11 Best Hotels in Playa Del Carmen for Couples

Playa del Carmen is a beach resort in Mexico, on the Yukatan Peninsula, located midway between Cancun to the north and Tulum to the south. If you are looking for advice about the best hotels in Playa del Carmen for couples then you are in the right place. We have carefully hand-picked eleven of the best resorts and hotels to help you decide where to stay on your visit to the Riviera Maya.

As mentioned, Playa del Carmen is on the Riviera Maya, the name given to a particular stretch of coastline overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Known for its crystal clear waters and white sand beach dotted with palm trees this is a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons. If you are looking for romance and luxury, the hotels and resorts here will not disappoint.

In the list below we look at a variety of Playa del Carmen resorts that we think are particularly suited to couples. We include some of the best resorts with everything you need for a romantic vacation – adults-only all-inclusive, luxury hotels with butler service, private plunge pools, and more. Some couples prefer total relaxation and other couples like more of a party atmosphere that can be found downtown in central Playa del Carmen. We have tried to include something for everyone. Let’s begin.

Hilton Playa del Carmen

Hilton Playa del Carmen
Photo credit: booking.com

The Hilton Playa del Carmen is an adults-only all-inclusive resort situated just a five-minute walk from La Quinta Avenida. La Quinta Avenida, or ‘Fifth Avenue’ is the famous pedestrianized shopping area in the downtown area. It is approximately three miles long so will keep you busy if shopping and/or people-watching is your thing!

Situated right on the beachfront, the Caribbean ocean is pretty much on your doorstep in this Hilton resort. The garden area is quite basic. It is not lushly landscaped like some of the other resorts we will look at. It is not surrounded by mangroves but it does have grassy areas surrounding the main pool area. Talking of pools, there are multiple swimming areas including an Olympic sized freshwater pool.

Specially arranged accommodation gives some ground floor suites quick access to the water and when booking you get to choose from a junior suite with a king bed to a presidential suite that has its own private rooftop pool. Bliss! When booking a suite here, guests can choose from a pool view, a garden view, or an ocean view.

Accommodation in this resort is light and stylish. Some actually have bathtubs in the bedroom and all bathtubs are spa baths. Perfect for a romantic bubble bath. All rooms have a pillow menu, a terrace or balcony, a nightly turndown service, a minibar, and twenty-four-hour room service.

The spa, with a hydrotherapy circuit and an extensive treatment menu, is open from 8 am to 9 pm. Some spa services are available to take in your room. How about a romantic couples massage? There are lots of activities you can take part in at the hotel including dance classes, food tasting, and enjoying the fitness suite. You can learn to scuba dive, have a game of volleyball or chill out over a game of billiards. When you are not relaxing by the pool or ocean there is regular entertainment.

Couples can purchase romantic experiences as extras. You can arrange a surprise such as a romantic dinner on the beach. Or surprise your partner with a bubbly spa bath complete with rose petals all ready for when you return to the room.

Prices start at $2,592 for a week in a Junior Suite.

Features:

  • butler service available in certain suites
  • swim-up pool in certain suites
  • rooftop tennis court
  • seven restaurants
  • very close to Fifth Avenue.

The Reserve at Paradisus Playa del Carmen

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Staying in the heart of the action but stepping the luxury up a little we come to The Paradisus. This is an all-inclusive resort hotel surrounded by lush mangroves so you do feel quite secluded but are not actually too far from the center of Playa del Carmen. Situated on its own private beach there are activities for adults-only such as dance classes, cocktail making, sushi classes, and wine tasting. Two swimming pools, one with a swim-up bar.

The suites are stylish and all have modern bathrooms with rain showers. Some of the suites have direct access to the pool and some have private spa tubs on their balconies. Splash out on the Presidential Suite for 144 square meters of luxury and a free private transfer from the airport.

Couples enjoy the adults-only spa at this resort hotel with its fourteen massage chambers. Perfecting for unwinding and relaxing aching muscles after a day exploring the highlights of Playa del Carmen.

When you are feeling hungry, you can choose from fourteen restaurants catering to all palates. Some are informal and others are more fine dining. If you want some romantic couples time there is a selection of adult-only restaurants too.

Prices start at $3,842 for a week in a Junior Suite.

Features:

  • variety of restaurants
  • adult-only activities
  • pillow menus
  • fabulous spa
  • good location.

Thompson Playa del Carmen

Thompson Playa del Carmen
Photo credit: booking.com

This boutique hotel is one of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen for couples who desire luxury but want to be close to the entertainment in downtown Playa del Carmen. The adults-only hotel is located just a few steps from 5th Avenue so bear this in mind if you prefer peace and quiet.

Note: If you do prefer the quiet then see the next and final hotel on our list – the sister hotel of this hotel situated on the beach.

