Good
Based on 2.6k reviews
Exceptional Staff Service
Guests consistently laud the resort's staff for their friendliness, attentiveness, and hard work, describing them as the true highlight of their stay.
Unbeatable Location
The resort's prime position, steps away from Playa del Carmen's bustling 5th Avenue and the Cozumel ferry, is a major draw, offering easy access to local culture and excursions.
Diverse & Quality Dining
The variety and quality of food across the resort's 4 restaurants and buffet receive high praise, with many guests specifically recommending the breakfast buffet.
Comprehensive All-Inclusive Value
Guests appreciate the robust all-inclusive program, which covers top-shelf drinks, 24-hour room service, in-room amenities, and resort credits, enhancing the overall value.
Luxury In-Room Amenities
The inclusion of in-room double whirlpool tubs, liquor dispensers, and CHI bath amenities contributes to a luxurious and comfortable stay experience for many guests.
Room Modernization
Despite renovations, some guests feel certain room elements, particularly the large in-room whirlpool tubs, could benefit from further modernization or removal to optimize space.
Beach Condition
The natural variability of the beach size due to erosion and occasional seaweed presence are noted concerns, though the beach remains accessible and beautiful.
Bed Comfort
A few guests have reported issues with uncomfortable beds and the use of plastic-backed undersheets, suggesting a need for mattress upgrades in some rooms.
Humidity and Odor
Occasional mentions of humidity-related issues, such as a mold smell or dampness, appear in older reviews, indicating a potential ongoing maintenance challenge.
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Traveler's Choice
#10 for 2020
TripAdvisor
What makes Playacar Palace worth choosing over the dozens of all-inclusives in Playa del Carmen is geography. The resort sits steps from 5th Avenue's restaurants, shops, and nightlife, and a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal to Cozumel — giving it the rare quality of being a resort base that also enables genuine local exploration. The $14 million renovation completed in 2018 modernized the 201 rooms, lobby, and restaurant spaces substantially.
This is a boutique-scale property for guests who want the all-inclusive convenience without feeling sealed off from the destination. Families with kids under 17 get them in free (stay, play, eat). Adults-only travelers looking purely for silence should note this is not an adults-only resort — the pool and beach get family energy. Couples seeking a quieter all-inclusive should look at the adults-only Platinum Yucatan Princess further up the coast.
The main practical complaint is pool capacity. One pool for 201 rooms means loungers disappear early on high-season days, and the pool itself feels crowded by late morning. The beach can also thin out during sargassum season — check conditions before booking peak summer months.
Practically: 201 suites, Cancun International Airport (CUN) is approximately one hour away. The Awe Spa (11,000 sq ft, 6 treatment rooms) is the most developed spa facility for a property of this size. The standout dining is Lahná, an adults-only 10-course Mayan tasting menu operating Tuesday–Saturday in two seatings — book this on arrival, it's limited to a small room.
