Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen – 4 TOP Areas for Tourists

Hola traveler, happy to see you’re planning a trip to Playa del Carmen! I lived in Mexico and spent a part of my honeymoon in Playa, and I have all the information you need to help you plan your trip! Today, we discuss where to stay in Playa del Carmen!

Stay in El Centro to be in the center of all the action, but also consider other really nice areas for more quiet and better beach access. Can’t wait to tell you all about them!

I cherry-picked top-rated hotels for every budget and destination in Playa del Carmen and sprinkled some insider tips I know you’ll need!

But before we get to it, a reminder to book your hotels in Playa in advance! There are hundreds of hotels here but the best ones sell out so quickly, you wouldn’t believe it!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you want to book now, then waste no more time, check out this quick list with the best hotels in the heart of Playa del Carmen, from Luxury to budget:

Now check out where all the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen are located:

1. El Centro (Downtown) – where to stay in Playa del Carmen for first time

Welcome to the heart and soul of Playa del Carmen! El Centro is basically the downtown area of Playa where all the action takes place. If you’re a first-timer and wish to be close to the entertainment – this is where to stay!

This area has all sorts of accommodation options, from adult-only 5-star resorts to boutique hotels to budget and family-friendly options. 

My main recommendation is to stay between the 307 Freeway and the sea, ideally closer to the beach! You’ll be able to walk everywhere, including the beaches (5 to 15-minute walk). Plus, all tours depart from here.

But if you’re also thinking about car rental, I say go for it! I rented a car and toured Riviera Maya on my honeymoon, and there’s no better place to base yourself for this trip than in Playa del Carmen! The town is perfectly located between Cancun and Tulum, two major resort towns.

Plus, you can explore all the lovely cenotes in the surroundings, like the popular Chaak Tun (map) and secluded Semiabierto Pajaros (this one has swing ropes, and you can jump into the water)! Sure, collectivos (public shared shuttles) can take you places, but a car is so much more convenient. I have a whole guide where I share my experience in Riviera Maya, so check it out for more details!

Now, the crown jewel of Playa’s El Centro is the iconic 5th Avenue (map), or Quinta Avenida (La Quinta for short) in Spanish. It’s literally just across the street from the beaches! This pedestrian street is over 3 mi (4.8 km) long, and it has the highest concentration of bars, local restaurants, pubs, handicraft shops, street performances, and all the other attractions for tourists!

I personally found 5th Avenue a bit too touristy for my taste, as everything seemed like a trap. For a more laid-back experience where people won’t jump into your face offering services, try the stroll along 10th Avenue North (map) just parallel!

NOTE: Downtown, but especially Quinta Avenida, can get pretty noisy. If you’d rather secure a good night’s sleep, check out nearby areas like Playacar or Mayakoba. I was on 5th Avenue at night, and I’d never book a hotel there!

Also, even though El Centro has beach access, the beaches here are just average. Much better ones await in the South and North of El Centro. That’s also one of the reasons why the best resorts lie outside of El Centro!

In El Centro, you’ll find several interesting attractions, such as Los Fundadores Park AKA Founding Fathers Park (map). Check out the bronze Portal Maya sculpture there and catch the traditional Mayan dance performances! And in the center of the park, local women sell cheap and super fresh fruit cups, a thing that you’ll see a lot in Mexico and absolutely shouldn’t miss! I love these fruit stalls!

INSIDER TIP: Please double-check the Google review of a restaurant or bar before you sit! There are many tourist scams with slow, overpriced service. Also, avoid ATMs on 5th Avenue and rather withdraw money from ATMs inside banks.r absolute must when strolling around 5th Avenue. Here you’ll see super interesting interactive works with elements that change depending on the viewer’s mood! Crazy, isn’t it?

Other accommodation options in El Centro

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El Centro has so many great places to stay, I wanted to give you a few other options in case the ones above are booked for your dates:

• Wyndham Altra Playa del Carmen ($$$) – This stunning adult-only all-inclusive resort comes with whooping 7 restaurants, multiple pools, a spa, exceptional room service, and excellent value for money compared to similar resorts!
• Suites Cielo y Mar ($$) – This is a top-rated property some 15 minutes on foot from the 5th Avenue’s nightlife spots and just next to the quiet Playa 88. It’s an absolute gem, I just had to mention it in case you’d like a more peaceful location!

Things to do in El Centro

• Walk by the bustling 5th Avenue’s shops, bars, and restaurants
• Try the best traditional tacos at El Fogon (map, other locations available)
• Join a foodie’s 3-hour walking tour of Playa del Carmen
• Relax, take some sun, and dive into local beaches
• Take a buggy tour with cenote swims
• Explore Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres on a day trip
• Dive with three different species of sea turtles on a turtle diving tour

2. Playacar – where to stay in Playa del Carmen for families

Located just a short drive South of El Centro, Playacar has some of the nicest resorts in the area, plus lovely beaches, and a fraction of the center’s noise pollution. This, and the adorable residential feel, is why I especially recommend this place if you’re traveling with kids.

