The Most Incredible Boutique Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a true gem of the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Perched on the Caribbean coast between Cancun and Tulum, and with Cozumel a short ferry ride away, this vibrant city is the perfect spot for sun, sea, and relaxation.

Playa is extremely popular with tourists from around the world and welcomes over 1 million visitors each year. In response to this growing demand, more and more beautiful beachside hotels have been popping up along the coastline. As well as huge all-inclusive resorts and chain hotels, there are several boutique hotels that are well worth your consideration. In this post, we’re profiling our favorite boutique options for all budgets and tastes.

Playa del Carmen Travel Guide

Are you thinking of visiting Playa del Carmen for your next vacation? Here are a few practicalities that you’ll want to consider before you book:

How to Get There

Getting to Playa del Carmen couldn’t be easier and it’s extremely well situated for visitors from many parts of the world. Cancun’s international airport is less than an hour away and taxis can be found at the airport’s official rank. ADO buses (a popular and reliable bus company in Mexico) also regularly depart for Playa del Carmen and tickets can be bought from the Arrivals terminal.

Renting a car is also a great option: especially if you plan to explore more of the Yucatan Peninsula or continue down to Tulum as part of your trip. Budget around $30 USD per day for car hire including insurance.

Once you’ve arrived, getting around Playa del Carmen is fairly easy on foot or by bicycle. Although at the time of writing there’s no access to Uber, there are plenty of official taxi ranks in the main tourist areas so you won’t have any trouble getting a car.

When to Visit?

Being on the Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen boasts a beautiful climate that attracts tourists throughout the year. However, some months are better than others. 

April and May are generally considered to be the best time to visit as daytime temperatures are around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit with cooler evenings. October to March is also a good time to go but the weather can get a little chilly at night. 

Bear in mind that hurricane season runs from June to September and can bring volatile weather, so keep an eye on the forecast if that’s when you’re planning to visit.

Another thing to consider is the algae problem that Playa del Carmen has been facing over the past few years. Brown algae resembling seaweed appears in the summer months, and it’s common to see piles of it on the shoreline. It’s not harmful and shouldn’t stop you from swimming, but it’s not the best aesthetically. 

That being said, beach clubs, private beaches, and some areas of public beaches are cleared each morning to get the white sand back to its best, so don’t let it put you off spending your summer getaway on the Mexican coast.

What Areas to Stay In?

Playa del Carmen is a relatively small city and is extremely walkable. Where you choose to stay will depend on what you’re looking for on your Mexican getaway. Here are the top areas that tourists choose to stay in:

Quinta Avenida

Fifth Avenue, or Quinta Avenida in Spanish, is the beating heart of downtown. For this reason, this is our pick of areas to stay in if it’s your first time visiting Playa del Carmen. Running parallel to the ocean, most of the city’s bars and restaurants can be found on this strip. There’s also some great shopping to be had on Fifth Avenue if you’ve got pesos to burn.

Staying in this area also gives great access to the ferry to Cozumel as well as the ADO bus station that runs to Cancun, Tulum, and other Mexican destinations.

Playacar

If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it in Playacar. Positioned on the southern end of Playa del Carmen, this upmarket neighborhood boasts pristine beaches and all the amenities you could wish for.

Being a little further from the center of the city makes this spot best for families and couples looking to relax in a safe and spectacular area. Playacar is home to some of the region’s best all-inclusive resorts but there are some incredible boutique hotels in the area, too.

Centro

Centro, or downtown, runs from the beach back to the highway connecting Cancun to Tulum. This entire area is safe for visitors and is still within walking distance to all the most popular parts of the city including the main Playa del Carmen beach. It’s also easy to access some of Riviera Maya’s spectacular cenotes (natural swimming pools) from the highway: a must-do while visiting the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tourists typically choose to stay in Centro for the cheaper price tag and less touristy vibe. That being said, the area is home to some of the best Playa del Carmen hotels, so it’s well worth considering for your vacation.

Mayakoba

Mayakoba rivals Playacar in luxury and is worth considering if you’re looking for an upmarket option. This 500+ acre development is bursting with beauty and is sandwiched between beautiful beaches and wild lagoons nestled in mangrove forests.

The natural environment of Mayakoba is very popular with eco-tourists that want to explore a little further off the beaten track. Staying on this part of the coast still gives great access to downtown Playa del Carmen, offering visitors the best of both worlds.

Why Stay in a Boutique Hotel?

