The Reef Coco Beach is one of the most affordable all inclusive hotels in the area.
I wanted to see for myself what kind of service and quality of hotel you would be getting for so little money.
This hotel was formerly the Grand Coco Bay and was rebranded to a Reef Resort in 2013. They have made a few modifications, but from what I have seen, all for the better.
Here is my review of the Reef Coco Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen.
TOP 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING
1. This is a small hotel
202 rooms total. By resort standards, this hotel is tiny. This does affect the ambiance, the number of services on site and the variety of the food.
You can’t expect a hotel of this size to have the same quantity of services that a 1000 room resort would have.
The buffet was smaller, but that being said, there was still quite a few food options available. Then again, with the low prices you pay, you can afford to head out and explore a few local restaurants if you are really craving something different.
2. Time share/ Vacation Club
Once you check in you are invited to see the concierge who will give you the hotel information. They will also try to rope you into a hotel tour or a “free tour” of the sister property The Reef Playacar. If this is your thing, go for it. We just didn’t like the roundabout way it was presented.
3. All inclusive with Extra Charges
The price is really low – so they compensate by adding optional extras. $2.50 per day for the safety deposit box (really? is safety an option?). $4 per person for the specialty restaurant. $15 / day for access to wireless Internet.
So the biggies like food, drink and activities are included but expect to get dinged for some extras.
4. Premium bracelet option
Like premium brand drinks? You can get a cheap hotel and still drink the good stuff for an under $20 a day. The premium bracelet is for sale at reception, you can ask for it at time of check-in.
5. There are boats anchored right off shore
Personally, this did not bother me in the least but some clients complained it affected the cleanliness of the water.
That being said, the reef is also visible from shore so snorkeling is readily available and accessible. This is one of the only areas in Playa del Carmen where you can access the reef without having to take a tour. Bonus for snorkelers.ย
MY PERSONAL TOP 5 LOVES
1. Hotel Ambiance
Due to the fact that this is a small hotel compared to most all-inclusives, the ambiance is quite different.
It is cozy and extra friendly and almost family-like. The staff knows you after a day. You have a chance to get to know other guests. You can get a group of fellow travelers to hang out with and the kids can make new friends.
Forget something in the room? No problem! Everything is within 2 minutes walk and close by. Personally, I loved this, but I know it’s not for everyone.
2. Proximity to Playa del Carmen
This hotel is located near CTM street down by the beach.
This area of 5th avenue is quite new and not as developed but is part of the area known as the “new Quinta”. Walking distance to 5th avenue is about 5 minutes. The location is prime!
3.ย Sports & Activities
It is a small resort but did have many things available.
You’ll find a small fitness center, tennis, ping-pong and the water sports center had kayaks and snorkel equipment. They even have bicycles available so that you can head out and explore the town.
4. Price
The prices offered at this all-inclusive hotel are really quite impressive.
They often have kids for free promos and super low rates. We can get this hotel with all-inclusive plans for the same rates as many hotels that don’t even include breakfast.
5. Coffee Bar in the lobby
Every afternoon the hotel sets up a sort of tea time with Flambeed coffees, pastries, cookies and teas. YUM!
TOP 3 AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
1. Extra charges
I understand that the prices are awesome. But it feels really cheap to get charged for things like the safety deposit box. Charge an extra $2 a night and include it.
2. Time Share/Vacation Club
Call a spade a spade. The way they went about it felt manipulative and I did not like that.
3. Food
I always found something to eat. Really, I did. My only complaint was that the poultry and fish were always VERY oily. I did eat lots of salads, there was always fresh fruit and the desserts were really tasty.
The Reef Coco Beach is a great option if you want something super affordable for an all-inclusive hotel.
You are walking distance to everything in town. It has a great family-like feel and is very compact so it limits the amount of walking around site.
Want the best prices on the Reef Coco Beach?
You can check pricing and availability here, or contact us, PlayaDelCarmen.com, at 888-537-9797.
Have you been to the Reef Coco Beach? We want to hear from you! Share your feedback or write your own hotel review below.
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