This district is basically a closed-gated community with tons of expats. There are only 5 entrances to Playacar, and the accommodation here is stretched out, so I only recommend staying here if you drive. Otherwise, you’d have to use taxis way too often.

Playacar is technically divided into 2 areas. Phase I is right by the ocean (starting at the southern end of 5th Avenue) and has smaller homes and hotels. Phase II is much larger with many more resorts, attractions, and a golf course. Almost all-inclusive resorts are in Phase II!

My personal highlight of the area is the super wide beaches compared to others in Riviera Maya (and I’ve seen quite a lot of them).

Also, what I found super cool is how, in Playacar I, you can even see some Mayan ruins! Yup, it’s the Xaman-Ha ruins (map)! They’re tiny, easily accessible, and 100% free to visit. So don’t miss your chance! 

Just a short drive further South of Playacar, you’ll reach the iconic Xcaret Park (map) and Xplor Park (map). Basically, some really smart guys built enormous waterfront and jungle parks with underground rivers, rafting, ziplines, cave exploration, and so much more. It’s your Disneyland for outdoor adventures!

NOTE: If a park starts with “X” and is located around 6 km South of Playa del Carmen, it’s part of this massive project!I had a blast here, and I totally recommend it! There’s even a hotel on-site, Hotel Xcaret Arte. It’s a once-and-a-lifetime experience to stay here, with more on-site restaurants and attractions than you can count! Plus, they offer transfers to all the parks but do note that it’s an adult-only resort.

Other accommodation options in Playacar

Things to do in Playacar 

• Walk, play, or watch the sunset at Playacar Beach (map)
• Play golf at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Golf Course Club (map)
• Explore the ancient Xaman Ha Ruins
• Go all-inclusive in Xplor Park
• Stroll around the local stores and dining restaurants of Plaza Antigua (map)
• Bring your kids to see some tropical birds at the Xaman–Ha Aviary (map)
• Visit the incredible ruins of the Zona Arqueologica de Playa del Carmen (map)

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3. North Playa del Carmen – where to stay in Playa for a romantic getaway

Do you want to make the most of your romantic stay in a place with a local vibe but still close to the attractions? Just North of Playa, and literally minutes from 5th Avenue’s Northern end, you’ll find areas like Mareazul and El Marlyn Azul that can deliver just that!

Mareazul is known for its beautiful condo vacation rentals with infinity pools, while El Marlyn Azul also has lovely apartments and exquisite adult-only all-inclusive resorts!

Best of all, in the vicinity, you’ll find the hidden gem of the area: El Xcalacoco Beach (map)!

El Xcalacoco Beach is this huge stretch of sandy beach with surprisingly clear waters! The hotels and resorts nearby are pretty upscale, and you can tell they’re doing their best to keep the beach clean for visitors!

In case I haven’t mentioned it before, the beaches in Playa del Carmen are great, you can see the blue water and all that, but there’s one major deal breaker: the sargassum! When I visited, it was really a mood killer. But luckily, I saw that the staff at El Xcalacoco are super fast at cleaning it!

TIP: Check for sargassum updates before planning your beach vacation anyway! The staff will do their best to get rid of it ASAP, but it won’t hurt to double-check.

El Xcalacoco Beach is quiet, has free palapas, and all the basic amenities like bathrooms, changing rooms, and toilets. You can just chill all day long or get your adrenaline pumping with some parasailing (map), but one thing’s for sure: you’re going to enjoy one of the area’s most beautiful beaches!

NOTE: There’s no parking for cars at the beach (there is one for bicycles and motorcycles, though), so if you’re driving, come really early and get a free spot nearby! 

As I said, both of these areas are literally just steps from Quinta Avenida, making them closer and more accessible than Playacar. Consider the North as an alternative to Playacar if you’re traveling as a couple and want to be even closer to the center but not in the middle of it! 

Other accommodation options in the North

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The North has so many amazing luxury properties for all types of travelers, I just couldn’t leave these family-friendly ones behind:

• Viceroy Riviera Maya ($$$) – Ideal for families and groups who want their own villa for ultimate seclusion and luxury in Riviera Maya!
• The Royal Haciendas Resort & Spa ($$$) – Pick from a large variety of room setups to find your ideal tropical resort spot. Tons of family-friendly amenities are available on-site, including daily water aerobics and games for the little ones!

Things to do in North Playa del Carmen

• Play golf at the area’s professional Gran Coyote Golf Course (map)
• Spend a day at the lovely Xcalacoco Beach 
• Chill at the Marena Beach Club (map)
• Walk the entire 5th Avenue to the city center (around 40 minutes)
• Take the kiddos to the nearby Sandos Caracol Aqua Park (map)

4. Ciudad Mayakoba – best area to stay in Playa del Carmen for luxury

Mayakoba, meaning “village of water,” is an extraordinary resort situated along the shores of Mexico’s Southern Riviera Maya. It’s just a 20-minute ride from the Northern areas I just described and a 25-minute ride from El Centro.

This private gated community was designed to preserve and enhance the native landscape, and it extends over 620 acres of wild lagoons, jungles, and beaches. If you’re looking for luxury and serenity, this will be your paradise! 

