Hotel Xcaret Mexico is easily one of the best resorts in the Riviera Maya.
So we, at PlayaDelCarmen.com, felt it necessary to review it.
One of the biggest draws for this hotel is that it offers a unique ‘All-Fun Inclusive program’.
This allows guests unlimited access to 7 of the region’s top attractions:
- Xcaret
- Xel-Ha
- Xplor
- Xplor Fuego
- Xoximilco
- and Xenses
- as well as deluxe Tours to Xenotes and Xichen, with round-trip transportation, included.
My review of Hotel Xcaret Mexico:
1. Location
Hotel Xcaret Mexico is located just south of Playa del Carmen along Highway 307.
Situated approximately 75 kilometres (47 mi) south of Cancún airport.
The resort is named after the nearby archaeological site Xcaret, a settlement constructed by the pre-Columbian Maya.
Its prime location means that if you did want to explore the best of the Riviera Maya you would be in close proximity to 5th avenue, Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, and Puerto Morelos.
2.Decor & Layout
From an aerial perspective, it’s clear to see that this particular hotel is visually very exciting.
The resort is permeated by a luxurious but eco-friendly vibe and has been designed first and foremost with sustainability in mind.
It’s unique in the way that the buildings and rooms work in harmony with the surrounding nature, making the grounds a pleasant exploration.
You will discover coves, rivers, caves, and lots of jungle throughout the property.
In all my years of reviewing hotels, the attention to detail and level of service here is unrivaled.
Most hotels often just have large building blocks facing the ocean with no real care or thought put into preserving the beauty on top of which they are built.
At Hotel Xcaret Mexico, you will find something new around every corner, swinging bridges, tunnels, restaurants carved into solid rock, waterfalls and much more.
The layout of the resort can be a little confusing at first and I’d definitely recommend anyone choosing to stay here do so for at least 7-10 days to get the most from their experience.
However, I will say that getting lost has never been so fun.
3.Rooms
Rooms at Hotel Xcaret come in 4 different categories:
- Suites
- Junior suites
- Swim-ups
- Master suites
All of which offer garden, ocean, river, or pool views.
The rooms feel lavish and comfortable, perfectly designed to offer a blend of nature, art, and contemporary design.
In your room, you’ll find:
– a minibar
– espresso coffee machine
– hammocks on the balcony
– jacuzzis
– rain showers
– security boxes
– hairdryers
– 55′ inch flat-screen TVs
– and more
The best rooms at this resort are definitely the swim-up suites (direct access to the pool) and master suites (direct access to the pool, living areas, and lots of space 230 m² | 2,476 sq ft).
Again, one of the things I love the most about the rooms is the attention to detail. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into them.
Xcaret worked with local craftsmen from around Mexico to bring items into the room. It not only showcases their passion for interior but all the skills and traditions of the people of Mexico.
To make it feel more special be sure to watch your TV and the channel that features all the stories of the things made for your room.
You will definitely enjoy a good night sleep here whichever room category you decide on.
If you’re not sure which room is right for you, our Travel Specialists here are PlayaDelCarmen.Com would be happy to help.
Get the best rate for the Xcaret hotel, call us at 888-537-9797.
4. Food & Drink
10 restaurants and 8 bars at Hotel Xcaret Mexico will take you on a culinary journey through global flavors, where the Mexican gastronomy leads the way.
All of the menus have been designed to surprise your palate as well as to accommodate any dietary preference your lifestyle requires.
Restaurants include:
- La Trajinera – an Xochimilco inspired Buffet. Breakfast 07:00 to 11:30 h / lunch 12:30 to 17:00/ dinner 18:00 to 23:00h.
- La Cantina – Mexican Steak House. Open for dinner from 18:00 to 23:00 h / after party from 00:00 to 02:00h located near the main building (Casa Grande), reservation required.
- HA’ (additional cost applies) – Contemporary Mexican cuisine. Open for dinner from 18:00 to 00:00h, reservation required. Included for guests staying at junior and master suites.
- Mercado 17 – continental breakfast 06:00 to 06:30 h / breakfast 07:00 to 11:30 h / lunch 12:30 to:00 h / dinner 18:00 to 23:00 h / late night 00:30 to 05:00 h
- Chibali – open from 11:00 to 23:00 h Casa Viento, next to the Kids club.
