Playa Palms Beach Hotel — Hotel in Playa del Carmen

I accidentally came across this little hotel looking on maps at another. And I'm glad I did! I'm not sure why anyone would give this hotel a bad review but I guess more people report on bad experiences than good? Anyways, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay from day one, until the day we left. All staff was very nice, helpful and prompt on everything. Yes, they are a small hotel, so staff times are limited from 8am-8pm but they do have security from 8p-8am.||Speaking of security, I read where security gave someone's mom a hard time because the mother wasn't a hotel guest? Well, I see that as security doing there job. On our first day, when we came back to the hotel after 8p, we were stopped and questioned. I didn't take offense, I felt more safe that he wasn't just letting anyone walk around the property. Once he got used to our faces, he would just say hi and didn't bother us again.||When we arrived, the check in process was seamless. If you book directly through the hotel website, continental breakfast is included with your stay. But if you want a hot breakfast, you get it (if I remember correctly) for 50% off; which breakfast is only $6 or $7 so yes, 50% off that if you book directly with them.||Maintenance: I thought we had a sink issue. I called front desk and maintenance showed up within three minutes.||Carlos, the activities gentleman, was very helpful on booking tours for us and crafting them to our needs (as much as he could). He came in on his day off on one day and came in earlier than his shift on another, just to ensure that everything went smoothly for our pickup times. When we first arrived, he helped us with our luggage to our room on the second floor. Oh, for another tour, he walked us to our pick up location. He became our buddy.||Rooms: The rooms were clean, bug free. The patio had a table chair and hammock, and a beautiful, peaceful view.||Housekeeping: I don't let housekeeping come into my room at any hotel anywhere. But on day three, I allowed her to come in. I had just got done doing dishes but ended up getting something to drink just before I left the room so she could clean without us hovering over her. When we got back, she had washed that one little cup. We only wanted her to change our bedding and sweep the floor (because of the sand) but she completely cleaned everything. Just for clarification, I asked for towels every other day. I just didn't let house keeping in every other day. We aren't gross. lol |**There are stations at every entry to the stairways to wash your feet off from sand. There are also shower stations to rinse off before returning to the rooms as well, but those aren't at every stair entryway.||No, there aren't elevators. So if you have knee issues, stay on first floor. There are a couple of steps (maybe 5?) to climb just to get into the resort. Just FYI. ||We stayed on the 2nd floor only because it was hurricane season and I was a little worried since the hotel is right on the beach. But next time, we will come when it's not hurricane season and will be staying on first floor in one of the rooms that open right onto the beach. :)||Beach area: For lounge chairs, they are first come, first serve BUT we never had a problem finding some to sit in. Also, they have extra in the corner if none are available on the beach. The staff will get them and set them up for you.|As for the sea grass/ sargassum: people who complain about this, need to do their research. The peak time for this is April/May to August but sometimes to October. But it can appear at anytime throughout the year. Staff does clean the beach but sometimes the grass can be so bad that it is hard to keep up with.|Boats: yes there are fishing boats that are parked there but most are gone in the morning so you are able to wade in the water at that time. Other than the view, the boats weren't much of an issue for us. |Drinks on the beach: there is a bar right next door. The staff from that bar actually walk over with a menu for you to order food or drinks. They then bring the food to you.||The location is perfect! It's within walking distance to Walmart or Mega, maybe 10-15 minute walk. It's about a 2-3 minute walk to 5th Avenue (where EVERYTHING is). There is a dive shop (Phantom divers), just up one block (1min walk). My sister in law wanted specialty coffee, so we walked every morning to a coffee shop (Carlota Home Bakery) about a 4 minute walk. Pharmacies are everywhere. One just seconds from the hotel. lol||Sorry for the long read but wanted to try to be thorough about our stay here. I loved everything about this small, clean, attentive, very reasonably-priced, charming hotel! We will be...

