Our family (of 3) has visited this area 3x recently, staying in at an all-inclusive resort once and in Airbnb’s the other two visits. Three trips in less than 12-months … we must have liked it, felt safe and found lots to do! We also met some lifelong friends that made visiting, traveling and enjoying the surroundings easier and more enjoyable!
The first time we visited Playa Del Carmen, it was a last-minute spring break trip. I found Vacation Express online somehow and booked a direct flight trip with them from Columbus, Ohio – Cancun, Quintana Roo with ground transfer and an all-inclusive resort for a 6-night stay.
For the next two visits, we stayed in the Playacar area in Airbnb condo buildings. Both buildings had security, pools, a gym, parking and plenty of space for all of us to relax.
Best of Playa Del Carmen … at least the favorites we discovered!
GETTING THERE: Vacation Express – offers direct flights from various cities. During non-high-peak times, such as holidays, I have seen them sell tickets to their direct private chartered flights. Leaving from CMH on Sundays, it’s a 6-night stay.
If flying with commercial airlines, I highly suggest at least attempting to arrange a direct flight for your trip home! In certain months, Columbus, Ohio offers direct flights between CMH and CUN on Saturdays. Once you are nice and relaxed an easy breezy trip home helps solidify the rewards of your travel.
Fly into Cancun Airport, CUN, and in a 45 min car ride south you arrive in Playa Del Carmen.
WHAT TO PACK: If traveling with young children, bring a ball! On our first visit a ball – the same ball you’d find a Five Below – was $20-30 USD!!! And it was near impossible to find much of a ball selection at that! I know Ivan always wants to be moving and needs a ball or three! Happy to toss one in the suitcase! I also have a sturdier beach shovel (purchased in FL) and other sand toys I pack if space permits. I was surprised at the very small selection of such items – it’s not the same as the beach shops in FL.
CASH – you can visit the currency exchange once you arrive. In December 2019 and January 2020 the exchange rate was 17.75-85 : $1 USD. It was to our advantage to have pesos, many stores etc. did take USD and major credit cards. Our local friend did warn against usiging the ATM machines located on the streets. Next time I go, I will take more $1 USD bills to use for tipping … 10-20% tips were greatly appreciated.
*google USD to Pesos and a calculator pops up! Super handy for shopping, tipping and well, just about anything!
Of course, the obvious … sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, flip flops, water bottle, etc. You don’t need too much more than that! Beach, pool, golfing/tennis. Don’t forget a beach bag – a day in town shopping, beaching, etc. and you’ll need something to toss everything inside.
WHERE TO STAY: There is no shortage of fabulous all-inclusive resorts … one after the next! On our first adventure to the area we rolled the dice and I’m happy to report had an AMAZING trip booked off Vacation Express. I was very nervous in doing so, but with all my research it appeared worth the try! On non-peak travel times, when the all-inclusive resorts are below a certain occupancy rate, they sell all-inclusive day passes so you could use a property, eat – drink – etc. all day long if you were wanting to stay at an Airbnb type property.
We arrived at Ocean Rivera Paradise and had the opportunity to upgrade to the perfect room, facing the ocean including a butler … Privilege Master Suite. Our room had a king-sized bed, large full bathroom, eating area, living room (with sofa bed) and a ½ bath. The balcony overlooked the ocean and had a bathtub with jets. It was a wonderful 6-night stay. The resort had many restaurant choices and was very accommodating to food allergies and special requests (which I was beyond impressed and thrilled about). Ivan LOVED the kids club activities. In between the group scheduled activities we arranged for him to have a private sitter(s), per his request. He was able to gain access to the bowling alley & batting cages this way before they opened (they opened in the afternoons) and also participate in the group activities. There are wild monkeys that live on the property … so fun to watch!!
As a family we prefer to stay in an Airbnb or HomeAway type place. We enjoy the multiple bedrooms, kitchen and larger living areas. Read more about my Airbnb/HomeAway criteria and lessons learned: [ Tips for booking an Airbnb you will love … learned the hard way ]
Our first Playacar Airbnb was in the building, Vaiven Del Viento. The property has great amenities – multiple pools, playground for ages walking-5/7 yrs, lower basketball hoop, gym, outdoor rec area with ping-pong & pool table. I wasn’t thrilled with the unit itself, we were missing ample amount of towels and kitchen utensils etc. The building is guarded at both the drive and front desk. It is also in walking distance to a convenience shop, Oxxo, delicious and friendly restaurant, pizza & ice cream shop.
Third times a charm! My favorite place we stayed (and where I’d likely go back as a first choice) is the Mara building in Playacar. It is the newest building in Playacar (under 2 years old) and has some lovely units that can be found on Airbnb. On a “Mom’s Away” trip, a friend and I stayed in a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath unit that was larger than it appeared from the photo’s. The finishes, furnishings, textiles and building amenities were comfortable. We were lucky to have a host that was responsive and very accommodating, even fulfilling a grocery list prior to our arrival, tequila, wine and all! I did miss the little plaza that was across from Vaiven Del Viento, but the unit itself and our Host was ALOT better!
GETTING AROUND: We traveled the 45 minute ride from Airport to Airbnb in a pre-arranged van/transportation … expect to pay $80-100/each way. This transfer can be arranged by your Airbnb or hotel host.
