Playacar Palace

Playacar, Mexico

Deluxe Resort View
Superior Deluxe Partial Ocean View
Concierge Level
Swim-up bar
Café del Mar
Bocelli
Momo
Cielo Bar
Cielo Bar and Terrace
Luna Lounge
Luna Lounge
Aqua Bar
Awe Spa
Awe Spa
A video preview image
Deluxe Resort View
Superior Deluxe Partial Ocean View
Concierge Level
Swim-up bar
Café del Mar
Bocelli
Momo
Cielo Bar
Cielo Bar and Terrace
Luna Lounge
Luna Lounge
Aqua Bar
Awe Spa
Awe Spa

The hotel

This contemporary hotel overlooks the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean sea and is steps away from a wide choice of shops, bars and nightlife. Beautifully appointed rooms come complete with a double whirlpool tub and private balcony with breathtaking views. Stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and Cozumel Island can also be enjoyed from the various exquisite bars and lounges dotted around the complex. For sheer indulgence, head to the hotel's state-of-the-art spa facility for a relaxing treatment. Perfect for couples, families can also take advantage of everything on offer, whilst the kids enjoy playing with new-found friends at the supervised playroom.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Honeymoon
  • Kids Club
  • Children's Pool
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Laundry Service
  • Internet Access

Where is it

In the exclusive Playacar Hotel Zone, overlooking the beach and steps from the shops, bars, restaurants and lively nightlife of Playa del Carmen. Transfer time from Cancun Airport: 1 hour.

Hotel information

201 rooms in 1 building with lifts. All rooms with individually controlled air-conditioning, smart TV with satellite, WiFi access, telephone, clock radio, iPod docking station, coffee maker, mini-bar, spirits optic, safe, iron and board, in-room double whirlpool tub, bathrobes and slippers, turn-down service, hairdryer and hair straighteners. Deluxe Rooms have resort views, balconies with 2 chairs and a table and either 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. All rooms are non-smoking.

All Inclusive of: all meals, snacks and drinks, including premium brands and in room mini-bar stocked with water, soft drinks and beer and spirit cabinet. 24-hour room service. All activities and entertainment detailed above unless otherwise stated.

Superior Deluxe Rooms Partial Ocean View Rooms offer partial views of the ocean, some with a balcony with 2 chairs and a table, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Superior Deluxe Ocean View Rooms offer stunning ocean views, with balcony or terrace, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Concierge Level Rooms with ocean view, pillow and aromatherapy menu, Apple TV, exclusive concierge (phone service), private check-in/out, nightly petit fours and turn-down service, DVD/CD player, iPod dock, upgraded liquor brands in room dispenser, L'Occitane bath amenities, two 25-minute massages, private beach lounge chair area with waiter service, beach bag (1 per room per stay), 24-hour room service from Bocelli and Momo restaurants, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Walk Out Suites offer access to the beach with 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Governor Suites have ocean views, private balcony with two chairs and a table, plus a living room. Ideal for couples, the suite has 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults. 

Café del Mar (breakfast, lunch and dinner, International/Mexican), Bocelli (dinner only, Italian à la carte), Momo (dinner only, Asian with Sushi bar and Tepanyaki), LAHNA (dinner, gourmet Yucatecan dishes. Reservations required). Cielo Bar and Lounge, Aqua Bar and Wet Bar (swim-up pool bar), Luna Lounge (serving Thai hors d'oeuvres 6:00pm-11:00pm).

Regular programme of daily and evening entertainment.

Swimming pool with swim-up bar, children's pool. Spa*. Fitness centre. Beach volleyball. Giant chess. Table games including pool tables. Playroom (4-12 years). Bicycle tours available. Paddle boards and snorkeling equipment upon request.

24-hour room service. Concierge services. Bell staff service. Gift shop*. Beauty salon*, spa boutique*. Doctor on call 24-hours*. Palace Car Rental*. Dry-cleaning/laundry service*. Cash machine. Complimentary WiFi access. Ice machines. Computers are available for Internet use. Cots, rollaway beds and wheelchairs available upon request. Guests may use the facilities at other Palace resorts, except for Le Blanc Spa Resort and The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun.

Please note: a travel tax of $11 per adult (over 15 years old) applies when visiting the Mexican state Quintana Roo. The payment can be made prior to travel, upon arrival or during the stay, as the tax will be imposed upon departure.

Good general access for guests who are able to walk short distances and can manage up to six steps. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page

* Denotes local charge.

Dress code: long trousers, collared shirts and shoes are required at the speciality restaurants.

Please note: child ages are up to 17 years. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1583)
  • Very good (169)
  • Average (41)
  • Poor (16)
  • Terrible (14)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Small, but great, hotel!

