The Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Playa del Carmen

Where to Stay on Your First Trip to Playa del Carmen

Play del Carmen, Mexico Play del Carmen, Mexico

If it's your first trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for the activities and sightseeing, then you're in for a treat. But the biggest question is often where to stay for a first time visitor to Playa del Carmen. With so many amazing hotels to choose from, it can be tough to make a decision to make the most of your first trip here. That's where we come in! In this comprehensive guide, we'll help you find the best hotels for first-timers in Playa del Carmen. After analyzing all of the hotels based on price, location, amenities, ratings, and more, we have come up with our list of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen for first time visitors. We'll cover everything you need to know about these hotels, including the amenities, location, prices and ratings. So, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or as a couple on a romantic getaway, you'll find the perfect hotel if you've never visited Playa del Carmen beofre. So check out these terrific hotels, many of which have sparkling swimming pools, delicious restaurants, and top-notch amenities, along with the perfect balance of comfort, location, and affordability. So, let's get to it and discover the best hotels in Playa del Carmen for your first trip!

(Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars.)

Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya - All Inclusive

5-star Hotel with prices starting at $487 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect Hotel to Make the Most of Your First Visit
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach

Located at Ctra. Fed. Cancun - Playa del Carmen KM 298 Solidaridad, Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya - All Inclusive has great rooms from $487 (before taxes). It offers an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center. It has a terrific 9.10 rating out of 10 from previous guests who have stayed here. Only 7.7 km from the city center, first time visitors will especially love scuba diving, snorkeling, a bar, hiking, and rooms with kitchenettes at this relaxing hotel. Having a kitchenette is a nice way for you to have some meals in the room, too.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Beach
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hiking
  • Kitchenette
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Game room
  • Free parking
  • Family rooms
  • Tennis
  • Coffee shop
  • Refrigerator
  • Playground
  • Kids' club


Fairmont Mayakoba

5-star Hotel with prices starting at $311 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Great Hotel for First Time Visitors
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 5-star hotels.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach

A great place to stay is Fairmont Mayakoba which has nice rooms starting at $311. Offering an outdoor pool, room service, a restaurant, a fitness center, and scuba diving, it also has a great guest rating of 8.90 out of 10 from many previous guests. It's located at Carretera Federal Cancun. This convenient hotel is also nice because it offers snorkeling, a bar, outdoor tennis, hiking, and child care which visitors will enjoy. Also, it's just 7.1 km from the city center. The service at the restaurant is terrific, and so is the food.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Beach
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hiking
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Hot tub
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Private pool
  • Coffee shop
  • Playground
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Kids' club


Mahekal Beach Resort

4-star Hotel with prices starting at $164 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for Your First Visit to Playa del Carmen
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly

We found Mahekal Beach Resort to be a great place to stay, and the price starts at $164. We loved that is has an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center, and it also has a terrific guest rating of 8.80 out of 10 from previous guests. It's located at Calle 38 Entre Avenida 5a y Zona Federal Maritima. You'll also find scuba diving, snorkeling, a bar, parking, and child care which travelers will love. And this fun hotel is just 0.8 km from the center of town. Don't forget to spend some time at the terrific pool bar where you can unwind and relax.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Parking
  • Spa
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Hot tub
  • Game room
  • Table tennis
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Private pool
  • Coffee shop
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Infinity pool
  • Saltwater pool


Viceroy Riviera Maya - Luxury Resort

5-star Hotel with prices starting at $481 (before taxes) - See All Prices
A Good Stay for Your First Trip
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly

With terrific rooms from $481, Viceroy Riviera Maya - Luxury Resort, at Playa Xcalacoco Frac 7 provides an outdoor pool, room service, a restaurant, a fitness center, and scuba diving. Its terrific guest rating is 8.70 out of 10 from previous guests staying here. New visitors will really like this amazing hotel which also offers snorkeling, a bar, parking, laundry services, and pet-friendly rooms. It's located just 5 km from the city center, too. Everyone loves a nice pool, and you won't be disappointed with this one.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Parking
  • Spa
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Hot tub
  • Bicycle rental
  • Fishing
  • Private pool
  • Breakfast in the room


Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort

5-star Resort with prices starting at $244 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for Your First Time in Playa del Carmen
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 5-star hotels.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort has a great guest rating of 8.70 out of 10, and offers an outdoor pool, room service, a restaurant, a fitness center, and scuba diving. The great rooms here start at $244 before taxes and depending on the season. It can be found at 1a. Avenida esquina Calle 26, Colonia Centro. Furthermore, it also offers snorkeling, a bar, parking, rooms with kitchens, and child care, which is nice for first time visitors. Just 0.6 km from the city center, this fantastic hotel is a terrific choice. Having a kitchen in the room is a great way to make meals and save money, too.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Parking
  • Kitchen
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Beach
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Hot tub
  • Game room
  • Table tennis
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Private pool
  • Coffee shop
  • Playground
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Infinity pool
  • Kids' club


Hotel Aventura Mexicana

3-star Hotel with prices starting at $61 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for First-Timers
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for first time trip hotels.
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly

