Playacar Palace

The Playacar Palace is an all-inclusive property with a chic look throughout. This might have something to do with its location in an exclusive residential neighborhood sporting its very own white-sand beach. The hotel's cluster of five-story white buildings wraps around a central pool area that fronts the beach. Open-air hallways have white-marble floors, and wind around a stylish interior garden with hammocks strung up between tall palms. Decor throughout the property, including at the poolside bar, is likewise understated. Walls are painted white, and everything is neat and clean. Furniture is modern and mostly in neutral tones, with occasional pops of royal purple or aqua. The low-lit lounge draws guests at night and has a different vibe, with geometric columns painted bright red. Most guests are tourist couples and families who want a low-key stay and to be able to easily explore the area on foot. 

The Playacar Palace is located on the beach in a residential neighborhood of Playa del Carmen. Ferries to Cozumel depart from UltraMar Playa del Carmen at the harbor, a five-minute walk away. While the property feels quiet, it's just a few minutes' walk from Paseo Del Carmen, an outdoor shopping center that also has bars and restaurants. For more nightlife, dining, and shopping, downtown Playa del Carmen is just a 10-minute drive away. There, guests can also access fishing and ocean-adventure tours from the beach. Playacar Spa & Golf Club is a five-minute drive away (some packages include transportation). Tulum, with more beaches, is a 55-minute drive away. Cancun International Airport is a 50-minute drive, while downtown Cancun is roughly an hour away by car. 

Rooms at the Playacar Palace have a modern, upscale feel with whitewashed and cool-gray decor, plus neutral accents. Marble floors, two-person hot tubs, and carved-stone wall hangings all lend an air of sophistication. Natural touches such as rattan cabinet doors, and branches in wall-mounted glass vases lend some warmth. Most rooms have balconies, and all have partial or full ocean views. Suites add sitting areas, while Concierge-Level rooms have special touches such as DVD players, espresso machines, and turndown service with petit fours. Thick windows mean exterior noise from the next-door bar tends not to be an issue, but some guests have complained of interior noise. Standard features include air-conditioning, safes, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen LCD TVs, and MP3 alarm clocks. Minibars with liquor dispenser bottles are a nice touch, and there are coffeemakers as well. Bathrooms have marble shower stalls and high-end toiletries.

A strong feature here is the beach, which is famous among locals for being in a private residential area. There's also a decent-sized outdoor pool with a kiddy section. Loungers can be found at both. Daily and nightly entertainment are featured at the hotel, though it's limited and may be too low-key for some. There are a kids' club, a fitness center with a good selection of cardio and weight machines, as well as a wall of windows. The full-service spa features lots of stone decor and has a menu of various massage treatments for a fee. Hot and cold plunge pools, steam room, and a sauna are also available. Transportation to the hotel's golf club, which has food and drink there, is included in some packages. There are three on-site restaurants, including a casual buffet option in the central lobby, an a la carte Italian eatery, and an elegant Asian restaurant. Bars are in the lobby and by the pool, while Luna Lounge serves Thai small plates and cocktails at night. There's 24-hour room service. Guests have access to all facilities at sister Palace Resorts in Cancun, Cozumel, and the Riviera Maya -- transportation is sometimes available. Free Wi-Fi is found throughout the resort.