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.
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. 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.
Comments (37)
carol enlgandsays:
March 1, 2015 at 7:42 pmmy husband has MS so from what I see it looks like it will be easy for him to walk around,we also will have a scooter & walker……any comments on this thanks?!!
Sarah Barlowsays:
March 10, 2015 at 8:51 pmHi Carol, Sorry for the delay! Yes, the hotel is quite accessible and does have ramps and an elevator. It is a little more difficult to get down to the beach area but otherwise, it is accessible. Please feel free to let us know if you have any other questions 🙂
carol enlgandsays:
March 10, 2015 at 9:44 pmthank-you!!!!!! look forward to our stay!!! 🙂
kysays:
May 7, 2016 at 7:59 amhow much would it cost from the airport to the resort for a cab ride?
Linda Cartersays:
May 10, 2016 at 12:16 pmHi Ky.
We can offer private transfers for $145 usd, round trip from the airport. I don’t exactly know how much a taxi would run since I always have my husband pick me up from the airport. 🙂
I would estimate about $60 usd plus for a one-way taxi fare.
If you are interested in booking a private transfer, feel free to contact us at customercare@playadelcarmen.com. It’s nice to pre-book, one less thing you have to worry about.
Laurasays:
September 15, 2016 at 7:16 amHi, Do you know how much spa prices were, roughly?. Very interested in having some kind of treatment whilst there
Sarah Barlowsays:
September 15, 2016 at 1:33 pmHi Laura,
Thanks for reaching out. Hotel spas do tend to charge quite a bit. Expect a massage to be $100US and up. I would suggest leaving the hotel and checking out BRIC Spa. Their services are very reasonably priced and they offer a choice of therapies and have great therapists. This is my go-to when I need some ‘me’ time 🙂
Have a lovely holiday.
Jordan Fugersays:
April 15, 2018 at 4:40 pmWould you go chance know anything about the abandoned neighboring property??
Sarah Barlowsays:
April 16, 2018 at 7:14 amHey Jordan, no I’m not too sure about details of the neighboring property. Apologies. It might be worth emailing Reef Coco to see if they know more. 🙂 Hope that helps.
Edsays:
February 15, 2017 at 5:03 pmYou said the reef was visible from shore. With the boats anchored right offshore, is the reef easy to get to and relatively safe from boat traffic?
Sarah Barlowsays:
February 16, 2017 at 8:55 pmHey Ed,
Thanks for reaching out. YES, you can get to the reef over on the left hand side from where the boats are.
Hope you enjoy your stay, let us know if you need any help, airport pick up or tours.
Sarah
Bryansays:
March 13, 2017 at 12:32 amIf you were a single 30 year male would you go here if you just wanted to get away for a week in the sun without breaking the bank?
Sarah Barlowsays:
March 14, 2017 at 9:14 amHi Bryan,
Thanks for getting in touch. The Reef Coco Beach is one of the least expensive all inclusive hotels in the area, and the location is great. You can still easily walk to all attractions in Playa del Carmen and are on the beach. If you are a partier, you may find the hotel quiet – but for a week away to chill and enjoy what Playa has to offer – it is a GREAT option. Hope this helps.
Let me know if you have any other questions
Sarah
Chris Taylor. Dallas TXsays:
May 14, 2017 at 1:17 pmThe worst place I have ever stayed at. Paid for premium package but can’t get premium drinks unless we go to an isolated bar. Food is terrible. I expected lower quality but can’t eat this crap. Service sucks. Do not come!
Florida Beckleysays:
June 15, 2017 at 11:29 amHi Sarah
Where would you recommend that we stay in Playa del Carmen where the hotel is right on the beach, a bit more upscale in nature that has a wonderful beach for snorkeling, and calm waters?
Thank you!
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 24, 2017 at 2:37 pmHi Florida,
You would have to head outside of Playa del Carmen to find what you are looking for. Akumal is a quiet bay, with snorkeling right offshore. There you will find the Secrets Akumal, an adults only resort. I will also have one of our travel specialists reach out to see if we can help you….
Thanks for reaching out.
Sarah
Sarah Newbroughsays:
July 17, 2017 at 1:16 amHi ! Last time we went to Rivera , the water was very rocky the first couple feet into the water and without water shoes it did hurt your feet , but after those first few feet the water was just fine . But that is one thing i did not like . Is coco beach like that also ? Or is it just white sand straight into the blue waters and no worrying about stepping on rocks in the water ?! Also , is there a photographer onsite at the resort ? I like to get our pictures professionally taken of me and my spouse on the beach every year ! Thank you 🙂
Agasays:
July 18, 2017 at 9:01 amJust came back from The Reef and I must say we had a great time. Prior to leaving I did read a lot of reviews and I do have to admit A lot of them were concerning. People were conplaining about so many things. Yeah, hotel is not too big but in this way you will get to know staff and other visitors…instead just being “a number”. I was highly impressed with staff who has always been so hardworking, polite and ready to help with anythihg. Our housekeeper was just amazing, goingb an extra mile every single day. She was even folding baby clothes in a crib ?!? Very impressive!!! Some extra charges-like internet are worth it. I have a pre-teen who would die with no internet so $35 for 5 days of internet for 3 devices was OK with me. Let me remind you out there US hotels also charge for internet- not that big of the deal 😉 Food was good. Every day there was something different in addition to all classic choices. Location of the hotel was perfect. So close to the 5th Avenue where there is so many amazing places to eat, shop, or even just walk around and see. Onside representatives have a wide variety of tours available. We were able to go to Cozumel and it was great from the pick up time to the drop off at the hotel. I would recommend this hotel to any family that likes to have a good time. I can see people complaining about pretty much anything, but what else is new. Measure your expectation to what you pay, and for this amount of money I believe The Reef is a great choice. We had an amazing time
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 19, 2017 at 10:10 amHola! Really pleased that you enjoyed it. Thank you for the feedback!!
