Mexico › Playa del Carmen Hotels
Updated: January 8, 2023

Playa del Carmen Hotels – Tips & Advice

• The absolute best hotels in Playa del Carmen are: Hotel Esencia (most luxurious boutique hotel), El Dorado Maroma (best adults-only resort), and Hotel Xcaret Mexico (best family all-inclusive resort).
• The best spots for travelers in the Playa del Carmen area are Downtown (nightlife, shopping, dining), North Playa del Carmen (walking distance to downtown but much quieter), Mayakoba (luxury resort complex convenient to the downtown), South Riviera Maya (cenotes, jungle, and beaches on the way to Tulum), and North Riviera Maya (beaches and attractions on the way to Cancun).
• Getting to Playa is easiest by driving, but if you’re staying in downtown or only plan on leaving the resort for tours, it’s probably not worth the price to rent a car. Instead, travelers should take the ADO bus or pre-book a shuttle. I recommend Private Transportation Riviera Maya; a round trip shuttle for a family of four from the Cancun Airport to downtown Playa del Carmen runs about 100 USD and takes about 50 minutes each way. The ADO bus is definitely the cheapest option. Tickets are about 210 pesos (9 USD) each for adults and 105 pesos (4.50 USD) for children ages 5 to 12. The same round-trip rate for a family of four would be about 54 USD and would take 1 hour 15 minutes each way. Buses leave roughly every 30 minutes. Tickets are sold for particular time slots, so it’s best to buy them at the airport rather than booking ahead online, in case of unexpected delays. Taxis are the most expensive option, running about 1600 pesos (70 USD) one-way for a group of four from the airport to the city of Playa del Carmen; make that 3200 pesos (140 USD) for a round-trip taxi.
• Playa del Carmen is small and it’s easy to get around on foot, with most restaurants and shops within a 3 km section of town. There is no Uber here, but taxis in the city are affordable and easy to find at designated taxi stands or by flagging one down on the street. Taxis here do not use meters; fixed rates are printed on a chart that drivers carry with them – prices are listed in pesos. Though drivers accept US dollars (with change given in pesos), rates are much lower if you pay in pesos, as drivers do not use a currency converter and will just make up a number that is always higher than the exchange rate.
• Pay in pesos! As with taxis, almost every restaurant and shop accepts US dollars, but the exchange rate always favors the peso. If you pay in dollars, you will overpay.
• If you opt to rent a car to explore on your own, you’ll find that driving is very easy. Playa del Carmen does have a few pedestrian-only streets where cars are not allowed, but they are all well-marked. Parking can be tricky, as there is a good deal of car congestion in downtown. Rules of the road are similar to the U.S. Highways are well-maintained, and streets are well-mapped and easy to follow via GPS. Two things that are different are topes and left turns. Topes (pronounced TOH-pays) are speed bumps, but there are no regulations on their height, steepness, or visibility; some are nearly impossible to see until it’s too late! Drive slowly in downtown, and keep an eye out for these. Standard left turns are usually OK in downtown but not on highways. To make a left, drivers will often need to use a retorno, which is a U-turn overpass. To use a retorno, drive past the road you want to make a left onto, get into the far right lane to take the retorno exit, make the left onto the overpass, and finally merge with traffic going the opposite direction. You can then make a right at the desired street or destination.

The 22 Best Luxury Hotels in Playa del Carmen

1. Hotel Esencia – South Riviera Maya

Chic, elegant boutique hotel on a full kilometer of serene beach, surrounded by 50 acres of jungle and cenotes. This exclusive hotel offers refined lodging with two dazzling pools, a spa with traditional Maya handmade treatments, and gourmet dining. Suites and villas are spacious and well-appointed, many with soaking tubs, plunge pools, and a couple with full sized pools. Though most popular with honeymooners, families will appreciate their large villas for up to nine guests, babysitting services, and family activities onsite. Food is truly sumptuous here with a new Nikkei restaurant (Japanese-Peruvian), regional Mexican fare, and international options, all using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Located in Xpu-Ha, halfway between the nightlife and shopping of Playa del Carmen and Tulum’s cenotes and ancient ruins.
Hotel phone: +52 984 873 4830
Hotel website • Check prices for Hotel Esencia

2. Hotel Xcaret Mexico – South Riviera Maya

Luxury, all-inclusive, family-friendly resort owned by Xcaret Adventure Parks and including unlimited access and transportation to all of their parks and tours (10 total) with every booking. The parks include ziplining, snorkeling, ATVs, underground rivers, and more. The resort itself boasts 6 pools, a huge lazy river, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and a sandy, swimmable beach. Hotel Xcaret offers spacious suites for up to 5, all with hammocks on their private balconies, some with swim-out access to a shared pool. Great location in South Riviera Maya just 5 km from Playa del Carmen’s restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and the ferry to Cozumel.
Hotel phone: +52 984 206 4805
Hotel website • Check prices for Hotel Xcaret Mexico

3. El Dorado Maroma – North Riviera Maya

Ultra-luxurious, adults-only, all-inclusive hotel with hands down the most amazing suites in all of Mexico. Their Overwater Bungalows are perched on stilts with glass floors over the turquoise sea and include private infinity plunge pools, outdoor showers, a two-person Jacuzzi indoors, and direct ladder access to the ocean. They offer several other suite and villa options, with the largest being a five-bedroom with a private pool and personal chef. The resort showcases three pools connected by a lazy river, two spas with an elevated massage palapa, farm-fresh gourmet dining, scuba and water sport amenities, and nightly entertainment. Located on Punta Maroma, a stunning stretch of white sand beach, near Maroma Adventures’ marina, dolphin swims, and excursions.
Hotel phone: +52 866 527 4762
Hotel website • Check prices for El Dorado Maroma

4. Grand Velas Riviera Maya – near Mayakoba

Family-friendly, all-inclusive, five diamond resort with three pools, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and a phenomenal spa. Dining is incredible here, with a host of four- and five-diamond restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines, from creative molecular gastronomy to Mexican fine dining to pan-Asian fusion and beyond. Their award-winning spa features a comprehensive hydrotherapy circuit, a seven-step water ceremony, couples packages, and much more. Rooms and suites all include whirlpool tubs and private terraces, some with plunge pools. The kids’ club is open until 11:00 p.m. with activities and crafts all day; the teens’ club is open until midnight, with a dancefloor, karaoke, video games, and a pool table. Grand Velas also offers plenty of adults-only areas, including a dedicated pool, restaurant, a nightclub, and several bars. Located at the edge of a mangrove jungle, on a gorgeous swathe of unspoiled beach with soft sand and gentle waves.
Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8689
Hotel website • Check prices for Grand Velas Riviera Maya

5. Banyan Tree – Mayakoba

Luxury, family-friendly, all-villa resort on a sun-drenched beach in a protected mangrove jungle. This stunning boutique resort blends Mexican handicrafts from Oaxaca and Chiapas with contemporary Thai design; the owners, chefs, and all spa staff are from Thailand. All villas include private pools, outdoor whirlpool tubs, and terraces with hammocks. The grounds boast two larger pools, a spa with Thai massage, an active kids’ club, and boat service to the beach. Food is out of this world, with superb ingredients to suit all tastes as well as two destination culinary experiences: Ixchel, a romantic dinner for two in a boat, and Haab, a Maya dinner with a show. Set in the exclusive Mayakoba resort and golf complex, just twenty minutes’ drive to downtown Playa del Carmen.
Hotel phone: +52 800 953 0565
Hotel website • Check prices for Banyan Tree

6. Hard Rock Hotel – South Riviera Maya

Music-themed beachfront resort with 5 pools (some adults-only, some for kids and families), a natural lagoon with native fish, and the largest spa in the Riviera Maya. Family perks include kids’ and teens’ clubs, a rock climbing wall, their signature music amenities (loaner guitars, instrument and DJ lessons, band camp, etc), and a huge skate/bike/gymnastics center. 9 restaurants and 8 bars serve a huge range of cuisines all day, along with 24-hours room service. Heaven, the adults-only section, offers a private beach and cove. A wide range of rooms and suites all feature private balconies, hammocks, and indoor or outdoor jacuzzis; the largest sleep up to 6. Wonderful location near the golf course, marina, and Dolphin Discovery at Puerto Aventuras.
Hotel phone: +52 984 875 1100
Hotel website • Check prices for Hard Rock Hotel

