Where to stay in Playa del Carmen - Riviera maya

Beaches of Playa del Carmen

How about ending your Mexico trip with a bit of Caribbean sun, sea and sand? We've selected accommodation in two great Mayan Riviera beach locations; Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Both are tropical beach destinations but each one is very different. On this page you'll find out where to stay in Playa del Carmen.

Cancun is an Americanised resort full of all-inclusive hotels, discos and shopping malls, whereas Playa del Carmen has more of a Mexican atmosphere. You'll get a far more authentic beach experience in Playa, which is why we recommend it as a great alternative to Cancun. The beaches are beautiful and you'll hear mariachis singing in the street as well as salsa music coming from the tequila and burrito bars along the lively Avenida Quinta (Fifth Avenue). On the beach the scene is more laid-back with mellow reggae music, rustic cocktail bars and sun loungers.

If you're looking for a bit more peace & quiet and a local atmosphere, then drive on to Chiquila (approx 2½ hours from Playa) where you can take the ferry to a Holbox Island tour, an idyllic tropical beach destination and the perfect alternative to the mayhem of Playa. Alternatively, take a look at our Tulum beach accommodation for a quiet tropical getaway. 
Duration 4 days/ 3 nights
Departs daily

Accommodation

Double room with ensuite facilities and a/c. Comfort level 3 (see accommodation).

Price

 Please see our Contact Us page for more details

Includes

 Accommodation based on room only.

Transport

Transfers can be arranged, please enquire with our travel specialists.

Excludes

All meals and excursions.

Day 1: Arrival Playa del Carmen

At the end of your Mexico trip you usually arrive in Playa from the south. If you're travelling by rental car you'll pass Chetumal on the border with Belize and from there it's another 5 hours drive north. Bus travellers will probably take the night bus from San Cristobal de las Casas or Palenque, arriving at the bus station early in the morning.

The plan for today is chilling on the beach. Towel and book in hand, settle yourself in the warm white sand and soak up the Mexican rays. Then for lunch head to one of the little beach bars. The sun is pretty strong in the afternoon so you may want to seek shelter in the shade. The Quinta Avenida, the main shopping street in Playa is lively place with plenty to see and do, particularly in the evening. If salsa's your thing, then Mambo is the place to be...

 
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen - Blue sea on your doorstep
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen - Relax by the shore

Days 2 and 3: Playa del Carmen

Our favourite hotels in Playa del Carmen are very central, approximately 200-300m from the broad beaches. The Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), the most popular shopping and entertainment street in Playa del Carmen, is also close by. Our first choice hotel has a very small pool in a shady garden, even with the beach and sparkling sea next door (see pictures below). Your room will be clean and tidy with ensuite facilities and a/c. Some of them even have balconies.

Of course, if you're looking for a different style of accommodation, take a look at our all-inclusive page.

Day 4: End of Playa del Carmen tour

If today's the last day of your holiday in Mexico, then (depending on your flight departure time) you can spend a couple more hours on the beach before heading back to Cancun airport. It's roughly a two-hour drive to the airport where you will drop off your car and board the plane back to the UK. If you're not travelling by car we will arrange a transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen - Music with the locals