10 Wonderful Playa del Carmen Boutique Hotels

Did you know Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya receives millions of visitors each year?

You can grab a direct flight from almost every major U.S. city and be here in under 5 hours. Tempting right?

People from around the world come to discover our beautiful beaches, fun nightlife, and stunning nature. As you can imagine, all these guests require a ton of accommodation options available.

From hostels and vacation rentals to mega-resorts and all things in between, figuring out where to stay in Playa del Carmen can be like trying to figure out which version of Oreo’s you’re going to buy at the grocery store.

Of all the types of accommodations you can find in Playa del Carmen, or anywhere for that matter, the ones I am always most drawn to are the boutique hotels.

Why Boutique Hotels are Awesome

I like boutique hotels because they stand out.

Each is different from the other, and even the rooms are often decorated in such a way so that they each offer unique styles.

They break with the mold but at the same time, they also offer a level of personalization which I appreciate.

I’ve never liked mass consumerism. Corporations that present the same image, layout, and fake smile no matter where in the world you are.

I prefer a local taco stand to a McDonald’s or an Ah Cacao in Playa del Carmen over Starbuck’s any day of the week.

Therein lies the beauty of the boutiques.

They are unique, creative, and often uber-luxurious.

Boutique hotels should have a local feel, not something so bland and universal that it could be anywhere.

They highlight experience and design over functionality, making you feel like a person and not a number.

The intimate atmospheres, upscale designs, and personalization of boutiques often lead to an even higher level of pampering.

Boutique Hotels in Playa del Carmen

So what about the boutique hotels in Playa del Carmen?

Which ones are out there and how do they stand out?

I thought you’d never ask!

The only order here is that I am going to mention the ones in Playa del Carmen first before getting to a few recommended boutique hotels in this region. (Riviera Maya)

10 Wonderful Playa del Carmen Boutique Hotels

All of the following boutique hotels are located in Playa del Carmen.

Some are located directly on the beach, others can be found downtown.

Unless waking up and stepping onto the beach just a few feet away is an absolute must, location here shouldn’t be important.

Remember, any place located in downtown Playa del Carmen is within a short walking distance of the stunning azure hues of the Caribbean Sea.

#1 Bric Hotel & Spa

Bric is a cool hotel located on a side street right off 5th Avenue. It’s small size and superb hospitality makes this one of those places where once you go you just keep going back.

Bric Hotel & Spa boasts a great location and quaint atmosphere that elevate its status and more than compensate for its lack of luxurious amenities.

Of course, we would be wrong to mention Bric without giving a shout-out to its amazing spa. Definitely a hidden gem in Playa del Carmen.

Overview

Rooms: 18 rooms
Price: Starts at $60US per night
Design: Rustic
Amenities/Service: Breakfast only, on-site spa
All-inclusive: No
Location: Close to 5th Avenue and beach but quiet
Beach: 10 minute-walk from hotel
Food: Good breakfasts but that’s it
Reservations: Bric Hotel & Spa

#2 Aventura Mexicana

Aventura Mexicana has a lot of charm.

Cozy, chic, and a decidedly friendly environment await guests at Aventura Mexicana.

This place just has the right feel, and you’re guaranteed to feel right at home.

In addition, the hotel has two separate areas, one for families and one exclusively for adults.

The meeting point is the restaurant, where the drinks are good and the food is spot on delicious.

Overview

Rooms: 49 rooms
Price: Starts at $105 per night
Design: Rustic
Amenities/Service: Breakfast only, on-site spa
All-inclusive: No
Location: Close to 5th Avenue and beach but quiet
Beach: 5-minute walk from hotel
Food: Good breakfasts but that’s it
Reservations: Aventura Mexicana

#3 Playa Palms

Playa Palms has a lot going for it.

A perfect mix between boutique hotel and vacation rental, Playa Palms also just so happens to be located on the beach.

All rooms have amazing views of either the verdant gardens or the mesmerizing blues of the Caribbean Sea.

But there’s something more. Suites at Playa Palms come with fully-equipped kitchenettes.

