19 Best Hotels in The Riviera Maya, Mexico

From the moment you set foot on the palapa-roofed boat that brings you to your room's private dock, the Rosewood transports you to an exotic world—one where meandering trails lead through grounds featuring a labyrinthine network of lily-strewn lagoons. In keeping with the contemporary Mexican motif, villas are crafted from indigenous materials such as wood and limestone, and many are built on stilts over the water. Every romantic room has a garden shower, plunge pool, boat dock, and rooftop sundeck; all nine accommodation categories also include personal butler service. Its romantic atmosphere notwithstanding, the resort is welcoming to families.

At this sophisticated little hotel on the northern end of Soliman Bay, a large stone Buddha flanked by birds-of-paradise greets you in the lobby—which is outfitted with Indonesian carved-wood doors and Moroccan art—and two small swimming pools nestle in a garden of palms just beyond. Elegant rooms have Italian accents, with natural stone floors, luxurious linens, and top-end bathrooms; junior suites have large terraces with private plunge pools. Protected by a reef, the bay here is great for snorkeling or splashing around with kids. Indeed, for a place with such grown-up style, Jashita is remarkably child-friendly—it even has a baby crib-hammock for beach use. Breakfast is served overlooking the water, and if you head to the restaurant for another meal, skip the international portion of the menu and focus on the well-made Mexican classics.

Each small room in the main building of this bright, colorful seaside hotel has an ocean view and a private terrace, and next door are more expensive condos with Spanish colonial touches. The spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom units have full kitchens, living and dining rooms, and oceanfront balconies. Decor is simple and beachy. Guests can rent golf carts, bikes, snorkeling equipment, and kayaks by the hour, day, or week on a first-come-first-served basis.

At the most recent addition to Mayakoba's selection of superluxurious resorts, guest rooms are fresh, modern—with a palette inspired by the colors of the surrounding jungle—and loaded with a wide array of deluxe amenities. There are six gourmet à la carte restaurants, including a vegan bar and a stylish Mexican bar with live music. A great spa, kids club, two outdoor pools, world-class golf course, and canal boat rides, make for great complements of an all-around outstanding resort. 

Situated on a beautiful beach with a protected reef just offshore, this all-inclusive family-friendly resort has six pools, eight restaurants, and several categories of rooms, including swim-up rooms and family suites that accommodate two adults and three children. Most of the 435 rooms on property—tastefully done with cream bedding and marble floors—are oceanfront. Kids will appreciate a kids-only water park, welcome drinks, and piñata-making lessons. For families, strollers, bottle-warmers, changing tables, and baby food are included.

This all-inclusive megacomplex consists of four upscale hotels (Akumal, Cobá, Tulum, and Sian Ka'an) with extensive shared facilities reachable by shuttle from 7:30 am to midnight. The two luxury lodgings—Akumal and Sian Ka'an—have access to facilities at all four properties. For peace and relaxation, Sian Ka'an is near the golf course in a jungle setting and has an adults-only section; if you want an ocean view, opt for Akumal. For families, the massive Cobá resort has a water park and family zone, while Tulum has a dolphin pool with daily programs. As with many all-inclusives, there are tons of buffet and à la carte restaurants; the difference here is that the food is tasty in all of them. Other on-site facilities include a little market area, and a disco, spa, and casino.

Slip through the nondescript entrance, and you'll find a charming property with a lush, sprawling garden with partly tiled pathways, lights strung up from palm trees, two inviting pools, and a spacious central palapa with whirring ceiling fans. Rooms encircle the garden, and all are large, clean, colorful, and decorated with furniture purchased secondhand from Mexican haciendas in neighboring states. Being in town instead of at the beachfront has its perks, more local color and much better prices chief among them. Plus, guests here can take advantage of a day at the beach at one of this property's sister hotels. If you're traveling with kids, ask about adjacent rooms. If you're feeling like a splurge, ask about rooms with whirlpool tubs. And if you're sensitive to noise, ask for something at the back of the property (away from the busy road out front).

The guest rooms at this sprawling resort—built around a lofty lobby with views across the grounds and to the sea—are lustrous, from the contemporary Mexican decor to the marble bathrooms. Some first-floor accommodations also have private plunge pools and direct beach access. Preferred Members enjoy a private beach area and VIP lounge, plus ocean views and private whirlpool tubs. By day you can enjoy volleyball, yoga, Spanish classes, and cooking courses, and, by night, live performances, theme parties, and movies on the beach. Sailing, snorkeling, and kayaks are also included. While parents relax poolside, kids can play at the Maya-themed Explorer's Club, which has a pyramid-shaped climbing wall, a planetarium theater, and a CPR-certified staff. An adjacent playroom with a ball pit and toys appropriate for small children is available for parents with babies or toddlers.

