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Playa del Carmen, or just "Playa" as it is also commonly referred to by locals, is a coastal resort town in Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Approximately 70 km south of Cancún and 20 km west of Cozumel, it is at the center of the Mayan Riviera and offers a more relaxed atmosphere, smaller boutique lodgings, and a distinct European flavor.

Understand

Quinta Avenida, also referred to in English as 5th Avenue, is the main tourist thoroughfare in Playa. It is a pedestrian only, cobblestone lined street which spans approximately 20 blocks. Along 5th Ave. you will find a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping opportunities and various services. In Playa, nearly everything starts from this street.

Get in

By air

The closest airport to Playa is the Cancún International Airport.

By bus

Buses can be taken directly from the Cancún International Airport for around USD12. To get to the ADO BUS, veer right after exiting the main terminal and walk about 200 yards. Purchase a ticket (buying it in pesos will save you a few dollars) right before exiting the terminal or at a kiosk right at the bus. Rental cars and one-way transfer services are also available. Tickets for children are half-price.

By car

Highway 307 is the only highway that passes by Playa. As you approach Playa from Cancún, the highway divides. Keep left and you will take the raised freeway past the city, keep right and you'll be able to access the city streets. The first east-west artery to Playa is Avenida Constituyentes, which works well for destinations in northern Playa tourist zone. The second is Avenida Juárez, which leads to the town's main square, The ADO Tourist bus terminal, and the Cozumel ferry dock.

The central bus station, right next to the taxi street, sells rides to the entirety of the Yucatán peninsula. Bus travel is relatively inexpensive, you can either travel second class, or first class, which is sometimes also called 'Express' although it is not notably any faster at all. First class buses cost around 40% more and will have toilets and TVs on them, but both classes have air conditioning. A second class ticket to Chetumal on the Belizean border costs MXN116 (USD11) and takes around 4 1/2 hours .

There are a lot of so-called "Travel Agencies" on the 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Please be careful because most of them are time-share offices. One reliable travel agency is Solatino Tours & Travel. The owners have a fine selection of day trips covering the whole area.

Private transfers

Private transfers are another way to get from Cancún's International Airport to your hotel, condo, or beachfront home in Playa Del Carmen or Playacar, and can be booked online in advance.


By boat

There are two competing companies that will ship you across to Cozumel for around USD24 return. The dock is on the south end of the city, just south of the plaza. Boats leave roughly every hour, from 08:00-20:00, and the ride itself is 30 minutes.

Get around

Because the layout of downtown Playa is a rectangular grid, getting around is very easy.

The main east-west street, Avenida Juárez, connects Highway 307 with the town square, El Zócalo, near the beach. As it does so, it crosses several numbered north-south avenues that run parallel to the beach, all of which, interestingly enough, are multiples of five. Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), the closest to the beach, is closed to traffic from the Zócalo to Calle 6 (and some blocks beyond, in the evening).

Almost the entire town is north and west of the town square, El Zócalo. The east-west streets parallel to Avenida Juárez are numbered Calle, with even numbers to the north of Juárez and odd numbers to the south. The other main east-west street Avenida Constituyentes is located where you would expect to find Calle 18.

To the south of the downtown is "Playacar" a golf-course development of private residences and a dozen resort hotels.

By foot

Playa is pedestrian friendly town and you can basically walk to everything. The main north-south pedestrianized street, 5th Ave, does not allow cars except in the early morning hours for deliveries. On 5th Avenue are many hotels, restaurants, and small shops. The north-south thoroughfare Avenida 30, five blocks west of 5th Ave, is where the large stores are located. To walk from the town square, El Zócalo, and Avenida Juarez to Avenida Constituyentes takes only about 10 minutes.

A bike is a fun alternative to walking; there are a number of bike rental shops at the north end of 5th Ave.

By car

Car rentals are readily available at a number of locations at the north end of 5th Ave. Large companies, National, Hertz, etc. are convenient, as well as local agencies, which are generally less expensive.