The area is home to award-winning hotels, boutique residences, and three of the world’s most exclusive resorts (most of them with an all-inclusive package), offering world-class cuisine, wellness, golf, and beach clubs. Best of all, you can move freely from one resort to another and use their services – it’s all like one giant megaresort!

Do keep in mind that Mayakoba exclusively caters to luxury travelers, so if you’re looking to save money on hotels, this is definitely not a good area for you!

Being a multicultural residential area of Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba hosts several shopping centers, art and culture spaces, stores, restaurants, and sports facilities, pedestrian/bike paths, and much more!

Mayakoba is a micro-universe itself: once inside, you will never want to leave!

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Since Mayakoba is a luxury-only resort, 5-star hotels and luxury villas are all you’ll find. Here are some more luxury options for you:

• Andaz Mayakoba – Relax in the private beach or the spa center of this 5-star resort with a beachfront location, 5 on-site restaurants, tons of water sports activities, free bikes, and much more!
• Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya – Spacious modern rooms, beautiful outdoors, staff that feels like family, and 4 delicious restaurants are only a fraction of what awaits at this all-inclusive 5-star resort! 
• Private Villa – This private vacation rental is everything you could ask for! It has a private outdoor pool, a gorgeous modern interior for 7 guests, 24/7 security, and even a dedicated workspace!

Things to do in Ciudad Mayakoba

• Rent a private yacht with water activities, snorkeling stops, food, and beverages
• Walk or bike on the nature trails into the mangrove forest
• Check out the Mexican plaza in the heart of Mayakoba
• Go bird watching – hundreds of species of birds migrate here!
• Rent a car, get out of Ciudad Mayakoba, and explore the Riviera Maya
• Do some adventure sports on the beach at Mayakoba, like scuba diving, snorkeling, or jet skiing

BONUS: Best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is packed with upscale all-inclusive resorts, offering an incredible range of amenities, fine dining options, and activities to keep you entertained (and happy) from the moment you wake up to when you fall asleep in your royal suite! 

With so many options, it’s hard to pick just one. So apart from the ones in the main part of the article, I added some more of the very best places to stay for an unforgettable holiday:

• Royal Hideaway Playacar – Get your welcome in this 5-star adults-only, all-inclusive resort with champagne and a cool towel upon arrival. Keep spoiling yourself during your stay with massages and beauty treatments (aromatherapy, facials, and body wraps). Enjoy world-class luxury surrounded by lush gardens and the white sands of an idyllic beach on the south Riviera Maya!
• Grand Hyatt Resort – Have your beautiful escape in this luxury resort on the beach, with oceanfront suites with private pools and a spa! Try the unique cuisine of its international restaurants and be delighted by the beverage concepts at the 3 bars and a fitness center. Enjoy several water sports facilities, a beauty salon, and a games room.
• The Reef 28 – This cosmopolitan and adults-only hotel (with an all-inclusive option) offers elegant suites and a luxurious spa in the middle of Downtown Playa del Carmen. The perfect option for those who want to take advantage of all the attractions of the city center! Enjoy the contemporary kitchen, relax in its luxurious spa, and dance the night at the rooftop bar with DJ sets. 

FAQs about where to stay in Playa del Carmen

🏙️ Is Playa del Carmen Safe? 

Even if Mexico has a bad reputation for being a dangerous country, the Mayan Riviera is generally a safe area. Anyways, some areas in Playa del Carmen are better avoided, like side streets, public transportation, and any place without tourists. 

💂 Which is the safest place in Playa del Carmen? 

Playacar is a very safe and family-friendly place to stay, quieter than other parts of the city. There’s a security checkpoint at the main entrance and many security guards patrolling the area. Ciudad Mayakoba is also pretty safe. 

💃 Which is the best area for nightlife in Playa del Carmen? 

Gonzalo Guerrero is the best spot for nightlife and a lively night out in the city. Here you’ll find the busiest restaurants, bars, and clubs for any taste. This neighborhood offers fun and excitement all day and all night. 

🗺️ Which is the best area where to stay in Playa del Carmen? 

The best area to stay in Playa del Carmen for the first time is El Centro. It’s close to major attractions, it’s where most tours depart from, and where you’ll find the main commercial street in town – 5th Avenue.

Final thoughts

That’s it, you made it to the end of our guide on where to stay in Playa del Carmen! I hope you enjoyed it and that all your doubts and questions have been answered!

But if you still haven’t decided on the perfect spot for you, here are my 2 favorite places in Playa just for a bit more inspiration:

• Palmaïa – The House of AïA – reconnect with nature in this holistic resort with stunning ocean-view private terraces and luxury wellness treatments
• Marquee Playa Hotel – Family rooms in the heart of Playa del Carmen, with outdoor pool and delicious à la carte breakfast

If you are already imagining yourself on the idyllic beaches of Playa del Carmen, I strongly suggest you book your hotel at least 6 months ahead! This is one of the most trending spots in Mexico’s Riviera Maya! Oh, and don’t forget to check my guide on 5 other amazing places to explore in the area!

If you have any questions or would like to share your impressions, leave me a comment below! I’ll be glad to answer!

Safe travels,

Yulia

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