Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen – A Guide to Quintana Roo’s Tropical Paradise
Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town in Mexico. Located on the Yucatán Peninsula, within the Riviera Maya, in the state of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen is famous for its paradisiac white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and world-class hotels. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
The main attractions in Playa del Carmen’s Center include Fifth Avenue, Parque Los Fundadores, Museo Frida Kahlo Playa Del Carmen, and the 3D Museum of Wonders. See accommodation in Playa del Carmen City Center.
Xcaret Park, located south of the city center, is an ecotourism development, theme park, resort and one of the top tourist attractions in the Riviera Maya.
Due to its coastal location on the Yucatán Peninsula, Playa del Carmen has a tropical savannah climate. Average temperatures are relatively constant throughout the year and typically hover around 18 and 29 ºC. The wettest season goes from June to November. Because of its constantly pleasant temperature, Playa del Carmen can be considered an ideal tourist destination year-round. That said, since the summer is the rainiest season, the best time to visit Playa del Carmen is during the spring (March-May) when it’s warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities without having to worry about the rain.
To get to Playa del Carmen by air, the city is best reached through Cancún International Airport. This major airport, the second busiest in Mexico, offers connections to other destinations in Mexico, The United States, Canada, and Europe.
Playa del Carmen is also well-connected by long-distance buses to the rest of Mexico. See long-distance bus routes, schedules & fares.
Local transportation in Playa del Carmen consists of bus lines. The City Center is very pedestrian-friendly. There are also taxi services available, and you can rent a cheap car during your stay.
The best area to stay in Playa del Carmen is the City Center. This charming area is home to some of Playa del Carmen’s best cultural attractions, some colonial architecture, restaurants, nightlife, and shops. It is also where some of the best hotels are located. See accommodation in Playa del Carmen City Center.
Other great options to consider when choosing the best location in Playa del Carmen include the resort developments of Playacar I, Playacar II, and Mayakoba.
Keep reading to find out more about the best location in Playa del Carmen for tourists.
Offering two outdoor pools and a private beach area, Upscale Andaz Mayakoba is in the gated Mayakoba complex in Playa del Carmen. The resort has a spa center and sauna, and guests can enjoy a meal at one of the 4 restaurants. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.
Best Location in Playa del Carmen, Mayan Riviera: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen depending on your travel style and what you may be planning to do during your trip. Keep reading below to find all the specific information you need about each particular area mentioned here.
- Best location in Playa del Carmen for sightseeing: Playa del Carmen Centro
- Best location in Playa del Carmen for nightlife: Playa del Carmen Centro
- Best location in Playa del Carmen for Mayan ruins: Playacar I
- Best location in Playa del Carmen for families: Playacar I | Playacar II
- Best location in Playa del Carmen without a car: Playa del Carmen Centro
- Best location in Playa del Carmen for first-time visitors: Playa del Carmen Centro
- Best location in Playa del Carmen for business travelers: Playa del Carmen Centro
- Best location in Playa del Carmen for a budget stay: Playa del Carmen Centro
- Best location in Playa del Carmen for a honeymoon or romantic getaway: Mayakoba
- Best location in Playa del Carmen for LGBTQ travelers: Playa del Carmen Centro
Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Mexico by Theme
Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!
- Most unique hotel: Hotel Xcaret Mexico – All Parks & Tours / All Inclusive
- Best mid-priced hotel: Pelicano Inn Playa del Carmen – Beachfront Hotel
- Best budget hotel: Capital O Mimi Del Mar
- Best luxury hotel: Banyan Tree Mayakoba
- Best boutique hotel: Hacienda Maria Bonita Hotel
- Best hotel with a pool: Hyatt Regency Playa del Carmen
- Best inn / B&B: Bed & Breakfast Casaejido
- Best all-inclusive resort: Grand Riviera Princess – All Inclusive
- Best hostel: Che Playa Hostel & Bar
The Best Areas to Stay in Playa del Carmen, Mayan Riviera
1. Recommended area: Playa del Carmen City Center
Playa del Carmen City Center revolves around La Quinta, a very safe and busy pedestrian avenue where a large number of restaurants, bars, spas, shops, cafes, and boutiques can be found.
In the City Center, you can also find attractions like Founders Park, where Mayan dance shows are held.
Capilla del Carmen, a small church that, inside, has a glass window overlooking the sea.
