Two Can’t-Miss Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen can accurately be described as the trendy older sister of Cancún. A former fishing village located along the Caribbean coast, just an hour’s drive south of the large resort town of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen has become one of the most popular destinations in Mexico over the past 10 to 20 years.

Mexico’s own Fifth Avenue

Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida—literally, Fifth Avenue—is home to numerous bars, restaurants, and shops, and the beach and many night clubs are just a few hundred meters away. At night, the city transforms into a giant concert hall. Whether you like reggae, rock, salsa or the latest international hits, there’s something for everyone. You don’t even need to go to a club, since many performances take place on the street. In January, electronic music enthusiasts can enjoy the BPM Music Festival, one of the most prestigious in the world.

The heart of the action

There are two relatively new hotels in Playa del Carmen that offer excellent service. Both are located just steps away from the action but serve as a base to relax at the beach or by a private pool.

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen

Opened in June 2015, the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort is smart, chic, and minimalist.

The hotel is designed to let the stunning scenery speak for itself. The airy lobby offers a wide-angle view of the sea, putting guests in a vacation mood as soon as they enter. A small esplanade with kiosks selling everything from coffee to tacos to sushi leads to the pool and beach.

If you have time, make sure to dine at The Grill at least once.

The Grill is an excellent little restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats and fish, which you can pair with cocktails or Mexican wines. On full moon nights, tables are moved outside near the pool to enjoy the view.

While not the cheapest hotel in Playa del Carmen, the Grand Hyatt offers a range of options to suit different budgets. There are over 300 rooms, including 36 suites, some with their own pool.

Lat20

Right next to the Hyatt is another boutique hotel, this one for adults only.

Lat20 is unique, combining the charms of an all-inclusive hotel with the ambiance of a downtown center.

Upon entering the lobby, guests are struck by the abundance of artistic masterpieces. Lat20 is much lusher and more opulent than the Hyatt, with art appearing everywhere, including an enormous mural in the main atrium. Every nook contains a museum-worthy piece.

The spa and fitness center are luxurious, but the real jewel is the rooftop area.

Lat20’s rooftop area features an infinity pool, a sushi restaurant, and a lounge bar with a breathtaking view of Playa del Carmen and the sea off in the distance.

During the day, couples and friend groups gather for leisurely cocktails, but when the sun sets the rooftop transforms into an open-air nightclub, blending seamlessly into the parties on Quinta Avenida.