Guests universally adore Playa Maroma, consistently praising its pristine white sands, clear calm waters, and minimal seaweed, making it perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Outstanding Staff Service
The resort's staff receive consistent accolades for their warm, attentive, and professional demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.
Diverse & Quality Dining
The variety and quality of food, particularly at the à la carte restaurants and specialized outlets like the coffee shop and creperie, are highly rated by visitors.
Immaculate Cleanliness
The resort maintains a high standard of cleanliness, with guests frequently noting the spotless condition of rooms, public areas, and the beach.
Serene Natural Setting
The lush jungle, mangroves, and friendly local wildlife create a unique and tranquil ambiance, offering a peaceful escape for nature lovers.
Guests Warn
Room Modernization Needs
Some guests have noted that certain rooms, especially those not recently renovated, can appear somewhat dated and could benefit from an update.
Significant Walking Distances
The resort's layout means considerable walking is often required between the main lobby/buffet area and the pool/beach, which guests should be prepared for.
Restaurant Reservation Process
The online system for making à la carte dinner reservations has been a source of frustration for some guests, with calls for a simpler process or more direct assistance.
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Catalonia Playa Maroma's primary differentiator is the beach itself: Playa Maroma (also called Punta Maroma) appears on multiple global best-beach lists for its fine white powder sand, transparent water, and sheltered bay conditions. For an all-inclusive property on Mexico's Caribbean coast, having this particular beach as your front yard is a genuine advantage over the many competitors on Playa del Carmen's less distinctive stretches.
The resort opened in 2000 with most recent room updates in 2022 and spa enhancements in 2019. It's 404–410 rooms across six three-story buildings surrounded by jungle where monkeys and coatis — small, racoon-like animals — live and occasionally wander through the grounds. Guests consistently mention this as a memorable aspect of the resort that distinguishes it from more manicured properties.
Four à la carte restaurants (Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Steakhouse) draw specific praise for quality — above average for this price tier. The dedicated Aromes Coffee & More café and a creperie are called out as positive additions that most comparable properties don't offer. Privileged tier guests access the Bloved restaurant and a private beach bar; the Bloved breakfast chilaquiles are specifically praised in reviews.
The honest limitations: the resort's layout places the lobby/main buffet a significant walk from the beach and pool areas. The online reservation system for à la carte restaurants is described as complicated, with front desk support being inconsistent. Some standard room categories still feel dated despite 2022 updates.
Pros
+Playa Maroma is one of Mexico's consistently best-rated beaches — the fine sand and clear water are genuinely better than most Riviera Maya properties.
+Resident monkeys and coatis in the surrounding jungle — memorable wildlife encounters not found at most all-inclusives.
+Four à la carte restaurants with above-average food quality for this price tier — Japanese and Italian receive specific praise.
+Aromes café provides good coffee — a real advantage at a resort where bad buffet coffee is the norm.
Cons
−Walking distances within the property between lobby, buffet, pool, and beach are significant — room placement matters considerably.
−The à la carte online reservation system is complicated and not well-supported by front desk staff.
Tips
Secure à la carte restaurant reservations on your first day — the system is not intuitive, get front desk help to navigate it.
Request buildings closest to the beach when booking — the property is spread out and the walk from some buildings to the beach is 10+ minutes.
Privileged guests: the Bloved breakfast chilaquiles are specifically praised — make it a morning ritual.
Bring comfortable walking shoes — the resort's jungle paths are pleasant but not flat everywhere.
FAQ
Is Catalonia Playa Maroma all-inclusive?
Yes, Catalonia Playa Maroma is an all-inclusive resort. Most dining, drinks, and activities are included in your stay.
Is Catalonia Playa Maroma adults-only?
No, Catalonia Playa Maroma is family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. The resort features a kids club.
How many restaurants does Catalonia Playa Maroma have?
Catalonia Playa Maroma has 8 restaurants and dining venues.
How many pools does Catalonia Playa Maroma have?
Catalonia Playa Maroma has 3 swimming pools.
How many rooms does Catalonia Playa Maroma have?
Catalonia Playa Maroma has 410 rooms and suites.
What is the star rating of Catalonia Playa Maroma?
Catalonia Playa Maroma is a 4.5-star resort.
Where is Catalonia Playa Maroma located?
Catalonia Playa Maroma is located in Playa Maroma (Punta Maroma, Playa del Carmen), Mexico.
What resort chain is Catalonia Playa Maroma part of?
Catalonia Playa Maroma is part of Catalonia Hotels & Resorts.
Does Catalonia Playa Maroma have a spa?
Yes, Catalonia Playa Maroma has an on-site spa. Spa enhanced in 2019.
Does Catalonia Playa Maroma have beach access?
Yes, Catalonia Playa Maroma has beach access.
What's Included
Included in Your Stay
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at buffet and various à la carte restaurants.
Snacks, food trucks, and creperie options throughout the day.
Unlimited local spirits, liquors, water, wine, beer, and soft drinks at all bars, restaurants, and the disco (some sources mention 24-hour service).
Selected international drinks.
Daily activities program in multiple languages (aerobics, volleyball, aqua-aerobics, tennis, soccer, ping-pong, archery, billiards).
Non-motorized water sports equipment (snorkel gear, kayaks).
One free introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool.
Latin dance classes.
Access to the fitness center.
Admission to the disco/nightclub.
Nightly shows in the theatre.
Kid's Club activities for children aged 4-12.
Beach and pool towels, hammocks, and sunshades.
Complimentary wired and wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) in public spaces and rooms.
All taxes and gratuities.
Available at Extra Cost
Massages, beauty treatments, and full access to certain spa wet areas (unless specific Privileged guest benefits apply).
Off-site excursions and car rentals.
Specialized scuba diving activities, PADI certifications, and equipment rental.
Airport transfers (not provided directly by the hotel).
Special wine selection menu and certain premium beverages.
Purchases from the gift shop, jewelry, boutique, mini market, and logo shop.
Photography services.
Telephone/fax services.
Laundry services.
24-hour medical service.
Childcare services (surcharge).
Wedding packages.
Romantic dinners (Privileged guests may receive discounts or one free dinner).
Yes, Catalonia Playa Maroma has a kids club with supervised activities for children.
Is Catalonia Playa Maroma good for families?
Yes, Catalonia Playa Maroma is family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. It features a kids club with supervised activities. The resort has 3 pools.
What's included at Catalonia Playa Maroma?
Catalonia Playa Maroma includes Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at buffet and various à la carte restaurants., Snacks, food trucks, and creperie options throughout the day., Unlimited local spirits, liquors, water, wine, beer, and soft drinks at all bars, restaurants, and the disco (some sources mention 24-hour service)., Selected international drinks., Daily activities program in multiple languages (aerobics, volleyball, aqua-aerobics, tennis, soccer, ping-pong, archery, billiards)., and more.
What is the best room at Catalonia Playa Maroma?
The top room category at Catalonia Playa Maroma is the Privileged Suite Ocean View & Swimming Pool. 818 sqft, adults-only, private terrace with private pool and sea views.
Rating8.2
Rating8.2Adults Only
Rating8.0Adults Only