I accidentally came across this little hotel looking on maps at another. And I'm glad I did! I'm not sure why anyone would give this hotel a bad review but I guess more people report on bad experiences than good? Anyways, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay from day one, until the day we left. All staff was very nice, helpful and prompt on everything. Yes, they are a small hotel, so staff times are limited from 8am-8pm but they do have security from 8p-8am.||Speaking of security, I read where security gave someone's mom a hard time because the mother wasn't a hotel guest? Well, I see that as security doing there job. On our first day, when we came back to the hotel after 8p, we were stopped and questioned. I didn't take offense, I felt more safe that he wasn't just letting anyone walk around the property. Once he got used to our faces, he would just say hi and didn't bother us again.||When we arrived, the check in process was seamless. If you book directly through the hotel website, continental breakfast is included with your stay. But if you want a hot breakfast, you get it (if I remember correctly) for 50% off; which breakfast is only $6 or $7 so yes, 50% off that if you book directly with them.||Maintenance: I thought we had a sink issue. I called front desk and maintenance showed up within three minutes.||Carlos, the activities gentleman, was very helpful on booking tours for us and crafting them to our needs (as much as he could). He came in on his day off on one day and came in earlier than his shift on another, just to ensure that everything went smoothly for our pickup times. When we first arrived, he helped us with our luggage to our room on the second floor. Oh, for another tour, he walked us to our pick up location. He became our buddy.||Rooms: The rooms were clean, bug free. The patio had a table chair and hammock, and a beautiful, peaceful view.||Housekeeping: I don't let housekeeping come into my room at any hotel anywhere. But on day three, I allowed her to come in. I had just got done doing dishes but ended up getting something to drink just before I left the room so she could clean without us hovering over her. When we got back, she had washed that one little cup. We only wanted her to change our bedding and sweep the floor (because of the sand) but she completely cleaned everything. Just for clarification, I asked for towels every other day. I just didn't let house keeping in every other day. We aren't gross. lol |**There are stations at every entry to the stairways to wash your feet off from sand. There are also shower stations to rinse off before returning to the rooms as well, but those aren't at every stair entryway.||No, there aren't elevators. So if you have knee issues, stay on first floor. There are a couple of steps (maybe 5?) to climb just to get into the resort. Just FYI. ||We stayed on the 2nd floor only because it was hurricane season and I was a little worried since the hotel is right on the beach. But next time, we will come when it's not hurricane season and will be staying on first floor in one of the rooms that open right onto the beach. :)||Beach area: For lounge chairs, they are first come, first serve BUT we never had a problem finding some to sit in. Also, they have extra in the corner if none are available on the beach. The staff will get them and set them up for you.|As for the sea grass/ sargassum: people who complain about this, need to do their research. The peak time for this is April/May to August but sometimes to October. But it can appear at anytime throughout the year. Staff does clean the beach but sometimes the grass can be so bad that it is hard to keep up with.|Boats: yes there are fishing boats that are parked there but most are gone in the morning so you are able to wade in the water at that time. Other than the view, the boats weren't much of an issue for us. |Drinks on the beach: there is a bar right next door. The staff from that bar actually walk over with a menu for you to order food or drinks. They then bring the food to you.||The location is perfect! It's within walking distance to Walmart or Mega, maybe 10-15 minute walk. It's about a 2-3 minute walk to 5th Avenue (where EVERYTHING is). There is a dive shop (Phantom divers), just up one block (1min walk). My sister in law wanted specialty coffee, so we walked every morning to a coffee shop (Carlota Home Bakery) about a 4 minute walk. Pharmacies are everywhere. One just seconds from the hotel. lol||Sorry for the long read but wanted to try to be thorough about our stay here. I loved everything about this small, clean, attentive, very reasonably-priced, charming hotel! We will be...

Love (still here) everything about Playa Palms! This was my first trip to Playa, but not Mexico. I wanted to see something other than Cancun for the whole trip so I planned 5 night at the Playa Palms prior to my all inclusive in Cancun.

I had contemplated staying on 5th Street and even contemplated an all inclusive for the ease of planning. I’m SO thankful I DIDNT choose 5th St as it’s very busy and loud. And I’m SO glad I didn’t do back to back all inclusives as it prevents you from diving into local foods and drinks. Playa Palms location is fantastic, with a VERY short walk (1.5 blocks) to the heart of 5th. This makes it just far enough away to avoid the hubbub, yet you have 100’s of dining and drinking options within a short walk!! Many convinence stores are within a short walk as well if you need sunscreen, snacks or alcohol (I recommend Don Julio 70, $635 pesos) to sip on during your stay!

I’m staying in an ocean front studio and would highly suggest. Prior to my arrival I requested an upper level studio and the hotel was able to accommodate. (While the 1st floor is convenient, guests who are on the beach lying out are literally just feet from your patio.) The 2nd floor offers better views and more privacy. I’d also recommend spending the extra money for the ocean front, while when I booked it was not a huge difference in price. The breeze is amazing being right on the sea front, I used the hammock regularly!

The hotel is small, which makes is very personable. The staff is soooooo friendly and they will attempt to accommodate all requests!! Very, very friendly!!

The beach did have seaweed, clearly not the hotels fault- blame it on Mother Nature. All hotels (I know from walking the beach in both directions) have the same seaweed problem, and I assume it’s according to the time of year you visit. (I am here in May) I’m not one to get into the sea, so it didn’t matter to me! There are people (not sure who employs them) that clean the seaweed from the beach, but it’s literally a full time job!

The pool is small, so if you’re looking for a huge pool with swim up bars and loud music, look elsewhere. But it serves its purpose of allowing to to cool off while being near the sea.

The continental breakfast was amazing and delivered to your patio at the time you choose! While nothing super fancy, it was very tasty and starts the day off perfect! (2 prices of bread (toast the bread in your room), fresh fruit, a pastry, butter and jelly/jam along with fresh orange juice and coffee). There is a coffee maker in the room, however it takes special coffee pods (I brought ground coffee and couldn’t use). 2 are complimentary with your room and you can purchase more at the reception for $1 each. DONT leave your breakfast unattended outside or you’ll be feeding the birds as they know how this breakfast thing works!! 😊

My room is very nice and adequate for any length of stay. I mean, you shouldn’t be spending all day in your room! The room is very clean and while it’s not new construction, it serves its purpose and is very comfortable! The microwave makes it nice to reheat leftovers for the next days lunch!

What would have been nice is an ice maker on the property. While this is a negative, Playa Palms makes this manageable! You can purchase (and they will deliver) a bag of ice to your room, with a cooler for a nominal charge! Problem solved!

I can’t say enough good things about my experience! I would highly recommend!! I’m not one to ever write a review- ever... and I’m a very extensive traveler previously working for an airline. I felt compelled to review as my experience has been so pleasantly positive! In fact, I often would just walk the beach and hang out on my balcony because it was so nice! Again-...