- Teatro Del Rio – open for dinner from 19:00 to 23:00 h Tasting Menu In front of Espiral Hill, reservation required.
- Xin – Gao – Asian cuisine. Open for dinner from 18:00 to 23:00 h main building (Casa Grande), reservation required for dinner.
- Fuego Restauraunt – A la carte: breakfast 07:00 to 11:30 h / lunch 12:30 to 17:00 h / dinner 18:00 to 23:00 h. Exclusive for Casa Fuego guests, reservation required for dinner.
- Las Playas – open from 11:00 to 23:00 h, Coves’ area. Exclusive for guests at Casa Fuego, reservation required for dinner.
- Las Cuevas – open seasonally, reservation required.
From making your own ceviche to top-shelf tequila the quality of food and drink here is exactly that, QUALITY!
If you love Mexican food, many hotels in the Riviera often dumb down the recipes to accommodate the masses…not at this hotel.
At Hotel Xcaret Mexico, you can truly savor and appreciate the local flavors of this beautiful and vibrant country.
5. Beaches
Beaches…. as in PLURAL you say?
Yes!
At Hotel Xcaret Mexico, there is a main beach on the ocean but there is also a secondary beach!
That’s one way to outshine the market.
This second beach has soft and calm water.
It’s particularly desirable if you have children that are young, and not strong swimmers yet.
There also beaches on the rivers that run by the hotel.
All of these areas have been carved out of the stone and give all sides of this hotel something to admire.
The threat of seaweed this year (2019) has been particularly prominent in some vacationers minds. The beaches are unpredictably tainted with smelly green stuff.
The good news?
In the last month, the state of Quintana Roo has invested in major government cleanups so beaches are finally looking like their former glory and prevention methods are in place to stop it getting like that in future.
So, you needn’t worry from this day forward but it’s always nice to have peace of mind. You can breathe easy at this hotel knowing that it has great beaches for its guests even when there is seaweed.
6. Activities
With one gorgeous pool after another, you could easily spend your days here just swimming, relaxing, and taking epic photos.
However, for the more adventurous and active sorts, this place will certainly not disappoint.
In addition to unlimited access to 7 of the Riviera Mayas top attractions on-site activities also include:
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Biking and Tennis
- Water activities
- Snorkeling
At the resort, your children will also have access to the Xiiquillos Kids Club and the Xiipaal Teens Club.
7. Gym and Fitness
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can’t keep your fitness goals alive.
In fact, Hotel Xcaret Mexico encourages you to do so in a fun and picturesque environment
The main gym is just as nice and as state of the art as any big-city gym.
There are also two other gyms with equipment for cardio, free weights, and deadlifts.
If you don’t like to workout inside there is a functional training circuit within nature, as well as daily yoga classes so you can get your ‘ooooooom’ on, and start each day refreshed and rejuvenated.
8. Spa
Okay, picture a Grecian Palace with fountains and flowing curtains…can you see it yet?
That’s what the spa at Hotel Xcaret Mexico looks like.
It feels like a complete cultural experience carved out of limestone.
Each of the massage rooms is totally unique and some even have a personal cenote in them.
Does it get more magical than that? I think not.
9. Weddings
Destination weddings are on the rise in Mexico.
And to be honest it comes as no surprise.
I mean, who can say no to lavish luxury in paradise at an affordable price?
Weddings here in Mexico are easily 1/3 the cost than they would be at home.
If you and your beloved are naturists then there really couldn’t be a hotel more suited to you.
With an array of stunning locations to choose from at this resort, our Expert Wedding Specialists here at PlayaDelCarmen.Com will be on hand to help bring your vision to life.
Ceremony locations include:
- Beach
- Chapel
- Cove
- Cuevas Restaurant – stunning venue carved out of natural limestone.
With the option to have either a:
- Legal
- Symbolic
- Catholic
- Prehispanic ceremony
The only hard job for you will be choosing from the hotel’s incredible range of customizable packages that have been curated to cater to groups of all sizes and budgets.
Our team of Wedding Planners at PlayaDelCarmen.Com know this hotel inside out and can take all the stress out of your planning, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy seeing your vision come to life.
Talk to us today about planning your wedding at Hotel Xcaret Mexico.
It will certainly be a day to remember for you and your guests.
10. Hotel Xcaret Mexico for Families
Before we dig into whether you should stay at this hotel with your family I will state that this resort is pretty perfect for most people!
