Hey, not all kid-friendly hotels were created equal! 😉
Oh no, I mean, some have wave pools, game rooms, and even outdoor obstacle courses!
Every year we see hotels in Playa up the ante.
Depending on your kid’s age range they are going to need and want different things to keep them entertained.
With so many hotels and resorts to choose to in these parts, it’s no wonder choosing the right ONE can seem a little overwhelming.
That’s where I come in. 😉
Here are my two cents on the roundup up for the top 10 kid-friendly hotels in Playa del Carmen.
Enjoy!
I hope it helps.
Family-Friendly Hotels Your Kids Will LOVE
- Iberostar Quetzal
- Playacar Palace
- Riu Yucatan
- Paradisus Esmeralda
- Sandos Playacar
- Sandos Caracol
- Hotel Xcaret
- Grand Velas
- Hard Rock Riviera Maya
- Rosewood Mayakoba
1. Iberostar Quetzal
You’ll like Iberostar Quetzal because it has something for everyone and all ages.
This vibrant tropical paradise ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly getaway – lively atmosphere, sprawling pools, and exciting kids’ clubs!
Parents can unwind with cocktails by the pool while the little ones make a splash in the water park or enjoy supervised activities.
I love that the resort’s all-inclusive dining options cater to even the pickiest eaters.
- Prices starting at: approximately $300 per night for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3-12
- Rooms: 350 rooms and suites
- Kids Club: Yes
- Playground: A small but neat little area
- Activities for kids: Yes
- No. of pools: 4 + water park
- Kids Pool: Yes, with waterslides
- Restaurants: 8
- Food: Kid-friendly options available
- Babysitting services: Yes ($)
- All-Inclusive: Yes
- Beach: This resort sits right on the beach, nestled in one of the region’s prime locations. It’s conveniently close to all the cool cultural and entertainment spots!
2. Playacar Palace
Don’t you love a hotel that allows kids to stay for free? Look no further than the luxurious Playacar Palace.
This hotel is a 200-room all-inclusive resort located just south of downtown Playa del Carmen in the gated community of Playacar Phase 1.
A BIG plus is the hotel’s location and stunning stretch of beach. For those who put an emphasis on access to the beach and being able to swim, Playacar Palace is a great option.
Kids have their own supervised club that runs daily activities.
There is also a playground on-site, and the pool too offers fun family entertainment. The resort also offers a credit (amount depends on the length of stay) that can be used towards activities off-site, such as the famous Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza.
Like Gran Porto Real, this hotel is adapted to ensure that families have a great time.
You’ll love this hotel due to the size and ease of getting around, the elevators and the 24-hour room service. You are also steps away from small Mayan ruins which are a 5-minute walk away.
The included bicycle tour is sure to be a hit with the entire family.
Plus, it is steps away from Playa del Carmen’s 5th avenue, so it makes exploring the town that much easier with the kids in tow.
- Prices starting at: $500 per night for 2 adults and 2 kids, aged 3-12
- Rooms: 201
- Kids’ Club: Yes, but small
- Playground: no
- Activities for kids: Yes
- No. of pools: 1
- Kids Pool: YES
- Restaurants: 3
- Food: Kid-friendly options available
- Babysitting services: Yes ($)
- All-Inclusive: Yes
- Beach: Great stretch of beach
- Reservations: Save on the Playacar Palace
3. Riu Yucatan
Riu has 5 great properties spread out through the Playacar residential area just south of downtown Playa del Carmen.
Of those resorts, all with great activities for kids, Riu Yucatan gets the nod here thanks to its nice kids’ water park and Riuland Kids Club with childcare services.
RiuLand is an activities program for kids up to 12 years old.
Some of the great daily activities include:
- pool games
- sports
- pirate contests
- treasure hunts
- ecology
- etc etc
Nightly entertainment will amuse everyone of all ages.
PLUS non-motorized water sports are included like windsurfing, kayaking, body-board and snorkeling equipment which is awesome to keep kids active, exploring life and building their confidence.
Here’s the fun part…
You can switch it up by visiting any sister Riu resort. If you stay at the Riu Yucatan, you can also dine, drink and play at the Riu Playacar and Riu Tequila, both walking distance. Or plan a day-trip to Cancun and take advantage of the Riu Caribe or Riu Cancun.
Set in the gated community of Playacar, kids can find their fun in the resort, and adults are just a short walk away from Playa del Carmen shopping, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
- Prices starting at: $700 per night for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3-12
- Rooms: 507
- Kids Club: Big! land and aquatic activities
- Activities for kids: Riuland activities depend on the weather, the season and the number of children/ages, they can go from coloring and movies to mini soccer, beach volleyball, etc.