By taxi

5th Ave. ('Quinta Avenida' or '5ta Av.') is a pedestrianized street and taxis are available at various intersections along its length. A taxi taken from a 'sitio' (place where taxis park) will cost a few dollars more than a taxi hailed on the street. It costs USD7 to get to Playacar, and about USD1.50 to get around the rest of Playa.

By bus

Scheduled bus service to destinations in the region (e.g. Xcaret, Xel-ha, Tulum, Cancun airport, Cancún, etc.) and beyond depart from Playa bus station at southern end of 5ta Avenida and Avenida Juárez, which is near the Ferry terminal to Cozumel.

First class ADO bus departs hourly or so for tourist destination of Xcaret, Xel-ha and Tulum - fares are in USD4 range. The ADO Bus goes directly to the entrances of Xcaret and Xel-ha. ADO also runs direct service to Cancun airport from Playa Del Carmen for approximately USD12 (MXN116).

Second class local Mayab buses also leave from Fifth Avenue station. Mayab buses stop more frequently en route and drop off alongside the highway to Tulum, requiring walking from the highway to the entrances of Xcaret or Xel-ha.

An alternative to the buses is to catch a "colectivo" van. These leave/return at Playa from a location on Calle 2 between Av 10 and Av 15. Colectivos are cheap government regulated air-conditioned vans which transport people on Hwy. 307, which runs north/south along the coast between Tulum and Cancún. Pick-up times for these collectivos vary, roughly every 10 minutes, and pick-up/drop-off is simply along the freeway; but one can get you a ride near to any destination between Tulum and Cancun for as little as USD3. There are also vans either ran by individuals or tour vans returning empty from a drop off that will pick you up alongside Hwy 307. The easiest way to catch one is to wait at a bus stop and extend your hand out (like a handshake). Sometimes a van will flash their lights which is asking if you want them to stop. Prices vary, but can be as cheap as MXN3. They pickup up and down the entire length of the highway. Most all speak English. They drop you off ONLY along the highway at your choice. No door to door service.

Organized bus tours are also available from a variety of companies that cross the Riviera Maya & Yucatán (Tulum, Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Mahahual, Ek Balam, Celestun, Rio Lagartos, Mérida, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Coba, Sian Ka'an, Xcaret, Xelha, etc.).

See

Do

Charter fishing

You may see many boats on the beach in Playa del Carmen waiting for a deep sea fishing charter. Most of these boats are unlicensed and provide the bare necessities. They are generally small "pangas" which may or may not even offer shade. The equipment is generally sub-par. The professional charter fleet is in Puerto Aventuras which is about ten km south of Playa. Puerto Aventuras is the oldest and nicest marina on the Riviera Maya. The protection is so good that the Cozumel Ferries park there in bad weather. There are numerous charter boats available from 29-47 feet. For not much extra money (if any) you can upgrade to a private boat. Just walk past the charter boats and you will find private boats. These boats are privately owned by affluent owners who maintain them with an open check book. Some of them offer their boats for occasional charter. The extra effort is well worth it.

Diving

Scuba diving and snorkeling is plentiful around Playa, though the reefs are off the shore require a boat to get to. The offshore reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world. All hotels have a dive shop, though many can be found on 5th Ave. Better open-water scuba diving can generally be found in Cozumel so if this is the focus of your trip it is best to stay there. Excellent snorkeling is located at Puerto Morelos, located roughly halfway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, and in the lagoon at Akumal, on the way to Tulum. Several dive shops in Playa del Carmen do offer cenote diving south of town.

Cenotes are cavernous freshwater sinkholes which are found all over the Yucatán peninsula. Many of them are open to the public for swimming, diving, and exploration. Many are open, however some of them are partially underground and the caves associated with these cenotes can run for miles underground. Cenotes also vary in size with openings as little as a foot wide to as large as a small lake. The water clarity in these cenotes is often unsurpassed, often exceeding 200 feet, and makes for exceptionally good swimming. Some of the bigger cenotes are available as tourist destinations, many are locally owned, and many more still are either undiscovered or undeveloped. Entrance to the commercial cenotes is correlated to the amount of development (i.e. if there are washrooms, restaurants, showers, etc.) with fees ranging from USD1-20.

