Playa del Carmen is a famous tourist destination in the Mayan Riviera. With incredible attractions nearby, beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, lots of shopping opportunities, and a vibrant nightlife, tourists simply love it.
If you are planning on visiting Playa del Carmen and are still looking for where to stay in Playa del Carmen, you are in the right place!
I have been there many times and had my fair share of experience with Playa del Carmen hotels, having stayed in a few. So, whether you are looking for the best hotels in Playa del Carmen or searching for the best hostels in Playa del Carmen, I have you covered.
Continue reading to discover where to stay in Playa del Carmen. Let me start with a brief overview of the best area to stay in Playa del Carmen.
Make sure to read my post, The Best Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen.
Where To Stay In Playa Del Carmen – Best Area
Downtown
Downtown Playa del Carmen comprises several neighborhoods: Quinta Avenida (or Fifth Avenue), El Centro, and Playacar.
This is where to stay in Playa del Carmen if you like having nightlife, dining options, and shopping opportunities on the doorstep. This is also where you can find more affordable places to stay in Playa del Carmen.
Bordered by Juarez Avenue to the south, Fifth Avenue is the main thoroughfare of Playa del Carmen.
It is awash with plentiful places to stay, eat, drink, and shop. And Coco Bongo, one of the most popular nightclub shows, is right in the middle of it all. Additionally, it’s near some of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen. They are popular, with lots of amenities and things to do.
Playacar is home to yet another beach, while El Centro is a little more local but still very much in the middle of all the tourist action of Playa del Carmen.
North Playa del Carmen
North Playa del Carmen is generally considered the area north of the road CTM, which runs down to the beach. Fifth Avenue goes past CTM, but it gets quiet compared to the earlier parts of the walking street.
North Playa del Carmen is the best area to stay in Playa del Carmen if you don’t want to be disturbed by loud music and partygoers at all-night hours. But even though it’s far enough away from the center that you don’t hear all of that, it’s close enough that you can walk it – if you like – or hop in a taxi for a quick ride into town.
The neighborhood here is home to a smattering of luxury all-inclusive hotels, high-end eateries, and beach clubs that edge the sand along this portion of Playa del Carmen. It has a more secluded atmosphere, making it a good option for families or simply an easygoing beach break.
Mayakoba
Situated to the northeast of North Playa del Carmen is the chic Mayakoba. This stunning area boasts mangroves, cenotes, and jungle, with just a handful of the best luxury hotels in Playa del Carmen to choose from.
Staying here means stepping out of your all-inclusive villa onto powdery white sand beaches and exploring forested footpaths that wind through the natural scenery.
It may not be very lively, but it’s a tranquil spot for nature lovers. You can even spot wildlife living among the canopy: spider monkeys, tropical birds, and iguanas.
Mayakoba is about a 15-minute taxi ride from Quinta Avenida. So, you’ll be a bit further away from the action. But it’s a very tranquil, high-end area.
South Riviera Maya
Towards Tulum from Playa del Carmen, several small towns and luxury resorts are located along miles of undeveloped sandy beach. This is where to stay in Playa del Carmen for those who want to spend their time almost exclusively kicking back on the beach and exploring nearby cenotes with a rented car.
Most accommodation in this area is quite pricey, and it’s not exactly near the center of Playa del Carmen, but the main town in the area – Puerto Aventuras – has restaurants, resorts, and adventure parks nearby.
North Riviera Maya
Yet more exclusive resorts exist between Playa del Carmen and Cancun to the north. Scattered between the two small towns of Puerto Morelos and Punta Maroma, these hotels are some of the largest all-inclusive hotels in all of Mexico.
But staying in this area, you’ll get to explore many lesser visited beaches and enjoy the amenities of the accommodation. It’s great for families who want a stress-free vacation in the sun.
Now that you have a better idea of the best areas in town and nearby let’s focus on where to stay in Playa del Carmen and find a good place!
Where To Stay In Playa Del Carmen – The Best Places To Stay In Playa Del Carmen
Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen – Luxury
Palmaïa – The House of AïA Wellness Enclave
For all-round style, sophistication, and elegance, book yourself in at Palmaïa. This self-styled “Wellness Enclave” is the place to unwind in Playa del Carmen. It’s an all inclusive luxury resort located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea and definitely one of the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen.
