TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

An honest review of my recent trip to the Riviera Maya, Mexico and the Playacar Palace Resort. The Playacar Palace Resort is the first resort situated in the Playacar district of Playa Del Carmen, a gated community directly to the south of the PDC beaches and the municipality of Solidaridad, yards away from the 5th Ave shopping district I had some issues with the resort. The first issue is they were not forthcoming with their lack of a beach front and by lack of beachfront, I mean They didn't have one at all. So my first comment is, if you are looking for a beach experience, this is not the resort for you. High tides, beach erosion, rising ocean levels, whatever the case may be, they had no beach front, and did not us this was the case when we made our reservation, a reservation which included what they termed " A VIP Access Beachfront area". As we arrived at check-in, they wrapped bracelets around our wrists (acted as key cards for your room, as well as displaying a service level to the staff at the hotel), and the desk clerk informed us that one of the perks of our reservation is the fact we have access to a VIP section of the beach. Not only did the VIP area not exist, the beach did not exist. The ocean was in several spots right up to the seawall of the resort, and had washed away the stair from the pool deck to the beach at the north end. As I did not travel to Mexico to sit by a swimming pool (I can do that here year round), I had to walk south to find beach area to sit and enjoy the ocean (which is great by the way). Of course, there was no VIP section, no chairs, towels, or food or drink service, but I had the ocean. I felt deceived, and for this reason I will not return to this resort. At the very least, there was a major disconnect between the front desk and the back of the house, as the day before we departed, and were at the front desk arranging transport back to the airport, a couple newly checking in, was being sold the same lie about Access to a VIP Beach Area. If you are considering booking at this resort, with a beach experience, I’d look a any number of other resorts South of this one, that had ample beach area frontage. The imagery they are currently using shows adequate beach, and that photo is looking south along Playacar. However a photo looking north tells you a different story. This resort is located at the very northern fringe of Playacar, immediately adjacent to the Terminal for the ferry to Cozumel Island. At this terminal, there is a passeo for people looking to escape the crowds at Playa Del Carmen’s crowded beaches, so there is a steady stream of overflow beach goers, parading back and forth. In addition to the action happening on the ferry pier, that can be some of the entertainment. Violence was happening in the western part of the country, so there was a heavy police and militia presence on the pier, with dogs, and we witnessed a couple arrests.. This is not the resorts fault of course, but it did provide a little entertainment. Between the terminal and the pier, is the Tequilla Bar Sr. Frogs.. The party starts around noon, and there is a little cantina as well, with a pretty decent hamburgesa. One more thing about proximity, is the little airport that is a short distance inland from the resort, and small planes and the occasional helicopter were a constant companion overhead. The pool deck area is not that large, no pool is deeper than waist high on a fully grown person, and at the south end, closer to the swim up bar where the entertainment staff play ear shattering music, and host of series of pool games and events such as volleyball, waterpolo, Zumba, etc. There is a ping pong table you can use, and a games room and staff to keep the kids entertained. If found that music to be pretty loud, so I got up early to find seats at the north end of the pool deck, where it was quieter, (until Sr. Frog’s party started). And early indeed you had to get up to secure your preferred chairs for the day, otherwise you were out of luck, it was a bit like the hunger games, but did afford me the opportunity to watch many a Caribbean sunrises with my fellow early risers. You need to secure your space for the day no later that 7:15 AM But all was not negative.. The service staff was excellent. Those that served drinks and food poolside, we friendly and chatty and very pleasant. The pool concierges, security guards, lifeguards, we’re always ready to help you move an umbrella, or reposition your chair, and Aaron was always able to pull a rabbit out of his hat. There were three restaurants on the premises, a Sushi and Teppanyaki place, an Italian place, and a Latin American place, non which exceeded expectations. The International buffet was a pleasant surprise, as the chef was willing to make anything you asked him for. A family from India came in, and asked for Indian cuisine, which they happily prepared for the family. I was watching them enjoy their dinner, and spoke with the Father afterwards, who told me the food was as good as anything they could get at home.. A nice little feature, is the Lobby Bar, where the drinks were better than anywhere else, and a sweet shop with coffee, ice cream and pastries also in the lobby area. Room service also filled the bill when we did not feel like going down. For the money spent, there are other place that I'd prefer to go that can offer more of what I was looking for than this location.

This was my 6th time to Playacar Palace, and there WILL be a 7th. We return each year because the staff are so friendly and accommodating. When they open the transport door, extend a hand, present me with a flower and drink, and say, "Welcome home, Madame.", there is no better feeling in the world. And it only gets better from there. A special shout out to these wonderful folks: Pearla, Jorge, Laticia, Benito, Fabiola, Ana, Basilio, Domingo, Eziquil, Carmen, Iganicio, Erin, Aaron, Isreal, Raul, and Miguel. You won't find any better humans willing to help you and make you feel welcome and comfortable. The facilities are spotless, the food superb, the drinks outstanding, the service spectacular, the atmosphere restful, yet exciting. There is nothing negative to report except the 15 minute rain shower on day six! We absolutely LOVE Playacar Palace!

We returned to Playacar with another couple for a week at the beginning on December. We love the convenience of the walkout suites with direct access to the pool and terrace. We were greeted by many familiar faces among the staff, but noted that several had left during the pandemic fallout. Another difference we noted was the need to make reservations for the restaurants, which helped ensure good service with fewer staff. Special appreciation for great friendly service goes to: Returning to Playacar Palace is like returning home. Especially when greeted with a drink and cool facecloth on arrival. Check in was quick. The bellman, Herminio, Manuel, Leonardo, Luis, or Marco would greet us each time we returned. Everything in the restaurants ran smoothly under the watchful eye of Daniel, Olivia, Francis and Benito. The buffet offered a good selection Elvira, and Karla, Israel Francis, Benito, Yseveve Thank you to Benito who became aware I had just had my birthday and arranged with Olivia to have a special dinner on the terrace under the stars. Francisco in the kitchen delivered a beautiful birthday dessert in the afternoon as a surprise. Thank you to somellier Rodrigo for recommending an excellent wine and to waiters Fernando and Jose Luis for making the evening special. Ignacio, the Pool Concierge would greet us each morning with our towels and smile and would check back often Service at the lobby and pool bars was top notch thanks to Carmen, Silvia, Marvin, Ana, Basilio, Leticia, Roger, Carlos, Filipe, Daniela, and many others. Thank you to Kevin who checked with us each day to see if we needed anything additional as he restocked our fridge and water. We enjoyed or evening at the Llanha restaurant. The staff Liliana and Rigoberto provided a tequila tasting and explained the Mayan cuisine prepared by Chef Lucy. We were able to use resort credits for a fun evening at the Chefs Dinner, and for massages on the Spa .

Skip this resort time share sales from hell This place was overpriced and had cockroaches. It was very run down and the food was fairly mediocre.avoid if you don’t want to have to say no to 100 different high pressures pitches about their time share offer. They lied about the deal they offered and continued to pester us about attending a presentation even after we declined. We stayed at another location earlier and we literally had someone follow us to our car when we said we didn’t want to join their overpriced vacation club. I work in sales and you should treat people like human beings. No means no. High pressure sales tactics don’t make for a great vacation.

Just returned from a four night stay at the resort. Great all inclusive resort with many restaurants and great pool with amazing views for sunrises! Staff is super friendly and willing to help. Good and drinks are spot on. Love the location and proximity to shopping on 5th Avenue literally just off the property. Highly recommend for a get away to Playa Del Carmen.