect for beach outings and exploring the town.

Crowds (November – January): Be mindful that this period can get quite crowded. It’s a popular time for tourists, so you might encounter busier beaches and longer waits at restaurants. Plus many restaurants and bars put up their prices during the high season and hotels are always more expensive during these months.

Optimal Time (February – April): In my opinion, this is the best window to visit Playa del Carmen. You get the benefit of great weather with slightly fewer tourists compared to the year-end rush.

Rising Heat (May): Starting in May, the heat begins to ramp up. I found it almost unbearable to walk even short distances during these times – it’s like you’re melting!

Summer Months (May-August): I’d advise against visiting in these months. The heat can be intense, and it can detract from the overall enjoyment of outdoor activities.

Pleasant September: After the peak summer heat, September can be quite nice. It’s a bit of a transition period with milder weather, making it a good time to visit.

Rainy October: October tends to be very rainy. Based on my experience, it can dampen outdoor activities, so you might want to avoid this month.

Hurricane Season: Also, keep in mind that hurricane season is a real concern. I personally experienced three hurricanes in a single year (2020), so it’s something to consider seriously when planning your trip. Hurricane season in Playa del Carmen, as in the broader Caribbean region, typically runs from June to November. During this period, the risk of hurricanes is at its highest. However, it’s worth noting that the peak of the season, when the likelihood of hurricanes is greatest, usually occurs from August through October. But it can also slip over into November.

Sargassum Season? Sargassum, the seaweed that occasionally washes up on the shores of Playa del Carmen and other parts of the Caribbean, typically has its season from April to August, though it can sometimes extend into September. The amount and impact of sargassum can vary greatly from year to year and even within the season, making it somewhat unpredictable.

During this period, you might find beaches with significant amounts of seaweed, which can affect swimming and beach activities. However, many resorts and local authorities actively work to clean the beaches, and there are often plenty of seaweed-free spots to enjoy.

It’s a good idea to check recent reports or contact your accommodation for the current situation if you’re planning a trip to Playa del Carmen during these months. I lived there during some of the worst bouts of sargassum they have ever had and I can tell you its no fun! It stinks and it’s super ugly. But you can’t predict it sadly and in my opinion, it’s still worth visiting.

Best Airbnb’s in Playa del Carmen

As of 31st March 2021 sadly Airbnb has shut down its affiliate program. This came as a bit blow to content creators like me as we had put a lot of work into reviewing and promoting the best Airbnb’s on our blogs and social media to help our followers find the best accommodation while traveling. It’s through these affiliate programs that we are able to create content on our websites and offer it to you for free as we are compensated by the companies you book with. It is, for this reason, I am no longer promoting Airbnb on this blog. Where possible I have swapped the links so you can book on VRBO or booking.com. I hope you understand. Claire x

Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?

The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies. 

Studios to rent in Playa del Carmen

Budget Friendly 1 Bedroom in the Heart of Playa del Carmen by BRIC Vacations – Situated in the fashionable northern part of town, recognized as Playa’s Little Italy, this cozy one-bedroom condo offers a convenient location. With just a two-minute stroll to Fifth Avenue, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds that have established Playa del Carmen as a beloved international destination.

Stunning Studio Close To The Beach In Playa del Carmen – If you have a little more to spend and want something a little more upmarket then this studio is perfect. Again, it’s in a great location super close to the beach and just a touch north of CTM. 

Best Playa del Carmen Airbnb

3BR Penthouse w/ Terrace, Office, Family Amenities – Located just 5 blocks from the beach and 5th Ave, this newly renovated 3 bedroom penthouse is everything you could ask for! You can enjoy sunny afternoons relaxing on the poolside, then dine al fresco in the private rooftop terrace. This place is definitely kids friendly and suitable for digital nomads.

Vintage Charm Apartment in El Centro Playa del Carmen – If you are looking for accommodation in Playa del Carmen for a small group this is a great choice. It sleeps up to 6 people, the area is great, and I’m obsessed with the decor, especially the kitchen diner! Oh, and it has a pool. There are only 2 bedrooms though so better for 2-4 people comfortably. 

Oceanfront Condo with Sea Views – If you are looking for a condo with lots of space and ocean views this is my top pick. I love the layout, the full kitchen, and the outdoor space with BBQ. If you are spending 2 weeks or longer here then this Playa del Carmen condo is a great choice so you can be totally self-sufficient. 

Luxury 4 Bedroom In The Heart Of Downtown Playa – This centrally located neighborhood offers the perfect blend of convenience and leisure. With Cancun International Airport just a 45-minute drive away, accessibility is key. Enjoy a mere one-minute walk to the pristine beach, and for everyday needs, a grocery store is within a five-minute stroll.

The Digital Nomad Pad (Strong WiFi) – Right in the center of Playa here you are close to everything. You have a supermarket close by but still just a short walk to La Quinta and the beach. The real selling point for this place is the fast WiFi and chic decor. Great for Digital Nomads needing to get some work done.

Quick Tip: View my full Playa Del Carmen packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Playa Del Carmen Essentials shopping list here.

Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen

The number 1 rated Hotel Playa del Carmen

Fairmont Mayakoba

This is one of the best Playa del Carmen luxury hotels, well actually it is rated as THE best. It is a 5* resort in Playa del Carmen with prices starting at $401 per night. They offer an all-inclusive option which is probably worth taking.

The resort is located just outside Playa del Carmen (about 15 minutes in a taxi to downtown) next to a golf course. There are five swimming pools, a huge spa, restaurants, and bars for you to enjoy on-site. They offer enough entertainment and activities that you could quite happily never leave the resort at all during your stay.

If you are looking for the best Playa del Carmen all inclusive then this is probably it!

Booking.com rating 8.9
Tripadvisor rating 4.5

Top Playa del Carmen Luxury Hotels

There are many Playa del Carmen luxury hotels for you to choose from. If there is one thing the Riviera Maya does well it is luxury resorts!

Here are my top picks for the best Playa del Carmen resorts:

Mahekal Beach Resort

If you are looking for one of the best Playa del Carmen resorts in the downtown area this is a perfect choice. It is located in the heart of Playa del Carmen so you have easy access to the main shopping and nightlife areas while still getting to enjoy a stay in luxury.

Located right on the beach making it one of the few luxury Playa del Carmen hotels on beach not in Playacar. There are two outdoor pools, daily yoga classes, and even an on-site scuba diving center.

Booking.com rating 8.9
Tripadvisor rating 4.5

Other hotels worth mentioning are:

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort 

Top Playa del Carmen Beach Hotels

Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen Adults Only All Inclusive

This is my first option if you are searching for all-inclusive Playa del Carmen beach hotels on the

affordable end. You could chill by the pool with a tasty cocktail or walk to the beach which is right in front of the hotel. It is located in the main downtown area so everything you need is a short walk away.

It is located in the main downtown area so everything you need is a short walk away.

Booking.com rating 8.5
Tripadvisor rating 4.5

Thompson Playa del Carmen / Thompson Beach house

This hotel is actually opposite to The Carmen (another of the hotels on the beach in Playa del Carmen I love but unfortunately, it is not listed on Booking.com anymore). It has for me a more mature vibe than The Carmen so if rooftop yoga is more your thing that rooftop pool parties then this is a great option.

They have a much nicer beach area than The Carmen and they have a small pool that guests can enjoy. I love the bar area here, although it is pretty pricey so be sure to check the specials or take advantage of their happy hour!

Booking.com rating 8.6
Tripadvisor rating 4.5

Playa del Carmen Best Resorts and all inclusive hotels

Hilton Playa del Carmen, all-inclusive Resort

If you are looking for a luxury ALL Inclusive resort in the center of Playa Del Carmen the Hilton is an excellent choice. A luxurious, adults only, all-inclusive beachfront resort that offers exceptional service, first-class amenities, and endless activities and entertainment. You can enjoy all-suite accommodations, endless food and beverage options and extensive amenities, it is ideal for couples, incentive trips and wedding parties.

Located on the beach, but only a short walk away from the famous 5th street, it comes with its own daylight club Coralina, a luxurious spa, an Olympic-sized pool, a fitness center, a tennis court, fun water activities and classes.

What else could you wish for?

Booking.com rating 8.7
Tripadvisor rating 4.5

Best Family Resorts Playa del Carmen

If you are coming to Playa del Carmen and prefer to stay at one of the best family resorts Playa del Carmen then you are going to be spoilt for choice. I’ve done a lot of research on this and asked around a lot. The one that comes up on top for me is:

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

The resort offers the complimentary Grand Velas Kids’ Club for children ages 4 to 12 and the Grand Velas Teens’ Club for guests ages 13 to 18. Both programs host a variety of age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, movies and video games. There’s also a dedicated Baby Concierge to assist with baby-focused necessities and recommendations, including a “baby’s first haircut” service.

Booking.com rating 9.7
Tripadvisor rating 4.5

Top Boutique Hotels Playa del Carmen

In Playa del Carmen boutique hotels are on every corner! It seems like a new one pops up every month. Although I must admit I have stayed in a few claiming to be boutique hotels Playa del Carmena nd they most definitely were not!

So, if you are looking for Boutique hotels Playa del Carmen these are the ones I recommend.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Situated 10 km from downtown Playa del Carmen, this opulent 5-star resort boasts lavish villas, each with a private pool and well-manicured garden. Featuring 11 specialty restaurants offering international cuisine and 3 bars, Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Riviera Maya ensures a culinary delight.

The resort also houses Banyan Tree Spa, a comprehensive wellness sanctuary offering massages and body treatments.

Booking.com rating 8.7
Tripadvisor rating 5

Other Playa Del Carmen boutique hotels worth mentioning are:

Newport House Playa Boutique Hotel, Magic Blue Boutique Hotel

Apartments in Central Playa Del Carmen

Magia By Riviera Rentals

Although you will find plenty of choices on Airbnb (I have added a few recommendations below) these apartments are a great option if you prefer an apartment to a hotel. The main benefits are being able to cook for yourself and having more space than you would in a hotel.

The apartments are very close to the ADO bus station, the beach, and 5th Avenue, making the location perfect. There is a pool, rooftop area and the rooms all come well equipped.