The great guest rating of Hotel Aventura Mexicana is 8.50 out of 10. This place has an outdoor pool, room service, a restaurant, scuba diving, and a bar. Prices for the terrific rooms are from $61, and it's located at Avenida 10 Esquina Calle 24. We also love the parking, breakfast, laundry services, golf, and a free breakfast which are great for visitors. And since it's just 0.4 km from the center of the town, the location is great, too. Getting room service delivered is always a nice luxury. The price of this hotel is less than average for first time trip hotels, which makes it a great value.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Parking
  • Breakfast included
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Laundry service
  • Bicycle rental
  • Family rooms
  • Microwave


Banyan Tree Mayakoba

5-star Resort with prices starting at $687 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Among the Best Places to Stay for a First Visit to Playa del Carmen
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
  • Heated pool

A cool place is Banyan Tree Mayakoba because it has great rooms that start at $687. It has an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center, it also earned a great guest rating of 9.40 out of 10 from people who have stayed here before. It's found at Carretera Federal Chetumal- Puerto Juárez Km. 298. Only 6.8 km from the city center, travelers will especially love snorkeling, a bar, rooms with kitchenettes, child care, and laundry services at this convenient hotel. It's always nice having a heated pool to relax in.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Indoor pool
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kitchenette
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Pets allowed
  • Hot tub
  • Game room
  • Free parking
  • Fishing
  • Family rooms
  • Heated pool
  • Private pool
  • Tennis
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Playground
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Infinity pool
  • Kids' club


Hotel Sol Playa

3-star Hotel with prices starting at $54 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect Hotel to Make the Most of Your First Visit
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 3-star hotels.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Beach

Hotel Sol Playa offers room service, a restaurant, scuba diving, snorkeling, and a bar which we really like. The terrific rooms here start at $54 (before taxes). It's located at Avenida 5 MZA 460, Lote 4 entre calle 88 y 90 and has earned a guest rating of 9.30/10. This fun hotel is also nice because it offers breakfast, rooms with kitchenettes, laundry services, a free breakfast, and city views which new visitors will enjoy. Also, it's just 1.8 km from the city center. It's a great value, too, because it's less than the average price for first time trip hotels.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Breakfast included
  • Free breakfast
  • Beach
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Kitchenette
  • Laundry service
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Fishing
  • Family rooms
  • Coffee shop
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Breakfast in the room


The Palm at Playa

4-star Hotel with prices starting at $90 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Great Hotel for First Time Visitors
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 4-star hotels.
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly

Located at Calle 8 Manzana 29 Lote 5 entre 10 y 5ta Avenida, The Palm at Playa has great rooms from $90 (before taxes). It offers an outdoor pool, room service, a restaurant, scuba diving, and snorkeling. It has a terrific 8.30 rating out of 10 from previous guests who have stayed here. You'll also find a bar, child care, laundry services, golf, and city views which first time visitors will love. And this amazing hotel is just 1.1 km from the center of town. Having a hot tub at this hotel is also a nice splurge. It's a great value, as the price is less than the average for first time trip hotels.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Spa
  • Beach
  • Family-Friendly
More Great Amenities
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Hot tub
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Microwave


Hacienda Tres Rios Resort Spa & Nature Park

5-star Resort with prices starting at $190 (before taxes) - See All Prices
Perfect for Your First Visit to Playa del Carmen
  • Great Value: the price is lower than average for 5-star hotels.
  • Beach

A great place to stay is Hacienda Tres Rios Resort Spa & Nature Park which has nice rooms starting at $190. Offering an outdoor pool, a pool bar, room service, a restaurant, and a fitness center, it also has a great guest rating of 8.20 out of 10 from many previous guests. It's located at Carretera Cancun-Tulum km. 54. Visitors will really like this fantastic hotel which also offers scuba diving, snorkeling, a bar, breakfast, and child care. It's located just 9.9 km from the city center, too.

First Time Trip Hotel Amenities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Room service
  • Snorkeling
  • Breakfast included
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Child pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Beach
More Great Amenities
  • Pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Fitness center
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Babysitting / Child Care
  • Laundry service
  • Free parking
  • Bicycle rental
  • Fishing
  • Coffee shop
  • Breakfast in the room


Also, take a look at the First Time Trip hotels in nearby destinations: Tulum, Cancún, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos.

For more terrific hotel ideas in Playa del Carmen, make sure you also see Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Best Beach Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Best Cheap Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Best Luxury Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Playa del Carmen, Best Hotels for One Week in Playa del Carmen, Best Hotels for One Night in Playa del Carmen, Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Playa del Carmen, Best Adults Only Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Best Party Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Playa del Carmen, Best Business Hotels in Playa del Carmen, or Best Party Hotels in Playa del Carmen.


How much do hotels for first-time visitors cost in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen Average First Time Trip Hotel Price
$114

After analyzing 119 first time trip hotels in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, we found the average first time trip hotel price to be a remarkably economical $114. Naturally, this destination has many fantastic first time trip accommodation options with a variety of prices. The price will vary by the hotel's amenities, available dates, and the general location. If you're interested in more information about hotels here, see our guide to hotel prices in Playa del Carmen.

The average prices of our suggested first time trip hotels by star rating:

  • 5-star hotels: $334
  • 4-star hotels: $110
  • 3-star hotels: $60
  • 2-star hotels: $45


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