no alt text

Best places to stay:

Last updated: 13 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

What’s so great about the Playa Grand Hyatt? This big, blocky hotel offers high-end beachside luxury and five-star amenities at a mid-range price tag. And it’s right in the heart of Playa del Carmen.

The beach is two minutes away, Playa’s pulsing clubs five, yet the Hyatt’s big, Scandi-minimalist rooms (glass walls, warm woods, light polished stone and sea or jungle views) feel ocean-breeze tranquil. They are set in a large open complex of peaceful patios, paddling and swimming pools and al fresco restaurants.

The low-lit, lambent, cenote-inspired spa is Playa’s plushest and there’s a kids club and child-friendly pools.

Surrounding area

With pristine beaches to the north and south and a lively urban centre, Playa del Carmen offers the intimate back-to-nature feel of Tulum and Puerto Morelos and Cancun’s urban amenities and nightlife – albeit on a smaller scale. The town is close to Cozumel island (for reef dives) and the big Xcaret and Xel-Ha adventure parks.

The party scene, beach and a wealth of shopping, restaurant and bars are within a few minutes’ walk. Yet with public spaces fully open to nature and wall-to-ceiling glass everywhere, the hotel feels integrated with nature, despite its huge size and modern urban look.

Please note - we hope to one day have live prices for you, but for now, here are some useful links for you to compare prices...

Check pricing & availability on:

Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: Onsite
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Gran Cenote

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Lily-covered, glassy-clear and filled with terrapins and tropical fish, this cenote near Tulum is easy to reach and fabulous to swim in. Big caverns make for spectacular cave diving.

Best for ages: 6+ | £7

Website >
Overview >

Mayan ruins of Coba

Quintana Roo, Mexico

An authentic, atmospheric and less-visited Mayan site, set in lush, wildlife-rich forest. Climb to the summit of the 126ft-high Nohoc Mul pyramid – the tallest on the Mayan Riviera.

Best for ages: 13+ | £5

Website >
Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Club

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico[7.6 miles]

Designed by Greg Norman, the course weaves its way through dense jungle, beautiful stretches of white sand and mangrove forests, with cenotes – natural sink holes – providing natural hazards.

Best for ages: 13+ | £125

Website >
Overview >

Xcaret Park

Playa del Carmen, Mexico[7.8 miles]

With glassy pools and shallow lagoons offering dolphin, nurse-shark and manatee swimming, tame jungles, and spectacular Mayan dance shows, this huge eco-theme park is a Maya World, and a snorkel-friendly Disneyland.

Best for ages: 4+ | £80

Aktun-Chen

Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico

A simple nature-based theme park with a safari-park zoo, a cenote for swimming, a spectacular cave and a rainforest canopy zip-line adventure.

Best for ages: 4+ | £30

Website >
Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

Mayan Riviera

Mexico

Talc-white beaches, reefs teeming with life, ruined temples in misty rainforests – the Riviera Maya offers a family or romantic beach holiday with a dash of Indian Jones adventure.

Website >
Overview >