In a nutshell
- Playa del Carmen is one of the top choices for a trip to Mexico. That means you’ll find a wide range of places to stay here.
- From all-inclusive resorts, luxury hotels and boutique hotels to budget-friendly apartments, we’ll share our tips for the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen.
- We’ll also show you the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen — whether you prefer the lively center, the luxurious Playacar area in the south, or the more relaxed neighborhoods up north.
Our Top 3 Places to Stay in Playa del Carmen
Before we dive into the best areas and hotel tips, here are our top 3 recommendations for places to stay in Playa del Carmen.
Boutique hotel: Aloft
All-inclusive hotel: Hotel Xcaret Arte
Good, cheap and central: Suites Corazon
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen? The Best Areas!
In Playa del Carmen there aren’t that many clearly separated neighborhoods. In general, you can either stay in the lively center or in one of the larger resorts to the north or south of town.
- Center: Best if you want nightlife, restaurants and shopping right on your doorstep without spending too much.
- Playacar & South: Great if you’re looking for an exclusive place to stay in Playa del Carmen with a beautiful beach and upscale hotels.
- North: Ideal if you prefer staying in a resort with a more secluded feel and a wide sandy beach.
Overview of the areas in Playa del Carmen on a map
On this map, we’ve marked the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen that we recommend.
Where to Stay in the Center of Playa del Carmen
The center is the best place to stay in Playa del Carmen if you want to be close to restaurants, bars, and nightlife while also being within walking distance of the beach and main attractions.
Most of the hotels in Playa del Carmen are located in the center. It sits right by the town’s main public beach, so you can usually get from your hotel to the water in just a few minutes.
The area itself isn’t particularly charming, but you’ll have a huge variety of shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs right outside your door.
From here you’re also well connected to day trips and highlights in the region, like the island of Cozumel, the cenotes, or the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, Tulum, Cancún and Cancún International Airport are also easy to reach.
Pros of staying in the center:
- Very central, short walk to the beach
- Plenty of restaurants and nightlife nearby
- Good base for exploring the area
Cons of staying in the center:
- Always busy and can get noisy at night
- The beach gets crowded quickly
The best places to stay in the center of Playa del Carmen
The Meliora by Bunik is in a fantastic central location, has modern facilities and very comfortable beds. The rooftop terrace with a pool and city views is a real highlight, and the beach is only a 5-minute walk away.
Where to Stay in Playacar and the South of Playa del Carmen
Playacar and the southern part of Playa del Carmen are perfect if you’re looking for a luxury beach getaway with elegant resorts right by the sea.
South of the center, you’ll mostly find hotels. The best-known area is Playacar, which feels like a separate gated community with mainly upscale resorts. For us, Playacar beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
Here you’ll find a wide choice of 5-star resorts and all-inclusive hotels. Playacar also has a few highlights, like small Mayan ruins and a golf course.
Further south, beyond Playacar, there are fewer hotels and more unspoiled beaches. This is also where the popular Xcaret theme park is located.
Pros of staying in Playacar and the south:
- Direct access to the beach
- Safe, exclusive, and very comfortable for tourists
Cons of staying in Playacar and the south:
- Not the most authentic experience of Mexico
- Higher prices compared to the center
The best places to stay in Playacar and the south
Riu Palace Riviera Maya: A stunning beachfront resort in Playacar with several pools, spacious rooms, excellent restaurants, and plenty of luxury touches.
Hotel Xcaret Arte Adults Only: An outstanding resort next to the Xcaret park. Gorgeous rooms, amazing food, and an infinity pool with sea views make it one of the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen if you want something truly special. Also a great pick if you’re searching for a stylish boutique hotel in Playa del Carmen.
Where to Stay in the North of Playa del Carmen
The north of Playa del Carmen is the best choice if you want a quieter setting with lots of luxury and beautiful resorts by the sea.
Closer to town you’ll mainly see residential areas with apartments and B&Bs, and the vibe is less touristy. But just a short drive out, you’ll find exclusive resorts set along pristine beaches. This area feels more open and natural than the center or Playacar.
Pros of staying in the north:
- Peaceful surroundings with direct beach access
- Plenty of high-end resorts in beautiful settings
Cons of staying in the north:
- Other than hotels, there isn’t much around
- Expensive and farther from the center
The best places to stay in the north of Playa del Carmen
The luxury resort Fairmont Mayakoba sits right on the beach and offers spacious suites, excellent dining, and great facilities. It’s especially good for families, with lots of activities for children, making it one of the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen if you’re traveling with kids.