Where to stay in the Riviera Maya

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Where to stay:

After choosing when to go and how to get to the Riviera Maya, you need to book a place to stay. The first thing you need to decide your budget and the type of accommodation you need. Then select which city should be your home base. You have three options:

  • Cancun

  • Tulum

  • Playa del Carmen

My favorite is Playa del Carmen by far, it’s in the middle of everything, 40 minutes to Cancun, 20 minutes to the eco-parks, 40 minutes to Tulum and the ferry to Cozumel leaves from here, it has good food and hotels for all budgets. If you want a peaceful vacation, stay in Tulum. if you are looking for a party packed vacation, stay in Cancun.

If you decide to stay in Playa del carmen, pick a hotel near 5th avenue if you want to spay a lot of time at the beach. If you plan to visit the eco-parks and do a lot of day trips, choose a hotel on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen.

Our favorite hotels, from the ones we have stayed, are:

Best budget hotel:

© City Express hotels: https://www.cityexpress.com/en/suites/hotels-mexico/quintana-roo/playa-del-carmen/playa-del-carmen#lg=1&slide=0

© City Express hotels: https://www.cityexpress.com/en/suites/hotels-mexico/quintana-roo/playa-del-carmen/playa-del-carmen#lg=1&slide=0

City Express Suites Playa del Carmen: This hotel is typically priced at around $100 USD per night, and the adjacent City Express hotel is usually cheaper. Both are great options. The Suites hotel offers complimentary breakfast, a kitchen, and a full-sized fridge, which can save you a lot of money during your stay. Although the hotel is located on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen, it is ideal for those who plan to do a lot of sightseeing and are renting a car. You'll have to drive for about 5 minutes to reach the Playa del Carmen beach, but it is perfectly located for exploring the area.

Best Splurge Hotel:

© Fairmont Mayakoba https://www.fairmont.com/mayakoba-riviera-maya/

© Fairmont Mayakoba https://www.fairmont.com/mayakoba-riviera-maya/

The Mayakoba Complex is my favorite place to stay. It is a beautiful place, but quite expensive. If you have time, don't miss their canal tour. You should plan to spend around $300-$600 per night, plus parking, resort fees, and other additional charges. However, it's definitely worth it if you're celebrating a special occasion. There are several hotels to choose from in the complex, and it's worth staying at one of them if you're planning to spend some time at the resort.

Best mid-tier hotel:

© The fives Downtown Hotel https://thefivesdowntownhotel.com/

© The fives Downtown Hotel https://thefivesdowntownhotel.com/

The Fives Downtown hotel: This hotel is an excellent choice for most travelers. It features a lovely rooftop pool, bar, and restaurant, and is located just two blocks away from the beach and one from fifth avenue. Most of the rooms are equipped with a kitchen that can help you save a lot of money. However, the breakfast is a bit pricey for what you get. Expect to pay between 100 - 200 USD per night.

When choosing a hotel, never settle for less than what you deserve. Take the time to ensure it meets all your needs, and don't let price be the only factor in your decision.