Couples who have stayed here have loved the attentiveness of the staff and the super comfortable beds. The rooms all have air conditioning with flat-screen televisions, rain showers and some have seating areas. The majority of them have views over Playa del Carmen town but a few do have distant ocean views, although the ocean really isn´t far away at all.

The rooftop is the place to be. Home to the Allesia day club, guests are invited to the yoga classes that take place here each morning and it is where the pool with a swim-up bar is located, with amazing views as you would expect over Playa del Carmen. There are a couple of options for dining on the rooftop. ‘Catch’ has an open kitchen and specializes in seafood. As the sun goes down each evening, you can enjoy live music each night courtesy of a DJ. Dance the night away with the sparkling lights of the town behind you, with a cocktail in hand of course. The next morning, start the new day in style and enjoy an award-winning breakfast in the restaurant ‘Cinco’. The four-course adults-only brunch includes bottomless Mimosas, local beer, juices, coffee, and Clamatos.

Prices for a week start at $3,405 for a queen room.

Features:

  • close to the action
  • award-winning breakfast
  • stylish accommodation
  • access to beachside dining at their sister property.

Thompson Beach House

Thompson Beach House
Photo credit: booking.com

A short walk from the last hotel, this is a boutique hotel set on the white sand beach of Playa del Carmen. It has none of the many amenities of a large resort but there is still a pool here, despite being right on the beach. There is also a restaurant with beautiful sea views. The restaurant specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine with a ‘modern twist’.

Unlike the other property, the Thompson Beach House is family-friendly. Although we think the daily Tequila tasting is probably just for the adults! With just twenty-seven rooms and a beachfront location, you are guaranteed a more intimate feel than in a large resort. As before, the rooms all have air-conditioning and rain showers. They are of a contemporary style with glass-walled balconies for uninterrupted views. Choose from spacious pool view or ocean view accommodation. The suites offer you a lot more space.

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When not in your room or out exploring Playa del Carmen, why not relax on the beach. You can rent private cabanas with waiter service to keep the drinks flowing. Kick back and enjoy your uninterrupted view of the Caribbean. If you ever tire of the view you can head over to the Alessia rooftop day club (reservations may be required) in the sister property, for good food accompanied by music and entertainment. Some would say you get the best of both worlds here as whichever hotel you stay in, you are able to use the amenities of the other.

Prices for a week are currently $5,821 for a king room. A King Suite with ocean view is $6,552.

Features:

  • ocean-view suites
  • beach club with private cabanas
  • couples dining on the beach
  • use of amenities in the sister hotel.

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

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This is a luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort that has been awarded five diamonds by the AAA which is no mean feat. Moving away from the hubbub of downtown, it is located at the northern end of Playa del Carmen, twenty-five minutes drive from Fifth Avenue. The area is quite secluded therefore it is ideal for those looking to spend the majority of their time at the resort or on the beach.

There are 412 luxurious suites at this resort. Guests here can book a standard junior suite, choose an ocean view, a tropical garden view, or splash out on a honeymoon suite. If you choose a “Preferred Club” suite you receive certain extras such as access to a club lounge, personal concierge services, and an upgraded mini-bar. All rooms are very tastefully decorated and furnished with touches of real wood with flat-screen televisions and modern, marble bathrooms with spa baths.

You won’t go hungry with eight dining options including six restaurants catering to all tastes from Mexican to Italian and Asian to French. A café serves food twenty-four hours a day. Guests at this resort definitely won’t be stuck for activities. Choose from winding down in the absolutely gorgeous spa or stretching out in a yoga class. If you want to try something new, how about archery, water polo or dance lessons? You can learn cocktail making too! There is regular entertainment and an open-air theatre.

There are two large outdoor pools overlooking the beach, and from selected suites, you can swim right out of your suite – pure luxury. Sip drinks brought to you by the pool or on the beach.

Prices start from $3,038 for a week in a standard Junior Suite and $8,050 for the Honeymoon Suite with Preferred Club status.

Features:

  • AAA five-diamond award
  • world-class spa
  • ultimate luxury
  • fifteen minutes drive from Playa del Carmen center.

Andaz Mayakoba – a concept by Hyatt

Andaz Mayakoba - a concept by Hyatt
Photo credit: booking.com

The Andaz Mayakoba is a luxury resort located in the private gated Mayakoba Complex, around a fifteen-minute drive north of Fifth Avenue. This complex houses four resorts built around a golf course designed around mangroves. If you are coming to Playa del Carmen to get married, guests can avail themselves of a wedding chapel at Mayakoba and a boutique shop (where you can direct the wedding guests for those last-minute gifts).

FUN FACT: Mayakoba means “village over the water” in Maya.