Jul 22, 2021 LNJMDallas

Just returned from a wonderful semi-post-pandemic vacation at Playacar Palace. Palace resorts is always great . If you are a family needing lots of activities on premises, then you may want to consider staying at a place like Moon Palace in Cancun, instead. Playacar Palace is a much smaller resort without a lot of activities (no mini golf, water… Read more
Just returned from a wonderful semi-post-pandemic vacation at Playacar Palace. Palace resorts is always great . If you are a family needing lots of activities on premises, then you may want to consider staying at a place like Moon Palace in Cancun, instead. Playacar Palace is a much smaller resort without a lot of activities (no mini golf, water park, video arcade etc) and with only 3 restaurants. However, if you go in knowing this and are okay with it, then I highly recommend it! We went with our 14 and 15 year children (who didn't want to do anything but laze poolside!). Throughout the day, there are lots of activities pool side (like beach volleyball, pool volleyball, spin cycle in the water, water aerobics, yoga, beach tennis etc). The activities managers poolside do a phenomenal job. We spent all our days poolside and got to know the pool staff well - there was always someone to help you find chairs, move the umbrellas around to keep you in the shade (if that's what you wanted). Daniela was our poolside server for most of our time and she was exceptional (Gaby took care of us on our first day and we adored her too!). She anticipated our drink needs, always made sure we had water, and by day 2 knew exactly when to ask us what we wanted for lunch based on our day1 schedule. I just happened to mention our wedding anniversary to her poolside one day and that afternoon she brought champagne and chocolates to our room! Service is easily one of the best things about the hotel. Restaurants were great - we only ate at the buffet for breakfast. Lunch was always poolside. And dinners we split between the Asian and Italian - Asian was our favorite (Miguel was so attentive!). As I said, we have stayed at bigger resorts that have all the things. But I can't think of any place that had better, individualized, service (perks of a small resort I guess!). Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great for adults but nothing for teens!

Jul 20, 2021 AmieBarker

The reason the resort only gets a 3/5 is because of the total lack of entertainment, activities, sports, disco, club etc for TEENS. If you are an adult and all you want to do is eat, drink and be merry then great .. this is a terrific resort. BUT -- if you are parents to teen(s) and they are bored because there is NOTHING TO DO after 7:30pm when… Read more
The reason the resort only gets a 3/5 is because of the total lack of entertainment, activities, sports, disco, club etc for TEENS. If you are an adult and all you want to do is eat, drink and be merry then great .. this is a terrific resort. BUT -- if you are parents to teen(s) and they are bored because there is NOTHING TO DO after 7:30pm when the pool closes then your 'adult fun' is limited. Sure -- the kids can walk into town and 'amuse themselves' ... but the town is all bars, restaurants, and clubs! The issue here is that the online marketing is VERY good and leads you to believe that the resort is a lot bigger than it really is. It's NOT big! It's tiny ... not a bad thing at all if that's what you're after (we were) ... but what we didn't expect was a TOTAL LACK of activities for those teens that fall into the 15-18 year range. Unless you're training your children to drink underage in order to have fun (we're not btw) then your kids will literally have NOTHING to do every night but sit in the room and watch tv. A kids club, a disco night, a teen pool & smores night, ANYTHING would be better than nothing. As parents, we were bummed that our teen son was alone -- which meant that we couldn't relax knowing he wasn't getting the best experience that he deserved (and was mistakenly promised). The resort food, drink, service is all great .. I just wish I could have a "re-do". This was NOT a cheap vacation, yet we all admitted on the flight back to LA that it wasn't worth it. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent resort with excellent hospitality

Jul 17, 2021 99ginaa

Playacar Palace was an excellent all inclusive resort next to downtown Playa del Carmen. It was a 2 minute walk to the ferry and to Fifth Ave, which was filled with shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. The hotel was clean and had pretty good food. The spread at the breakfast buffet was endless and the poolside service and food was amazing. There… Read more
Playacar Palace was an excellent all inclusive resort next to downtown Playa del Carmen. It was a 2 minute walk to the ferry and to Fifth Ave, which was filled with shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. The hotel was clean and had pretty good food. The spread at the breakfast buffet was endless and the poolside service and food was amazing. There was always someone there ready to get you a drink or food as you sat in the water. Benito in the pool bar was hands down the best bartender. He would make you different drinks based on what he could tell you liked and they were phenomenal. He even walked out of the bar and over to where my boyfriend and I were sitting just to bring us special shots. Benito was not just a bartender, he was a true mixologist. Everywhere on the resort though the hospitality was amazing. Every employee would tell us it was a pleasure to serve us, but honestly it was a pleasure to be their guest! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great service and great food make up for lack of "Wow!" in public spaces and grounds

