Now You Know Where To Stay In Playa Del Carmen
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing places to stay in Playa del Carmen. Whether youre looking for a boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, an all-inclusive resort on the beach, or even a unique glamping experience, you can find it here.
Wherever you decide to stay in Playa del Carmen, be sure to get out of your hotel and explore the town a bit. Take a walk on La Quinta, hit the beach, eat some street tacos, watch the performances in the park, and enjoy all that this fun town has to offer.
Have you been to Playa del Carmen and have a good hotel recommendation? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Staying At Paradisus Hotel Complex
This large resort complex is beautiful inside and one of the closer resorts to the center of Playa Del Carmen. But if you think you can walk into town when you want, you should know it is a long walk and not through the nicest neighborhood. The surrounding area is a poor area with no tourist attractions. We would describe this as the kings court on the inside and the paupers village outside. The contrast is striking.
The beach is located between two public beach access points. The hotel staff watches the beach and discouraged locals from using it, but all beaches in Mexico are public.
Inside the property there are nice pools and very good restaurants.
Selina Playa Del Carmen
If you are a Digital Nomad you will already be familiar with Selina Im 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
The Green Village Boutique Hotel, Hostel la Isla Playa, Izsla Hostel
Recommended Reading: Places To Stay In Mauston Wi
Exchanging Money In Playa Del Carmen
If you are staying at an all inclusive resort then there is very little need to exchange money except for some tips and souvenirs if you like. Most places on the resort property or nearby will accept USD and maybe Euros. You can use your ATM card to take out pesos so you have some spending money while on vacation and you dont really have to worry about the exchange rate. For a small amount of money it does not really matter.
If you are going to be staying at a non inclusive hotel and eating out, shopping and doing activities, it is best to exchange money. You will make it easier for local merchants to deal with pesos and it will cost you less. Places that accept dollars will do it at a worse rate then you can get at the ATM. For example, now many places will take dollars at a rate of 11 15 pesos to the dollar. The official rate you can exchange in the street and at an ATM is about 1.0 less then the office rate. This might not seem like much but if you spend a large amount of money, every % of cost for exchanging can eat into your purchasing power.
The best way to exchange is simply the ATM. You will get a better rate then the Casa De Cambios on the street that exchange money. Banks in Playa Del Carmen can exchange money but it is really just for customers of the bank and you should just use a secure ATM or the small exchange booths located all over 5th Avenue.
For more about exchanging money in Playa Del Carmen you can read out article here.
Recommended Hotels In This Area
Magic Blue is an urban oasis. This is a small hotel with nice garden and pool just steps from 5th Avenue. Cache Hotel is modern hotel just two blocks off 5th Avenue. It is quiet and has a pool. This would also be the cheapest of the three options here. HM Playa Del Carmen is just on the edge of this zone and a newly renovated hotel. It is stylish with pool in the courtyard. It is very central and everything is at your door. We are impressed with how they turned this hotel around.
Read Also: Which Neighborhood To Stay In San Diego
Centro Downtown Playa Del Carmen
Careful urban planning of Playa del Carmen has thoroughly transformed the city center of this coastal resort. The Centro district runs from the highway that connects Cancun with Tulum all the way to the beach, and it is neatly arranged into streets and avenues shaped around rectangular blocks.
There is a small regional airport in the southwest corner of the district, but it has not been developed into a major transportation hub, which means that you can stay in this part of town without being awakened by heavy flight traffic.
Even though the numbering of avenues from the beach until the highway goes from Fifth Avenue, which runs parallel to the coast, all the way to 50th Avenue near the highway, there are only 10 city blocks to the entire district.
When you stay in Playa del Carmen in Centro, you will never be far from Playa Caribe, the main tourist beach, and you will always be within walking distance of North American comforts such as stores, boutiques, bars, fast-food restaurants, banks, and more.
Downtown Playa del Carmen is where you will find the greatest diversity of lodging and accommodations. Small beach hotels compete against luxury chains closer to the beach, but the real bargains can be found along 30th Avenue and its surroundings.
This is where you can find modern hostels for backpackers traveling on a budget, but you can actually find a comfortable, colonial-style inn for just a few more dollars per night.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN DOWNTOWN
Where To Stay In Playa Del Carmen: Best Areas To Stay In Playa Del Carmen
By virtue of being located in a slightly mountainous region with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounded by thick forests, many tourists think of Playa del Carmen as being a large place however, it is actually less than a quarter the size of Cozumel.