7. Thompson Beach House – Downtown

Sunny, sophisticated, beachfront boutique on the lively main beach of downtown Playa. This intimate hotel, with only 27 suites, offers a small pool, a sun terrace overlooking the beach, and in-room spa treatments. Their great little restaurant C-Grill specializes in Mexican and Maya flavors, especially seafood, and is open all day for dining and drinks. Guests also have signing privileges at their sister hotel Thompson Playa del Carmen, only five minutes’ walk away, to enjoy their gourmet restaurant Catch with its stunning rooftop view. Suites all include balconies, and many have soaking tubs. The Panoramic Corner Suite adds a wraparound terrace and plunge pool. Convenient to all the best restaurants, beach clubs, bars, and shopping in the city.
Hotel phone: +52 984 206 4805
Hotel website • Check prices for Thompson Beach House

8. Viceroy Riviera Maya – North Playa del Carmen

Luxury, beachfront, boutique hotel for ages fourteen and up. This eco-conscious resort was designed to exude a Mayan essence, with a shaman ritual and Mayan drink for all guests and a spa featuring indigenous treatments, a temazcal (sweat lodge), and a hydrotherapy circuit. The hotel itself was built to incorporate the jungle flora and fauna, and the grounds are filled with coati, iguanas, and even a few monkeys! There is no central lobby area; instead, all of the villas and restaurants are spread out, making the units more private and minimally invasive to the natural surroundings. Each spacious villa includes a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, hammock, and shady patio; some add soaking tubs. Common amenities include a pool, hot tub; restaurants feature locally sourced ingredients with Mexican and international flavors. Viceroy is just fifteen minutes north of downtown.
Hotel phone: +52 984 877 3000
Hotel website • Check prices for Viceroy Riviera Maya

9. Fairmont – Mayakoba

Refined, family-friendly, beachfront resort with five pools scattered near the ocean, lagoon, or jungle. Large, light-filled rooms and suites all include soaking tubs and private terraces; oceanfront and beachfront rooms feature butler service. Most suites are one bedroom units except for one of the presidential suites, but connecting options are available for families. Residences have up to four bedrooms with full kitchens. Their kids’ club offers cooking classes and crafts, while their adventure camp keeps older kids active with kayaking and beach sports. The beach itself has just undergone a huge, eco-conscious renovation, making it longer and wider, with plenty of loungers, private palapas, and exceptional food and drink service. Located in the middle of the Mayakoba resort complex, next to the restaurants and shops at El Pueblito Village.
Hotel phone: +52 984 206 3000
Hotel website • Check prices for Fairmont

10. Andaz – Mayakoba

Stylish, luxury hotel in the exclusive Mayakoba beach resort with a golf course and lagoons. Andaz offers 2 pools, a holistic spa, and is set on a stunning white beach. Rooms and suites are all spacious, with free minibar items (sans alcohol) and private balconies; suites add private outdoor plunge pools. Food is outstanding at their 4 regional Mexican/international restaurants; guests can add a meal plan or book a room only. Family-friendly amenities include a kids club for ages 4 to 12, babysitting, and free bikes.
Hotel phone: +52 984 149 1234
Hotel website • Check prices for Andaz

11. Paradisus – North Playa del Carmen

Contemporary, all-inclusive resort with fantastic family amenities on a gorgeous beach with a coral reef. This all-suite property offers several options for families, from junior up to two-bedroom connecting units; the Family Concierge upgrade adds a private terrace with a Jacuzzi, kids’ minibar items, a private restaurant, club lounge access, and an Xbox or PlayStation. This is one of the top resorts for parents traveling with younger kids, as they offer both a Baby Club for ages one to four and a Kids’ Club for five- to twelve-year-olds, so parents can pop next door to the adults-only Paradisus La Perla to enjoy a relaxing meal or quiet pool time. Three pools, great food, and a beach with a reef for snorkeling round out the experience here. La Esmeralda sits fifteen minutes’ drive or twenty-five minutes’ walk to downtown Playa del Carmen.
Hotel phone: +52 984 877 3900
Hotel website • Check prices for Paradisus

12. Blue Diamond – North Riviera Maya

Intimate, all-inclusive, adults-only resort on a breathtaking beach with white sand and crystal waters. Suites all feature outdoor baths and two-person showers with lagoon or cenote views. Casitas and the Presidential Suite are oceanfront with the Presidential Suite adding two private infinity pools. The grounds feature great restaurants and bars, three pools, and a hot tub, but the main star is the 2300 square meter Maya spa, offering complimentary temazcal treatments for all guests. In perfect jungle seclusion, this boutique-style resort has several trails winding through a protected mangrove forest, around a lagoon and cenote, with coati and iguanas throughout; bikes are provided for exploring. Rates are inclusive of a snorkel tour, scuba class in the pool, cooking and cocktail classes, wine tastings, and more. Located in Punta Maroma, near cenotes, adventure parks, and not too far from Playa del Carmen’s nightlife scene.
Hotel phone: +52 984 206 4100
Hotel website • Check prices for Blue Diamond

13. Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa – Downtown

Eco-chic, family-friendly resort on an active beach, featuring a Bohemian ambiance, four pools, exceptional bars and restaurants, and a Maya spa. Mahekal offers a wide range of rooms differing by decor, view, and layout; choose a beachfront casita, a treehouse room, a palapa suite, or a penthouse suite; options can include private plunge pools, outdoor showers, hammocks, full kitchens, and butler service. Be advised that their get-back-to-nature vibe means no TVs in most of the rooms. Their jungle garden adds privacy to the resort grounds, while their convenient location makes it easy to explore the nightlife and shopping of Playa’s famous Quinta Avenida.
Hotel phone: +52 984 873 0611
Hotel website • Check prices for Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa

14. Generations – North Riviera Maya

This upscale, all-inclusive beachfront resort gears itself toward large or multi-generational families. Amazing suite options include swim ups connecting to the enormous main pool, infinity pool suites connecting to one of the nine balcony pools, and balcony suites with gorgeous ocean views. Experiences can be catered to different age groups, with baby amenities including cribs, strollers, and pack ‘n plays, an active kids’ club with cooking lessons and a toy library, and a teen lounge with a pool table and video games. Adults have all-inclusive access to the bars, restaurants, and pools at both El Dorado properties next door. The beach is swimmable but rocky at some parts; barriers to prevent erosion also help to soften the waves, great for beginning swimmers. Generations is in Puerto Morelos, halfway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8030
Hotel website • Check prices for Generations

15. Playacar Palace – Downtown

Breezy, family-friendly, all-inclusive resort with a huge pool overlooking a sugary sand beach and the Cozumel ferry. Rooms and suites are generously sized, all with a two-person whirlpool tub and liquor cabinet, most with sweeping ocean views and balconies. Food and drinks here are exceptional, especially at adults-only Lahna, focusing on local Yucatan cuisine, and at Luna Lounge, spotlighting a specialty mixology menu. Family amenities include a kids’ club for ages four to twelve and free bicycle tours. Guests have signing privileges at all Palace properties, with the Cozumel location just a short ferry away and with complimentary transfer to the water park at The Grand at Moon Palace in Cancun. Their stellar resort credit program can be used toward tours to Chichen Itza, dolphin encounters, spa services, and more. Located on Playacar Beach in downtown, next to Fundadores sculpture park and walking distance to Quinta Avenida shopping and nightlife.
Hotel phone: +52 984 873 4960
Hotel website • Check prices for Playacar Palace

16. El Dorado Royale – North Riviera Maya

Romantic, adults-only, all-inclusive resort specializing in weddings and couples celebrating special occasions. Accommodations are all junior suites with private terraces, outdoor Jacuzzis, and hammocks; swim-up options are available. Their spa offers couples’ and solo treatments, including Maya-inspired rituals, a temazcal, hydro-circuit, and their sky massage, done in an elevated, beachfront palapa. Dining is superb here, with the produce and herbs grown in their onsite greenhouse plus a culinary theater, where guests can watch, learn, and dine on meals prepared by celebrity chefs. Located in Puerto Morelos, on a long white beach; one side is sandy and easily swimmable, while the other side is rocky with a coral reef to explore.
Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8030
Hotel website • Check prices for El Dorado Royale

17. Grand Hyatt Resort – Downtown

Posh, family-friendly, beachfront resort with two infinity pools (one adults-only), great food, and a cenote-inspired spa. Rooms are large and include balconies; suites add soaking tubs and optional swim up access or private plunge pools. Upgrading to Club Level adds daily breakfast, snacks all day, an open bar, and evening apps. Babysitting and kids’ club access area available for a fee, while the teens’ arcade is open for all, featuring video games, mini-bowling, and foosball. Located on Playa del Carmen’s vibrant main beach in the newest part of the city, near a brand new mall, stellar restaurants, nightlife, and beach clubs.
Hotel phone: +52 984 875 1234
Hotel website • Check prices for Grand Hyatt Resort

