In a nutshell
- Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular spots for a Mexico vacation — which means you have a seriously huge selection of hotels to choose from.
- From all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels, and boutique hotels to affordable apartments, we share all our top picks for the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen right here.
- We also break down which area of Playa del Carmen is best for your trip — the town center, Playacar in the south, or the quieter north — so you can make the right call before you book.
Our Top 3 Hotels in Playa del Carmen
Before we introduce you to the best neighborhoods and all our hotel recommendations in Playa del Carmen, here are our top 3 hotel picks in Playa del Carmen.
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen doesn’t really have distinct neighborhoods to choose from when it comes to accommodation. Broadly speaking, you’ll either stay in the center or at a resort north or south of town.
- Center: Ideal if you want plenty of dining and nightlife options nearby and don’t want to spend too much money.
- Playacar & South: Perfect if you want to stay in an upscale area with a dream beach and lots of stylish hotels.
- North: Ideal if you want to vacation at a resort in a secluded setting with a beautiful beach.
An Overview of the Neighborhoods in Playa del Carmen on a Map
On this map, we’ve marked the various areas we recommend for your stay.
Staying in the Center of Playa del Carmen
The center of Playa del Carmen is the right choice if you want lots of restaurants and nightlife nearby and want to explore as much of the town and surrounding area as possible.
The center has the most hotels in Playa del Carmen and sits right on the main public beach. From most places to stay, you’re only a few minutes’ walk from the water.
The center isn’t particularly pretty, but you do get an enormous selection of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
It’s also super well connected for day trips — think the island of Cozumel, famous cenotes in Mexico, and the Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá. Tulum, Cancún, and Cancún International Airport are all easy to reach too.
Advantages of staying in the center:
- Central location and a short walk to the beach
- Lots of restaurants and nightlife options
- Well connected to surrounding areas
Disadvantages of staying in the center:
- It’s always busy and can get loud at night
- The beach gets crowded quickly
Our Hotel Recommendations for the Center of Playa del Carmen
The Meliora by Bunik is in a great central location, is excellently equipped, and the beds are seriously comfortable. The rooftop terrace with a pool and city views is a real highlight. The beach is only about a 5-minute walk away.
Staying in Playacar and the South of Playa del Carmen
The south and the Playacar district are perfect if you’re after a beach and luxury vacation in Playa del Carmen and love stylish seaside resorts.
South of the center, you’ll find almost nothing but hotels. The best-known hotel zone is Playacar — essentially its own self-contained little district, made up almost entirely of luxury properties. For us, Playacar Beach is among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
You’ll find a wide selection of 5-star resorts and all-inclusive hotels here, plus standout extras like Maya ruins and a golf course.
Head further south beyond Playacar and you’ll find fewer hotels and more nature. The beaches there are also stunning, and this area is home to the popular theme park Xcaret.
Advantages of staying in Playacar and the south:
- You stay right by the ocean
- Safe and luxurious area for tourists
Disadvantages of staying in Playacar and the south:
- Not authentic Mexico at all
- Very high prices
Our Hotel Recommendations for Playacar and the South
Staying in the North of Playa del Carmen
The north of Playa del Carmen is ideal if you want a quieter, more peaceful setting without giving up on luxury.
Just north of the center, you’ll mainly find residential buildings and a less touristy vibe — lots of apartments and B&Bs here.
Once you leave the city behind, it’s a different story: almost exclusively stylish hotels and resorts, nearly all sitting right on the ocean. The area feels a little less built-up overall, and you’ll feel genuinely surrounded by nature.
Advantages of staying in the north:
- Peaceful setting in nature and by the beach
- Wide selection of stylish resorts
Disadvantages of staying in the north:
- There’s really nothing here besides hotels
- Very high prices and a long way from the center
Our Hotel Recommendations for the North of Playa del Carmen
The luxury resort Fairmont Mayakoba sits right on the beach. The décor and amenities are excellent, the food is delicious, and the rooms and suites are seriously spacious. It’s especially well suited for families, with great kids’ programs on offer.