You can choose from room only, breakfast included and all-inclusive. Make your choice when booking the room. The 241 rooms include king rooms, lagoon view rooms, ocean view, and beachfront. There are only forty-one suites, if you book the two-floor Presidential suite you will have your own private pool surrounded by decking. Free wi-fi and coffee machines are in each room type. They are all light and stylishly furnished. You can dine in your room twenty-four hours a day from the room service menu, or there are four restaurants offering you laid back casual street food up to fine dining. As you would expect there is a spa complete with six massage rooms, hydrotherapy, and a sauna.

This is not an adults-only resort but it is popular with couples. The resort is quite spread out so perfect if you enjoy walking. If you prefer a form of quicker transport bicycles are provided to travel around on. There are two swimming pools. Choose from a number of activities such as archery, walking tours, snorkeling, and diving. There are regular live performance events.

Prices start at $3,096 for a king room up to $10,158 for an all-inclusive beachfront studio.

Features:

  • situated in a gated complex
  • championship golf course nearby
  • private beach
  • free use of bicycles.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba

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The Banyan Tree is also located in the gated complex of Mayakoba. Of all the hotels in Playa del Carmen, this is one of the best luxury hotels we have looked at so far and is firmly on our list of best hotels in Playa del Carmen for couples. The president of Mexico came to the opening of this hotel in 2009 so it must be pretty special. You might wonder if you have woken up in Thailand when you open your eyes and take in the Thai inspired villa accommodation. All have their own private pool, outdoor tub, and garden. The beachfront villas don’t have a private pool – because they have the ocean! But they do have a private hot tub.

Luckily there is room service because you won’t want to leave your villa. Maybe you will at some point, if only for the white sand of the Riviera Maya. But how do you think you get to the beach? By boat of course! Set sail from the lobby and pass through the mangroves (you can also get there via golf buggy or bike).

You can choose a villa with its own private massage deck. If you like the water pick a villa on the banks of the lagoon (maybe check the mosquito situation). Or for the ultimate luxury how about your own beachfront villa? Due to open in 2022, are some absolutely breathtaking villas with private plunge pools, right on the sand with open views of the Caribbean. Everything about this resort sounds like indulgence.

Romantic add-ons include a petal infused outdoor bath and a seafood BBQ set up in your private garden. Or how about a private dining cruise? Whatever you desire, the “Romance Team” is on hand to inspire you.

We still can’t imagine you will want to leave your villa, but if you do, you can dine in eleven restaurants and enjoy cocktails in three bars. You can make reservations online for most of them which is really handy. Because did we say, you won’t want to leave your villa?

As if we need to mention it, there’s a spa, with Asian influences and other activities include kayaking, yoga, boat tours…

Prices start at $5,820 for a Bliss Pool Villa. Not bad. Book us one, we´re on the way.

Features:

  • AAA five-diamond award
  • accommodation you won’t want to leave
  • take a boat to the beach
  • pure luxury
  • extensive dining options
  • a ‘Romance Team’.

La Pasion Colonial Hotel Boutique By Bunik

La Pasion Colonial Hotel Boutique By Bunik
Photo credit: booking.com

We head back into the downtown area of Playa del Carmen for our next hotel. If you prefer a property with easy access to amenities then La Pasion Colonial Hotel could be what you are looking for. Again, with none of the “flash” of the resorts you are going to save money here.

This is more of a budget offering but the rooms are still very stylish, although quite compact, with wooden furniture and freestanding baths. Wi-fi, air conditioning, and a balcony with either a city view or garden view are standard. Breakfast is included in all the room rates.

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There are two pools here, one in the garden area, and one on the roof with ample seating as well as two hot tubs allowing you to soak up the view of Playa del Carmen. It is one of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen for couples looking for a romantic break on a budget. As far as dining options go, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance. If you want to try the Marquesitas while here, you need to go no further than outside the front door.

FUN FACT: Marquesitas are a popular Yukatan treat – delicious crepes rolled up and filled with a sweet or savory filling of your choice!

The beach is a short walk away and the Kool Beach Club is just over half a mile away. Partake in an array of watersports or ask the hotel to arrange excursions. The 3D Museum of Wonders is less than five minutes walk away.

Prices for a week here range from $630 to $882.

Features:

  • breakfast included
  • central location
  • lovely roof terrace area
  • reasonable rates.

Senses Quinta Avenida Hotel By Artisan

Senses Quinta Avenida Hotel By Artisan
Photo credit: booking.com

This budget hotel (check the great prices below) may not be much to look at from the outside but inside it has everything a romantic vacation needs. If you prefer to save your money to spend on dinners out or excursions and you do not want an all-inclusive resort then this could be a fabulous choice. The location is right on Fifth Avenue. Guests can take in the street atmosphere from the room but if you are noise sensitive ask for a room at the back.

