best all inclusive hotels and resorts

Playa del Carmen best all inclusive hotels and resorts

North America

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen? The first step is to choose whether you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort or a hotel in the center. And, believe me, your trip will be different because of this choice.

This text is a complete guide on where to stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Here you will find tips on all-inclusive resorts, three-star hotels, hostels and cheap inns.

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen: understanding the city

More than understanding the city, you need to understand the region. Starting with Cancún, where the airport is located and will be your entry and exit point to the Mexican Caribbean.

Me and Riviera Maya is a 130 km stretch of coastline which begins in Puerto Morelos, after Cancún, passes through Playa del Carmen and ends in Punta Allen, far south of the peninsula.

This region also includes other tourist destinations, such as Akumal and Tulum. Research the distances between cities when planning. Between Cancún International Airport and Playa del Carmen, for example, it is 56 km.

Finally, there are Cozumel, island in front of Playa del Carmen.

Playacar: the all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen

But let’s focus on what matters in this text, which is where to stay in Playa del Carmen.

Almost all the resorts are in Playacar, a gated community where there are also some rich people’s houses and which is far from the center.

There is even a street with some shops, but to go where the night takes place you will have to take a taxi, go through the entrance and head to the city center.

If you choose to start your trip this way, some alternative resorts in Playa del Carmen:

  • Viva Wyndham Maya – all-inclusive resort with daily rates starting at $200 for a double room. I’ve stayed there before and really liked it.
  • The Royal Hideaway – Five stars, right on the sand and nightly rates from $500. For special trips.
  • Viva Wyndham Azteca – A favorite resort for couples, with daily rates in the region of $300.
  • Sandos Playacar – Two swimming pools and lots of comfort for families. Daily rates at 400 dollars.

Find more resorts and hotels on Playacar

Cheap hotels and guesthouses in Playa del Carmen: center

Give preference to the surroundings of Fifth Avenue, the main thoroughfare in Playa del Carmen and where there are several bars, restaurants, craft stores, in short, where life (and night) happens.

In this region, some highly rated options are:

See more hotel and hostel options in the Fifth Avenue region

Is it worth staying at an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen?

Do you want shade, fresh water, a glass always full nearby and not have to worry about doing anything or putting your hand in your pocket again? So you want to spend a few days at an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen.

On the other hand, if you want to get to know the other attractions of Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area, without being tied to the beach, then it may be better to stay in a hotel or guesthouse.

After all, it’s not worth paying the daily rate for an all-inclusive if you’re going to have to eat several meals outside the resort.

And make no mistake: there is a lot to do in this part of Mexico. In addition to the beaches, which are truly beautiful, there is no shortage of Mayan ruins, good restaurants, nightlife and cenotes, natural formations common on the Yucatán Peninsula.

Combining resort and hotel

It might be a good idea to stay for a few days at an all-inclusive resort and a few days at a hotel. This way you get the best of both worlds: relax without having anything to do when you’re at the resort.

Afterwards, head to the hotel and from there enjoy exploring the region. In addition to the center of Play del Carmen itself, you can also choose to do this second stage in other cities on the Riviera Maya, such as Akumal, Tulum and Cancún.

How much does a hotel cost in Playa del Carmen?

As made clear in the text, prices vary according to the type of accommodation.

Do I rent a car in Playa del Carmen?

It depends. If you are going to travel to an all-inclusive resort, then the car doesn’t make sense. Also, do not rent a vehicle if you intend to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in the center of Play de Carmen, but have no intention of wandering around the region.

On the other hand, the car is a great facilitator for those who want to travel through this region of Mexico. For example, I rented a vehicle to go to Mérida and the ruins of Chichén Itzá.

Regarding this, be sure to read the text “how to rent a car in Cancun and Playa del Carmen”.

Tips for hotels and resorts in Cancun

If you want to stay in Cancún, then look for the Hotel Zone. This link lists the main hotels, inns and resorts in this area. In this other one, I only separated the accommodations in Cozumel.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is not mandatory, but it is essential. Have you ever imagined needing emergency medical care in Mexico and not having health insurance?

Travel insurance does not compromise your budget – it costs very little per day of vacation – and guarantees greater security.

In this text, you will find out how to choose and take out good and cheap insurance for Mexico.

Sign up for our newsletter