  • AlwaysDiving. A good place to do your diving or scuba diving classes. Scuba diving for everyone, from beginners to professionals. 
  • Cenote Dive Center (in the town of Tulum). For cenote snorkeling tours or cenote dive excursions. 
  • Scuba10 (Avenue 10 between 10 & 12 St). Great option if you want to do cenote diving with an experienced operator in Playa del Carmen. 

Spanish classes

  • Academia Columbus, Av 30 Norte x 6 Bis (Take Ave 30 and turn on Calle 6 bis, an orange building), ☏ +52 984 873 2100. 09:00-14:00. Academia Columbus offers Spanish language courses for international students at the most affordable prices. Small classes of no more than 5 students per class. Price varies. 
  • International House Maya Riviera (Calle 14 off Quinta Avenida). 
  • Playa Lingua (Calle 20 between Quinta Avenida and Avenida 10). 

Buy

The touristy part of Playa is laden with shops selling 'artesanias'. These basically sell the same products - shirts, bracelets, and souvenirs, but for varying prices depending on the mood of the shopkeeper and your haggling/seduction skills. Haggling is accepted in the less formal shops in Playa, as is the rest of the Yucatán, though it is worth remembering that if you are able to afford an international vacation your income is many times higher than the storekeeper's (most of whom struggle just to pay the very high rents). It is possible to buy both Mexican and Cuban cigars here, but Cuban cigar prices are not particularly cheap. Counterfeits are commonplace in Mexico, so due diligence in the selection of cigars is advisable. If you are young or have long hair, many shop keepers are likely to also offer you marijuana. Marijuana is illegal in Mexico, though its use is widespread among tourists.

There are three large supermarkets in Playa del Carmen: Wal-Mart (30 Ave and Calle 8), Comercial Mexicana MEGA (30 Ave and Constituyentes), Chedraui (Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Playacar). There is also a Sam's Club (Hwy 307 in front of Playacar).

There are two large shopping centers on the outskirts of town: Centro Maya (on the right of Highway 307 heading towards Tulum - opposite Playacar) and Plaza Las Americas (entrance is on the right side of Hwy 307 as you head to Cancún, by the large traffic circle with statue at the entrance of Playa del Carmen). Both shopping centers have multiscreen cinemas and large supermarkets (Soriana and Chedraui, respectively).

Eat

There are nearly 75 restaurants in Playa, with foods of every type and price range. There are also various pizza stands with prices ranging from MXN10-20, most of them remain open up to 06:00 when bars begin to close. As is the case in much of Mexico, the street food is not to be missed. Simply walk south down 5th Ave until you reach the pier and taxi stand. There are generally five or six carts there serving tacos of various types. Every seafood taco is generally outstanding, along with the carnitas, pollo, and chorizo. Also, try the stuffed poblano tacos. Tacos are typically in the USD2-3 range. For the best and freshest tacos arrive mid-morning before the lunch rush as the carts are setting up.