18. Thompson – Downtown

Urban glam, boutique hotel on 5th Avenue with a rooftop infinity pool and massage cabanas. This fashionable hotel blends mid-century modern furnishings with eclectic accents and a beach chic vibe. Rooms and suites all feature jetted tubs; many add private terraces with daybeds or Jacuzzis. Its restaurant Catch is a gourmet hotspot, featuring locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails with sister locations in NYC and Dubai. The hotel is family-friendly and pet friendly, but focuses mostly on adults, especially couples. Guests have signing privileges and beach access at their sister property Thompson Beach House, located two blocks away.
Hotel phone: +52 984 206 4800
Hotel website • Check prices for Thompson

19. Paradisus La Perla – North Playa del Carmen

Sleek, adults-only, all-inclusive resort with an all-suite layout, shimmering pools, and a hydrotherapy circuit at the spa. Suites with connecting options range from studios up to two-bedrooms, all with dual soaking tubs and showers, with terrace Jacuzzi and swim up options. Upgrade to the Royal Service to gain access to an additional pool, private restaurant and club lounge, and butler service. The food variety is extensive, with ten outstanding restaurants and bars onsite, plus all-inclusive privileges at the adjoining Paradisus La Esmeralda, making twenty-six total dining and drink choices available. Located on a soft sandy beach adjacent to a rocky coral reef, ideal for snorkeling, just ten minutes driving or twenty-five minutes walking to downtown.
Hotel phone: +52 984 877 3900
Hotel website • Check prices for Paradisus La Perla

20. Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa – South Riviera Maya

Expansive, family-friendly, beachfront resort with nine pools, a huge spa, and a swathe of dining and drink options. This resort is made up of four hotels, each with a different vibe: Kantenah is Maya-styled, Colonial is Spanish, White Sand is contemporary and wellness-focused, and TRS Yucatan is the top-line, adults-only wing. All sections have beach access, but Kantenah and Colonial have most of the beachfront rooms and suites. White Sand is closest to the kids’ clubs (three of them for babies, kids, and teens), awesome water park, and comprehensive spa. Royal Suites are surrounded by the lagoon, many with their own jetties and canoes. Suite options can include outdoor showers, whirlpool tubs, and private pools; connecting rooms are available. Situated on a long stretch of beach near Akumal, several cenotes, and adventure parks, about halfway to Tulum.
Hotel phone: +52 984 877 2100
Hotel website • Check prices for Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa

21. Valentin Imperial – North Riviera Maya

Grand, adults-only, all-inclusive hotel on a full kilometer of beach, offering three free form pools, a tranquil spa, and twenty restaurants and bars. Suites are complete with a whirlpool tub and balcony or terrace, some with outdoor Jacuzzis. Swim up suites all connect to the lazy river in the quietest part of the resort. Food is phenomenal, especially at Ginger, the Japanese restaurant (reservations required for seats at the teppanyaki table), and L’Alsace, the French fine dining spot (with a dress code). This hacienda-style resort faces a kilometer-long beach with soft sand and great swimming along its length, except when occasional bigger waves arrive, as well as snorkeling in a man-made reef at the southwest end of the beach.
Hotel phone: +52 984 206 3660
Hotel website • Check prices for Valentin Imperial

22. Rosewood – Mayakoba

Elite, family-friendly, five-star resort featuring three crystal pools, exquisite dining, and a tranquil spa, all on a soft beach with deep blue waters. Suites and villas all include a plunge pool, outdoor showers, and butler service and offer beachfront, lagoon, or ocean views. Their Chef’s Garden grows much of the produce and herbs used in the onsite restaurants, with dinners hosted in the garden twice a week, as well as kids’ botanical tours. Their kids’ club offers unique experiences, such as tree planting, yoga, eco-adventures, and movies under the stars. For couples, there are several adults-only room options, including the overwater and island suites with lagoon views. Located next to the PGA golf course in the Mayakoba resort complex with boat service to the beach.
Hotel phone: +52 984 875 8000
Hotel website • Check prices on Booking.com

Staying in Downtown Playa del Carmen

Formerly a small fishing village, Playa experienced a huge tourism and population boom after the Cozumel ferry began service here. Since 1995 the residential population has grown by ten times, with most people now working in the tourism industry serving the millions of travelers coming through the hundreds of new hotels and resorts that have sprung up. Downtown is home to a plethora of resorts, mostly set up along the long public beach that runs the full length of the town and beyond.

Downtown Playa is known for its lively atmosphere, especially along Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), the beachfront, and Calle 12 Norte. Quinta Avenida runs for four kilometers, beginning at Paseo del Carmen mall in the southwest and ends near the Paradisus Resorts at its northwest end. The first three or so kilometers are pedestrian-only, each side lined with malls, street vendors, the city’s best restaurants, and relaxed bars. The newest and flashiest part of the town is here, near the Quinta Alegria mall. The beachfront is home to several beach clubs, with lots of music, cocktails, and bites; the best among them are Mamita’s Beach Club and Coralina Daylight Club. Downtown is also the nightlife hub, with tons of nightclubs lining Calle 12 Norte, north of the Cozumel Ferry terminal. The biggest clubs are Coco Bongo, Mandala, and La Vaquita, all of which have sister properties in Cancun, but the best one is Diablito Cha Cha Cha.

The Best Hotels in Downtown

• Mahekal Beach Resort • Hotel phone: +52 984 873 0611
• Playacar Palace • Hotel phone: +52 984 873 4960
• Grand Hyatt • Hotel phone: +52 984 875 1234
• Thompson • Hotel phone: +52 984 206 4800
• Thompson Beach House • Hotel phone: +52 984 206 4805

Staying in North Playa del Carmen

At the far end of Quinta Avenida, the North Playa area is home to several luxury resorts, residences, and restaurants, along a stunning stretch of beach. This area is substantially less populated than downtown while still being easily accessible, just a twenty or thirty-minute walk into downtown (depending on the resort) or a quick ten-minute drive. This is an ideal spot for travelers looking to have all the varied experiences that the city has to offer, while still far enough from the party atmosphere for a peaceful rest.

The Best Hotels in North Playa

• Viceroy Riviera Maya • Hotel phone: +52 984 877 300
• Paradisus • Hotel phone: +52 984 877 3900
• Paradisus La Perla • Hotel phone: +52 984 877 3900

Staying in Mayakoba

This is a luxury resort complex just outside of Playa del Carmen’s north end. Its design incorporates the natural geography of the area, with cenotes, lagoons, and a sandy beach, and is home to a variety of native animals, including coati, iguanas, spider monkeys, and tropical birds. The complex includes a PGA golf course and El Pueblito village, designed after a traditional Mexican city square with a chapel, art gallery, and restaurants. Most people get around via the boat taxi on the lagoon, included in the hotel rates, but guests can also go on foot or use the bikes provided by the resorts to ride along the nature trail.

The Best Hotels in Mayakoba

• Banyan Tree • Hotel phone: +52 800 953 0565
• Rosewood • Hotel phone: +52 984 875 8000
• Fairmont • Hotel phone: +52 984 206 3000
• Andaz Mayakoba • Hotel phone: +52 984 149 1234
• Grand Velas Riviera Maya • Hotel phone: +52 322 226 8689 • Grand Velas is located just outside of the Mayakoba complex.

Staying in North Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya runs the length of the coast, from just south of Cancun to just south of Tulum, with Playa del Carmen in the middle. It also includes the island Cozumel. The stretch of beach on the mainland is fronted by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, running from Cancun all the way down to Guatemala.

The North Riviera Maya, between Playa and Cancun, is home to some of the largest all-inclusive resorts. Most of these sit in mangrove jungles on long stretches of beach protected by the reef, making for mostly gentle waves. Outside of the two main towns here, Puerto Morelos and Punta Maroma, the resort beaches are nearly private, because they’re not walking distance to anything. Near Puerto Morelos, the more northerly of the towns, travelers will find a botanical garden and Croco Cun Zoo, with several refreshing cenotes just inland. Punta Maroma has a more pristine beach, as well as dolphin encounters and more at Maroma Adventures.

The Best Hotels in North Riviera Maya

• El Dorado Maroma • Hotel phone: +52 984 206 3470
• Blue Diamond • Hotel phone: +52 984 206 4100
• Generations Riviera Maya • Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8030
• El Dorado Royale • Hotel phone: +52 998 872 8030
• Valentin Imperial Maya • Hotel phone: +52 984 206 3660

Staying in South Riviera Maya

The Hotel Xcaret Mexico in South Riviera Maya.