Car Rental – We arrived at our Airbnb at approx. 7 pm on arrival day. We took a taxi the next morning to a nearby Alamo car rental office located in the Viva Wyndam Azteca resort in Playacar and for $45/day we had a 4 door, stick shift car John LOVED driving around in! (the automatic option was same price, his preference!). Watch out for the topes (bumps) … these are some SERIOUS speed bumps – you’ll see!! (located in the Viva Wyndham Azteca resort, Avenida Xaman-Ha Mza 9 Y 10, Lote 1, Fase II, Playacar, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico).
Taxi – we had no problems getting a taxi and the prices were very reasonable! From Playacar to the beach clubs downtown pricing ranged from 90-150 Pesos ($5-8 USD).
STUFF TO DO
GOLFING: My husband, John and son, Ivan golfed at the Hard Rock golf course located in Playacar in December 2019. They booked tee times at teeoff.com. In the all-inclusive spirit of the area, meals are included in your round of 18-holes … I believe alcohol was also included! (Pricing was the same for 18-holes as 9). Kids were a lower rate, but for an adult and 7-year old we paid $100 and managed to get 14-holes in a hot afternoon!
SNORKLING: We took a boat out of the docks by the ferry located near the Playacar entrance. A 20-30 min boat ride out and we could jump in and swim with turtles and GIANT stingrays! It was too wavy for me that day, to be on a boat, but it was beautiful to be on the water looking back at the beach and amazing to see the sea life in the water.
BEACH CLUBS: A beach club is a restaurant/bar on the beach. Some have a charge to sit, while others are similar to a restaurant or bar. Simply open a tab and just eat and drink as you sit! The three beach clubs we visited in Playa Del Carmen are: Mamitas, Kool and my FAVORITE, Lido.
Mamitas Beach Club – pay to hang at the beach! They have a regular area and a VIP area (adults only up near the larger pool). They have DJ’s … it’s a full party/beach club. Pay per person for a wrist band and get a spot either on a lounge chair or mattress/bed. There is a charge to sit, plus additional minimum for food and drink. You can also rent towels or bring your own. We always met our minimum! This spot is hip & happening … think Vegas or South Beach-ish.
Kool Beach Club – From Kool’s website it appears you can book your spot online. They seemed to have a similar set up to Mamitas (and was right next door). More family orientated, I guess … I don’t believe they had an adults only/VIP section and the single pool was open to everyone of all ages. Same pricing structure as Mamitas, pay to sit with a minimum spend. You can also rent towels.
Save my FAVORITE for last … Lido Beach Club. Located through the Colibri Hotel, this restaurant has delicious food and a quaint Cheer’s-ish feel! On both trips we met super friendly people visiting on extended stays from the north (US & Canada) that seemed to frequent Lido daily. You can make a reservation for a front row spot … remember that tipping tip! The bar is surrounded by swings and they have the most delicious hummus in Playa. Ask for Alex or Edwardo … the service is superb!!
DINING: During our Airbnb stays, most days were filled with a beach club or daily excursion after a workout and breakfast at home. We ate lunch at the beach clubs to fulfill the minimum requirements and it was lunchtime! The best food was at Lido. Mamitas & Kool were more hotel-general chicken finger kind of menu’s.
For dinners or lunches when not a beach clubs, here are some restaurants I remember enjoying …
Porfirio’s Restaurante – the food was delicious every single time (we at there frequently) and they had a nice wine selection. They have a very fun and festive Happy Birthday cake presentation and a corn cake they light on fire! There are other interactive items that are served with flair. The bar is fun with lively music located on the lively corner of 5th & 12th Ave.
CATCH – Located on top of the Thompson Hotel on the corner of 5th & 12th Ave in Playa Del Carmen you can enjoy beautiful views of the ocean and Cozumel while dining. Catch has a beautiful menu offering sushi, seafood and more with. The drinks are delicious, service impeccable and view breathtaking. Worth the trip up the elevator for sure!
Thompson Hotel – Playa Del Carmen has a rooftop bar and restaurant. The hotel is “adults only” however, Ivan ate lunch on the rooftop with no problems. We were told you could pay to hangout poolside while ordering food/drinks as well, but did not partake. If you don’t make it to Catch to dine, at least go on the roof for a cocktail, coffee or snack!
SHOPPING:
Caravan – In need of a bathing suit cover up, cute sundress or bracelet? Many beautiful items in these stores (there are a few sprinkled up and down 5th Ave.) @caravan
Zingara – I found myself purchasing a things multiple times here! Great swimsuits, bags, purses and wallet type bags! There are a few locations up and down 5th Ave.
Liverpool
Walmart – if you have the time and want to see Walmart from a different view, a trip to Walmart will be entertaining! See if you can find all the things that are done differently from our Walmarts … and check out the packaging, selections and the beauty of difference! I purchased an empty bottle of Patron Silver, only to realize after you pay, you retrieve the actual bottle from the service desk with proof of receipt. John and I both turned to each other with our phones videoing simultaneously in the meat section!!
NEARBY:
Akumul
Cenotes – Blue Azul
Tulum