  • Ah Cacao Chocolate Café (5th Ave. at Constituyentes). A chocolate-themed coffee shop, selling chocolate in all its forms (including pure cacao beans). Famous for the brownies. Probably serves the best lattes and espresso in Playa. 
  • El Asador de Manolo. Argentine-owned restaurant with the best steaks in Playa. On 5th Ave between 30 and 32 St, it's not in the middle of all the tourism, but still nearby. A tenderloin-steak costs about MXN170, and is well worth the money - especially compared to the many very expensive restaurants located down 5th avenue. The crew is friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed and cosy. 
  • Babes Noodles and Bar (Two locations: Calle 10 between 5th and 10th, and 5th Ave between calle 26 and 28). Very popular restaurant bar serving Thai-style noodles, loud music, and lots of beer. 
  • Benito Juarez and 5th Ave Street Cart. At the corner of Benito Juarez and 5th Ave there are carts every morning where all the hotel and shop workers stop for breakfast. Gathering starts at around 06:00, they stay there until around 11:00. It is right outside of the main ADO bus station and at the start of the walk to the ferry to Cozumel so it is easy to find. The price in September 2011 was MXN18 each, (around USD1.50, give or take the exchange rate). One is enough to fill most people. These can be put together in different combinations and if you want something specific (like eggs alone), they will cook it on the spot. 
  • La Casa del Agua (On 5th Ave at 2nd St). Great ambiance. The calamari is excellent as is the fish. A little pricier than other restaurants, but well worth a try. Their indoor waterfall is a variation of a small pool of water cascading down rocks. The method cools nicely and is emulated in several restaurants. 
  • Club Nautico Tarraya (On the beach between Benito Juarez and Calle 2 Nte). Specializing in seafood, it's almost certainly the cheapest place on the beach, with ceviche for around MXN40 and fried fish for less than MXN100, and beer to wash it down with costing a mere MXN20. The atmosphere is slightly spoiled by cheap white plastic tables and very clinical white lights after sunset, but at these prices that's par for the course, and the quality and quantity of the food itself is excellent. 
  • Cockteleria Veracruz, 10 Avenida Sur (Between Benito Juarez and Calle 1 Sur, diagonally opposite the main ADO bus station). An unassuming exterior hides a cheap, tasty and very friendly seafood restaurant specializing in seafood cocktails. Mama runs the restaurant and personally makes sure all guests are happy. Note that the oysters in some cocktails are raw - but deliciously fresh. Portions are large, so even though the cocktails and ceviches are considered entrées, anything other than a small portion is a meal on its own. 
  • La Cueva del Chango (Calle 38, between 5th Ave and the beach.). Contemporary Mexican food in an offbeat jungle garden setting. A refreshing change from the frenetic pace of the 5th Avenue restaurants. The "Monkey Cave" is open for breakfast, lunch, and supper and frequented by locals and many expats who live locally. The morning breakfast is tops and the coolness of the day makes the open air setting enjoyable. Try the Chaya crepé. (Chaya, a local favorite, is a "tree spinach" native to the Yucatan. Do not eat raw chaya as it contains a cyanogenic glucoside that acts as a poison to humans.) The changos (monkeys) are temporarily not present because they were disturbed by the current condo construction. 
  • La Fragata (Calle 26 between 1st & 5th Ave). Small hole-in-the-wall restaurant with scrumptious food. Tasty fish tacos and seafood pasta that popped with flavor. 
  • HC Monterrey (Calle 1 Sur between 15th and 20th Avenidas, well off the tourist strip of the Quinta Avenida, and a second restaurant on Constituyentes between 25th and 30th Avenidas, opposite the MEGA hypermarket). The arrachera nacional is so tender it almost melts in your mouth. The meat is served simply with a foil wrapped potato and half of an avocado. If you are looking for something a little different, but truly delicious, try HC. With prices around MXN85 a person for the meat alone and 135 for the full meal, make sure to get there early, they are open until only 19:00. 
  • Ileana's Il Pescadore (the North end of Playa). Italian Restaurant that is a must on any visit to Playa. The wwner, a lady originally from Italy, is entertaining. The calamari is great. The tiramisu is delicious. The homemade pasta is superb. The portions are a decent size, but you do not leave thinking you overate. Cash only. 
  • King of the Grill, Aviacion Ave (aka Airport Rd) (Between Federal Highway 307 and 15th Ave. This is the road that runs on the south side of the airport near Playacar Phase 2. In a building on the south side of the road 500 or so metres going towards the highway coming from 10th Ave), ☏ +52 984 879 4219. Tu-Su, 14:00-21:00 or later if busy. Great Mexican grill. Actually a Weber BBQ shop (for rent or sale) that has a small number of tables and serves great food cooked on the Webers. Slightly off the tourist strip and menus only in Spanish. Friendly owner speaks English and was very helpful in explaining the menu. Hamburgers, steak and ribs are all highly recommended. Prices are very reasonable. MXN150 for full rack of ribs, MXN180 for a large rib eye steak, MXN100 for a Wagyu beef burger. 
  • Media Luna (5a Avenida between Calles 12 and 14). The locals think highly of the restaurant, as do others. The restaurant offers vegetarian dishes, fresh fish, wonderful pastas and salads. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
  • Oasis. Mexican seafood. Battered shrimp tacos, seafood soup, fried fish. Attracts mostly Mexicans and Playa locals. Prices are reasonable and the quality is consistent. 
  • La Parilla Mexican Grill (Upstairs on the corner of Calle 8 and 5a Avenida). The mariachi band was excellent and would play any single song that they knew for USD10. 
  • Perros Calientes. If you want to eat a great big hot dog, walk two streets from Fifth Avenue to this place and you will enjoy good hot dogs. 
  • La Pesca (Avenida 30, near Constituyentes, across from the Mega grocery store. A Thatch-roofed building open to the busy road.). Daily till 21:00. Maybe the best seafood in Playa. Reasonable prices, awesome food. Try the cazuela de camaron. If you choose a main course costing less than MXN140 you will probably be told that it is "not recommended", and will be advised something in a pricier category. If that happens, just persevere, they will happily serve the cheaper dish too. Most customers are locals, but the staff speak English and are very friendly. The toilet facilities are of lower quality than would be found at a restaurant in a more touristy part of Playa. 
  • PlayaMaya Hotel (At the beach). Octopus Tacos, wonderful. 
  • Yaxché Cocina Maya (5th Ave, between 22th and 24th St, a half block from 5th Ave). A Mayan cuisine restaurant. The soup with grouper is excellent. The shrimp plate is also tops. Try the creamed Chaya soup. The menu for lunch and supper are the same as are the prices. 
  • Yogo Chango Yogurt Bar (Calle 6 between 5th Ave and 10th Ave). Frozen yogurt made fresh with seasonal fresh fruit toppings, as well as creative and dry toppings. You can also enjoy smoothies, milkshakes, yogurt smoothies, espresso, frappuccino. Internet is free (laptops are available for free). 