The South Riviera Maya, between Playa and Tulum, has long swathes of white sand beach, protected by the reef and Cozumel, making the waves extra soft. Hotels here are set into the jungle and fronted by kilometers of unspoiled beaches. The main town between Playa and Tulum is Puerto Aventuras, with a Dolphin Discovery park, along with restaurants and resorts. Some of the biggest draws to South Riviera Maya are the adventure parks, such as Xel-Ha, Xcaret, and Río Secreto. This is also home some of the biggest, most popular cenotes: Dos Ojos, Jardin del Eden, Cenote Azul, and many more.

The Best Hotels in South Riviera Maya

• Hotel Esencia • Hotel phone: +52 984 873 4830
• Hotel Xcaret Mexico • Hotel phone: +52 984 206 4805
• Hard Rock Hotel • Hotel phone: +52 984 875 1100
• Grand Palladium Kantenah • Hotel phone: +52 984 877 2100

Read More

• Best Family Hotels in Playa del Carmen
• Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
• Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
• Best Hotels in Cancun
• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Puerto Vallarta Family Hotels
• Cancun Family Hotels
• Los Cabos Family Hotels
• Isla Mujeres Family Hotels
• Tulum Family Hotels
• Mazatlan Family Hotels

Mexico › Best Places to Stay in Mazatlan
Updated: January 7, 2023

See Also

• Mazatlán – Best Hotels
• Mazatlán – Best Family Hotels

The Best Areas to Stay in Mazatlán

Sitting on the Pacific Coast in the state of Sinaloa, Mazatlán is both a historic port city, with a sensitively-restored colonial old town, and one Mexico’s top beach resort destinations, with a ten-mile-long white-sand beach. A sleepy fishing village until the early 19th century, Mazatlán was then transformed into Mexico’s busiest international port. Then, when the port’s fortunes waned, tourism took over. By the 1970s, Zona Dorada resorts were attracting visitors from the U.S. and beyond, and in recent years, the city has benefitted from its proximity to other popular Pacific Coast destinations, such as Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita, further south, with many tourists travelling between the three. While Mazatlán is rather spread-out, stretching for miles along the coast, most neighborhoods along the coast are well-served by the frequent “Sábalo-Centro” buses and taxis, and most of its attractions are concentrated in the Centro Histórico and the Zona Dorada.

Beautiful historical buildings in downtown Mazatlán at night.

Mazatlán stretches for around 13 miles along the coast. The southern part of the city, consisting of a peninsula sticking out into the sea, is occupied mainly by the walkable Centro Histórico, Mazatlán’s historical heart – a walkable and easy-to-navigate grid of narrow streets. This is where you’ll find the majority of the city’s best boutique and budget hotels inside former colonial mansions that line the streets around the cathedral square, as well as a good mix of restaurants, food markets, craft stores, and two worthwhile museums.

Adjoining the Centro from the west are three compact neighborhoods, fringed by the malecón (seafront walk): Olas Altas, encompassing the most popular and busiest part of the malecón, Loma Linda, centred on the hill that looms over the waterfront, and Los Pinos, further north. Loma Linda and Los Pinos are both largely residential neighborhoods, with some boutique hotel options, whereas Olas Altas boasts seafront restaurants and bars and several inexpensive accommodations.

The beach at Olas Altas.

Flanking Centro to the south, across the Avenida Miguel Alemán, is Playas Sur, another residential neighborhood that’s somewhat removed from the bustle of Centro but still within easy walking distance. Its west side comprises some hilly streets with beautiful views of the coast, while its south end is taken up by the ferry terminal. Jutting off to the southwest is El Faro, a rocky outcrop topped by a lighthouse.

Avenida Gutiérrez Nájera is the official northern border of Centro Histórico, where it meets a clutch of small neighborhoods collectively referred to as Playa Norte, after the 3-mile sweep of sand that takes you all the way up to the promontory that marks the border with the Zona Dorada. The beach is lined with palapas (inexpensive seafood restaurants) and a few wallet-friendly beach hotels. Further inland, the southern half of Playa Norte is mostly residential, but in the northern half you’ll find the main bus station, aquarium, baseball stadium, the Grán Plaza shopping mall and the Parque Central.

Separating Playa Norte from the Zona Dorada to the northwest is Avenida Rafael Buelna, lined with some excellent taquerias that comes alive in the evenings. The relatively compact Zona Dorada is where you’ll find a dense concentration of beach hotels lining the golden-sand beach, and international restaurants catering largely to an American clientele, all within a block or two from the beach. There’s a lively nightlife scene too, also catering to gringos.

The Zona Dorada is bordered to the north by the El Cid golf course that separates it from Sábalo, also with a fine sweep of beach, good range of restaurants and with numerous all-inclusive and midrange beach hotels. It’s quieter than the Zona Dorada, with more condominiums, but also well-connected to the Centro Histórico by regular buses.

Just north of Sábalo is the Mazatlán Marina, filled with yachts, beyond which, another white-sand beach stretches for three miles, flanking the spread-out neighborhood of Nuevo Mazatlán. It’s the newest part of the city, with department stores, strip malls, a golf course, condominiums, a few high-end hotels, plus international restaurants. It’s not easily walkable and you ideally need your own wheels here.

Best Best Places To Stay in Mazatlán

The 5-star Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay in Mazatlan.

• Best Luxury Hotels in Mazatlán
  Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay • The Inn at Mazatlán Resort & Spa • El Cid Marina Beach Hotel
• Best Boutique Hotels in Mazatlán
  Casa de Leyendas • Las 7 Maravilas
• Best Cheap Hotels in Mazatlán
  Hotel La Siesta • Villa Serena Centro Histórico • Hotel Raices de Mar

Best Neighborhood in Mazatlán for Sightseeing: Centro Histórico, Loma Linda, Playas Sur

Mazatlán is better known for its beaches than its cultural heritage. That said, exploring the streets and markets of the city’s historical core – the Centro Histórico – plus the waterfront promenade in Olas Altas, is a great way to take Mazatlán’s pulse. The Centro Histórico has two excellent museums: the Museo Arqueológico, which focuses on pre-Hispanic Sinaloan civilisations, and the Museo del Arte, that stages changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Just up from Olas Altas, in Loma Linda there’s a rocky outcrop where you can watch the local clavadistas (cliff divers) plunge into the sea from high diving platforms twice daily (tip generously), particularly when coachloads of tourists roll up from the Zona Dorada. Finally, it’s well worth doing an early morning hike up El Faro – the hill topped with a lighthouse at the southern end of Playas Sur – for great views of the city; it’s safe and many locals do it as their early morning exercise.

Best Neighborhood in Mazatlán for Nightlife: Zona Dorada, Sábalo, Olas Altas, Centro Histórico

The Zona Dorada is the undisputed epicentre or Mazatlán’s nightlife. There are sports bars, bars attached to hotels with never-ending happy hour and oyster shooters, expat-owned resto-bars (such as Veintiocho) with live music, beer gardens, and raucous nightclubs, popular with visiting gringos and young locals alike. Nearby Sábalo’s scene is more sedate – mostly hotel bars and some open-air cocktail bars. Further south, Olas Altas might be tiny, but in the evenings, the malecón is really hopping, with a couple of vintage bars with busy outdoor seating serving pints of Pacifico beer, michelada-style (with lime and clamato juice and chilli powder on the rim). Next door, the Centro Histórico features the city’s oldest and best craft beer brewery, Cervecería Tres Islas, as well as several excellent cocktail bars, all within several blocks of the Plazuela Machado (square surrounded by restaurants and bars).

El Aljibe de San Pedro Restaurant in the historic city center.

Best Neighborhood in Mazatlán for Food and Restaurants: Centro Histórico, Zona Dorada, Playa Norte, Sábalo
The Centro Histórico has excellent coffee shops and some of the city’s most varied dining to suit any budget: from fusion and fine dining restaurants (Nao Kitchen Bar, Aljibe the San Pedro, Pedro y Lola, Hector’s Bistro) around or near the Plazuela Machado, to inexpensive, traditional, family-run restaurants (Cenaduria Chayito), taco stands (Tacos Jose, Tacos El Veneno, Taqueria Playa Sur), plus food markets with food stalls around the edges, the largest being the Mercado Pino Suarez, a block north of the cathedral square. Dining along Playa Norte tends to focus on inexpensive beachside eateries that specialise in seafood; El Muchacho Alegre and Mariscos Puerto Azul are good bets. Zona Dorada offers good fusion and international dining (Rico’s Café, Yokiro Sushi, Restaurant Panama), as well as stellar family-run restaurants and taco stalls along Avenida Rafael Buelna, on the border between the Zona Dorada and Playa Norte (Mi Ranchito Los Osuna, Taqueria Martin, Tacos Alejandro). Sábalo’s offerings fall into the international or seafood categories (Angelo’s, La Costa Marinera, Cenaduria Chayito, Los Arcos).