The hotel is dedicated to wellness practices, so you can expect holistic and wellness programs such as yoga classes, tai chi, cacao ceremonies, and meditation. And when you feel centered, you can enjoy live music, dinner, and drinks at one of the five on-site a la carte restaurants.
Guest suites continue the natural wellness theme with warm wood furnishings and sea-inspired decor.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Another enormous resort in Playa del Carmen, Grand Velas Riviera Maya, is nestled among the coastline’s tropical landscape overlooking the Caribbean. Here, the sprawling hotel encompasses manicured gardens, multiple swimming pools, and a private beach for guests.
A great place to stay for families, there are organized activities for adults and children alike, plus wellness treatments for when you want to unwind.
The location – six miles from Downtown Playa del Carmen – means it’s away from the crowds but close enough to explore when you want to. Here, polished, minimalist rooms boast their own private terraces or balconies, complete with stunning views of the sea.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
This luxury boutique-style resort is a 5-star offering where guests stay in luxurious high-end villas steps from the white sands of a private beach. Each villa has its own private swimming pools and landscaped gardens.
Every inch of Banyan Tree has been immaculately designed, with sophisticated, tasteful interiors throughout, from the sparkling guest rooms to the hotel’s shared spaces. There are 11 specialty restaurants serving various menus of international cuisine and three bars to choose from during your stay.
This luxury hotel feels like it’s been designed to be a part of the surrounding nature; some villas open onto the sand, while others hang suspended over the water.
Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen – Mid-Range
La Leyenda Boutique Hotel by Bunik
Located mere meters from Playa del Carmen beach, this boutique hotel is a perfect place to stay if you want to be in the middle of the action. It’s close enough to the bars, restaurants, and shops of Playa del Carmen but far enough away that you’re not affected by the noise of the town’s party scene.
This 4-star accommodation boasts guest rooms that feel rustic yet modern, with eye-catching furnishings and a warm color palette. Each comes with its own terrace for extra luxury.
La Leyenda features a large outdoor terrace with a swimming pool, a bar, and a garden. A complimentary breakfast is served to guests each morning, and there is free private parking.
Hotel La Semilla
With the huge array of tropical plant life here, staying at Hotel La Semilla feels like a jungle. Situated in the heart of Playa del Carmen, just a short walk to the beach along a cobbled street, the hotel is the ideal balance of rest, relaxation, and adventure.
The design of this Playa del Carmen hotel is impeccable, with a strong eye for detail and a bold sense of character. Each room has been decorated with care and consideration, with a mix of contemporary, cool, and relaxed tropical vibes.
Amenities include a stylish on-site restaurant and bar, a garden terrace, and bicycles to hire.
Hacienda Xcaret
This hotel in Playa del Carmen is a five-minute drive from central Playa del Carmen and just a minute from Xcaret Parks. Run by friendly owners, this place is a hidden gem full of home comforts and luxuries.
Hacienda Xcaret is great for those who like to explore further afield – especially if you’ve got your own car (thanks to the on-site parking). If not, it’s an ideal spot to kick back and unwind.
The hotel is a true Mexican hacienda, true to its name. Guest rooms are in a large building overlooking a garden courtyard with a pool. The decor is traditional but stylish, with ochre walls and terracotta tiled floors overflowing with tropical plants.
Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen – Budget
Meliora by Bunik
Sticking to a budget does not mean having to skimp out on style – as proven by Meliora. Providing 4-star accommodation for a snip of the price, this amazing hotel in Playa del Carmen boasts chic and fashionable guest rooms decorated in a gorgeous minimalist aesthetic.
Further helping out those on a budget, rooms also come with a small kitchen and seating areas, so you can whip up some meals and make yourself at home. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool on a rooftop terrace, tropical greenery and hammocks.
Location-wise, you’ll find the clean and well-maintained Meliora close to Playa del Carmen beach, meaning you’ll have all the bars and restaurants of town on your doorstep.
Claro de Luna
Claro de Luna offers you the chance to stay in Playa del Carmen on a shoestring budget. But even so, the rooms here are spacious and polished, with five types of apartments to choose from, each of which offers something a little different. Here, too, you’ll use your own private kitchen to help you keep costs low.
This self-styled aparthotel includes a swimming pool within the grounds and a terrace and garden, making for a chilled place to relax after a day of exploring.
Those with rental cars should also note that there’s parking on-site, making day trips to surrounding attractions and cenotes very much possible.
