Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen Hotels

The bright, white sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen are cooled by the giant palm trees, and surrounded by miles of calm, turquoise waters, creating the ideal vacation spot for honeymooners, couples, and families. Away from the beaches, the lively city streets showcase many of the arts and crafts popular in Mexico, with colorful stalls and the spicy scent of Mexican cuisine wafting from each restaurant. At night, the city center becomes a lively playground for tourists, with the bars and nightclubs keeping the party going through the night.

Things to see

Playa del Carmen’s Main Beach is close to the ferry dock, and as you swim in the calm waters, you’ll see boats of all sizes floating out in the distance. The docks are surrounded by independent, local shops selling colorful souvenirs and hats, as well as food carts tempting tourists with cold drinks and ice creams. An all-day party paradise can be found at Mamitas Beach Club, which offers long, white sandy beaches with cabanas and parasols to relax under, beach waiters serving elaborate cocktails, and DJs spinning records to create the perfect party atmosphere. The Playacar resort in the south of the city is full of family-friendly hotels, many of which have private beaches lined with palm trees, with beach huts, bars, and other facilities that allow total relaxation. Just north of Playa del Carmen you’ll find Maroma Beach, a privately owned beach resort with straw huts set up along the white sand, and colorful windsurfs bobbing in the calm seas. If you ever manage to leave the beach, then Quinta Avenida is the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy some shopping. The streets are lined with white buildings full of shops selling tequila, locally made goods, and t-shirts. At night, the area is lit up with lanterns and the lively restaurants open their doors. You’ll see mariachi bands and other traditional entertainers roaming the streets as you sip a drink while sat outside a bar.

Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Luxury is the key trait many tourists look for when they travel in Playa del Carmen, and the hotels along the beachfront all compete to offer the most idyllic vacation possible. The 4 and 5 star resorts are often all-inclusive, with multiple dining options and bars perched on their private beaches. Elaborate outdoor pools with waterslides, spas, day and evening entertainment, and health clubs are often available in these resorts, and the air-conditioned rooms will often have extras such as balconies, safes, premium bedding, LCD televisions, jetted bathtubs, and complimentary bottled water. If you’re on a tight budget, head for one of the smaller boutique hotels in Playa del Carmen's city center, which will often give you a friendly welcome, with individually designed rooms, free WiFi, and currency exchanges.

Where to stay

Maroma is in the northern end of Playa del Carmen, and its white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, and lush greenery dotted with wildflowers have drawn many high-end, luxury resorts to the area. You’ll often see weddings taking place on the white sands, with the calm seas making an ideal background for photographs. Both couples and families will find resorts catering to their needs, many with private areas of beach covered in cabanas or beach huts to protect you from the sun. The clear seas also make it a great place for snorkeling, and just underneath the water you’ll find mischievous turtles hiding amongst the coral.

How to get to Playa del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo Airport is small and friendly, mostly welcoming private jets and smaller planes. Most international visitors arrive via Cancún International Airport, with rental cars and taxis available to take you to Playa del Carmen in 45 minutes. If you’ve booked a vacation package, then hotel transfers are often included, leaving from outside the vast terminal, or you can book one of the many private shuttles. Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal has ferry services once an hour to the nearby island of Cozumel, with the ride taking 45 minutes and some amazing coastal views to be enjoyed.