Families with young children
Hotel Xcaret Mexico is very family-friendly.
On the hotel property, you will find play areas for young children, activities for kids, natural areas for exploration and shallow pools.
The secondary beach with no waves and soft sand is great because it means you can relax without the fear of the little ones being swept away by a big wave.
Included in your stay at this hotel is the 7 attractions I mentioned earlier:
- Xcaret
- Xel-Ha
- Xplor
- Xplor Fuego
- Xoximilco
- and Xenses
- as well as deluxe Tours to Xenotes and Xichen, with round-trip transportation, included.
Xcaret is the largest park of them all and has a special area for small children called ‘Children’s World’.
Outside of that area, there are many animals and attractions small children would also like.
Another top pick for younger children would be Xenses. It’s a half-day adventure park with sense-themed activities, optical illusions, shop & cafe.
Families with teens
Teens will have the time of their life at this hotel!
The family club offers games and activities such as air hockey, billiards, ping pong, and more.
Paddleboarding or kayaking should be of interest to teens as well.
Make the most of the included attraction – Xplor should definitely be high on your list.
This park really appeals to teens looking for adventure. Also Xel Ha for those that like to swim and snorkel.
11. Xcaret Hotel for Adults and Romantic Getaways.
The good news?
This resort has an entire adults-only section!
Boasting its own restaurant and rooftop pool among other things.
For romantic dinners definitely check out Cuevas Restaurant as it looks particularly magical lit up with candles.
During the day many families go to the parks so you practically have the hotel to yourself.
Even when the hotel is full it doesn’t feel overcrowded.
12. My top reasons for choosing this hotel:
- Value for money!
- Live performances (in your room you will get a schedule for all the liver events – not to be missed)!
- Access to all of Xcaret’s Parks (with an average entrance fee of $100 USD per person you are getting a great deal when you stay here because they are all included in your stay with transport so make the most of them).
- Great food & drink
- Stunning property
Additional Resources You May Find Useful:
- Xcaret VS Xel-Ha – what’s the difference?
- Top 5 tips to know before visiting Xcaret
- 4 things to know about Xcaret weddings
Book Your Stay at Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Need a vacation? Our expert travel consultants have visited this hotel and will get you the best rate! Give us a call, 888-537-9797
Or
Contact us via email at customercare@playadelcarmen.com
We will ensure you get the best price, perks, and discounts.
Paradise awaits…
Have you stayed at this hotel before? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments section below, we would love to hear from you.
My Review of Hotel Xcaret Mexico
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Location
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Decor
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Rooms
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Food & Drink
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Activities
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Gym
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Spa
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Weddings
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Family-Friendly Section
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Adults-Only Section
Comments (32)
Martha Gutierrezsays:
September 30, 2019 at 11:59 pmHi Sarah! Can one of your consultants please reach out to me? I am planning an engagement party summer 2020 and I am hoping to put together a Mexico all inclusive.
Sarah Barlowsays:
October 1, 2019 at 6:42 amHello Martha, thank you so much for reaching out and for thinking of us when it comes to planning the engagement party for summer 2020. I will have a wedding planner from our team reach out to start figuring out the details with you. We’ll ensure you get all the best perks and discounts. Let’s plan an engagement party no one will ever forget! 😀
Sabrinasays:
December 25, 2019 at 9:37 amHello Sarah, I am so glad I found your website. I would be grateful for any advice you can have on the finest resort. I looked into Xcaret hotel as well. We will have a teenager with us but we are still looking for a smaller resort. From what I have seen online the Xcaret looks really big. I read lot of bad reviews on the food quality at the Finest resort. Any advice. Than you much
Sarah Barlowsays:
December 27, 2019 at 12:26 pmHey Sabrina, I would highly advise hotel Xcaret if you can afford it! The food is great and right now it’s by the far the leading hotel in the Riviera Maya. A smaller more quaint and scenic option to look at would be Fairmont Mayakoba. If you need assistance booking and getting the best local deal please reach out to us at customercare@playadelcarmen.com 🙂
Steve Ezeudesays:
March 16, 2020 at 7:38 pmGreat job Sarah. You really captured the loveliness, excitement, luxury, serenity and candour of this resort. Although, I didn’t spend a night at the resort, I was blown away with the lavish but worth-it design the facility can boost of.