Drink

Nightlife is definitely happening in Playa del Carmen, but is not as wild as its neighbor to the north, Cancún. Typically, Playa's shops and restaurants close around 22:00, but nearly all of the clubs stay open through most of the night. A number of the best nightclubs are located on the beach. If you are interested in nightlife (dancing, drinks late until the evening/morning), then be sure to visit Blue Parrot, El Pirata, Santenera, and Hotel Deseo. The Blue Parrot has an intense and spectacular nightly fire show at 23:00 and offers beach dancing, swings at the bar, and plenty of dancing. Santenera has a beautiful roof deck bar. Deseo also has a roof deck bar, but it comes with beds. Very relaxing and beautiful.

There is no shortage of great bars in Playa, many of which can be found on the beach. Alternatively, if you are on a very tight budget, many shops outside the main tourist area will sell drinks in bottles and cans that you can pack into a cooler for the beach. Prices at the bars in Playa are consistent with any major tourist area, but a USD1 beer is not uncommon.

Liquor can be bought from any number of tourist shops, which typically sell Kahlua and a variety of tequilas at a price which is generally the same. If you are requiring a more diverse liquor supply, there are places in and about Playa that can accommodate. The most prominent is Covi Liquors, on Hwy 307 in Playa, which offer a wide variety of liquors at prices that are generally cheaper than those shops which cater to tourists on 5th Ave.

