20 Best Playa del Carmen Hotels & Resorts (for 2023)

Playa del Carmen is my favorite place to stay in the Riviera Maya, in large part because there are literally hundreds of excellent resorts and hotels in Playa del Carmen to choose from. Whether you’re searching for 5 star luxury resorts on the beach or budget boutiques, you’ll have plenty of options.

But, with so many choices, how do you know which are the best hotels in Playa del Carmen? 

Well, never fear because my partner Clara and I are here to help! We quite literally have made it our jobs to personally visit, rate, and rank different hotels all around Mexico and the world. 

Our mega guides, like our articles on the best hotels in Tulum and in Valladolid, have already helped over 1 million travelers enjoy the best of Mexico. Now, after months of research all summer, we’re super excited to share our list of the 20 absolute best Playa del Carmen hotels!

👉 Summary of Our Top Playa del Carmen Hotels:

• Best Luxury Resort: Banyan Tree Mayakoba
• Best Downtown Hotel: Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
• Best Playacar Resort: Hotel Riu Yucatan
• Best Budget Boutique: Hotel Lunata

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20 Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Best luxury beach resort in Playa del Carmen.

Luxury travelers looking for the absolute best beachfront resort in Playa del Carmen should look no further than the fantastic Banyan Tree Mayakoba ecoresort. Clara and I review luxury properties all around the world, and the Banyan Tree is quite honestly the best we’ve seen anywhere.

The spacious rooms, which are decorated with a hybrid of Asian and Mayan art, are noticeably larger than anything else in Playa del Carmen. Plus, they are filled with thoughtful details and 5 star amenities. 

The property features a spectacularly clean private beach, several world class restaurants, a Thai spa, and a golf course that hosts a PGA event. It’s situated away from the Playa del Carmen’s bustle, and so feels more like staying in a tranquil nature retreat. 

The resort is enormous, but Banyan provides bicycles, golf carts, and even boats to help you navigate it. Plus, if you ever need anything, you can just ask a staff member. The quality of service here is unparalleled in the Riviera Maya. 

The bottom line? If you can swing it, your best bet is to just book at the Banyan Tree and get on with planning your trip to Playa del Carmen.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 877 3699 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Banyan Tree Mayakoba on Booking

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen

Best luxury resort in central Playa del Carmen.

You won’t find a better mix of luxury and location than the gigantic Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. This fantastic property is located right on the beach, in the center of town. 

The beachfront executive suites are absolutely stunning, featuring private plunge pools on balconies overlooking the Caribbean. But even the interior standard rooms are large and comfortable. For a unique treat, try to book one of the swim up rooms! 

One of my favorite things about this downtown Playa del Carmen hotel is that there is a private centoe spa right in the middle of the hotel. Guests also love the large gym, several restaurants, multiple infinity pools overlooking the ocean, and several fantastic art installations scattered across the grounds. 

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 875 1234 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen on Booking

Hotel Riu Yucatan

Best all inclusive resort in Playacar.

If you’re looking for a classic beach resort vacation, you might want to consider staying in Playacar – the gated community just south of downtown Playa del Carmen, offering several beach resorts along its stunning strip of sand. 

If we had to pick one Playacar resort to consider, we’d pick the beautiful and friendly Hotel Riu Yucatan. This is one of several Riu properties in Playacar, and like the others offers several gigantic pools (including one with a swim up bar) plus a huge stretch of beachfront with loungers. 

Besides the tasty food and comfortable facilities, what really makes the Hotel Riu Yucatan stand out is the incredible staff. They are some of the most helpful we’ve ever encountered in years of staying at and reviewing the best hotels around the world. 

In terms of price, this is also about as affordable as it gets for an all-inclusive resort in Playacar. That does mean the rooms are a tad smaller, but who stays all vacation in their room anyway? For families looking for an affordable beachfront resort, the Hotel Riu Yucatan is just perfect!

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 877 2050 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Hotel Riu Yucatan on Tripadvisor

Playacar Palace

All inclusive family resort in Playacar.