Hotel Mariachi by Kavia
A new hotel in a great location – right in the center of Playa del Carmen on Fifth Avenue – Hotel Mariachi is a laid-back place to stay.
Here, you’ll find spacious, comfortable guest rooms featuring cool, calm decor accented with traditional textiles and textures. Some rooms come complete with their own private sun terrace, too.
On-site, there’s a garden and swimming pool to relax in, complete with sun loungers. Elsewhere, the friendly, helpful staff here can offer tips and advice on what to see and do – and where to eat and drink – in the local neighborhood.
Best Hostels in Playa del Carmen
Wabi Hostel
The ideal place to stay for those traveling solo or on a tight budget, Wabi Hostel isn’t just affordable: it’s also in a great location. Specifically, the ADO bus station is a stone’s throw away, meaning travelers arriving by bus (or planning to explore further afield) can do so with extra convenience.
There’s a range of room options to choose between, from budget double rooms to spacious and clean dormitories (beds have their own privacy curtains).
To help you with that budget, a delicious complimentary breakfast is provided each morning. It’s also easy to meet other travelers here, with a chilled-out terrace area for socializing.
Che Playa Hostel & Bar
This fun, vibrant hostel in Playa del Carmen is a youthful place to stay. Just 200 yards from Playa del Carmen’s main square and just under half a mile from the beach, staying at Che Playa Hostel & Bar means being situated in the city center with all the action practically on your doorstep.
There’s the option here to stay in a private room, which is clean and minimalist, while dorm beds are also available – there’s even a female-only dorm for solo female travelers to have peace of mind.
Guests staying here can participate in the hostel’s various events, including tours, drinking games, beer pong, happy hour, karaoke, and live music. It’s not a crazy party hostel, but it’s a place to have a good time and save some cash.
Red Panda Hostal
This hostel may be for you for something more chilled in Playa del Carmen. Ideal for those on a shoestring budget, there’s a cozy atmosphere at Red Panda Hostal, run by a friendly team of staff who’ll help you get to grips with the town.
It’s a good place for solo travelers to meet like-minded individuals; staying here means being able to get involved in social events such as BBQ and game nights. There’s even an on-site swimming pool in a courtyard boasting colorful murals.
Dormitories at this Playa del Carmen hostel are spacious and basic but clean, while private rooms have a bohemian feel. Location-wise, you’ll find this hostel in the center of Playa del Carmen, but in a quiet area away from loud partying.
Where To Stay In Playa Del Carmen F.A.Q.
What is the best area to stay in Playa del Carmen?
The best area to stay in Playa del Carmen is downtown Playa near Fifth Avenue and Playacar if you’re looking for a party and convenience of location. You can walk all around Quinta Avenida, where some of the best shopping and restaurants are. And you’ll be just a short walk from the beach.
However, if you want quiet, beauty, and tranquility, Mayakoba is an excellent area to stay. This is where some of the best boutique hotels and all inclusive resorts are.
How far is the beach from Playa del Carmen?
Depending on where you’re staying, you should be able to get to walk to the beach in ten minutes or less. Most hotels are right on the beach, and most areas in downtown Playa del Carmen are within reach.
Looking for a good beach? Head over to my post The Best Beaches In Playa Del Carmen.
What is the nearest airport to Playa del Carmen?
The nearest airport to Playa del Carmen is Cancun International Airport. It’s the second largest airport in Mexico, and it’s very easy to find flights any time of the year. There are direct buses and private transfers from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen.
For more information, head over to my post How To Get From Cancun To Playa Del Carmen.
How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancun?
Playa del Carmen is about an hour from Cancun, depending on traffic.
How do you get around Playa del Carmen?
You can mostly get around Playa del Carmen on foot or bicycle. It’s a very walkable town. You can usually walk anywhere in around 15 minutes. And if it’s too hot, or the walk is too far, there are taxis everywhere along Fifth Avenue and the surrounding area.
When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?
The weather is warm year-round in Playa del Carmen, so you really can’t go wrong. However, February is a great time to visit Playa del Carmen. It’s a little cooler, still not very rainy, and fewer tourists compared to December and January.
You should also read my post The Best Time To Visit Mexico.
Further Readings
For more information about Playa del Carmen, make sure to read the following posts:
- The Best Day Trips From Playa Del Carmen
- The Best Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen
- Is Playa Del Carmen Safe For Tourists?
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