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

Split between a downtown party hotel and a more intimate beach house, the Thompson feels very Miami.

In the downtown hotel catering to a singles scene, rooms sit behind a sinuous rooftop sundeck and infinity pool looking out over the skyline to the ocean, with a sultry bar. In the couplesy beach house, the best have private balconies and Jacuzzis.

In both locations interiors are clean, modern showcases for ocean views – seen through wall-high glass. And both areas are poised to catch the sunset and serve hangover-cure-large breakfasts.

Frida Kahlo art and Panama hats are sprinkled across the walls in the public areas and the bar – which offers tequila tastings and great margaritas – to get guests in the mood.

Surrounding area

Playa del Carmen is small. Both parts of the hotel are a stroll from both nightlife and beach. But the downtown hotel is in the thick of it, with thumping bars and clubs on the doorstep.

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.

 

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Key facilities

Airport transfers*
Beach: < 5mins walk
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking
: Nearby *
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

Xcaret Park

Playa del Carmen, Mexico[7.3 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

El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Club

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico[8.2 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 >

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 >