- No. of pools: 5
- Kids Pool: A big one with fountains; good space for adults nearby
- Restaurants: 5
- Food: Kid-friendly options available
- Babysitting services: Yes ($)
- All-Inclusive: Yes
- Beach: Prime real estate
- Reservations: Save on the Riu Yucatan
4. Paradisus La Esmeralda
Paradisus La Esmeralda goes all out for kids. Happy kids = happy parents.
The best kid-friendly hotels are the ones that keep the kids entertained, offering a variety of attractions and activities just for them.
Kudos to Paradisus La Esmeralda.
Have kids ages 1-4? They have supervised nanny care for infants!!!.
Many family-friendly resorts tend to forget the toddler age, so even at an extra cost, this option is a fabulous one for those parents needing a well-deserved break.
You’ll find a supervised kids club offering extended opening hours from 9 am through until 10 pm, so even a romantic kid-free meal is possible.
Activities for the kids include:
- Beach games
- An adventure
- Climbing wall
- Various themed parties from pirate party to piñata night!
- A mini-spa with a selection of kid-friendly services ($).
The kid’s area in the pool has a selection of water slides and an obstacle course for the older ones looking for a little more adrenaline.
Teens will enjoy the video game room and a selection of activities planned just for them.
Larger family suites are also available for those wanting more living space or a little more privacy.
For an additional cost, parents can opt in and splurge on a “Family Concierge”, though the reviews are mixed as to whether or not it’s worth it.
- Prices starting at: $500USD per night for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3-12
- Rooms: 510
- Kids’ Club: Yes, a Babys’ Club, Kids’ Club, and Teens’ Club
- Playground: They even have an obstacle course in the pool
- Activities for kids: Yes, and tons of ’em
- No. of pools: Several
- Kids Pool: Yes
- Restaurants: 14
- Food: Kid-friendly options available
- Babysitting services: Yes
- All-Inclusive: Yes
- Beach: Not the best beach in Playa del Carmen, a little rocky at spots, but still decent enough.
- Reservations: Save on the Paradisus La Esmeralda
5. Sandos Playacar
Both Sandos properties in Playa del Carmen deservedly make this list.
Why?
Because they have created a great family-friendly concept that promises good times for all ages. And, they have rooms that can accommodate families of 2 adults and 3 children.
The best aspect of both Sandos Playacar and Sandos Caracol is the numerous local animals roaming around freely throughout the grounds.
Moreover, the hotel has great clubs for babies, kids, and teens so that they can have fun while the adults do, well, adult things.
Add to those great activities and a prime stretch of beach, and you’ve got one awesome family-friendly hotel.
Plus, it’s not too far from downtown Playa del Carmen. Located in the gated Playacar community, it is easy to get out and about, especially with the included bicycles you can acess at the resort.
- Prices starting at: $377 per night for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3-12
- Rooms: 839
- Kids Club: Yes, yes, yes
- Playground: They even have a mini eco-park
- Activities for kids: Yes, and tons of ’em
- No. of pools: 9
- Kids Pool: Four of them
- Restaurants: 10
- Food: Kid-friendly options available
- Babysitting services: Yes
- All-Inclusive: Yes
- Beach: Prime real estate
- Reservations: Save on the Sandos Playacar
6. Sandos Caracol
I can’t mention Sandos Playacar without mentioning its sister resort, Sandos Caracol.
Why?
Because Sandos Caracol is simply the best Playa del Carmen hotel for kids.
The reasons are simple.
The jungle-like atmosphere offers all the highlights of the Riviera Maya, without ever having to leave the hotel!
PLUS, the pricing is so family-friendly, it makes planning a family vacation easy on the bank.
The Sandos Caracol has
- an on-site cenote (freshwater sinkhole) where you can swim and snorkel
- an eco-park where you can see all sorts wildlife
- an amazing water park with 17 different water slides!
- animals roaming freely (monkey’s, coati’s, birds)
Some of the kid-friendly amenities available at this sprawling resort of almost 1,000 rooms. Plus, they have rooms that can accommodate families of 5!
Something for ALL Ages.
- baby club for the little ones to play (parents must stay),
- a supervised kids club for children 4-12 with a wide range of activities
- teen program geared towards the older ones.
The sports bar is a great place for families to spend time playing games together while enjoying a few drinks and snacks.
Head to the beach for some kayaking, boogie boards or snorkeling equipment and explore the turquoise water. Tennis courts, bicycles, an eco-tour…. the list goes on.
This place is really geared to kids and parents having the time of their life.
For more insight, you can read our honest review of the Sandos Caracol.
- Prices starting at: $468 per night for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3-12
- Rooms: 956
- Kids’ Club: Clubs for toddlers, kids, and teens
- Playground: The whole resort is like a playground
- Activities for kids: That would be an understatement
- No. of pools: An entire waterpark plus several pools
- Kids Pool: Main pool has a special section for kids
- Restaurants: 8
- Food: Kid-friendly options available
- Babysitting services: Yes
- All-Inclusive: Yes
- Beach: Awesome
- Reservations: Save on the Sandos Caracol
7. Hotel Xcaret
Picture this – a natural Disney world for kids!
