Hotel Review: Palace Resorts' Playacar Palace

Many people choose to stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, because it offers a blend of country and city. The area’s natural beauty is a far cry from the urban hustle and bustle of Cancun, but with Playa’s upscale shopping and sophisticated restaurants, it doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, either.

The newly renovated Playacar Palace from Palace Resorts captures this blend of nature and modern convenience. Visitors to the resort are greeted in the open-air lobby, where a banyan tree and a fountain are the dominant elements.

Meanwhile, the modern decor screams luxury, with cool white marble floors and flowing curtains blowing in the ocean breeze. The sounds of leaves rustling in the wind, gently flowing water and waves crashing provide a soundtrack to the check-in process, where guests receive high-tech electronic bracelets that serve as room keys during their stay.

The hotel has recently reopened after a $14 million transformation, and its 201 guestrooms have been redone with modern furnishings; updated showers and vanity areas; Lavazza coffeemakers; and improved jets added to the in-room whirlpool tubs. My family of four fit comfortably in our Superior Deluxe Ocean View room. We especially appreciated our private terrace and the complimentary minibar. Another option for families is the resort’s Walk Out Suites, which offer direct access to the pool and beach. 

The lobby, front desk, restaurants and lounge areas have been enhanced, as well. The resort has four restaurants: Cafe Del Mar offers buffet dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Bocelli specializes in gourmet Italian fare for dinner; Momonohana offers Asian cuisine, including sushi and teppanyaki; and an open-air Brazilian-style churrascaria serves dinner. 

Additionally, Palace Resorts recently announced an exclusive partnership with Certified Angus Beef, making the brand the first all-inclusive resort chain in the region to offer only Certified Angus Beef. The company also launched a partnership with world-famous pastry chef Antonio Bachour. All Palace Resorts now feature an exclusive menu selection of desserts and pastries, exclusively curated by Bachour

Playacar Palace has three lounges; the largest is Luna Lounge. This chic, lively night spot features Thai delicacies, craft cocktails and two pool tables. It’s a popular after-dinner hangout for adult guests.

Outside, the pool area at the resort is expansive without feeling overwhelming — even during spring break week, I could always get a chaise by the pool or on the beach. The pool features a swim-up bar and an extra-large hot tub, as well. 

The resort is in an ideal location — right on the beach opposite the Playa del Carmen pier, just steps away from the Cozumel ferry. It’s also perfectly located for clients looking to combine a beach vacation with high-end shopping and dining at the Quinta Avenida district. At this pedestrians-only outdoor mall, guests will find popular chains such as Nike, Old Navy, Zara, American Apparel, Diesel and more. Visitors can also get their Starbucks fix here. Playacar Palace is ideal for families, groups and couples.

While it’s not as big or busy as some of the larger resorts in the region, it still provides modern comfort, top-notch dining and all the amenities today’s travelers expect. Plus, its location on the beach in the heart of Playa del Carmen makes it perfect for those who want to enjoy the Mexican Caribbean without traveling too far for dining, nightlife and shopping. And with the hotel’s renovation, it’s easy to find the “palace” in Playacar Palace.

The Details
Playacar Palace 
www.palaceresorts.com