39 Best Hotels in The Riviera Maya, Mexico

This jungle-chic, environmentally conscious hotel on a pristine beach is all about the details—say, colorful, traditional cotton robes made on a loom and handblown glasses from Jalisco. All rooms have king-size beds draped in 200-thread-count cotton sheets and duvets; spacious cabanas come with private plunge pools that can be heated or cooled. The pleasant restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes made with fresh ingredients, but reserve a seat at the Chef's Table—a small, intimate space featuring a special eight-course tasting menu—for something truly memorable. On Sunday nights, locals gather for free salsa lessons and late-night dancing. And on Saturday, locals gather for a beach party and barbecue.

With three blocks of beach and grounds that include both sandy shore and cool jungle garden, this resort offers a taste of everything the Riviera landscape has to offer. The expansive all-inclusive property features comfortable lounge spaces in a large palapa reception, a quiet spa, a little library, four pools, a fitness center, a dive center, four bars (including one swim-up bar), and three restaurants. Rooms are spacious and filled with lovely details, like colorful sinks and pillows, murals painted lightly on concrete floors, and decorative preserved wood hanging from the walls. 

On the quieter side of Tulum's beachfront, this small, hip hotel is a 25-minute walk from the ruins along a powdery stretch of white sand. Stylish rooms have vaulted ceilings, dark-wood furnishings, and adobe floors inlaid with stones. Splashes of red brighten the cream-colored rooms, four of which have spacious lofts and ocean views. The two suites have balconies facing the Caribbean. Only three rooms on the property lack an ocean view. Minibars, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning are included in all rooms.

When you think of Tulum, you might have something in mind like this minimalist, beachfront, boutique hotel with luxurious, boho-chic rooms and a private villa. Accommodations are spacious, and amenities include all-natural toiletries, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The dining experience is superb at next-door sister restaurant Los Bowls de Guadalupe. 

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.

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.

Nestled in thriving mangrove forests, this adults-only all-inclusive is one of the few in the region that still embraces Mexican tradition. Marking the entrance are brick archways and terra-cotta walkways inlaid with mosaic tile. In hacienda fashion, the grand lobby features more than a dozen wrought-iron chandeliers suspended above marble floors. Wooden paths lead to private palafitos (structures on stilts), where couples can enjoy romantic dinners. Jazz or classical music echoes throughout the resort's 75 unspoiled acres. Standard rooms are richly decorated with teak furnishings and include sitting areas with plasma TVs and terraces with spacious hot tubs. The surf at the beach can be somewhat rough, but there are two huge pools, one with an artificial island.

Formerly known as the Panama Jack Resort, this property in the heart of Playa rebranded and reinvented itself as an all-inclusive, adults-only option, where the decor is modern without being flashy, and the overall atmosphere is fresh and relaxing. Most of the rooms, which are done in neutral colors with pastel touches, enjoy ocean views. Dining options include a traditional Mexican restaurant and a laid-back beach bar.