Best Neighborhood in Mazatlán for Families: Zona Dorada, Sábalo, Nuevo Mazatlán

If you’re looking for all the conveniences and facilities of an upmarket, all-inclusive, family-friendly beach hotel, close to international dining and with plenty of beach activities, then either the Zona Dorada or Sábalo are your best bets, especially since it gives you the flexibility of easy day trips into the Centro Histórico. If you prefer to stay in one place, in an even quieter location, and don’t mind being quite far away from the city’s cultural attractions, then all-inclusive beach hotels in Nuevo Mazatlán are a good choice.

Best Neighborhood in Mazatlán to Stay for First Timer: Centro Histórico, Zona Dorada
It rather depends on what you’re after. If you have a beach holiday in mind, then the Zona Dorada, with its fine white-sand beach, waterfront hotels offering water sports and proximity to excellent international restaurants, is your best bet. That said, the Zona Dorada feels like a beach resort place that could be anywhere; if you’re after a real sense of history, wonderful atmosphere in the evenings, varied dining – from high-end restaurants to some of Mazatlán’s best street food, and museums, then look no further than the Centro Histórico. Staying in one doesn’t mean missing out on the other, given the excellent transport connections.

The facade of a historical building in downtown.

Most Romantic Neighborhood in Mazatlán: Centro Histórico
The city’s historic heart, with its cobbled streets, mood lighting in the evenings, and appealing colonial buildings – some in a state of genteel decay, others beautifully restored – is undoubtedly the most atmospheric part of Mazatlán. Add some boutique hotels and al fresco dining at some of the city’s most imaginative restaurants, and you’ve got a recipe for a great romantic vacation.

Best Neighborhood in Mazatlán for a Local Vibe: Playas Sur, Los Pinos, Centro Histórico
Playas Sur, being mostly residential, is a great way to experience Mazatlán from a local’s perspective, particularly if you stay near the coast, where colourful houses line the hilly streets. Los Pinos, adjacent to the Centro Histórico, is a good place to base yourself if you want to be within easy walking distance of the historical center while staying in a quiet and local part of town, and watching the fishermen with their catch on the Playa Los Punitos or the southern end of Playa Norte. In the Centro Histórico, while the streets around the Plazuela Machado are pretty touristy, just a few blocks away, it’s a bustle of unvarnished local life, with its bustling streets, mom-and-pop tortilla shops, taco stands and produce markets.

The seafood market in the Playa Norte area.

Best Neighborhood in Mazatlán for Shopping: Centro Histórico, Zona Dorada, Playa Norte
It depends on what you’re after. The Centro Histórico is best for quality Mexican crafts from the Sinaloa region and beyond. Check out Casa Etnika for Huichol beadwork and psychedelic weavings and tiny, brightly painted papier-mâché skeletons, copper-wire and wool jewelry, bold contemporary art, and colorful weavings; Nidart Gallery for handmade leather masks, plus sculptures and ceramics; La Querencia for striking ceramics, painted wood objects, sculptures and jewelry; and Gandarva Bazaar for colorful Mexican masks, dolls made from gourds, handmade Mexican journals, and reproduction Chinesco (an early-1st-millennium culture in Nayarit) ceramics. In souvenir stores in the Zona Dorada, keep an eye out for locally produced mango liquour, made at the Onilikan distillery just out of town, while Playa Norte features the city’s largest shopping mall, Gran Plaza, complete with local and international boutiques.

Safest Areas of Mazatlán

Mazatlán has a low crime rate for a Mexican city, and neighborhoods frequented by visitors, such as the Centro Histórico, Zona Dorada, Olas Altas, Playa Norte, Sábalo, etc, tend to be fine to walk around, particularly during the day. That said, opportunistic pickpocketing does happen, so be aware of that while exploring the markets, or if in the near vicinity of the city’s bus station. Standard precautions apply: don’t flash lots of cash, expensive jewellery or electronic gear, and avoid deserted, poorly-lit streets at night; take a taxi back to your hotel if you’ve stayed out till late. Unsafe Areas of Mazatlán
Visitors are advised to take taxis/pulmonias at night if staying outside the Zona Dorada, Sábalo, and the few blocks in the Centro Histórico in the near vicinity of the Plazuela Machado, because opportunistic muggings do occasionally take place.

A cliff diver in the Loma Linda area takes flight.

The Best Neighborhoods in Mazatlán for Tourists

Staying in Centro Histórico

In the south part of Mazatlán, the city’s historic heart is undoubtedly the most characterful and interesting part to explore or stay in, particularly if a beach holiday is not a deal-breaker. It’s centred on two main plazas: the cathedral square, and Plazuela Machado, a little farther south, surrounded by restaurants and bars. The neighborhood is quite a large one, but its logical grid of streets is easily walkable and this is where you’ll find the city’s beautiful (and in some cases dilapidated) colonial architecture, including the Angela Peralta Theater and the mansions that currently house intimate boutique hotels. Whether you’re looking to visit the Archeological Museum, to sit and people-watch over coffee, immerse yourself in the bustling produce markets, or sample its extensive dining scene, from daring fusion to some of the city’s best taco stands, Centro Histórico is the place for you.

Best Hotels in Centro Historico

• Gamma The Inn at Centro Historico • (Hotel phone: +52 55 5515 5245)
• Villa Serena Centro Historico • (Hotel phone: +52 669 194 0806)
• Casa de Leyendas • (Hotel phone: +52 669 981 6180)
• Hotel Raices de Mar • (Hotel phone: +52 669 136 0439)

Staying in Olas Altas/Loma Linda/Los Pinos

Ajoining the Centro Histórico to the west, these three compact neighborhoods run along the malecón (seafront walk). Olas Altas is southernmost of the three, encompassing the busiest and most popular stretch of the waterfront, with a handful of excellent bars and restaurants overlooking the beach (okay for swimming when calm, otherwise popular with surfers) and several hotels, ranging from cheap to boutique. Just to the north of Olas Altas is Loma Linda, a residential neighborhood centred on the eponymous hill. Next to the hill is diving spot where you can watch the city’s cliff divers do their thing. Sandwiched between the sea, the northern part of Centro and Loma Linda is Los Pinos, another quiet residential neighborhood with a small beach, Playa Los Pinitos.

Best Hotels in Olas Altas/Loma Linda/Los Pinos

• Casa Lucila Hotel Boutique • (Hotel phone: +52 669 982 1100)
• Las 7 Maravillas • (Hotel phone: +52 669 136 0646)
• Hotel La Siesta • (Hotel phone: +52 669 981 2640)
• Best Western Posada Freeman • (Hotel phone: +52 669 985 6060)

View of the South Beach area from El Faro.

Staying in Playa Sur

Just south of the Centro Histórico and Olas Altas, and easily walkable from the dining scene and attractions of both, Playa Sur is a quiet, somewhat gentrifying, residential neighborhood offering an authentic slice of Mexican life. Accommodations are limited to just a few options, while the dining scene consists of a handful of seafood restaurants near the cruise ship port at the southern end of Playa Sur, and a few taquerias (taco stands) along Avenida Miguel Alemán that marks the informal border with the Centro Histórico to the north. Attraction-wise, the port makes a handy jumping-off point for trips to Isla Piedra (not really an island), with a decent sandy beach and lots of beachside palapas (inexpensive seafood restaurant) – a favourite with local families on weekends. It’s also well worth climbing up El Faro, the hill topped with lighthouse, for expansive views of the city.

Best Hotels in Playa Sur

• Hill House Mazatlan • (Hotel phone: +52 669 176 5424)
• Hotel Dwana • (Hotel phone: +52 669 176 7010)

Staying in Playa Norte

Collectively referred to as “Playa Norte” after the city’s longest stretch of beach that runs alongside it, the busy neighborhoods that make up the central part of Mazatlán is where you’ll find offices, banks, hardware stores, the city’s bus station. The northern half of Playa Norte is home to the baseball stadium, Gran Plaza mall, a string of newly built beach hotels (mostly midrange), and Central Park – an ambitious project and the city’s largest green space, complete with new aquarium, bike paths and picnic areas. Considerably less touristy than the Zona Dorada or the Centro Histórico, it’s within walking distance of both. While the beach is better for sunbathing than swimming (it gets hit by some big waves), there’s good casual seafood dining along the waterfront, and the fishermen haul in their catch at the south end of the beach.