There are just twenty-two king suites here and each room in this adults-only hotel has wi-fi, air-conditioning, and some include hot tubs. There is a lovely rooftop infinity pool with views over Playa del Carmen with a jacuzzi and a terrace bar. If you prefer to cool off in the ocean, the beach is less than five minutes walk away. The popular Kool Beach Club is fifteen minutes walk away with its plentiful beds and lounge chairs. Enjoy a day here, with good food and drink against a background of chillout music. You can even enjoy a massage in the attached spa

There is no restaurant at the Senses Quinta Avenida Hotel and no on-site activities. But you will never go hungry or run out of things to do and see because everything is right on your doorstep. This hotel is one of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen for couples who like to be out and about, and it won’t blow your budget.

Prices start at $1,235 for one week.

Features:

  • reasonable prices
  • located in the heart of the action
  • rooftop pool
  • concierge service
  • a short walk to the beach.

Hotel Colibri Beach

Hotel Colibri Beach
Photo credit: booking.com

Hotel Colibri Beach is a family-friendly beachfront hotel located just one minute walk from Fifth Avenue. If you are looking for some nightlife then you won’t be far away. The hotel has its own beach club – the Lido, which opens for breakfast and has swing seats at the bar. Refreshments can be provided throughout the day while you relax on the beach. If you spend $10 at Lido you will be entitled to free use of the sunbeds on the beach.

The room rates are inclusive of breakfast. Hotel rooms are simply furnished with a traditional charm. If you are expecting extra luxuries such as coffee machines you won’t find them here but all do have air conditioning, wi-fi, and private balconies with hammocks. They have one suite located on the beach which has a kitchen area and even its own rooftop jacuzzi – a very popular choice with couples.

If a large resort isn’t your style and you are looking for a simple but charming hotel within easy walking distance to local restaurants and nightclubs then this is one of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen.

Prices for one week start at $849 for one of the bungalows.

Features:

  • breakfast included
  • tiled floors
  • central location
  • beachfront.

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort Select Club Adults Only

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort Select Club Adults Only
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Two resorts in one. This all-inclusive adults-only beach resort is actually located within the bigger family-friendly Sandos Caracol resort. It is located just two and a half miles from downtown Playa del Carmen. The adult-only section has its own separate reception, swimming pool, and restaurant. Couples booking a ‘Select’ room will also receive access to a private beach area with beds and hammocks along with a clubhouse including a lounge and bar.

Some might say that couples have the best of both worlds here too as you also have access to the rest of the resort where you will find two more swimming pools and an actual water park. There are a further nine restaurants, for when you are feeling peckish after working up an appetite on the resort’s twenty-nine water slides. If you prefer to eat in your room twenty-four-hour room service is available.

Nature and animal lovers will love it at this resort. If you are not an animal lover you might want to give it a miss. You’ll feel like you are in the middle of the jungle, because you are in the middle of the jungle, with mangroves and lush vegetation all around. Wildlife abounds with peacocks, raccoons, monkeys, iguanas, turtles, and feral cats.

Activities here include yoga, cycling, snorkeling in the cenote, and swimming through a mangrove – at no extra cost. There is a spa on-site as well as a fitness center and there is entertainment on the main resort every night including music and an open-air theatre.

Note: Guests have mentioned that the beach here is rocky and recommend to wear beach shoes in the water.

All in all, this is a very well priced property with many of the amenities of the larger resorts.

Prices for a week in the adult-only section start at $1,711 for a Select Club Superior Suite.

Features:

  • eco and bike tours included in the price
  • adults-only amenities
  • couples private romantic boat trip
  • access to the whole resort.

Summary

Mexican beach
Image by Anna Che from Pixabay

We hope you found this list of some of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen for couples helpful. This is just a small selection of the many resorts and hotels you can find here. If you like to have the amenities of the town close at hand then staying in a vibrant downtown property might be best for you. If you yearn for absolute tranquility, then that is easy to find in the sumptuous suites at the all-inclusive resorts with their high-end spas.

Wherever you choose to stay on the Riviera Maya, the beach is never far. Even in the spread-out resorts of Mayakoba, a view of the ocean is sometimes just a matter of steps away. We highlighted particular resorts that offer romantic extras for couples. However, all the hotels, no matter what their class, will be pleased to help you arrange that something special. From champagne and flowers in the suites to assistance arranging a unique proposal, all you need to do is ask.

One thing is for sure, couples can be sure of finding something to meet their every need on the Riviera Maya. Are you planning your dream holiday in Playa del Carmen, or have you already been? If you are still trying to decide between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, read our article where we compare them here. Either way, please share your best tips for couples with us below.

James

James Ardimento has spent the last 12 years journeying around the globe ! With its precious experiences and tips he gained around Asia, South America, Europe and the US he is a precious asset for this blog and for its readers