This wonderful hybrid of a hotel is a great option for families with kids or those looking to book several rooms together.

Overview

Rooms: 40 rooms
Price: Starts at $145 per night
Design: Contemporary
Amenities/Service: Breakfast only, otherwise the works
All-inclusive: No
Location: Oceanfront (rooms can be garden, oceanview or oceanfront)
Beach: Right before your very eyes
Food: With only continental breakfasts, you’ll be cooking or exploring the Playa del Carmen restaurants
Reservations: Playa Palms

#4 The Palm at Playa

The stylish lofts and suites of The Palm at Playa are the epitome of this town’s chic ambiance.

Upscale and elegant, this boutique hotel is located smack dab in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s downtown area.

I would have said party district, but I don’t want to give the wrong impression.

That said, however, The Palm at Playa also happens to have one of the most happening rooftop pool and bar locations in all of Playa del Carmen.

The Palm at Playa also only allows guests 14 years old and over, meaning that you won’t have to worry about screaming kids at 7:00 a.m. after a night out on the town.

This is a great option for couples who enjoy nightlife as well as groups of friends conquering new experiences together.

Overview

Rooms: 68 rooms
Price: Starts at $138 per night
Design: Chic
Amenities/Service: Breakfast buffet, fitness center, beach club, and much more
All-inclusive: No
Location: In the thick of the battle
Beach: a 5-minute walk away
Food: Breakfast buffet only
Reservations: The Palm at Playa

#5 Lat 20

Not enough good can be said about Lat 20.

This “Be Yourself boutique hotel where everything you need is at your fingertips” is a testament to the quality of service that characterizes the hotels run by the Posadas Group.

All of the hotel’s installations are modern, in excellent conditions, and laid out with an exemplary attention to detail.

Topping it off, literally, is perhaps Playa del Carmen’s most stunning rooftop infinity pool.

Lat 20 oozes a hip style backed by impeccable customer service.

It is on the more pricey side, but Lat 20 is the perfect home away from home for those searching for a refreshing dose of sophisticated, adults-only pampering.

Overview

Rooms: 60 rooms
Price: Starts at $299 per night with all inclusive plans for 2
Design: Contemporary
Amenities/Service: All that and more
All-inclusive: Yes
Location: Right on 5th Avenue
Beach: A short skip, hop, and a jump
Food: Awesome
Reservations: Lat 20

#6 Thompson Beach House

Thompson Beach House is a relative newcomer to the Playa del Carmen hotel scene.

Quaint, beachside, and decidedly luxurious, this 27-room Bohemian chic boutique hotel has a great location right on the beach and just a two-minute walk from all the action on Fifth Avenue.

This upscale oceanfront property offers guests one of the best hotel and beach club combinations of any hotel in Playa del Carmen.

Moreover, guests of Thompson Beach House can also enjoy the facilities at Thompson Hotel Playa del Carmen, its larger sister property just two blocks away.

In other words, you stay at a 27-room boutique hotel and have unrestricted access to four different restaurants and a 30,000 square foot rooftop entertainment space that towers over the Caribbean Sea offering panoramic views of Playa del Carmen.

Relaxed, intimate and seductive, Thompson Beach House offers a level of intimacy and privacy that few hotels in this category can offer in downtown Playa del Carmen.

Overview

Rooms: 27 rooms
Price: Starts at $425 per night
Design: Bohemian chic
Amenities/Service: Top of the line
All-inclusive: No
Location: Oceanfront
Beach: Right in front of your margarita glass
Food: Spectacular
Reservations: Thompson Beach House

Riviera Maya Boutique Hotels

These hotels may not be so close to Playa’s hip and happening 5th Avenue, but for those looking to get away from it all, well, that should be just fine.

That said, everything in Mexico’s Riviera Maya can be reached in two hours or less.

In other words, you can still spend a day or an evening in Playa del Carmen and make it back to your nice boutique hotel in no time.

Here are our recommendations.

#7 The Viceroy Riviera Maya

The Viceroy Riviera Maya is a gorgeous boutique hotel for those romantically-inclined.