Jul 16, 2021 deadmeatAD Saint Paul, Minnesota

Overall, we had a great visit. It was exactly what our family needed. Our room, the food and service from the staff were all spectacular. The only thing this resort lacks is the wow factor and greenery in the public spaces. To some this might not be a big deal, but for us it was an adjustment considering we’ve had more experience at resorts with… Read more
Overall, we had a great visit. It was exactly what our family needed. Our room, the food and service from the staff were all spectacular. The only thing this resort lacks is the wow factor and greenery in the public spaces. To some this might not be a big deal, but for us it was an adjustment considering we’ve had more experience at resorts with larger footprints. Now for the details: The Room: If you can, go for the Governor’s Suite. We have two older teenage daughters and it was a family vacation, so I did not want them in a different room. Instead, we upgraded prior to arrival. It’s my favorite room we’ve had in Mexico—ever. To accommodate our family, they slid the couch over and put 2 single beds in. Our kids were so happy not to share a bed on vacation. The floor to ceiling ocean views are grand and made waking up each morning spectacular. There are 2 balconies. Every evening before dinner, my daughters would sit, spread out their art supplies and paint or draw on one balcony while we sipped predinner cocktails on the other. This room also had a double vanity. Perfect for everyone to get ready! Awesome room. The Food: The food was great. At the buffet, there was NO overstocked steamers filled with burgers or chicken patties. Burgers, pastas, and tacos were all cooked to order. The items that were “out” for mass, were replenished often and always served by a team member. And there was always a theme for lunch—Mediterranean or Asian one day and Mexican another. Great sushi rolls too. And the pastries and desserts were always awesome to look at and tasted great. The buffet was always an adventure—in a good way! We ate at Bocelli and Momo twice and Smoke once. The food was great. Nice, single portions so you could eat multiple courses. The beef, pork and seafood were always good cuts and quality. I never ate much chicken since I eat a lot of that at home. If you’re looking to eat Mexican food, do it by the pool. Great tacos and enjoy chips, guac, pico and ceviche daily! The building and grounds: My only real criticism of this hotel is the public spaces and the grounds. I know it’s only 200 rooms and on the edge of town. That makes it a small footprint and very easy to move around the resort. But, there is a lack of greenery, flowers or giant palm trees that we’ve come to expect from a resort in Mexico. Don’t get me wrong, there is a positive to lack of greenery—there were no mosquitos. Zero. While the restaurants throughout the resort have cool fixtures, upholstery and furniture, the lobby and entrance are very basic. Maybe a little too basic and lack a real “Wow!” factor. The staff and service are so great. Positive attitudes and have a sense of humor. Top notch. You may have read criticisms from non-members, but we are not members and were treated like royalty. Prior to our arrival, I worked with Alan on the suite upgrade—great recommendation. Daniella, Gaby and Edar took care of us each day by the pool with food, drinks, and shade. Daniella knew the exact time to bring the ceviche and “ice burgs.” Porfirio at the buffet knew my tequila, soda and lime juice drinks for lunch after day 2. I gave Alfredo a hard time at Smoke because they were out of Brussel Sprouts and when he brought by dessert, he said “your dessert topped with brussels sprouts.” Jonathan put on a great show at the Momo Hibachi. Finally, the team at Bocelli who made our last night extra special. A shout out to Jesus, Daniel and Chef Tonis. Cesar, your team took great care of us. Thank you. Here’s some tips: Bring a watch, bracelets or something to cover your wristband when you’re walking around town. You’re a moving target with that thing on. Get to the pool by 7 to reserve a spot. And, tip the staff. You can’t see the smiles behind their masks, but they’re there. Thank you everyone for a great vacation. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pool Concierge

Jul 7, 2021 tlhmeacham Columbus, Ohio

We had a wonderful time at Playacar Palace, this year’s chosen spot to spend our vacation. There is one person that stands out above all others and that was the Diamond Pool Concierge. He truly made our vacation wonderful. We had accidentally sat in chairs by the pool that were supposed to be for diamond members. We are not Diamond but are only… Read more
We had a wonderful time at Playacar Palace, this year’s chosen spot to spend our vacation. There is one person that stands out above all others and that was the Diamond Pool Concierge. He truly made our vacation wonderful. We had accidentally sat in chairs by the pool that were supposed to be for diamond members. We are not Diamond but are only one step down from being Diamond ourselves. I noticed Diamond members complaining so I called the Concierge over to tell him that last thing i wanted to do was to make someone angry at the start of my vacation and that I would be happy to move our family to new seats. He was so gracious for our offer that he found us great chairs to move to AND did so for the remainder of our trip and he even went above and beyond by insisting he provide us with a special lunch. He was so awesome and I will never forget how he put the icing on our trip. Thank you to him for making us feel so special and thank you to the rest of the staff too for all you do to make everyone’s vacations meaningful. The servers by the pool are just as great! I cannot remember his name but he was the only pool concierge I ever saw during our 10 day stay from May 16th thru May 26th. Koudos to you my friend! The Meacham family Read less