Playacar Palace is one of the most iconic Playa del Carmen hotels. It’s located right next to the Cozumel ferry pier, and is the closest of the Playacar resorts to downtown Playa del Carmen. So it’s a great choice if you’re looking for the amenities of an all-inclusive resort along the famous Playacar beach, but still want to be within walking distance to Playa del Carmen’s famous nightlife. 

The 201 suites are decked out with amenities like whirlpool tubs and feature around-the-clock room service. Guests also love the enormous pool facing the beach, plus the next-door animal reserve where you can spot local wildlife like coatis. Oh, by the way, this is one of the few pet-friendly hotels along Playacar beach.

If you want all the benefits of an all inclusive beachside retreat, but can’t bear to be more than walking distance away from the center of the action, then Playacar Palace is definitely among the Playa del Carmen hotels you should consider.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +1 800-943-5032 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Playacar Palace on Booking

Quinta Margarita Boho Chic Hotel

Best boutique hotel in Playa del Carmen.

If you want the comfort and convenience of a hotel, but the facilities of an apartment rental, then check out the suites at Hotel Quinta Margarita. Even the smaller rooms come with mini kitchenettes, while the larger suites offer a complete apartment style experience. And all for a decent price, with nightly rates starting at around $50 per night. 

Quinta Margarita offers clean rooms, large comfortable beds, good free wifi, and a central location just steps from 5th Avenue but a slightly quieter corner near the deportivo (where you can go for a run on the public track). Oh, and the rooftop pool is just sublime! 

This is one of the best Playa del Carmen hotels if you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay on a mid-range budget. Perfect for remote workers, digital nomads, families, and couples.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 593 4196 | $ | 👉 Check Prices for Quinta Margarita Boho Chic Hotel on Booking

Thompson Main House

Best hotel in Playa del Carmen for nightlife.

For couples, groups, or single travelers looking to get their party on, there is no classier hotel in Playa del Carmen than the stunning and centrally-located Thompson Main House. 

The star attraction here is the mind-blowing rooftop infinity pool, which stretches the length of an entire city block. On the weekends, the Thompson rooftop is the place to see and be scene, with DJs spinning up tunes while the jetsetter crowd sips on craft cocktails and dances by the pool.

The Thompson’s rooms are modern, comfortable, and located just steps from iconic nightlife spots like Coco Bongo. This is one of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen if you are looking for a high class, but high energy, experience. 

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 206 4800 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Thompson Playa del Carmenon Booking

Thompson Beach House

Best boutique hotel on Playa del Carmen beach.

If you are attracted to the Thompson, but would prefer a beachfront hotel in Playa del Carmen, then check out the Thompson Beach House. This gorgeous boutique hotel has one of the most central locations right in the middle of the Playa del Carmen’s best beaches, but with a private pool and lounge area that makes for a perfect serene retreat. 

Several of the 27 rooms offer oceanfront views, many have soaking tubs, and all are beautifully furnished in a modern style. Even if you don’t stay here, you should come for al fresco dining at C-Grill, the hotel’s world class oceanfront restaurant. Oh, and if you have furry ones, this is one of the best pet friendly hotels in Playa del Carmen.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 206 4800 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Thompson Beach House on Booking

Chablé Maroma

5 star luxury wellness resort on the beach.

One of the newest luxury resorts in Playa del Carmen, Chablé Maroma is one of the most talked-about five star hotels on the beach in Playa del Carmen. All of the 70 suites include private terraces and private pools. 

The on-site spa offers a variety of Mayan-inspired treatments, plus the property offers a activities like sunrise yoga, meditation classes, paddle boarding, and jungle tours. With a focus on sustainability and luxury, this is one of the best luxury hotels in Playa del Carmen for honeymooners or anyone looking for a romantic beach retreat along the Caribbean sea.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 998 387 0044 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Chablé Maroma on Booking

Palmaïa – The House of AïA

Luxury all inclusive beach resort.