Fifth Avenue is packed with restaurants and bars but most close before midnight. There are two main streets to find clubs and bars that close after midnight: The 8th street between 5th and 10th Ave is frequently visited by locals and backpackers, bars like "Los Secretos" offer live music and pool tables and Red Bar offer cheap beer, 2 x 1 Drinks and great music (closes at 02:00). The 12th offers more tourist places like Blue Parrot, Coco Maya and Om in the beach area and Bali Club and Santanera near 10th Ave.

The Dirty Martini Lounge on 1st Avenue between 10th and 12th Street gives you an alternative place to party and chill without all the hustle and bustle of the other bars. With a hotel on-site and pizza served to your table for the late night munchies, this community is a great place to spend the evenings in Playa Del Carmen.

  • El Bistro at La Tortuga (Hotel La Tortuga), 10th Ave, & Calle 14th, ☏ +52 984 87 30626. 7-23. El Bistro at La Tortuga & El Bistro en la Quinta. Two gastronomic options of good food in a relaxed atmosphere but always with excellent and consistent service, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 12. 
  • Coffee Stop, Calle 10 North between 10th Ave & 15th Ave, ☏ +52 984 803 4365. 07:30-19:30. Small independent coffee shop selling filled bagels, croissants, and a selection of great cakes and pastries to accompany real Mexican coffee (from Chapias). Away from the main hustle and bustle of 5th Avenue, it's a calm place to eat, drink and catch up on your email. very reasonable. 
  • 1 Hangover Bar Playa (Bar Playa Del Carmen Restaurant and Karaoke) (Calle 28 Norte & Cozumel), ☏ +52 984 142 2310. 10:00-02:00. One of the best bars in town. Featuring he amazing recipe of beer with a special juice. During the day they play good uplifting music with a friendly atmosphere. At night, they plays the same kind of music and the mic is open for karaoke for whomever is brave enough. 

Sleep

Hotels

Unlike other beach destinations, all the "best" hotels are not on the beach. A few face the ocean but the majority are set back a block or two near 5th Ave.

