Hotel Review: Hilton Playa Del Carmen

As I stepped into the expansive, open-air lobby of the Hilton Playa Del Carmen — with the turquoise sea sparkling in the distance ahead of me — I took a moment to bask in all the glory of my current location.

It was my first trip outside the U.S. since March 2020, and as I looked out at the view before me, I counted myself extremely fortunate to be at the property, which served as the host for TravelAge West’s 2021 Future Leaders in Travel Retreat.

The adults-only, all-inclusive Hilton Playa Del Carmen occupies a prime location in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, stretched along the Mexican Caribbean beachfront yet just steps from the shopping and dining of Fifth Avenue, making it perfect for clients who want to enjoy the best of both the hotel and the local area.

The property itself offers plenty to tempt clients. A renovation completed in December 2019 (just months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit) added some Caribbean flair to its hacienda-style architecture, as well as updated its 524 suites. My spacious room featured a giant jetted tub, floor-to-ceiling windows and a furnished balcony complete with a hammock — a feature I very quickly came to love. Another fun surprise was the in-suite “magic box,” where room service could discreetly be delivered from outside the suite, ideal for guests seeking extra privacy or social distancing. In-room minibars are also restocked daily. 

The hotel’s 11 suite categories also include higher-level oceanfront walk-out suites — with direct access to the beach — and swim-up suites with a semi-private pool.

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Hilton Playa Del Carmen's Restaurants and Amenities

When it comes to resort dining, the Hilton Playa Del Carmen offers eight globally infused eateries along with seven bars and lounges. Options range from pan-Asian cuisine at Asiana to the Mediterranean flavors of the recently added Kalamata restaurant, gourmet Mexican fare at Maria Marie and Caribbean fusion at the beachfront Pelicanos.

My personal favorites? The flavorful lunchtime street tacos served up at the open-air Rincon Mexicano (where I made multiple appearances throughout my stay), and La Mejorada, a new bar off the lobby where cocktails are crafted for each patron’s personal preferences. 

Gourmet-minded clients may also be interested in the haute cuisine-focused Chef’s Plate, where a new menu is created each day. The upscale dining experience is only included for certain suite categories, though reservations are available to all guests for $89 per couple. 

Other features of the property include multiple pools — a sprawling oceanfront option with entertainment and activities during the day, and a tranquil relaxation pool tucked away in a quieter corner — multiple hot tubs and plenty of cabanas (which can be reserved for an additional fee). Although I didn’t take advantage of the gym’s offerings during my stay, I was impressed by its large size and range of equipment.

More tempting to me was the hotel’s spa, SpAzul, where local ingredients and elements of Maya culture are worked into the treatments. There’s even an on-site temazcal, a traditional Mesoamerican sweat lodge that is meant to clear away both physical and spiritual impurities. 

Hilton Playa Del Carmen and COVID-19

Advisors should make sure clients know that some of the resort’s options might not be available due to COVID-19 restrictions, and masking requirements may be in place for parts of the property (during my stay, they were necessary for public areas, but not at the pool or beach).

In addition, Hilton Playa Del Carmen offers guests a complimentary on-property antigen test before departure (in accordance with U.S. re-entry requirements) for travelers staying at least three nights. At check-in, clients also have the option to purchase Extended Stay Protection for $29 per person, which provides 14 days of quarantine accommodations in the case of a positive COVID-19 test result. 

The Details
Hilton Playa Del Carmen