Sarah Barlowsays:
March 17, 2020 at 2:24 amHey Steve, thank you so much for your kind words. 🙂 It means the world. If you want to to experience more of the Xcaret hotel. You just let me know, I’ll be here to get you an exclusive deal and save you big bucks. Contact me at customercare@playadelcarmen.com
Sallysays:
April 23, 2020 at 5:01 pmHi Sarah, We were hoping to have some clarification on how much more is it for butler service/which of the Casa’s they are part of? Do you recommend getting Club level? Our main priority is having access to the best restaurants, realizing that two are exclusive to Casa Fuego guests and one having an additional fee. Our best experience for gourmet food and stellar service has always been The Grand Velas, Mayan more so than PV’s or Cabo’s Can you comment/compare to the Grand Velas if you went there? Double the price, but perhaps on a similar scale? Thanks!
Sarah Barlowsays:
April 24, 2020 at 8:39 pmHey Sally, 🙂 thank you for reaching out and leaving your comments, I hope you found the content useful. Before I answer your questions it would be useful to know whether you plan on traveling with children as Case Fuego is adults-only and Velas is family-friendly?
Casa Fuego is the one for adults and has a butler service. I’m a little unsure about the restaurants at this stage as Xcaret do have a tendency to change things around a lot . However, if you’d like us to provide a quote I can look into it and get back to you with a definitive answer. I do believe there’s only Xian Gao which has an additional fee of $125. Our team’s opinion is that the higher level hotel is definitely the Grand Velas as their service is unrivaled. Let me know if you’d like a quote for one or both, from here I will pass your details on to our expert travel liaisons and they will be here to offer their honest advice and to make sure you choose the best hotel for you plus make sure you get all the perks and discounts you are entitled to. In the meantime, if you have any further questions about your next trip you can always reach out to us directly via our toll-free number 888-537-9797 or customercare@playadelcarmen.com
Jasmin Marquezsays:
September 7, 2020 at 11:56 amHello, Sarah I was looking into reserving a five night stay with Xcaret, however, I do have some questions I would like to get resolved before purchasing.
1. with staying with Xcaret the rooms are all inclusive does that mean it comes with the dolphins swim, and everything that costs extra for those that aren’t staying at the hotel.
2. It says its all inclusive for the other 8 parks as well does that mean free food and drinks as well? or its only all inclusive at XCARET?
3. Even though it says all inclusive are we limited to the amount of food and drinks we can get in a day?
4. it says its all inclusive but is there a max amount of people that can get the all inclusive, it will only be me and my bf will we both get all inclusive or only one.
5. is there anything that is not included when we stay in the hotel?
6. Just to make sure all the other parks admission is free for those staying at the Xcaret hotel and the attractions?
Sarah Barlowsays:
September 14, 2020 at 6:08 amHello Jasmin, I have passed your queries on to our hotel booking agents as these team members have the most relevant and up to date info for you and will help you get the best deal on this hotel at this time. For your reference all-inclusive food and drink when staying at the hotel is unlimited for you and your boyfriend. Everything is included when staying at the hotel including the 8 Xcaret owned attractions which includes food & drink, fee entrance and roundtrip transport. The only extras you will have to pay for are premium services at the attractions such as lockers, dolphin swim, etc.
Kailee Lishsays:
October 4, 2020 at 11:00 pmHey Sarah,
My husband and I are looking to visiting the xcaret and I just have a couple of questions. It says all inclusive but I do know some places only include certain meals does the xcaret include 3 meals a day?
Also I saw a video of a room where they were jumping straight from their balcony into the river do you know if this is a swim up room or a different room?
Sarah Barlowsays:
October 6, 2020 at 7:19 amHey Kailee, thanks for reaching out and reading the blog. Yes, 3 meals a day will be available and much more if you like. Food and beverages are included all day long. I’m not sure about the room service being 24-7, but I’m sure they have some options to eat from 6am to at least 11pm. Yes the people you saw were in the swim-up suites. Contact us at customercare@playadelcarmen.com with your preferred dates at the hotel and we will get back to you with our exclusive rates. 🙂 We can’t wait to welcome you.
Johnsays:
November 3, 2020 at 4:26 pmHello Sally,
I can see by the size of this resort that there is a lot of walking involved. I’m currently considering a junior suite in the adults only area (Fuego) and I’m curious how far away from these rooms is it to the restaurants like the buffet, the beach and other key points of interest. Also, because my wife and I can only do so much walking, do the butlers in this adults only section able to provide golf cart transportation to the other restaurants and key points of interest?