The family-friendly sister hotel to The Royal (which is across the street) has downtown Playa's best accommodations for the schoolyard set. Two pools, a Jacuzzi, a giant chess set, minigolf, afternoon bingo and blackjack, and a kids' activity room (with babysitting!) will keep young ones busy while Mom and Dad get massages on the beach or mimosas at the breakfast buffet. Although adults may find cast-concrete Grecian columns, New Orleans-style wrought iron breezeways, and walk-in Moorish showers a bit grandiose, they'll make an impression on the juniors. Oceanfront rooms have access to The Royal, and all categories have access to Gran Caribe Real in Cancún. Beach-facing rooms are significantly nicer than those in back, with corresponding prices.

This all-inclusive resort offers Mexican luxury at its best with top-notch gastronomy, stylish rooms, a certified Blue Flag beach, an outstanding spa, and lots of activities for all ages. There are three different types of suites (Zen, Ambassador, Grand Class), but they're all large and have luxury amenities like an ample terrace and a plunge pool or whirlpool tub. The resort might be a bit pricey but it's definitely worth it. 

Live out your rock-star fantasies at this 85-acre all-inclusive—either in the adults-only Heaven section, a pampering resort within the resort, or the family-friendly Hacienda wing, which has a teens' club, disco, kids' pool, 100-foot climbing tower, snorkeling cove, and obstacle fitness trail. This is a great place to bring little tykes, too—the Ultimate Playtime package includes everything from babysitting and diapers to strollers and Gerber baby food. All rooms have balconies, hydro-spa tubs, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. The free Music Lab program lets you play instruments, mix beats, and shoot a music video. Plenty of good restaurants and an enormous spa are also on-site.

This chic little hotel set right in front of the lagoon offers its guests creature comforts, an excellent restaurant, and lots of tranquility. Rooms are equipped with both air-conditioning and ceiling fans and are decorated with handcrafted furniture made of local wood. On-site amenities include a snack bar, a swimming pool, and a private dock.

Despite its size, this all-inclusive resort—consisting of the adults-only Tucan and the family friendly Quetzal sections—has managed to preserve natural surroundings that are home to flamingos, turtles, toucans, peacocks, and monkeys. Landscaped pool areas surround the open-air restaurant and reception area. Spacious rooms have cheerful color schemes and patios overlooking dense vegetation. Activities include bike tours, yoga sessions, salsa dancing, and Zumba programs. The roaming animals, kids' club, teen disco, and designated pool for children make this hotel a family favorite.

This boutique beach property—complete with oceanfront pool and exquisite accommodations just steps from the secluded white sand—is one of the area's best. Each room has an indoor–outdoor lounge area, a king-size bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, air-conditioning, and cable TV; some also have luxuries like dual showerheads, additional queen-size trundle beds, and personal plunge pools that can be cooled or heated. Kayaks, snorkel equipment, and bikes are free for guests, and a private dock is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, wedding reception, or sunset cocktail—all of which the hotel would be happy to arrange.

In such an enormous all-inclusive, it's surprising to find staff members who go out of their way to make your stay pleasant, beginning with a glass of tropical juice at registration and continuing with helpful concierge service throughout your stay. Book the larger, pricier Royal Level rooms  for even more personalized service—there's a small reception office serving these 45 rooms exclusively. The hotel has a small artificial beach and walking access to Xcaret park. Request a top-floor room if you want to escape pool noise.

This all-inclusive offers flash and class in a Vegas-meets-cruise-ship environment with 14 restaurants, 11 bars, and nearly 1,000 rooms housed in two buildings—the adults-only La Perla and the family-friendly La Esmeralda, where extras for the kids include PlayStations, nightly turndown with milk and cookies, and a pool area that looks like a water park. Consider purchasing the Nikté Upgrade package, which includes a water ritual at YHI Spa, an activities menu for kids and teenagers, and private whirlpool tubs. The two resorts are connected by way of the restaurants and bars, however, certain establishments are only open to La Perla guests, who pay higher rates.

Named after the famous pirate, this warm and family-friendly resort has multiunit cabanas plus freestanding bungalows on the beach's north end that are more private and charming. The A-frame bungalows are actually more like mini log cabins with pine furnishings from Chiapas and small lofts accessible by a ladder; each sleeps five and has a porch that faces a sandy path leading to the beach. The older units, simply decorated in shades of blue and white, have balconies, and some are practically flush with the ocean. An on-site animal refuge and a games room with Ping-Pong and billiards appeal to children.

Palatial in name, scale, and decor (oversize entrance columns, crystal chandeliers, fountains), this all-inclusive is known for its breathtaking beach and exceptional service. Although rooms are well equipped, they aren't very large, and you should request one overlooking the courtyard, away from the noisy entertainment area. A steak house and Japanese restaurant are the most popular of the many dining options, despite the fact that reservations are required. Guests are permitted to use the amenities (including restaurants for breakfast and lunch) at any of Riu Palace's six sister hotels throughout Playa del Carmen.

Formerly known as Hotel Villanueva and now part of the Wyndham family, this basic property is a good, functional base for exploring the region. Amenities include a cute indoor swimming pool and a Starbucks counter. Rooms are very simple, but clean, comfortable, and equipped with air-conditioning and TV.