  • Pueblito Luxury Condo Hotel (Pueblito Luxury), Av. 38 Norte s/n Col. Centro, ☏ +52 (984) 803 1400 ext 403. Pueblito Luxury Condohotel features modern condominiums that have been appointed with every convenience possible. Luxurious suites have cozy living and dining areas where enjoying a meal or a cozy evening includes the marvel of the Caribbean Sea breeze. 
  • Aventura Mexicana, On Calle 24 between Ave 5 and Ave 10. Very nice and reasonably priced hotel about 3 blocks from the beach in the North end of Playa. Located on a quiet street, but just off busy 5th Avenue with all the action. Beautifully kept grounds, pool, friendly staff and 2-for-1 happy hour drinks (all evening!), as well as decent continental breakfast included in the room rate in their full-service restaurant 
  • Casa del Mar Playa del Carmen, Calle 24 entre 5ta y 10ma Avenida, ☏ +52 984 873 2584. Bed and breakfast style hotel with only 18 rooms. Rooms around a central pool and a sun deck offering a panoramic view of 5th Avenue where they serve continental breakfast each morning. 
  • Hotel Casa Tucan, Calle 4 entre Avenida 10y 15. Hotel Casa Tucan is 2 blocks from the ocean. 
  • Om Playa del Carmen, Calle 12 Northe con 1.ra privada, n.195, ☏ +52 984-147-0949. This trendy Lounge & Hotel is frequented by youthful globetrotters. Best rates on official website start at USD 55.00. 
  • Aldea Thai Luxury Condo Hotel (aldea thai), Av. Cozumel Mza. 81, Lote 1, ☏ +52 998 848 7941. An exclusive luxury condohotel in Playa del Carmen that, blending the Thai-Balinese aura with the laid back soul of the Mexican Caribbean, offers a majestic design where Asian inspired sculptures, outdoor fountains and thatched roofs meet. 
  • Hotel Casa Ticul, 5th Av. between 38 street & 40th street, LT 08 MZ 151 Col Zacil-Ha, ☏ +52 984 267 3501. All adult small boutique hotel on 5th Ave. 20 charming rooms with modern design and decorations. 
  • Hotel Coco Rio, ☏ +52 984 879 3361. Located along the quiet side of Quinta Avenida. The hotel offers rooms with air-conditioning, cable TV, refrigerator, and Wi-Fi access. 
  • Condominiums Natz Ti Ha, ☏ +52 910 543 0019. Located 60 meters from the beach and Quinta Avenida. The Condominiums offer fully equipped kitchens, air-conditioning, large terraces, pool, cable TV, 24 hour security and Internet access. 
  • Hotel Cohiba, ☏ +52 984 873 3481. Offers 18 standard rooms, 1 rooftop suite, and 1 superior room. All accommodations have a balcony or deck, air-conditioning, private toilet and shower, and cable TV. 
  • Hotel Colorado, Calle 4 nte (between 20 y 25 Av), ☏ +52 984 8730381, . Small, inexpensive hotel with charming, colorful, funky but clean accommodations in a downtown setting. central courtyard, many rooms with balconies, common balcony on second floor. cableTV, mini-fridge, private bathroom with hot water. A/C available. Some rooms with kitchenete. Free WiFi. Friendly management. 
  • Hotel La Tortuga, ☏ +52 984 87 30626. A small boutique hotel less than one block from La Quinta, La Tortuga offers the versatility of quaint rooms to suites with private pools. Their pool is considered Playa Del Carmen's prettiest, bursting with lush vegetation, bright flowers, and all the tranquility one could ask for. Their poolside bar, Las Margaritas, offers 2 for 1 happy hours every evening and drinks are delicious! Their hotel restaurant, El Bistro is a first-choice for fresh, consistent meals any time of the day. A full, hot breakfast at El Bistro is included with your stay. Staff at this hotel are outstanding and friendly. Because La Tortuga is not directly on the beach, they graciously offer free passes for loungechairs and palapas at Mamitas Beach. 
  • Fusion Beach Hotel Bar & Grill, Calle 6 & the Beach, ☏ +52 984 873 0374. Located on a white sandy beach with a lounge area that looks out to sea. USD59+. 
  • Hotel Las Golondrinas, Av. Constituyentes 178, entre av. 15 y av. 20, Centro, ☏ +52 984-8732384. The Hotel Las Golondrinas is designed in a Mexican style, which highlights the craftsmanship of the region. All rooms have views to the pools and gardens, where you can enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. 
  • Luna Blue Hotel & Garden. A small 18 room hotel surrounded by a lush garden in the northern, more quiet part of Playa del Carmen--Calle 26 between 5th Avenue and 10th Avenue. This hotel has hands-on onsite American owners. It also has the only jungle "swing" bar in Playa del Carmen. 
  • Mosquito Blue. An upper-range option with meandering pools and a reading library. 
  • Playa Palms Beach Hotel, 1st Av. Bis, Norte Entre 12 y 14, ☏ +52 984-803-3908. Offers air-conditioned rooms, all of which have Internet connection, cable TV, and mini-bar. Some of its amenities include swimming pool, beach lounges, and gym. 
  • Posada d' Margo. A very nice small hotel very near the sea and the Fifth Avenue, economic prices, clean and familiar atmosphere. 
  • Hotel Posada Mariposa. A boutique style hotel located on 5th Avenue in what today is referred to as "Little Italy" because of the large population of Italians who are today calling Playa Del Carmen home and opening businesses bringing a special Italian style flare to the area. Within walking distance to the beach. 
  • Reina Roja Hotel, Calle 20 Norte Entre 5ª Av. y Av. 10 N°298, Centro, ☏ +52 984 877 3800. It offers 63 rooms, all of which have air conditioning, LCD TV with cable connection, and Internet connection. Some of its amenities include pool bar, solarium with sea view, and fitness center. 
  • El Tukan Hotel & Beach Club, 5ta avenida Norte Entre las calles 14 y 16 Col Centro C.P. 77710 Plya del Carmen Solidaridad, ☏ +1-800-008-8526. Offers a wide range of comfortable and spacious rooms. 
  • Hotel Alhambra, 8th street beach front / Calle 8 con playa, ☏ +52 984 873 0735. 
  • Aqualuna Hotel, Avenida 10 Entre Calle 12 y 14, ☏ +52 9848731013. Aqualuna Hotel offers air-conditioned accommodation with a private toilet and shower, cable TV, mini-bar, and Internet access. 
  • Barrio Latino Hotel, Calle 4 entre Avenida 10 y 15 Col, ☏ +52 984-8732384. Courtesy continental breakfast, wireless internet in every room , local and international calls to 45 foreign Countries without limits, and access to beach club, and also parking lot. 
  • Hotel Hacienda Real del Caribe, Av 10 Esquina Calle 10 Nte, Col Centro, ☏ +52 984 8733130. Hotel Hacienda has rooms decorated with fine woods, in a finished marble and clear tones in its walls are the complements of warm hospitality. 
  • Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Cancún - Tulum Km. 54, ☏ +1-800-494-9173. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. This eco-friendly resort is 10 km from Playa del Carmen and offers an all inclusive plan to discover its own pristine nature park. 

