Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen: Quinta Avenida to the Caribbean Shore

Playa del Carmen sits on the Riviera Maya coast of Quintana Roo, 68 km south of Cancún International Airport and 12 km north of the Xcaret eco-park. The city grew from a small fishing village into one of Mexico's fastest-expanding resort destinations after the 1990s highway expansion. Today, Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) — a pedestrian strip running 30 blocks north from the ferry pier — anchors street life, with taquerías, mezcal bars, and open-air boutiques lining its length.

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

Most hotels cluster in three zones. The Playacar gated community to the south holds all-inclusive resorts facing a wide beach. The Centro grid between Calle 1 and Calle 38 Norte offers boutique hotels steps from the ferry to Isla Cozumel, which departs every 30–60 minutes. The stretch north of Constituyentes Avenue toward Mamitas Beach Club draws a younger, longer-stay crowd with condo-style rentals.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: ADO buses run every 30 minutes from Cancún airport (90 min, roughly MX$200).
• Ferry to Cozumel: Ultramar and Winjet ferries cross in 45 minutes from the main pier.
• Hurricane season: June–November; September sees peak storm risk — check cancellation policies before booking.
• Currency: Most hotels quote USD; ATMs dispense pesos at better rates than hotel desks.