Just recently opened last year, Palmaïa – The House of AïA is an enormous luxury resort with a gorgeous private white sand beach. The boho chic style is reminiscent of some of our favorite boutique hotels in Tulum. If you’re looking for a Tulum-style “back to nature” retreat, and are looking for an all inclusive experience where you never need to leave the hotel, then the Palmaïa might be your perfect option. 

The resort features a private cenote, a traditional temazcal, and several beachfront dining options. Oh, and if you love pools, be sure to book one of the swim up suites! 

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 877 3380 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Palmaïa – The House of AïA on Booking

Hotel Lunata

Best budget boutique hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen

Hotel Lunata is the perfect choice if you are looking for a boutique hotel in Playa del Carmen that is just steps from the beach, on La Quinta (5th Avenue), all while offering clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. 

This is one of our favorite budget-oriented boutique hotels in Playa del Carmen. It’s decorated with authentic Mayan art, many rooms offer private balconies overlooking a lush green courtyard, and the hotel’s staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating. If you don’t mind not having a pool, but want to be close to the beach, Hotel Lunata is a great choice!

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 873 0884 | $ | 👉 Check Prices for Hotel Lunata on Booking

Secrets Maroma

Best adults-only luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen.

Secrets Maroma is an enormous high end resort catering to adults looking to escape into a  one-of-a-kind luxury beach experience. Covering more than 500 acres along one of the most pristine white sand beaches in Mexico, Secrets Maroma is an adults-only resort that is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. 

Located north of the city at Punta Maroma, you’ll never really need to leave this all inclusive hotel. Secrets Maroma features 13 outdoor pools, 7 restaurants, a coffee shop, and loads of activities like yoga and scuba diving. 

Overall, Secrets Maroma is the perfect hotel for honeymooners or couples looking for a luxury romantic getaways in Playa del Carmen.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 877 3641 | $$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Secrets Maroma on Booking

El Dorado Royale

Luxury adults-only spa resort.

This is one of the few Playa del Carmen resorts we haven’t yet had the chance to visit. But, because of its incredible guest reviews, we’re still including the El Dorado Royale on our list of the best resorts in Playa del Carmen. 

What’s really incredible about this adults-only property is that you can book a swim-up suite with a private terrace that connects to the resort’s lazy river. It is located pretty far from Playa del Carmen (past the Mayakoba resort complex and halfway to Puerto Morelos), but could be a unique choice if you’re looking for an adults-only experience and you don’t plan to leave the resort.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8030 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for El Dorado Royale on Tripadvisor

👉 Read Next: The Best Excursions from Playa del Carmen

Hotel LunaSol

Best budget hotel with pool.

While there are many cheap hotels in Playa del Carmen that cater to the budget travel crowd, few are all around perfect as the Hotel LunaSol. This three star hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen wins rave guest reviews for its wonderful location in the city center, its stunning huge pool featuring a jacuzzi, and its clean and comfortable rooms. 

The property offers rooms with amenities you’d usually expect in higher priced hotels in Playa del Carmen, like private balconies, kitchenettes, and massage and spa services. And with one of the more relatively quiet locations in central Playa del Carmen, this is definitely the place to stay if you’re on a budget but want a super convenient location right in the middle of it all.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 873 3933 | $ | 👉 Check Prices for Hotel LunaSol on Booking

Hilton Playa del Carmen

All inclusive adults only beachfront resort.

One of the largest hotels in Playa del Carmen, the Hilton has a privileged location right next to the main pier along Playa del Carmen’s beach. It’s one of the more popular all inclusive resorts for those looking for an “adults only” policy. 

Note that although it does offer direct beach access, the location right next to the pier means its not the best area for swimming. Never worry, though, as you can always swim in its fantastic pool!

Overall, the Hilton is one of the best Playa del Carmen hotels if you’re looking for an adults-only resort experience but still want to be walking distance to the city’s famous restaurant and nightlife scene. 

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 877 2900 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Hilton Playa del Carmen on Booking

Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen

Beachfront all-inclusive family hotel.

