12 Best Hotels in The Riviera Maya, Mexico

There isn’t another hotel for miles, so this solar-powered B&B offers blessed isolation in beachfront cabanas that have kitchenettes, king beds, Wi-Fi, and private decks. Inspired by the ancient ruin Yaxchilán, upstairs beach-view rooms have Maya artwork and unique touches like hand-painted sinks and wood-framed mirrors in the large bathrooms, as well as king beds and sleeper sofas. In-room massages, cooking classes, diving tours, and fishing trips can be arranged on request. A three-night stay gets you a free cooking class, and a weeklong stay earns you one free night (in low season). This tranquil property mainly attracts guests over 50.

Five minutes from the town square and opposite the main beach, this charming hacienda-style bed-and-breakfast has five rooms with firm, comfortable king-size beds plus private terraces, some with partial ocean views, and six larger cabañas with kitchens. Each cheerfully decorated option features local artwork, terra-cotta tile floors, and added perks like a small refrigerator, a coffeemaker, filtered drinking water, organic shampoo and conditioner made with honey, and beach towels. 

Mosaic stone paths wind through lovely gardens, and colonial-style hardwood furnishings gleam throughout at this inn on a side street. At the center of the property are a botanical garden and stunning pool area with multiple pools, some interconnected, where tiki torches and illuminated palm trees lead to two-story adobe buildings. Rooms are small, but most have balconies and are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. There's a common area with a bar, pool table, little library, and games, as well as a small spa where guests get 15% off. Although La Tortuga isn't on the beach, the pool area is a delight, a sundeck is available, and guests get discount passes to three nearby beach clubs.

Considered the most upscale property on Laguna de Bacalar, Akalki offers nine luxurious cabanas built over the water, each with a private dock and direct access to the enchanting turquoise waters. Solar-powered cabanas have hardwood floors, king-size beds, thatch roofs, hot water, and electricity (evenings only). Pampering perks include soft linens, thick towels, and other amenities like honey shampoo, chocolate soap, and handmade candles. Dishes at the restaurant are prepared with natural ingredients from the on-site garden, and the small spa offers massages, mud masks, and temazcal rituals, but gets decidedly mixed reviews. Kayaks and bikes are included in the rate, while yoga and boat trips are available at extra cost.

On the powdery shores of Xpu-Há, this boutique inn has four chic rooms named after the four elements, all with hardwood floors, thatched roofs, and beds draped in white curtains. Rooms on the top floor have unobstructed ocean views, while those on the ground floor have private plunge pools; the two-story villas have their own infinity pool and are the only category that allows children. Patios with two-person hammocks face the sea, but if you want to get closer, head to the tiny palapas in the sand where silk curtains hang over thatched umbrellas for added privacy. Since a car is needed to reach restaurants in Playa del Carmen, most guests opt for the half-board package, which includes breakfast, dinner, a bottle of wine, and a couples' massage.

A wonderful place to stay if you want to dive, snorkel, kayak, fly-fish, or just relax in a hammock, this hotel has spacious rooms with colorful tiles and hand-woven blankets on single or queen beds. Each room has Wi-Fi, a collection of books, and a kitchenette—though you don't have to worry about breakfast as it's included in the room rate and served in a palapa dining area. Despite the lack of air-conditioning, rooms stay cool with ceiling fans and the ocean breeze. Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel or fishing equipment are free to use. In high season, there's a three-night minimum (or an additional $5 cleaning fee for shorter stays).

Tranquility and seclusion are the name of the game in these adults-only, cozy bungalows located a stone's throw from the beach. Although small, each has a bath, a queen- or king-size bed, a hammock, and a terrace that leads to a garden; the three-person suite has an extra pullout bed and a kitchenette. Added creature comforts include hair dryers, TVs, Wi-Fi, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. Meals are served in an on-site restaurant, where the menu includes seafood, grilled dishes, and brick-oven pizzas. To cool off, there's a small swimming pool and the beach is just a two-minute walk away.

This small hotel is a repurposed 25-year-old house that caters mostly to divers who come to the XTC Dive Center and use it as launching point for their adventures and explorations. The rooms are cozy and fresh, with ceiling fan and comfortable mattresses. Some include a kitchenette, while others enjoy gorgeous ocean views. 

From the lush jungle courtyard to the airy, stone-walled rooms to the sunny, plush rooftop deck with distant ocean views, this boutique hotel is designed to charm at every turn. Rustic chic hits you head on—you enter via a narrow hallway that spills into an open-air courtyard with fountains and streams leading to a breakfast atrium that overlooks a cenote. Purchased at Mexican flea markets, one-of-a-kind room furnishings range from vintage refrigerators to headboards made from 1960s mail-carrier bags; creature comforts include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and organic bath products. For extra space, request Room 8 (with an outdoor shower) or Room 9 (with a tub on the terrace). The beautiful rooftop deck has sun beds and a cozy hammock. Laundry service and wine are included in the price.

An elegant entrance, Spanish-tile floors, and hand-crafted Guadalajara furnishings greet you at this classy inn, where guest rooms have terraces, as well as sitting areas with dark hardwood furnishings and interesting local crafts. Although all rooms have been upgraded with soundproofed windows, some noise does get through those overlooking Avenida 5 rather than the garden. Breakfast is basic, but hotel offers designated parking ($12 per day) and free access to several beach clubs. Book direct for a 15% discount.

Far from the boardwalk, this small inn on the beach is a quiet, relaxing place, where the cabanas have simple concrete rooms—with private roof decks where you watch the moon rise from the sea—and the decor is a mishmash of styles with painted murals and Mexican blankets. You'll be tempted to spend much of your time outside, though, perhaps in one of the hammocks that sway under palapa umbrellas. Families might want to request Room 3, which accommodates four people. The Dutch owners are often in their small restaurant, where photos of Frida Kahlo, Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, and other Mexican notables line the walls. Guests are served complimentary breakfast there; nonguests often show up between 3:30 and 8 pm to dine on specialties like the stuffed pineapple and get away from the bustle of town.

Set on a lovely beach, this property has accommodations—all adorned with Mexican pottery and other collectibles—that include two apartments with private kitchens; a secluded jungle studio (which the owners refer to as "a tree house for adults"); and a house divided into three suites that share a kitchen, dining room, sundeck, and library full of books and board games. Yogurt and homemade granola prepared with coconut from the property's trees are stocked in the refrigerator for breakfast. Kayaks (suitable for both the ocean and the two lagoons just behind the property), fat-tire beach bikes, boogie boards, and snorkel gear are included in the rate. Guests are always greeted with free, strong frozen margaritas and a warm welcome from the friendly hosts.