Events such as jazz and electronic music festivals can also be enjoyed in Playa del Carmen City Center.
Also, here, you’ll find the main bus and sea terminals, so it has the best transport connections in the city.
The City Center is the best area to stay in in Playa del Carmen. It has a wide variety of hotels; from budget posadas to the finest 5-star resorts.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Playa del Carmen:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Heart of the city
- Great public transport connections
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Myko Playa del Carmen
El Hotel Myko Playa Del Carmen se encuentra en Playa del Carmen, a 2,6 km de la estación internacional de autobuses ADO, y ofrece piscina al aire libre, jardín y terraza. Este establecimiento se encuentra a poca distancia de lugares de interés como el Kool Beach Club.
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Budget
Maya Vacanze Playa Aventura
El Maya Vacanze Playa Aventura es un edificio de colores típicos mexicanos situado a 5 minutos a pie de la famosa 5ª Avenida, sus discotecas y locales de ocio. Las habitaciones son alegres y disponen de WiFi gratuita, aire acondicionado, ducha y baño privado.
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Luxury
Marquee Playa Hotel
El Marquee Playa Hotel se encuentra en Playa del Carmen, a 1,1 km de la estación internacional de autobuses ADO, y ofrece terraza y bar. Entre los lugares de interés cercanos al establecimiento se incluyen la terminal marítima de Playa del Carmen y el Kool Beach Club.
2. Playacar I
Playacar I is a private development next to the beach that is especially notorious for being home to some Mayan ruins.
It is located at the southern end of Playa del Carmen, between the end of the city and Playacar II.
It is a closed and upscale compound featuring many trees and green spaces.
Staying in Playacar I allows residents and tourists to be a few blocks from the beach, with very exclusive villas near the sea and close to the City Center.
On the beach, you can rent water scooters and easy-to-use motorboats, which guarantee fun rides and excellent views of the shore and the ferry terminal.
Although Playacar mainly offers upscale accommodation and all-inclusive hotels, you can also find privately-owned apartments.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Playa del Carmen:
- ear the City Center
- Luxury hotels
- Near the beach
Accommodation in this area
-
Top Choice
Casa Blanca
This property is located in the prestigious residential neighborhood of Playacar, just 50 meters from the beach and a 7-minute walk from the Playa del Carmen ferry dock.
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Budget
Casa María
Casa Maria is located in Playa del Carmen and offers a private beach area and free WiFi. The units feature a balcony, air conditioning, a TV and a bathroom with free toiletries.
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Luxury
Sunset Fishermen Beach Resort
Sunset Fishermen Beach Resort All Inclusive, located in Playa del Carmen, offers a restaurant and free private parking. The rooms have a TV and a private bathroom with a bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
3. Playacar II
Playacar II is located south of the main urban area of Playa del Carmen.
This development was built around a golf course, so it’s home to exclusive villas, hotels, and four and five-star resorts.
Somewhat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Playacar II offers a quiet atmosphere that is suitable for sports, as well as big malls for shopping enthusiasts.
This area is also close to Playa del Carmen’s Mayan ruins, visible on the sides of the road, which creates an interesting contrast between the swanky luxurious condominiums and the region’s rich past.
Playacar II also has bars, restaurants, cafes and the possibility of outdoor activities such as golf, yoga and water sports.
This neighborhood stands out among the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen thanks to its luxury and great all-inclusive resorts.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Playa del Carmen:
- Peaceful area
- Luxury area
- Great bars and restaurants
4. Mayakoba
Mayakoba is defined as an “Oasis of Tranquility” and luxury in the Mexican Caribbean, combining the beauty of its landscapes with gastronomic excellence, as well as cultural activities and sports.
Mayakoba is a popular area among visitors for its convenient location, 8km from the City Center and 40km from Cancún International, its closest airport.
Among the endless attractions nearby are El Camaleón golf club, Maroma Beach and Mamitas Beach Club, as well as the Guadalupe Church.
This area is close to natural spaces such as the Xcaret ecological theme park, lagoons, jungle, and beaches, as well as restaurants that serve a great gastronomic variety inherited from the Mayan culture.
Among the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba stands out for hosting luxury hotels and fabulous resorts, as well as endless entertainment options.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Playa del Carmen:
- Natural attractions
- Golf courses
- Nightlife
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|ES| Dónde alojarse en Playa del Carmen, México
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