Best Hotels in Playa Norte

• Coral Island Hotel & Spa • (Hotel phone: +52 669 989 6050)
• Olas Altas Inn Hotel & Spa • (Hotel phone: +52 669 981 3192)
• Aguamarina • (Hotel phone: +52 669 981 7080)

The waterfront in Zona Dorada.

Staying in Zona Dorada

Stretching between the rocky Punta Camaron that marks the north end of Playa Norte, and the El Cid golf course, the Zona Dorada is Mazatlán’s most popular beachside neighhourhood. Its compact and walkable size, proximity to the beach, proliferation of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and excellent transport connections attract a range of visitors, from sun-seeking families to spring breakers. Parts of the Zona Dorada can be quite loud, with late-night parties, but the location and the prime slice of beach is hard to beat.

Best Hotels in Zona Dorada

• The Inn at Mazatlan Resort & Spa • (Hotel phone: +52 669 913 5500)
• Hotel Playa Mazatlan • (Hotel phone: +52 800 716 9567)
• Royal Villas Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 669 916 6161)
• Las Flores Beach Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 669 914 3400)

Staying in Sábalo

Sandwiched between the El Cid golf course to the east, Zona Dorada to the south and the yacht marina to the north, this compact, oceanfront neighborhood is a mix of condos, midrange and 5-star beach hotels, with some excellent restaurants and excellent beach access. It’s much quieter than the Zona Dorada, but an easy ride (or longish walk) away from the Zona Dorada’s nightlife, and well connected to the rest of the city by frequent public bus. (Those travelling in the rainy season may wish to note that the coastal road connecting Sábalo to the rest of the city sometimes floods during heavy rains).

Best Hotels in Sábalo

• Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan Beach Resort • (Hotel phone: +52 669 989 8900)
• Hotel Luna Palace • (Hotel phone: +52 800 696 7800)
• El Cid Marina Beach Hotel • (Hotel phone: +52 669 989 6969)

Staying in Marina/Nuevo Mazatlán

At the very north of the city, just north of the yacht marina that separates the Zona Dorada from Nuevo Mazatlán, is the newest part of the city and one of Mazatlán’s upmarket neighborhoods, spread out along miles of golden-sand beach. It comprises a dozen or so hotels, ranging from 3-star beach joints to 5-star all-inclusives, beachside palapas (seafood restaurants), strip malls, the Marina Mazatlan golf course and a waterpark, popular with tourists and local families. Nuevo Mazatlán is pretty far from the Centro Histórico and not well-served by public transport, so having your own car is a boon.

Best Hotels in Marina/Nuevo Mazatlán

• Hotel Riu Emerald Bay • (Hotel phone: +52 669 989 7900)
• Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay • (Hotel phone: +52 669 989 0525)
• Cerritos Resort Tomini 97A • (Hotel phone: ++52 669 988 0238)

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Mexico › Punta de Mita › Best Bars
Updated: March 10, 2022

Where to Find the Best Cocktails in Punta de Mita, Mexico

Punta de Mita is a town best-known for its similarly named gated community, Punta Mita, and the condos, golf courses, and luxury resorts that live within it, like the Four Seasons and St. Regis. However, an array of interesting dining and accommodation options can be found outside the gates too. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything open in the area past 10 or 11 pm, but if you venture out earlier you can definitely enjoy a world-class drink.

These are the spots with the best cocktails in Punta de Mita, whether you’re after a traditional margarita or a signature cocktail created in house at a famed resort.

1. Chevychería (at W Punta de Mita)

Sitting at the W Hotel’s beachfront ceviche bar is an experience in its own right. Patrons can enjoy fresh seafood with Latin flavors served straight from a ’50s Chevrolet pickup truck. The cocktails are all made from fresh ingredients at a bar inside the truck and are perfect for the beach slash poolside location. Try the Ananash, a concoction made from roasted pineapple puree, agave honey, lime, and raicilla – a local agave distillate similar to tequila and mezcal that you shouldn’t miss.

More info:
• Address: Km 8.5, Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle – Punta de Mita, Desarrollo Costa Banderas, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 226 8333

2. Mita Mary Boat Bar & Bistro (St. Regis)

Keeping in line with the food truck movement, this beachside “boat” bistro allows guests to enjoy mouthwatering seafood tacos or tostadas accompanied by fresh tropical fruit cocktails. Margaritas come in unique flavors like watermelon, jalapeño, passion fruit, or basil and pineapple. At night, a fire pit burns on the sand, adding a bohemian element to the beachy atmosphere. This is a place where you’ll probably want to go in the company of your significant other, as the sound of the waves, the moonlight, and the feeling of the sand between your toes are the ingredients for a memorable holiday date night.

More info:
• Address: Lote H-4, México 200 km 19.5, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 291 5800

3. The Shack (at the Four Seasons)

This beachfront bar at the Four Seasons serves signature cocktails created in house by expert mixologists. The Machete, a smoky mezcal drink infused with watermelon and chilies shouldn’t be missed. And if you’re after something that will whet your appetite –or cure the previous night’s excesses– you can’t pass up the Cielo Rojo, a refreshing combination of Riviera Nayarit’s sangrita mixed with Cora beer, a label made exclusively for the resort by Cerveza Minerva. The innovative cocktails are served in unique glasses that will make you want to order a drink just to experience the joy of drinking from a see-through skull-shaped mug oozing smoke or a tall totem-inspired highball.

More info:
• Address: Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle – Punta de Mita, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 291 6000

4. Spice Market (at W Punta de Mita)

If you’ve been to an iconic Buddha Bar at one of its locations around the world, this place is bound to remind you of it. DJ beats, dim lights, opulent furniture, and spicy pan-Asian cuisine weave together smoothly to provide the perfect atmosphere for a swanky night out. With outposts in New York City, Doha, and San Miguel de Allende, Spice Market is guaranteed to make you feel like a real-life VIP. A cold sake seems like a very appropriate drink order, but they also have several expertly-crafted cocktails that go well with the chef’s take on Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cuisine.

More info:
• Address: Km 8.5, Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle – Punta de Mita, Desarrollo Costa Banderas, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 226 8333

5. Lobster Paradise

Guess what we recommend you order if you decide to give this place a go? Yes, lobster! But if drinks are what you’re after, this restaurant located at El Anclote strip offers you the choice between sitting on a large beachfront deck or seeking refuge from the heat at the enclosed air-conditioned bar. The bar’s impeccable maritime décor and signature cocktails are bound to keep patrons in there for a while. Try a Sí Señor, which combines espadín mezcal with coconut water, lime, and tonic water, or a Ramon is Hot, prepared with silver tequila, cucumber, jalapeño, agave honey, and lime.

More info:
• Address: Ave El Anclote 9, Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 291 6296

6. Rosa Mexicano

Margaritas poured in front of patrons accompanied by mouth-watering Mexican antojitos (starters that will help you sample a lot of different items on the menu) is the way to go at this brightly-colored restaurant with seating right on the sand. Warm complimentary salsa is prepared tableside for you to enjoy with tortilla chips while you wait for your order and the friendly staff will go the extra mile to ensure you have everything you need. If you find yourself in the area soon, make sure you give this place located at El Anclote a try. It’s as Mexican as it gets but with a tropical beach twist.

More info:
• Address: Ave El Anclote 114, Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 291 5495

7. La Pescadora

Formerly named The Blue Shrimp, La Pescadora is also found in El Anclote and it retains its striking surfboard decor at the entrance. Self-described as a “Barbecue–Beach–Booze” joint, this is a great spot to relax by the beach at sunset with a drink in hand while you gaze at people expertly paddleboarding. Try a freshly-made lime margarita served in a colorful mouth-blown glass, either sitting at a table if you’re planning to accompany your drinks with an order of guacamole or seafood specialty, or from one of their comfortable lounging chairs.

More info:
• Address: Ave El Anclote 10, Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 291 5212

Tips & Advice

• When to Visit: June through August are the hottest months to visit Punta de Mita, so if you’re looking for a bit of a cooler climate, you might want to wait till November –although it should be noted that temperatures don’t vary significantly throughout the year. If you want to ensure that it doesn’t rain while you’re there (and you don’t mind the crowds), consider visiting during the high season of January, February, or March. Good deals can be found in May, the slowest month in Punta de Mita.
• Arrival: Your flight will arrive at Puerto Vallarta airport, which is about an hour’s drive to Punta de Mita. Airport taxis can be expensive, as is private transportation arranged in advance by the hotel, but you can get an Uber in Puerto Vallarta for much less. Alternatively, there are several private and group transportation options leaving from the Puerto Vallarta airport.
• How to Get Around: Whether you stay in the gated community of Punta Mita or at a hotel located elsewhere, you can get to the town of Punta de Mita by taxi or hotel shuttle. The main strip in the town is called El Anclote, where you’ll find bars, restaurants, and shops. El Anclote also offers accommodation options –albeit more modest than others in the area.

