Playa del Carmen was once a quiet fishing village, today it is the liveliest resort on the Yucatan Peninsula along with Cancun. Its waters are not clear or crystalline like those of Isla Mujeres or Tulum, but the beaches are always crowded and the town continues to attract more and more tourists.
This is because Playa del Carmen is located in an excellent position, between Cancun and Tulum, perfect for visiting the main attractions of the Riviera Maya both with organized and do-it-yourself excursions. Do not miss the beautiful island of Cozumel, reachable by ferry from the port of Playa.
But those who choose Playa del Carmen do so above all for its lively nightlife and for the wide choice of clubs, restaurants and resorts, and it is therefore the ideal destination for those who love entertainment, discos or all-inclusive trips.
In this mini guide we see which are the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen, to enjoy your holiday in complete safety and relaxation.
Where to sleep in Playa del Carmen
Finding a good accommodation in Playa del Carmen is not difficult, there are offers for all budgets, small hotels, B & Bs at competitive prices or luxury resorts directly on the beach, just choose the one that best suits your needs.
The nerve center of Playa del Carmen is there Fifth Avenue an animated pedestrian boulevard both day and night. It runs parallel to the sea, starts near the ferry port (Muelle) and runs through the city center continuing for around 2km.
Fifth Avenue is the real attraction of Playa, this is where all the restaurants, clubs, souvenir shops and most of the accommodation facilities are located around this area.
And it is precisely this area is the best choice to stay overnight in Playa del Carmen for those who want to stay in the beating heart of the town a few steps from the nightlife and close to the beach.
The advice is to choose a hotel close to 5th Avenida, but not in the midst of the confusion, so as to better enjoy the lively evenings, be a stone's throw from the best restaurants and clubs and at the same time stay overnight in quiet and not noisy areas.
So even if you move away a little bit it's okay, indeed it can be an advantage, the important thing is to stay at a distance that allows you to comfortably walk to the main street of the city and the beach.
The area is also convenient for traveling to the islands and other destinations, since near the port there is also the ADO bus station and the point where collective buses depart.
If, on the other hand, you prefer an all-inclusive holiday and your only desire is to enjoy the sea and the beach in total relaxation, then the residential area of Playacar is the one for you. This is where most of the luxury hotels and resorts are concentrated. The center of Playa del Carmen is still close by, accessible by taxi but also by bike or on foot, depending on where your hotel is located.
Recommended Hotels in Playa del Carmen
Sunrise 42 Suites Hotel
Calle 42 Between Avenida 5 and 10, Playa del Carmen 7
Hotel located in a great location, at the end of 5th Avenue, in a quiet stretch but well served by restaurants and bars and 2 minutes from the beach. Clean and spacious rooms, friendly and helpful staff. The bus station and the ferry port are approximately XNUMX km away.
Kinbe Hotel
10 North Street | Between 1 & 5 Avenida, Col. Centro, Playa del Carmen 77710, Messico
The strength of the hotel is certainly its privileged location, near the sea, the main street, a few steps from the bus and collective bus station, and from the port for Cozumel. Excellent value for money and a beautiful swimming pool.
Casa La Galeria by Bunik
Calle 20 Esq. Ave 30, Playa del Carmen 77710, Messico
Very nice hotel with very nice staff and spacious and clean rooms. The location is great on 30th Avenida, a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle, but a 5 minute walk from Quinta Avenida. There are several restaurants and supermarkets near the hotel. The only flaw, the bathrooms are a bit small.
Royal Hideaway Playacar
Hotel Lot No. 6 Fracc., Playa del Carmen 77710, Messico
For those looking for a resort for an all-inclusive holiday in Playa del Carmen, the Royal Hideaway is the right choice. It is located in the elegant Playacar area and is ideal for a relaxing holiday, as it belongs to the "Adults Only" category. Super friendly staff, super clean rooms and great food.
Iberostar Tucan Hotel
Avda Xaman-Ha, Hotel Lot | Playacar Nro 2, Playa del Carmen 77710, Messico
Wonderful structure ideal for a romantic holiday of pure relaxation, also perfect for a honeymoon. Resort surrounded by greenery, it seems to be in a nature reserve. Helpful and professional staff, large and clean rooms, beautiful sea and beach. In short, there are all the ingredients for a dream vacation.
Tips and practical information to explore the Yuctan, the Riviera Maya, the islands and the archaeological areas.
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