Virtually all the areas areas to stay in Playa del Carmen are of recent construction, and they have been strategically developed to combine the ambiances of Caribbean and Mediterranean resorts.
There are five main areas to stay in Playa del Carmen:
Read Also: Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Phoenix Arizona
Where Is Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is in Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula. It is just south of Cancun on the stretch of beautiful coast called the Riviera Maya. Playa Del Carmen looks out on the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Playa Del Carmen is about 45 minutes from the Cancun Airport and 40 minutes north of Tulum, Mexico.
Do I Need To Speak Spanish In Playa Del Carmen
No, but it is nice to speak some, but not necessary. Since Playa Del Carmen is very international, English is the common language. Most people at hotel front desk, shops and restaurants in tourist areas all speak Spanish and English and maybe even some other languages. For more about visiting and speaking see our article on Spanish.
Recommended Reading: Places To Stay In Disney Florida
Hotel Esencia South Riviera Maya
Elegant boutique hotel on a gentle beach with two pools, generous suite options, a Maya-inspired spa. Suites and villas for up to nine can include soaking tubs, plunge pools, or full-sized pools. Babysitting and family activities are offered onsite. Restaurants feature fresh, local, seasonal ingredients in a range of cuisines. Located in South Riviera Maya , halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.Hotel phone: +52 984 873 4830
Best Hotel In Playacar: Paseo Del Sol Condominios
This property is ideally located in Playacar, the best neighbourhood to stay in Playa del Carmen for families. It is close to popular tourist attractions, restaurants and shops. This stunning four-star property has an outdoor pool, a private beach, tennis courses and a rooftop terrace.
Also Check: Places To Stay In Hill City Sd
Playacar Where To Stay In Playa Del Carmen For Families
Playacar is a large and luxurious neighbourhood south of the city centre. It is best known for its glamorous resorts and vacation condos, as well as its stunning beach and natural surroundings.
This neighbourhood is our pick for where to stay in Playa del Carmen for families because it is close to excellent tourist attractions, like the Xaman-Ha ruins, a cluster of ancient Mayan buildings.
The beach at Playacar also cant be missed. Its floury golden sand is perfect for sunbathing and playing, and its clear and calm azure waters are safe for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Jose Ignacio Soto
Best Resorts In Playa Del Carmen
Sunny, white-sand beaches and the endless sight of the ocean are two of the main things people love when it comes to a vacation. Playa del Carmen is in not short supply of both those things. Located along the coast of the Caribbean Sea, Playa del Carmen is a city in Solidaridad in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Popular for tourists, Playa del Carmen is the one of the most perfect places to go when youre craving a few days in the sun, with beaches and the ocean at your disposal.
Not to mention the authentic Mexican culture. Due to its location, Playa del Carmen is known for its hot summers and warm, mild winters, making it one of the best vacation destinations regardless of the time of year. If youre a couple or honeymooners looking for a quiet, private place to spend time together, youll be sure to find an adults-only hotel tucked along a private stretch of beach.
Or, if youre booking a family vacation, youll be able to find a large resort with plenty of pools and resort or nearby activities to make sure the whole family stays entertained. Theres so much to see and do in Playa del Carmen, but the first step is to make sure you have the resort thats right for you.
Lets have a look at the best resorts in Playa del Carmen:
Read Also: Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Positano
What Is Good To Buy In Playa Del Carmen
Most people want to pick up some souvenirs on vacation and especially first time visitors to a place. Playa Del Carmen has some amazing stores to look at. Everything from Mexican alcohol to hand made Mexican crafts are great things to buy. There are a lot of inexpensive things like t-shirts, sombreros and magnets, but we recommend looking at some of the other stores for some really good quality things that highlight the artistry of local crafts.
Under the tourist info tab at the top of the page is a sub category for shopping in Playa Del Carmen. Here you can find some of the specialty shops that you might walk past and not notice normally.
One nice liquor to buy is Xtabentun. It is a Mayan liquor made from honey and herbs. It has an anise flavor and is something unique that you can find in this part of the world. You can find it in tourist shops on 5th Avenue and in liquor stores.
La Pasion Colonial Hotel Boutique
- Neighborhood: Centro
- Rated: 9.1 on Booking.com
- Rooms from: $65
There are plenty of bland-looking hotels in Playa del Carmen, but this certainly isnt one of them. La Pasion is a gorgeous hotel with a few different pools and hot tubs as well as a lovely garden area. A tasty breakfast is also included with your stay here.