Since boutique hotels started popping up in the 1980s in the likes of London and New York, the phenomenon has gone global. But what exactly is a boutique hotel? There aren’t any set rules, but generally, a boutique place will offer the following:

• Have less than 100 rooms to ensure a more intimate experience than bigger, all-inclusive resorts
• Be an independent hotel rather than being part of a global chain like Hyatt or Hilton
• Boast a location that’s special in some way (proximity to beautiful beaches, for example)
• Be designed to a high specification with modern technology and thoughtful features
• Have authentic decor that pays respect to the hotel’s location or local culture

Adults-only options are plentiful in Playa del Carmen, but some boutique hotels pride themselves on being family-friendly. And, despite being synonymous with a hefty price tag, today’s boutique hotels are available for a variety of budgets.

The following list features the best boutique hotels in Playa del Carmen. Happy browsing!

1. Mvngata Boutique Hotel

This luxury boutique hotel is one of the top Playa del Carmen hotels and with good reason. Being a beachfront hotel, Mvngata offers spectacular views of the Caribbean coastline, and the private beach area allows guests to soak up the sun on the pristine white sand that the Yucatan Peninsula is known for. Back at the hotel, the rooftop infinity pool is the perfect spot to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

Guest rooms at Mvngata are bright, modern, and spacious. For a real treat, book a Premium Panorama Ocean Front room and enjoy unbeatable ocean views from your own private hot tub on the terrace.

Although this isn’t an all-inclusive resort, the on-site restaurant offers fantastic American and Continental breakfasts each day. Room service is also available and the friendly staff at the 24-hour front desk are always on hand for restaurant and nightlife recommendations.

Top amenities include:

• Two adults-only outdoor pools
• Private beach access
• Restaurant and bar
• 24-hour front desk

Check availability for this five-star paradise here.

2. Balkon Boutique Hotel

If you’re looking for a stylish boutique hotel in Playa del Carmen, Balkon is it. Each guest room has been thoughtfully designed and offers the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the Riviera Maya.

The rooftop pool offers shaded day beds and also plenty of loungers if you prefer to soak up Mexico’s beautifully sunny weather. When you’re ready for a change of scenery, both Playa del Carmen and Playacar’s beaches are within easy walking distance. Access to the Marina Beach beach club is also included for every guest to enjoy the Caribbean in style.

Top amenities include:

• Rooftop pool with daybeds and loungers
• On-site coffee house
• Beach club access
• Free toiletries

Check availability for this ultra-stylish boutique hotel here.

3. Newport House Playa Boutique Hotel

This is a boutique hotel with a difference. The 15 rooms are set up as mini apartments and feature a kitchenette with a SMEG refrigerator and all the amenities needed for hot drinks and simple meals. This is a big bonus for visitors who plan to stay a while longer or families with young children.

Located just one block from 5th Avenue, the most famous street in Playa del Carmen, Newport House puts the best restaurants and nightlife right at your fingertips. Complimentary bicycles are offered to all guests and watersports equipment is available for hire. If you prefer to relax on-site, the rooftop pool with loungers is the perfect spot to chill with a good book and a cold beer.

Top amenities include:

• Rooftop pool with daybeds and loungers
• Well-equipped kitchenette in each room
• Bicycles and watersports equipment available
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas of the hotel

Check availability for this boutique hotel with a difference here.

4. Rodina Boutique Hotel

For a stripped-back take on boutique hotels, Rodina is our recommendation. This small but perfectly formed property offers everything you need for a comfortable stay in Playa del Carmen without breaking the bank.

There’s a good selection of rooms available to suit various budgets, and several of the rooms have balconies with a pool view. For groups and families, there’s also a studio apartment option that can sleep up to four people.

Rodina is perfectly located for cycling and bikes are available at the property. The beachfront is nearby and it’s also fully accessible for guests with mobility issues. The outdoor pool is a wonderfully tranquil spot for lazy days and reliable free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.

Top amenities include:

• Outdoor pool with loungers
• Bicycles for hire
• Various room sizes for different budgets
• Free Wi-Fi in every room

Check availability for this stripped-back boutique hotel experience here.

5. Torre Diez

It’s challenging to pick out the best thing about this boutique hotel. From the spectacular rooftop swimming pool to the spacious rooms, this is a property that oozes luxury.

Terre Diez bills itself as an aparthotel which offers the best of having an apartment and staying in a hotel. Depending on the room, guests can make use of comfortable living areas, well-equipped kitchenettes, and private balconies. The on-site fitness center is another bonus if you want to work off all the tacos you’ll surely be eating.

Guests at Torre Diez love the location of the property because of its proximity to downtown Playa del Carmen’s best features. Mamitas Beach Club is within walking distance and 5th Avenue is just a short stroll away. Quinta Alegria Shopping Mall is also nearby if you’re in the mood to shop.