With just 41 stand-alone villas, rest, relaxation, and romance are a given for guests of this amazing boutique resort.

Although rustic on the outside, everything about these beautiful abodes is a testament to absolute luxury.

Outdoor shower, private heated plunge pools, butler service, and beds that are so comfortable you’ll never want to wake up are just a few of the numerous amenities that will have you never wanting to leave this place.

Of course, The Viceroy Riviera Maya also boasts a premiere spa and fantastic gourmet cuisine.

The Viceroy Riviera Maya is located 45 minutes south of the Cancun International Airport and minutes away from Playa del Carmen.

Overview

Rooms: 41 stand-alone villas
Price: Starts at $525 per night
Design: Luxurious rustic
Amenities/Service: Elite
All-inclusive: Yes
Location: A few minutes north of Playa del Carmen
Beach: Just a few steps away
Food: Foodie paradise
Reservations: Viceroy Riviera Maya

#8 Le Reve Hotel & Spa

Le Reve Hotel & Spa is a unique, boutique hotel offering 25 secluded rooms overlooking the Caribbean Sea or the verdant jungle.

Family-friendly, Le Reve combines nature, peace, gourmet meals, and Mexican hospitality to provide guests with an unforgettable time in paradise.

However, some guests may be disappointed by the lack of on-site activities offered by the hotel.

Also, guests of Le Reve tend to give the food here mixed reviews.

There is the option of choosing a breakfast only meal plan, but there aren’t many options in the surrounding area and Playa del Carmen is about 15 minutes away by car.

Internet is available albeit for an additional $10 USD per day, even if you choose the all-inclusive plan.

Overview

Rooms: 25 rooms
Price: Starts at $145 per night
Design: Modern
Amenities/Service: Vacillates between good and great
All-inclusive: Optional
Location: 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen by car
Beach: Just a few steps away; rocky at points
Food: Good
Reservations: Le Reve Hotel & Spa

#9 Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa

Belmond Maroma has a lot in its favor.

Let’s start with the first two reasons you should consider this luxurious boutique hotel: the beach and the spa.

For starters, the Maroma beach is considered by many to be the absolute most beautiful beach in the entire Riviera Maya.

Second, the spa at Belmond Maroma has won numerous awards for its quality and services.

Now add to that luxurious rooms, gourmet cuisine, and impeccable customer service and what do you get?

63 luxurious rooms and suites await at the Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa.

A haven for luxury and well-being that offers the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.

Overview

Rooms: 63 rooms
Price: Starts at $459 per night
Design: Modern
Amenities/Service: 5-stars
All-inclusive: Yes, but other options are also available
Location: 12 miles north of Playa del Carmen
Beach: OMG
Food: Superb
Reservations: Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa

#10 Blue Diamond Riviera Maya

Intimate, elegant, and adults-only.

Blue Diamond Riviera Maya is an upscale, 5-star, adults-only haven with 24-hour a la carte dining, exceptional service and 128 spacious junior suites.

Set in 36 acres of tropical jungle, the 128 suites and junior suites are elegantly decorated, and boast floor to ceiling windows as well as spacious balconies or terraces.

Blue Diamond also has an enormous, 25,000 square foot spa, three restaurants, and two spectacular oceanfront pool areas.

And with the resort’s all-inclusive indulgence also comes one of the best fitness programs and equipment of any hotel in the entire Riviera Maya.

So you can work off those extra pounds in situ. No excuses.

Overall, Blue Diamond is a great choice for couples looking to spend some time off (and alone) at the resort without the need for getting out in the hustle and bustle of any major town.

Overview

Rooms: 128 Jr. Suites
Price: Starts at $449 per night all inclusive
Design: Modern chic
Amenities/Service: 5-stars
All-inclusive: Yes
Location: 10-minute drive north of Playa del Carmen
Beach: Nice but not the best
Food: Great
Reservations: Blue Diamond Riviera Maya

Do you have any questions about boutique hotels in Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya?

Let us know in the comment section or call our omnipotent travel specialists toll-free at 888-537-9797!