This hotel is in a great location on 10th Avenue and Calle 10, so you can quickly walk to the beach and La Quinta. to see the latest price from Booking.com.
You May Like: Places To Stay In Downtown Boston
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. Its close to the higher end tourist dining and bars as well as close to the local cuisine found on 30th Ave. If you are looking for a room in Tohuku check out this place on Airbnb.
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, its 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 70 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, so renting a car really is a must when staying here unless you are happy to take taxis.
Balam Tun
Best Areas To Stay In Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in the heart of almost 75 miles of coastline, effectively the capital of the Mayan Riviera. This region on the Yucatan Peninsula was the former home of the Mayan Empire. Those just wanting sun, sand, water sports and good nightlife will find it all here.
The history and culture of the Peninsula also attracts people wanting a little more from their holiday. Read on to get some ideas of the best areas to investigate. Singles may be looking for different areas from families, partygoers from those wanting a quiet time.
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen map
To see more detail on best area to stay in Playa del Carmen map, go to
Read Also: Best Places To Stay In Bologna Italy
The Yucatan Resort Playa Del Carmen By Hilton Tapestry
Price: $$$ Average Reviews: 4.4/5
The Yucatan is an all-inclusive, adults-only boutique resort located right on Playa del Carmens famous fifth avenue. In addition to elegant rooms, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant, a rooftop pool and a snack bar, all guests have access to the Yucatans sister resort, the Hilton Playa del Carmen. This includes a private beach, water activities, tennis, luxury spa, and more.
Where Are The Good Restaurants In Playa Del Carmen
If you are staying in Playa Del Carmen and not at an all inclusive hotel then you have the opportunity to eat out at the many great restaurants. You are in for a real treat because there is a huge variety of places to choose from and almost every type of cuisine to choose from. For some mouth watering photos of all the types of food here, check out our gallery of food of the Riviera Maya. It really is amazing the variety of food here and it is not just Mexican and tacos
For tourist and especially first time tourist you are mainly going to eat around 5th Avenue area from about 2nd Street until 38th Street . We do have nearly 200 restaurants listed on our restaurant tab at the top of the page. That should be a good place for you to start looking. We try to bring you the best restaurants both in value and taste so you can have a great meals on vacation. Check out our different guides like Taco Guide and Breakfast Restaurant Guide.
There are restaurants from budget to expensive in Playa Del Carmen. Check out our popular list of restaurants around 100 pesos for some cheap eats. That is eating lunch or dinner for $6 USD or less per meal.
Also Check: Cheap Places To Stay In Denver
Best Hotel In Gonzalo Guerrero: El Secreto Hotel By Bunik
This great three-star hotel is located in Gonzalo Guerrero, the best area in Playa del Carmen to stay in for nightlife. It is close to shops, bars, clubs and restaurants. This hotel offers comfortable accommodation with air-conditioned rooms, a Jacuzzi, and an on-site restaurant.
Where To Stay In Playa Del Carmen: Best Areas And Neighborhoods
- Pin
Once you start looking for places where to stay in Playa del Carmen, you will realize that you have made the right choice in terms of balancing beach time, adventure, cultural travel, relaxation, adventure, family attractions, and nightlife.
Many tourism industry analysts describe the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to be one of the most attractive tourism destinations in the world, particularly because of the many coastal resorts towns that run all the way from Merida in the Gulf of Mexico to Tulum in the Caribbean Sea, a region commonly known as the Riviera Maya.
Since the 1970s, this coastal resort district has attracted millions of visitors in search of vacations in Cancun and Cozumel, two beach towns modeled after Acapulco and Baja California however, Playa del Carmen pretty much flew under the radar until resort developers started paying attention to it in the 1990s.
These days, many of the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen offer a certain freshness and unique European flair that you will not find elsewhere in the Riviera Maya.
Whereas Acapulco and Cancun have a distinct North American feel similar to Miami Beach or Las Vegas, Playa del Carmen manages to feel classier and sophisticated while still evoking a sense of being laid back.
The tourism history of Playa del Carmen dates back to the late 1980s, when Italian tourists who used to vacation in Cancun became overwhelmed with its Spring Break party atmosphere.
Don’t Miss: Best Parts Of London To Stay In