Sarah
Utesays:
August 17, 2017 at 8:14 pmHi Sarah,
Thanks for your review an comments which are super helpful and made me decide to book here. I have been to Riviera Maya a couple of times and wanted something affordable for my son and myself. One question: Can one swim to the reef? Or do you need a boat? I looks like around 200 feet from the shore….
Thanks!
Ute
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 21, 2017 at 3:41 pmHi Ute!
Thanks for getting in touch!
You ask a great question….
There are a few rocks directly in front of The Reef Coco Beach, which can attract various type of fish but for the ‘maximum’ snorkel experience, a speedboat or catamaran would be ideal.
That is because the reefs are not a few meters from the coast-line, but instead, located deeper, off shore.
One of our awesome Travel Specialists will email you now with some amazing snorkel excursions available in the area.
Have a great day and see you soon in Paradise!
Alisonsays:
January 31, 2018 at 7:45 pmHow far is it to the hotel. We have to provide our own transportation?
Sarah Barlowsays:
February 2, 2018 at 6:23 amHola Alison, yes Reef Coco is closer to Playa del Carmen than it is to Cancun. It’s about an hours drive. If you like I’ll have one of our Travel Specialists reach out to give you a good quote for transport and save you some money. 🙂
Cynthiasays:
March 8, 2018 at 4:11 amHi, Sarah
How busy is the beach? Is it difficult to get a chair/umbrella? Would we be allowed to bring our own?
Thanks!
Sarah Barlowsays:
March 8, 2018 at 10:18 amHey Cynthia, thank you for reaching out, it honestly depends on what time of year you visit and what day it is. It’s busier on Sunday’s because this is when the locals hit the beach too. Yes, you would be able to bring your own umbrella if you wish, but you should be able to get a chair no problem. Hope that helps.
Bernie Asays:
March 10, 2018 at 9:39 amThis is our second time at The Reef Coco Beach. Flights direct from Buffalo, NY end April 29 (2018).
The upgrade from the standard package to the Premium package for 6 days is about $154 US. We always fly Sunwing. Their package includes ground transport from the airport to Playa. But we spend the extra $110 to go with USA Transfers for private round trip transportation.
Sarah Barlowsays:
March 11, 2018 at 11:22 amHey Bernie thanks for reaching out, we actually do private transfers too. Plus, as we are a local agency we can save you even more money. Be sure to reach out next time you are in the area.
Lorisays:
June 11, 2018 at 5:26 pmHello–several quesions here–we are going there the last week of June, in a couple of weeks. The weather forecast says rain every day. Is it usually just a fleeting rain that comes and goes? Also, do you know if there is a sister resort that also allows you to eat free with the all inclusive pkg at this restort? We did that once before in Cancun and it was fun to experience another resort without paying extra. Also, Is this a good paddle boarding beach, or are there waves? Lastly, what is the crime like for tourists in this area? Any tips on being safe? Thanks for the help!
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 12, 2018 at 4:45 amYes, it is usually very fleeting. 🙂 The Reef Coco beach is part of Reef resorts and there are several sister hotels to choose from https://www.thereefresorts.com/resorts Yes Playa del Carmen is great for Paddleboarding be sure to check out ‘Aloha’ for good rates and professional staff. Crime for tourists is minimal just don’t wander around alone very late at night. 🙂
Lorisays:
June 14, 2018 at 6:40 pmThank you! Of course I thought of another questions–is the beach rocky, requiring water shoes?
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 15, 2018 at 10:11 amNo, not at all! 🙂
Margesays:
April 29, 2019 at 10:46 amHi.
Im about to go to The Coco Beach . Do they have activities in the hotel. And how’s the night life ?
Sarah Barlowsays:
April 30, 2019 at 8:28 amHi Marge,
They sure do! It is a small resort but they do have many things available.:)
You’ll find a small fitness center, tennis, ping-pong, and the water sports center has kayaks and snorkel equipment. They even have bicycles available so that you can head out and explore the town.
Nightlife is great because you are in very close proximity to the hustle and bustle of the city. Venture on to 5th Avenue and it will be buzzing with live music and lots of different stuff going on.
All the best,
Sarah
ellasays:
May 6, 2019 at 12:24 amHi,
I have a question. If I have the standard package how much should I pay for the wi-fi for one week?
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 7, 2019 at 6:29 amHey Ella, prices are subject to change so unless you have or want to book this particular with us and our help, try reaching out to whoever booked it for you or the hotel directly for the exact pricing at this time. If you would like to discuss booking Reef Coco with our travel advisors please reach out to us via customercare@playadelcarmen.com to get your quote. All the best,
Sarah
El Paso 4says:
January 8, 2021 at 4:14 pmAnyone have any thoughts or updates on this resort for summer 2021? We plan to travel as a family of 4 with two teen daughters. The reviews on other websites are so mixed! We are not terribly picky, but we obviously don’t want terrible food or to sleep in a broken down room like other websites have said! It seems like people either love it or hate it.
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 11, 2021 at 4:28 amThe rooms are as pictured in the photographs so nothing special at all. If you are not expecting or wanting much this is a very cheap option. I personally wouldn’t recommend it if you have teen daughters and if possible I’d opt for something like the “Riu” or “Iberostar” hotels. Still super affordable but much better quality. Hope that helps. Reach out if you need any help getting the best deal.