Hostels

There are some inexpensive backpacker style hostels in Playa del Carmen if you are on a budget and don't mind sharing a dorm room with other travelers this is a good option.

  • Hostel 3B. A new hostel located one block from 5th Avenue,close to the ADO station and Cozumel ferry. Clean and comfortable dorm rooms with shared kitchen and TV room. 
  • Hostel Playa. A nice hostel with comfy beds and big kitchen 4 blocks away from the 5th avenue. 
  • Urban Hostel. Another great hostel with private rooms, TV common rooms, terraces and kitchen and its located just a block from 5th avenue. 

Resorts

There are a few all inclusive resorts in Playa, but the rest are south of town in Playacar. The resorts are generally secluded, and prevent one from experiencing the sights, sounds, and tastes of the city, and to some extent Mexican culture as well, since you will be surrounded by Western tourists and amenities. That said, these hotels typically offer nice accommodations that are well served.

Connect

Wifi Spots

  • Public Parks : All the parks in Playa del Carmen offer free Wi-Fi. Most of the restaurants and bars will ask for a minimum buy before giving you the password which will change every day. The more expensive the hotel or the condo, the less likely you will get free access.
  • Calle 4 between 15 and 10 Avenue: This is the 1st block in Playa fully covered by a free service (powered by Hotel Barrio Latino together with the AHRM, local association of hotels): fast, free.

Cope

Consulates

Go next

  • Cozumel the large island off the coast of Playa is famous for snorkeling and scuba near the Great Maya Reef, the large coral system. Note that Cozumel is also a main port for Cruise ships, so can be quite busy sometimes!
  • Tulum is a pre-Columbian walled city of the Maya right on the ocean, the number one attraction when visiting the region, the site consists of a large temple, several auxiliary buildings and huts. Many tours frequent the archaeological zone so it is often busy, you can shop at several different vendor sites on your way in or out and it is recommended you use the washrooms near where the buses load. There are several other impressive Mayan vestiges within a few hours drive of Playa. Among them are Ek Balam, Coba, and Chichen Itza.
  • Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve is a wonderful nature preserve, just an hour south of Playa for the ecologically minded. Day tours available from Playa. One group offering tours is Sian Kaan Community Tours, mentioned here because it is run by a local Maya community, so your tourist dollars go directly to the community. That apart, it's great value for money (includes a tour of Maya ruins at Muyil, a float down a stream through the mangroves which other companies did not seem to offer, an experienced nature guide who points out the flora and fauna, boating through a lagoon, and not least, a delicious home-cooked Maya meal).
  • Puerto Aventuras Puerto Aventuras is about 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen.
  • Puerto Morelos Either "Puerto" is a much shorter drive than to Cancun and less expensive. In Cancun, fishing the waters, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean, can be extremely rough.


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