8 Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen, The Riviera Maya

Art and antiques from around the world fill the lobby, and streams, waterfalls, and fountains fill the grounds of this 13-acre resort on a stretch of pristine beach. Luxurious rooms with two queen-size beds, sitting areas, and ocean-view terraces are set in two- and three-story colonial-style villas, each with its own concierge. Prepare for some serious pampering; service is second to none.

The family-friendly sister hotel to The Royal (which is across the street) has downtown Playa's best accommodations for the schoolyard set. Two pools, a Jacuzzi, a giant chess set, minigolf, afternoon bingo and blackjack, and a kids' activity room (with babysitting!) will keep young ones busy while Mom and Dad get massages on the beach or mimosas at the breakfast buffet. Although adults may find cast-concrete Grecian columns, New Orleans-style wrought iron breezeways, and walk-in Moorish showers a bit grandiose, they'll make an impression on the juniors. Oceanfront rooms have access to The Royal, and all categories have access to Gran Caribe Real in Cancún. Beach-facing rooms are significantly nicer than those in back, with corresponding prices.

If you are looking for the royal treatment, this massive, colonial-style resort has everything from laundry service and a 24-hour on-site doctor to in-room whirlpool tubs and fully stocked minibars. Ordinary-size rooms are tasteful and equipped with king beds and minibars stocked with snacks (and refilled twice a day); swim-up rooms have clever pool entries from the sliding doors. Wi-Fi is complimentary.

Despite its size, this all-inclusive resort—consisting of the adults-only Tucan and the family friendly Quetzal sections—has managed to preserve natural surroundings that are home to flamingos, turtles, toucans, peacocks, and monkeys. Landscaped pool areas surround the open-air restaurant and reception area. Spacious rooms have cheerful color schemes and patios overlooking dense vegetation. Activities include bike tours, yoga sessions, salsa dancing, and Zumba programs. The roaming animals, kids' club, teen disco, and designated pool for children make this hotel a family favorite.

With three blocks of beach and grounds that include both sandy shore and cool jungle garden, this resort offers a taste of everything the Riviera landscape has to offer. The expansive all-inclusive property features comfortable lounge spaces in a large palapa reception, a quiet spa, a little library, four pools, a fitness center, a dive center, four bars (including one swim-up bar), and three restaurants. Rooms are spacious and filled with lovely details, like colorful sinks and pillows, murals painted lightly on concrete floors, and decorative preserved wood hanging from the walls. 

This all-inclusive offers flash and class in a Vegas-meets-cruise-ship environment with 14 restaurants, 11 bars, and nearly 1,000 rooms housed in two buildings—the adults-only La Perla and the family-friendly La Esmeralda, where extras for the kids include PlayStations, nightly turndown with milk and cookies, and a pool area that looks like a water park. Consider purchasing the Nikté Upgrade package, which includes a water ritual at YHI Spa, an activities menu for kids and teenagers, and private whirlpool tubs. The two resorts are connected by way of the restaurants and bars, however, certain establishments are only open to La Perla guests, who pay higher rates.

Palatial in name, scale, and decor (oversize entrance columns, crystal chandeliers, fountains), this all-inclusive is known for its breathtaking beach and exceptional service. Although rooms are well equipped, they aren't very large, and you should request one overlooking the courtyard, away from the noisy entertainment area. A steak house and Japanese restaurant are the most popular of the many dining options, despite the fact that reservations are required. Guests are permitted to use the amenities (including restaurants for breakfast and lunch) at any of Riu Palace's six sister hotels throughout Playa del Carmen.

Formerly known as the Panama Jack Resort, this property in the heart of Playa rebranded and reinvented itself as an all-inclusive, adults-only option, where the decor is modern without being flashy, and the overall atmosphere is fresh and relaxing. Most of the rooms, which are done in neutral colors with pastel touches, enjoy ocean views. Dining options include a traditional Mexican restaurant and a laid-back beach bar.