This hotel is less than 5 years old and is one of the most sought after hotels in the Riviera Maya.
When you see it and learn more about you will understand why!
Read my full in-depth review of the hotel here.
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.
Yes, you read that correctly. All 7 INCLUDED!
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.
- Prices starting at: $888 per night for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3-12
- Rooms: 900
- Kids’ Club: Clubs for toddlers, kids, and teens
- Playground: The whole resort is like a playground (natural Disneyland for kids with rainforest trails)
- Activities for kids: That would be an understatement
- No. of pools: 11 including infinity pools
- Kids Pool: 5
- Restaurants: 10
- Food: Kid-friendly options everywhere.
- Babysitting services: Yes
- All-Inclusive: Yes
- Beach: Amazing and lots of them!
- Reservations: Save on Hotel Xcaret
8. Grand Velas
I actually rated this hotel in my top hotels with the best beach!
Grand Velas call their property “a Caribbean destination of pure paradise,” and they’re not wrong.
This stunning hotel is set on 80 acres of lush mangrove jungle and boasts one of the widest and cleanest stretches of beaches in Playa del Carmen.
It’s been awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award so rest assured you and your family will get world-class service here.
It’s at the high end of the 5-star scale, in short, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than this.
There is an endless range of daily activities for the kids to enjoy.
Play video games, board games, watch a movie, make a piñata or play a game of soccer on the beach.
- Prices starting at: $1,172 per night for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3-12
- Rooms: 491
- Kids’ Club: Clubs for toddlers, kids, and teens
- Playground: Yes
- Activities for kids: Yes.
- No. of pools: 2
- Kids Pool: Yes
- Restaurants: 8
- Food: Kid-friendly options everywhere.
- Babysitting services: Yes
- All-Inclusive: Yes
- Beach: Amazing and lots of them!
- Reservations: Save on The Grand Velas
9. Hard Rock Riviera Maya
Hard Rock is a big player in the hotel game and stimulates the sense of people of all ages with it’s extravagant and exciting decor & themes.
The big-name is always looking for new ways to entice its guests, and their most recent addition to their endless list of activities and amenities is Woodward!
Woodward is an obstacle course designed for both children and adults.
The perfect place to release your inner Ninja and go wild.
If your kids have buckets of energy then trust me, this is the place to wear them out.
Who knows and early bedtime could mean a romantic child-free evening for you. 😉
Of course, there are waterslides and a fun kids club too.
Some popular brands of cartoon figures such as Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder and Barney cooperate with the Hard Rock Hotels, which means your kid can play in an amazing and already familiar surroundings.
- Prices starting at: $650 per night for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3-12
- Rooms: 678
- Kids’ Club: Clubs for toddlers, kids, and teens
- Playground: Yes
- Activities for kids: A lot!
- No. of pools: 2
- Kids Pool: Yes
- Restaurants: 7
- Food: Kid-friendly options everywhere.
- Babysitting services: Yes
- All-Inclusive: Yes
- Beach: Gorgeous, a little rocky in parts.
- Reservations: Save on The Hard Rock Riviera Maya
10. Rosewood Mayakoba
Last but definitely not least we have the Rosewood Mayakoba!
Offering two outdoor pools and a private beach area, Upscale Andaz Mayakoba is in the gated Mayakoba complex in Playa del Carmen. The resort has a spa center and sauna, and guests can enjoy a meal at one of the 4 restaurants. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and free private parking is available on this pet-friendly property.
Cribs, baby monitors, baby bathtubs and other necessary items can be provided at any time.
Activities like yoga classes, scavenger hunts, and Mayan storytelling classes are available to keep the whole family entertained.
Babysitting services are also available.
Every room at this resort is air-conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
Some units have a seating area to relax in after a busy day.
Certain units include views of the sea or lake. Rooms include a private bathroom.
Extras include bathrobes and slippers.
- Prices starting at: $780 per night for 2 adults and 2 kids aged 3-12
- Rooms: 130
- Kids’ Club: Clubs for toddlers, kids, and teens
- Playground: Yes
- Activities for kids: A lot!
- No. of pools: 3
- Kids Pool: Yes
- Restaurants: 3
- Food: Kid-friendly options everywhere.
- Babysitting services: Yes
- All-Inclusive: Yes
- Beach: Gorgeous
- Reservations: Save on The Rosewood Mayakoba
Get the Best Deals on Family-Friendly Hotels
We get it. It’s near impossible to choose.
We, PlayaDelCarmen.com, can help you narrow down the hotels and choose one that’s right for you!
You’ll also get you the best prices on family-friendly all-inclusive hotels with us.
I’m sure you have questions and our travel consultants are here to help!
Call us at 888-537-9797 or email our team at customercare@playadelcarmen.com.
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