Booking.com rating 8.9
Tripadvisor rating 4.5

Top Hotels in Playa Del Carmen

The Fives

If you are looking for budget hotels Playa Del Carmen you will find plenty of choices! My personal favorite is The Fives. Expect to pay about $100 per night here, worth every penny though when you see it! It may not be located on the beach but the view from the rooftop bar and pool make it totally worth the 5 min walk to the beach.

If you want to be in the heart of downtown Playa del Carmen and live the good life, stay here!

Note: The fives have hotels on the beach in Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos too. But the one in Playa del Carmen is out towards Balam Tum. My cousin actually stayed there with her family and LOVED it! Its Called the Fives Beach.

Booking.com rating 8.7
Tripadvisor rating 4.5

Other hotels worth mentioning are:

Hotel 52 Playa del Carmen

Playacar Resorts, Hotels, and other Accommodation

Looking specifically for Playacar resorts? Many people, especially first-time visitors, prefer to stay in Playacar as they feel safer there. It is a gated community so it is very safe, however having lived in Playa del Carmen for some time now it is a safe place for tourists, just to put your mind at ease!

But if you are just looking specifically for Playacar hotels then here is my list of the best hotels in Playacar:

Lich Naj Luxury Villa

Ok, this isn’t a hotel, but if you ask me it is better! If I had to spend a week in Playacar I would 100% be spending it here with a few friends. The location is great as it is a short 15 minutes walk to the 5th street, so it will save you having to take taxis everywhere and you have a private beach area. I often walk past this place and I always want to stay here.

It sleeps 10 people and it is around $500 per night, making it very affordable if you have a large group.

Casa Almendra

This is another great option if you prefer the security of being in Playacar but still want to be within walking distance of El Centro, a 20-minute walk to the 5th street. This Playacar hotel is surrounded by greenery and just a few meters from the beach.

Allegro Playacar All-Inclusive Resort

Looking for an all-inclusive resort in Playacar. This one is my personal favorite and is hands down one of the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen! It has a private beach area with 3 outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a spa. What I love is that the accommodation is in Polynesian-style bungalows and they have 4 restaurants, 4 bars and 1 disco with a bar so you could quite happily just chill here for a week without ever having to leave.

Booking.com rating 8.2
Tripadvisor rating 4

Best Hostels in Playa del Carmen

All of the above out of your budget? No problem, you need a Playa del Carmen hostel! There is plenty of choices if you want a bed for a few nights here but these three hostels are ones I can personally recommend. They all have a great vibe, are super social, and have good facilities.

Che Playa Hostel & Bar

If you want a party hostel in Playa del Carmen this is my number 1 choice. For backpackers and budget travelers its one of the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen.

If you are a solo traveler it is a very sociable hostel with something happening every day you can join in with.

Wabi Hostel

This is not a fancy hostel nor does it have a pool but the staff are super friendly and there is always some kind of party or activity happening. They also offer organized tours and have a kitchen guests can use!

Booking.com rating 8
Tripadvisor rating 4.5

Selina Playa Del Carmen

If you are a Digital Nomad you will already be familiar with Selina I’m sure. They are a popular chain of hostels offering co-working spaces perfect for Digital Nomads. The Selina in Playa is in a great location on Calle 2 just off 5th Avenue and they have a great space including a swimming pool, bar and or course co-working office space.

There is always some kind of event, party or local market happening here and it is somewhere I visit on a weekly basis. It is a little bit more expensive than the other two hostels, but worth it if you need to work remotely while in Playa.

Booking.com rating 8.5
Tripadvisor rating 4

Other hotels in Playa Del Carmen worth mentioning are:

The Green Village Boutique Hotel

Quick Tip: I highly recommend booking all of your Mexico transportation with GottoGo. You can search for buses, shuttles, ferries, and Flights on their website. What I love most about them is their customer service. I know these guys personally from living in Guatemala, and they look after their customers.

If anything happens and you get delayed and miss your bus, you can just call them, and they are always there to help. If you book through them, you will pay a little more than booking in person at the bus station. But it’s worth it for the ease and security. Click here to search for transportation in Mexico.

Playa Del Carmen Travel Guide Planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Playa Del Carmen?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Playa Del Carmen which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Playa Del Carmen on Amazon here.

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Playa Del Carmen?

I strongly recommend using GottoGo. You can book almost all transport in the major Mexican tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Playa Del Carmen?

I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a  lot of options available!

If you are traveling from Playa del Carmen then I recommend booking through my friend Vanessa at Turismo Channel. You can check out their tours by clicking here and using the following discount codes for the best prices clairecaroff (car rental), claire10off (for 10% off group tours), claireprivate (for a discount on private tours). You can also send her a WhatsApp message quoting the above codes to receive the discount.

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack. 

Final Thoughts

I love Playa del Carmen and can’t recommend it enough as a place to vacation or even live. It is much smaller than Cancun but bigger than Tulum. The vibe in all three places is so different. But for me here in Playa you can strike a happy medium. I hope you have found my Playa del Carmen best places to stay post useful and I hope I have helped you to find the perfect place to stay at.