Read More

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• Best Restaurants in Punta de Mita
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Mexico › Tulum › Biking
Updated: March 10, 2022

See Also

• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Family Hotels in Tulum
• Maps of Tulum

The bike path in Tulum that runs all the way to the beach.

Getting Around Tulum By Bike

Biking along the beach road in Tulum. The road is narrow with no bike lane, but traffic moves slowly and drivers are used to looking out for cyclists. Biking is the best way to get around Tulum, whether in the town or at the beach.

There are five ways to get around Tulum

• Walking is easy to do in the pueblo (downtown) or at the playa (beach). Most of the pueblo’s hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and the bus station sit within a three square kilometer section of town. Streets follow a mostly grid-like pattern with wide sidewalks and good lighting at night. The clubs stay open until late (some as late as 5:00 a.m.), so it’s not unusual to have the streets crowded with pedestrians until late in the evening. At the playa, there is only one narrow road, so it’s impossible to get lost. Most hotels and many restaurants are set up along the eastern, beach side of the road, while most restaurants, shops, bars, and yoga studios lie on the western, jungle side of the road. Though there is no sidewalk for most of the length of the beach road, cars move slowly and drivers are used to pedestrians, so it’s generally safe to walk during daylight hours. Exercise caution walking at night, as there are no street lights here, just the lights from the hotels and other businesses, so it’s hard for drivers to see pedestrians. Though walking is the most common way to get around in the beach zone, the whole length of the beach is over 10 km from the ruins in the north to Sian Ka’an in the south and would take around 2.5 hours to walk the full length. For longer trips or to travel the 5 km between the pueblo and the playa, you’ll want a more efficient mode of transportation.
• Busing is an easy, affordable way to travel from Tulum to nearby cities, including Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Bacalar. There are two bus stations in Tulum, the main one in the pueblo and another one at the ruins. However, there are no bus routes connecting the pueblo to the beach. The closest thing Tulum has to a public bus serving local routes in the pueblo or on the beach is the colectivo, a large van that operates as a bus and is mostly used by locals and hotel workers. The colectivo between the pueblo and playa runs about every hour; it’s often full and when that’s the case, it won’t pick up more passengers. Colectivos are incredibly cheap if you’re lucky enough to flag one down on Avenida Coba, but it’s not recommended to rely on the colectivo.
• Taxis are the most expensive public transport option, but they are the best option for traveling with luggage, large groups, or for late-night trips to or from the beach zone. Taxis are easiest to find near the bus stations, Chedraui supermarket, and near hotel-heavy areas, or call ahead to reserve one. Taxis in Tulum do not use meters; instead, they charge flat rates depending on which zone you are traveling to or from. Drivers have an official list of fares per zone in their taxis, and you’ll also find these lists at designated taxi stands. For a taxi from the pueblo to the North Beach Zone (up to the ruins) or Beach Town area (as far south as Zamas Hotel), the price should be around 100 pesos, while a taxi from the pueblo to the South Beach Zone, near the entrance to Sian Ka’an will be around 180 pesos. Not too bad for an occasional expense, but for multiple trips, it adds up fast. There is no Uber in Tulum to compete with taxi rates.
• Driving is easy to do in and around Tulum and offers more flexibility for exploring farther-flung attractions, including the Cobá ruins, Punta Laguna Nature Park, or Dos Ojos cenote. But a car can be a burden for traveling along the beach road since there is not much parking available and the narrow road is prone to congestion with work trucks and too many taxis. Rent a car if you plan on doing a lot of exploring outside Tulum proper, but if the bulk of your time will be spent in the pueblo or at the beach, cycling is the best option.
• Cycling is the best way to get around Tulum especially for traveling up and down the beach road, for getting between the pueblo and playa, and for getting to the cenotes just outside of town. Bikes are everywhere in Tulum. They’re easy to rent and cost about 150 pesos a day (less if you rent for multiple days). Tulum pueblo, playa, and the surrounding areas are mostly flat with a few very slight inclines here and there. The bike ride between the town and beach takes 20 to 35 minutes depending on your precise starting and stopping points. Along the beach road, car traffic can stop for 5 to 15-minutes for seemingly no reason at all. On a bike, you sail right by all the traffic and are happy for not being stuck in a car.

Renting a Bike in Tulum

Ola Bike in Tulum Pueblo – on the bike path heading towards the beach.

The best bike rental shop in Tulum is Ola Bike Tulum in the Pueblo on the road to the beach. There are many rental shops nearby, but Ola has the most well-maintained bikes in all sizes, plus accessories like baby carriers. If you book in advance, they’ll even deliver the bikes to you at your hotel and pick them up when your rental term ends.

Paola is another good shop in the Tulum pueblo. The bikes are older and not as high-end as Ola’s, but they are cheaper, about 100 pesos a day. The downside is that they will keep your ID for collateral as long as you have the bike.

Punta Piedra Beach Posada is the most popular spot to rent a bike at the beach in Tulum.

There are also bikes available to rent on the beach, but most beach bike rentals are run out of hotels with a limited selection of bikes at an inflated rate (around 250 to 500 pesos per day). The best bike rentals on the beach are at the hotels Punta Piedra Beach Posada and Las Palmas Maya. Both places have a good selection of well-maintained bikes at reasonable rates (around 150 pesos a day).

Cycling in the Tulum Pueblo

The bike path on the main road in the Pueblo, Carretera Tulum-Cancun, is new and well-marked with a wide sidewalk on the inside and a large buffer space between the bike lane and the road.

Many of Tulum’s best taco stands, restaurants, and bars are either right on this road or within a block, including Antojitos la Ciapaneca, seen here…

…and Burrito Amor, with plenty of bike parking available.

The pueblo, espcecially Avenida Centauro Sur, is the main nightlife hub of Tulum, with bars open all night until 4 or 5:00 a.m. The area is fairly well-lit all night with plenty of people on the streets, so it feels safe. On a bike, it’s easy to zip down the narrow, pedestrian-filled streets where cars would struggle to cross.

Avenida Cobá is the road leading from the pueblo north to the Cobá ruins or south to the beaches. Headed toward the beach from the pueblo, the bike lane becomes a shared walking/cycling path for about 3.5 km.

Cycling in the Beach Zone

Avenida Cobá runs from the pueblo south and dead-ends at the beach road, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, where there is a roundabout and a small police station. Turning left (north) here takes you off the bike path onto the road. Follow the road past several sandy and a few rocky beaches all the way up to the Tulum ruins. On a bike, you can park for free in the bike lot (seen here) right next to the main entrance. Car drivers will have to pay to park their cars in one of the lots about a 10-minute walk away.

View of the Temple of the God of Winds at the Tulum ruins. Biking to the ruins and exploring the archaeological site is a major highlight of any vacation to Tulum.

From the main intersection of Avenida Cobá and the beach road (seen in the background), turning right (south – the opposite way than these cyclists are going) leads to the most popular beaches of Tulum. The shared cycling/walking path continues south along the beach road all the way to the small collection of hotels, shops, and restaurants at the start of the main strip of beach hotels. (I call this Beach Town, but no one else does).

The bike lane ends just past Azulik Hotel. South of here is no path along the beach road, but traffic moves slowly – it always feels safe to be on your bike as long as it’s not dark (there are no street lights in the beach zone, so it’s hard for drivers to see cyclists at night).

The beach town area is the skinniest part of the beach road as shops and restaurants tend to spill over the boundaries.

If you’re uncomfortable navigating this patch, just walk your bike.

For hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars south of here (the opposite way of these cyclists) you’ll ride on for 1 to 5 kms. The road along the beach is flat.

The beach road stretches south for about 7 km before reaching Arco Maya, the entrance to Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve. The road gets pretty bumpy and patchy as you approach and continue into the nature park.

Hotels in Tulum with Free Bikes

The following hotels offer free use of their bike fleets for hotel guests. Bikes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to get an early start to your day.

Free bikes at Casa Malca in the South Beach Zone.

Free bikes at Sueños Tulum in the South Beach Zone.