Right across the street from the Hilton is Panama Jacks, another one of the top all inclusive hotels in Playa del Carmen. Guest reviews rave about the pool overlooking the beach, the fun vibe at the property’s beach club, and the balconies (some of which offer sweeping ocean views). Drop your kids at Camp Jack Kids Club, try a soak in the rooftop hot tub, and then grab a cocktail and a lounger overlooking the Caribbean sea. 

Overall, Panama Jacks is one of the best hotels for families looking for an all inclusive hotel just steps away from Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 873 4000 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen on Booking

👉 Read Next: The Best Places to Stay in Tulum, Mexico

Hotel HM

Best mid-range hotel in downtown Playa del Carmen.

We recently spent three months living next door to the Hotel HM, and I can verify that this is one of the best Playa del Carmen hotels in terms of location. A few blocks away you’ll find Fifth Avenue. A couple more blocks past that, you’ll run straight into the city’s famous beaches along the Caribbean Sea.

But Hotel HM is located just far enough away from the action that it’s still relatively quiet. Inside the property, you’ll find a fantastic pool and a restaurant serving up some of the best breakfast in Playa del Carmen. If you just want a clean, comfortable, and well located hotel in Playa del Carmen, check out Hotel HM. 

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +34 871 719 138 | $ | 👉 Check Prices for Hotel HM Playa del Carmen on Booking

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Budget hotel in central Playa del Carmen.

Sure, the Holiday Inn Express might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of Playa del Carmen hotels, but this is actually one of the more impressive properties in town. First off, the Holiday Inn Express is located just a couple blocks from Fifth Avenue and the beach, but in a slightly quieter part of town. 

The spacious suites earn solid guest reviews. Reviewers also love the fitness center, the free parking, the low average nightly price, and the continental breakfast. If you want a safe and comfortable place to stay, and don’t need all the amenities of a 5 star luxury resort, then this just might be the best Playa del Carmen hotel for you!

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 257 1000 | $ | 👉 Check Prices for Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Booking

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows El Dorado Maroma

Only overwater bungalows in Mexico.

If you want a Maldives-style overwater bungalow experience, then the only place you will find that in Mexico is at the Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma. 

With private infinity pools, full butler service, glass-bottom floors, and outdoor showers, these 30 bungalows are some of the most unique luxury hotel rooms in the Riviera Maya. They book up quickly though!

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 206 3470 | $$$$ | 👉 Check Prices for Palafitos Overwater Bungalows on Booking

Reina Roja

Sexiest hotel in Playa del Carmen.

With its sexy design and unique exterior, Reina Roja is definitely one of the most unique hotels in Playa del Carmen. This boutique hotel located just a block away from La Quinta, but in a relatively quieter part of Playa del Carmen.

The sexy red interior of Reina Roja is really the star attraction here. Everything from the modern art to the color palette choices just screams sensuality, making this one of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen for younger couples or singles looking for a memorable trip.

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 877 3800 | $ | 👉 Check Prices for Reina Roja Hotel on Booking

Fiesta Inn Playa del Carmen

Mid range hotel with rooftop pool.

Fiesta Inn is one of the larger hotel chains in Mexico, and so we were pretty excited to visit their Playa del Carmen property. Indeed, the rooftop pool at the Fiesta Inn is pretty spectacular, and the rooms are clean, modern, and comfortable. 

Clara did find the staff here to be pretty unhelpful and, at times, downright rude. While the property itself is wonderful, we can’t put the Fiesta Inn higher on our list of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen considering how the service level compares to the many other wonderful Playa del Carmen hotels on this list. 

Hotel Website | Hotel phone: +52 984 206 5200 | $$ | 👉 Check Prices for Fiesta Inn Playa del Carmen on Booking

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Answers to FAQs About Choosing Playa del Carmen Accommodation

👉 Headed to Mexico City? Don’t miss our roundup of the best hotels in CDMX.

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That’s it for this guide to the best Playa del Carmen hotels, resorts, and boutiques. I hope we’ve helped you get one step closer to sorting out your accommodation.

Before you go, be sure to check out our mega Playa de Carmen travel guide for more tips on what to do, where to eat, and how to travel Playa del Carmen like a pro.