While international class hotels and resorts in the Playa del Carmen are a recent phenomenon, they’re making up for lost time. A quick search on Tripadvisor shows a total of 40 four and five star hotels there now. The top rated 5-star is the Banyan Tree Mayakoba. It has all the amenities that one would expect from such a well regarded property including a full service spa and affiliation with the El Camaleon Golf Club, a Greg Norman designed course that has hosted PGA Tour events. And an average rate of over $700 per night.
Today, the beautiful coast line along Highway 307 between Puerto Morelos and Playa Del Carmen has become an extension of the luxury hotels found in Cancun. In fact, while located closer to Playa, some like Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, actually have the word “Cancun” in their name.
Other hotels in the area include El Dorado Maroma Beachfront Resort and The Royal Playa del Carmen. All get top marks from reviewers but also demand rates that begin in some cases at over $400 per night.
With rates beginning at around $295 per night, the El Taj Condo Hotel gets consistently high marks from guests. It features 57 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Condos with Patios; some with Jacuzzis. The property includes restaurants, an on-site dive shop, beach club, gym, concierge, daily made, 2 swimming pools, parking and 24-hour staffing.
The La Tortuga Hotel, Hotel Casa Ticul, Hacienda Paradise Boutique Hotel and Luna Blue Hotel & Garden all offer an alternative to some of the larger hotels in terms of size but still receive favorable reviews and at a price that is quite a bit lower
The Aqualuna Boutique Hotel describes itself as the “most pet friendly hotel in Playa del Carmen.” In addition to that, with rates starting at $71 per night, it is a much more affordable option than more upscale beachfront properties. One tradeoff is the location; a 3-block walk to the shoreline. But it’s also just a block off of all the action of Quinta Avenida. Some services and facilities including concierge, pool and bar are shared with sister hotel Hacienda Paradise, located 2 blocks away. Hacienda Paradise also offers an excellent value at a slightly higher cost point than Aqualuna. A 3rd sister, Hotel Playa del Karma offers an even less expensive option while still earning high marks from guests for their friendly and helpful staff. It’s on Avenida 15, 2 blocks from Quinta Avenida.
Even more affordable accommodations for the value conscience can be found at a variety of hotels and B&Bs like Hotel LunaSol, Hotel Villa del Mar, Posada Picalu B&B Caribeno and Hotel Labnah.
For those looking for another option that is a little away from the most touristy part of Quinta Avenida but still want to be close to where the action is, the 3-star Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya offers a good value. The pool’s a little small and the beds are a little hard but the service is great.