Top amenities include:

• Spacious rooftop pool area
• Fitness center
• Rooms with private balconies
• Dry cleaning and laundry services

Check availability for this boutique aparthotel here.

6. Hotel 52

Located next to the famous 5th Avenue and just seven minutes walking distance to the Caribbean beachfront, Hotel 52 is one of the best-located boutique hotels in Playa del Carmen.

The owner has designed each room for the perfect visit to Mexico, guaranteeing comfort throughout your stay. Reception staff are on hand 24 hours a day to provide the best tips for enjoying the Riviera Maya and they can even arrange relaxing massage services for you. The cafeteria and snack bar provide daytime refreshments, and high-speed free Wi-Fi is available in all common areas of the hotel. There’s also free private parking which is ideal for guests wanting to rent a car to explore all that the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer.

Last but not least: the rooftop swimming pool has to be seen to be believed. There’s no greater way to spend a day than relaxing on the semi-submerged sun loungers while taking in the spectacular Caribbean ocean views.

Top amenities include:

• Massage services available
• On-site cafeteria and snack bar
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi
• Free private parking

Check availability for this fantastically located hotel here.

7. Maya Villa Condo

Maya Villa earns its spot on this list because of how true it stays to the Mayan culture that the Yucatan Peninsula is known for. Decorated with Mayan art, this property offers something a little more authentic than the more modern, minimalist options in the area.

Offering all the amenities you’d expect from a boutique hotel including free Wi-Fi, fitness center, and laundry services (for a fee), Maya Villa is a great home-away-from-home. And, as this hotel is set up as individual condos instead of traditional hotel guest rooms, visitors can also take advantage of full kitchens. Don’t feel like cooking? No problem: the on-site restaurant is open for breakfast and brunch.

The icing on the cake of this Mexican-style property is that it’s within walking distance to both Playa del Carmen and Playacar beaches.

Top amenities include:

• Fitness center on-site
• Laundry services available
• Rooms feature full kitchens and spacious living areas
• Restaurant serving breakfast and brunch

Check availability for this luxury Mayan hotel here.

8. Che Suites

This adults-only boutique hotel is our pick for anyone looking for some kid-free chilling time.

Every room is decorated in a tastefully modern way and the en suite bathrooms are well-equipped with free toiletries. Some guest rooms also have balconies for enjoying a relaxing glass of wine after a long day exploring in the Caribbean sun.

The small pool is perfect for cooling off in the afternoon, and the beach is just a 4-minute walk. The Cozumel ferry and ADO bus station are very close, making Che Suites a great base for exploring all the excitement that the Riviera Maya has to give.

The hotel offers continental or buffet breakfasts to get your days started right, and the many bars and restaurants on 5th Avenue are just a short stroll away.

Top amenities include:

• Balcony rooms are available
• Free toiletries
• Swimming pool on-site
• Breakfast available

Check availability for this tranquil adults-only hotel here.

9. Porto Playa

Porto Playa combines modern luxury with tropical vibes for a true Caribbean experience. Nestled in lush gardens with the sound of waterfalls filling the air, it’s easy to forget that you’re not in a remote jungle but actually in the heart of Playa del Carmen.

The amenities at this four-star boutique hotel are as impressive as they come. The apartment-style rooms have full kitchens and living areas, and the penthouse rooms also boast access to a rooftop hot tub. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center and a fantastic gourmet restaurant on-site.

Porto Playa is well-located and is just minutes from white sand beaches and the famous 5th Avenue. What more could you need?

Top amenities include:

• Condo-style rooms
• Penthouse suites offer hot tub access
• On-site gourmet restaurant
• Modern fitness center

Check availability for this tropical jungle paradise here.

10. Hacienda Valentina

Hacienda Valentina is a great budget-friendly option located in Centro. Being close to the highway, it’s a perfect spot to explore the region from. However, the vibrant yellow of the property and its lush surroundings transport you to somewhere much more remote.

Playa del Carmen’s beautiful beaches are within walking distance but there’s free private parking if you’ve hired a car to explore on wheels instead. And, when you’re in the mood for a lazy day, the good-sized outdoor pool is a great spot to recharge your batteries.

Each room has been thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a desk if you need to get some work done. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the property, a 24-hour front desk, and access to a shared kitchen.

Top amenities include:

• Outdoor pool and terrace area
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• Access to a shared kitchen
• Free private parking

Check availability for this mellow yellow hacienda here.

So there you have it: our ten best incredible boutique hotels in Playa del Carmen. Whichever luxury resort on our list that you choose to stay in, you’re certain to have a great time exploring Playa del Carmen and all that the Caribbean coast of Mexico has to offer. Buen viaje (good trip)!