– Thank you
Sarah Barlowsays:
November 4, 2020 at 9:30 amHey John, this building is actually the closest one to the beach and it is also really central and close to the main buffet and some restaurants. If you book through us I can send you a map and answer any of your other questions you may have while ensuring you get the best deal on room rates. Please contact me on our toll-free number (888) 537-9797 so we can help you get organized and make sure your trip plays our seamlessly. 🙂
Greg Kuechlersays:
January 5, 2021 at 2:05 pmI was at this resort in 2019 and WOW WOW WOW can’t say nothing but great things about it. Amazing valve. Great location and tons of things to do. As an amputee I found it very easy to walk around the site and they were very accommodating with my needs
Colette Godfreysays:
July 7, 2021 at 9:38 amHi Sarah – from one northerner to another (though it’s raining in Manchester today!)
We are a party of 2 adults and a 16 year old son – I am a bit concerned about the bathroom arrangements – it all seems very open plan with little privacy. Is that right?
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 10, 2021 at 3:06 pmHi Colette! Lovely! Muhahah I am actually in Spain atm the moment haha managed to escape the madness hallejuah! The weather here is lush here not to rub it in or anything :P. Yes, the one here is pretty open plan however, one of our advisors can ensure you choose the right room (there are different options) that you need with your 16yr old son. Please contact us with your dates of travel, at customercare@playadelcarmen.com and we’ll be happy to take care of everything for you.
Courtney Lane/ Jack Schramsays:
July 17, 2021 at 5:33 pmHi Sarah! Thank you for your review — I will be coming in 1 week with my fiance and 10 of our friends for our combined bachelor/bachelorette party! I have emailed the hotel with our “wish list” and questions regarding dining reservations and the covid testing needed for our return, but have not heard back. I was hoping you could advise me on how accommodating the resort is for large parties, as we were hoping to dine all together each night, as well as adventure together! Thank you in advance.
Sarah Barlowsays:
July 22, 2021 at 12:33 pmHi Courtney did you book the hotel directly or through us ?
Shannon Broadbentsays:
September 23, 2021 at 11:41 amQuestion for you – are there food options for the picky eaters in my family? haha. Are there options such as chicken fingers or burgers and fries for the kids? They may try Mexican meals but I am not positive they will like it. We are plain over here in my house. Thanks!
Sarah Barlowsays:
September 24, 2021 at 6:59 amYes, of course. 🙂
Marniesays:
March 3, 2022 at 11:36 pmHi Sarah, Can you please connect with me? I Would like to look into booking the Xcaret.
Samanthasays:
March 4, 2022 at 7:38 amHi Marnie! We’ll have someone from the team reach out to you asap!
crystal macphersonsays:
April 27, 2022 at 4:38 pmHi Sarah I would like to look into booking Xcaret for my honeymoon next year in September.
andre Ssays:
May 1, 2022 at 7:29 pmSarah
Please connect with me , I am looking to hook xcaret for this or next year .
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 6, 2022 at 12:36 pmPlease contact me at customercare@playadelcarmen.com 🙂 Thank you!
Allanasays:
May 3, 2022 at 10:18 amWow – thanks so much for all this information. Great review!
Thank you for sharing – hotel looks amazing.
I’m in Toronto and have a group going here.
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 6, 2022 at 12:34 pmYou are so welcome Allana, I am glad you are finding my posts useful! Any questions about this particular hotel please do fire away.
Carolina Rosselsays:
August 15, 2022 at 12:58 pmHello there, thanks for the complete review of this hotel which we are considering for our next holidays with my 80 year old mom. She loves Mexico and the area where this hotel is located. Can you please tell me if we can book with you or somebody you can recommend or if we should do it directly with the hotel or another seller for better prices. Thanks so much!
Sarah Barlowsays:
August 19, 2022 at 8:31 amYou can book with us. Please reach out to us via our toll-free number. 🙂
Marilyn Thakursays:
April 14, 2023 at 10:05 pmUpdate April 2023: Access to other resorts is not included anymore with your stay, unless you’re a Club Member.
Minhsays:
December 28, 2024 at 6:36 pmWould you clarify what you mean by saying its the “new” HXM? New as in a new review for 2024 or did you mean something else?