Free bikes at Una Vida Tulum in the pueblo.

Free bikes at Naay Boutique Hotel in Aldea Zama.

Free bikes at O’ Tulum Boutique Hotel – Adults Only in Tulsayab, north of Tulum.

Free bikes at Teetotum in the pueblo.

Free bikes at Villas Geminis in the pueblo.

Free bikes at LiveTulum in the pueblo.

Free bikes at Casa Ambar Boutique Hotel – Adults Only in the Middle Beach Zone.

Free bikes at Posada Lamar in the Middle Beach Zone.

Read More

• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Hotels in Tulum for Families
• Best Cheap Hotels in Tulum
• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Best Restaurants in Tulum
• Best Bars and Clubs in Tulum
• Best Tacos in Tulum
• Best Cenotes in Tulum
• Best Time of Year to Visit Tulum
• Tulum Travel Guide
• Cancun to Tulum Transportation (including Airport)
• Videos of Tulum
• Maps of Tulum

Mexico › Riviera Nayarit Hotels
Updated: March 10, 2022

The days when the Riviera Nayarit used to piggyback off its then most famous neighbor, Puerto Vallarta, to gain visitors are long gone. The Riviera Nayarit has a personality of its own, with its nearly 200 miles of coastline extending from Nuevo Vallarta in the south all the way to San Blás in the north.

With 23 seaside towns that make up this tourist destination, visitors can find a host of different accommodation options, some as unique as the towns where they’re located. Sayulita and Punta de Mita might have put it on the map, but lesser-known towns like Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacastle, and San Francisco – affectionately known as San Pancho – are also worth a visit. Here are 7 unique hotels in the Riviera Nayarit that are sure to attract those seeking intriguing decor, extraordinary service, and striking locations, with options for every budget.

1. Casa de Mita – Punta de Mita

This eight-room adults-only property is everything you’d want a boutique hotel to be. It’s located outside the gated community the Punta de Mita area is known for, but don’t let the bumpy gravel road you’ll travel down to get there fool you into thinking you picked the wrong spot. The staff pampers you from the moment you arrive and the hardest decisions you’ll have to make are whether you’ll have that second signature margarita, or whether you should move from your reading nook on a secluded Balinese bed full of pillows to a plush sunbed in a sunnier spot by the pool. Art and color abound, each room has a private terrace and the white-sand beach the hotel sits on is practically private. You’ll feel like you’re royalty at this place.

More info:
• Address: Playa Careyeros, 63734 Punta de Mita
• Phone: 329 298 4114
• Current prices starting at $775 USD per night

2. W Punta de Mita – Punta de Mita

The contemporary design of this hotel will make each and every one of your shots Instagram-worthy. The headboards in some rooms are made from surfing boards, private patios have colorful Acapulco-chair-style floating cocoons, and surfing or skating Frida posters in bold hues hang on the walls. But the rooms aren’t the only thing that oozes cool at this luxury property, the pool has hot tubs inside it, and a ceviche bar in an old Chevy truck sits right beside it. Spice Market, its pan Asian restaurant, has a sophisticated Buddha Bar feel to it, and the spa is undoubtedly one of the best in the area —if not the world. You’ll swoon as soon as you walk into the reception area and stumble upon the mosaic tapestry that climbs down steps, extends across the pool area, and reaches a bridge where you’ll want to be at sunset.

More info:
• Address: Km 8.5, Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle – Punta de Mita, Desarrollo Costa Banderas, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 226 8333
• Current prices starting at $254 USD per night

3. Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita – Higuera Blanca

Despite its name, this luxury property is located in the town of Higuera Blanca and offers eco-luxe at its best. Sitting on a 250-acre ecological jungle preserve, the resort’s suites and larger “casas” provide great views of the jungle or ocean while offering lavish indoor comforts. All the suites of this boutique hotel, which belong to the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection, are incredibly spacious and many have their own pool. The Jungle Spa is completely outdoors and the “cabins” have thatched walls —without much else— so the guests can hear the sounds of nature while receiving their treatments. The beach has Balinese beds and boulders of different sizes arranged in interesting formations, adding to the property’s Zen vibe.

More info:
• Address: Monte Nahuac Lote L, 63734 Higuera Blanca, Nay.
• Phone: 329 298 4200
• Current prices starting at $596 USD per night

4. Hotel Cielo Rojo – San Francisco

This small nine-room hotel is located in the town of San Francisco, Nayarit, affectionately referred to as San Pancho. The town’s laid-back atmosphere is one of the main reasons to visit, especially now that neighboring Sayulita gets jam-packed with tourists. Charming and decorated in minimalist yet very Mexican details, Hotel Cielo Rojo is the perfect base to explore the community. While it doesn’t have a pool, its restaurant is a definite highlight, both for the local artwork on its walls and its innovative and organic menu. Don’t leave this place without trying the avocado and cacao nibs smoothie.

More info:
• Address: Asia 6, 63734 San Francisco, Nay.
• Phone: 311 258 4155
• Current prices starting at $58 USD per night

5. Villa Bella B&B – La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

The views at this B&B in the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle are truly breathtaking. Perched high on a hill, the property overlooks the town below —nestled among the greenery— and the ocean as far as the eye can see. The best part is that the spectacular views can be enjoyed by all the guests from the pool area, not just by the select few with the rooms on the top floors. Each of the seven rooms is different from the rest and some have separate living rooms, terraces, and kitchens, ideal for guests looking to feel right at home on longer stays.

More info:
• Address: Calle Monte Calvario 12, Nayarit, 63732 Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nay.
• Phone: 329 295 5161
• Current prices starting at $64 USD per night

6. Refugio del Mar – Bucerías

Balconies overlooking a street covered with bunting, colorful sitting rooms, full-size kitchens, and Mexican accents throughout are some of the reasons to pick this boutique hotel located in the understated town of Bucerías, an older sibling to Sayulita, and a more casual cousin to Punta de Mita. Visitors will enjoy a relaxing stay surrounded by an eclectic decoration that combines the traditional with the contemporary. The hotel does not have direct access to the beach —it’s only a brisk walk away— but it’s the space granted by the suites and its three outdoor pools that will have you returning time and time again.

More info:
• Address: Benito Juárez 51, Bucerías, Nay.
• Phone: 322 101 8705
• Current prices starting at $132 USD per night

7. Casablanca Sayulita Hotel – Sayulita

This beachfront property with thatched-roof villas and bungalows is located on the quieter side of the bustling town of Sayulita. Sure, you’ve seen the pictures with the colorful bunting on the main road and the cute bohemian boutiques lining the streets, but when it’s at its peak, the main beach is nothing to write home about. Opt to stay instead in a laid-back, affordable haven that —at least during the low season— can make you feel like you own beachfront property with access to a semi-private beach. The rooms all have a separate sitting area, a kitchenette, and a balcony overlooking the pool. If you’re traveling as a group, consider booking the main house. Consisting of 3 bedrooms, your party of 10 will have a private pool, unobstructed beach views, and an outdoor palapa with a BBQ grill.

More info:
• Address: Av. del Palmar 79, Sayulita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 298 8565
• Current prices starting at $100 USD per night

Tips & Advice

• When to Visit: June through August are the hottest months to visit the region, so if you’re looking for a bit of a cooler climate, you might want to wait till November –although temperatures don’t vary significantly throughout the year. If you want to ensure that it doesn’t rain while you’re there (and you don’t mind the crowds), consider visiting during the high season of January, February, or March.

• Arrival: Your flight will arrive at Puerto Vallarta airport, which is about an hour’s drive to Punta de Mita, 45 minutes to Sayulita, San Pancho, and Higuera Blanca, 30 minutes to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and 22 minutes to Bucerías. Airport taxis can be expensive if you’re going to the towns further away, as is private transportation arranged in advance by the hotel, but you can get an Uber in Puerto Vallarta for much less. Alternatively, there are several private and group transportation options leaving from the Puerto Vallarta airport.

• How to Get Around: Local taxis are okay to get around from one neighboring town to the next. Some towns are small enough for you to walk from your hotel to the beach, the shops, and other places of interest, and you can also get around by bike or buggy in towns like Sayulita and Bucerías (hotels like Refugio del Mar even have some available for their guests).

Read More

• Cancun – Best Hotels
• Cancun – Family Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Best Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Family Hotels
• Los Cabos – Travel Guide
• Los Cabos – Best Hotels
• Los Cabos – Family Hotels
• Mazatlan – Best Hotels
• Mazatlan – Family Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Best Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Family Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Best Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Family Hotels
• Punta de Mita – Best Hotels
• Sayulita – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Family Hotels