In Puerto Morelos, hotel chain Excellence designed its luxury all-inclusive for adults only. The eight restaurants don't require reservations, a sticking point with some travelers who detest standing in line at "rush hour" to secure a table for dinner on a particular night. The sprawling resort has 440 rooms. Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Riviera Maya stand out in Playa del Carmen. The resort was named as a AAA-rated Five Diamond hotel for 2011, an award bestowed on only 124 hotels in North America. The 490-room Grand Velas is an all-inclusive resort that's not restricted to adults.
The Banyan Tree Mayakoba received Trip Advisor 's 2011 Travelers' Choice Award in several categories, including "best service" and "romance." The Asian-influenced resort is on a protected marsh, and villas have private pools. Not all the 107 villas are beachfront, but all are surrounded by water in some form; Mayakoba means "village of water." El Dorado Maroma is a small, 72-room all-inclusive property in Playa del Carmen. Some of its rooms have personal plunge pools directly overlooking the beach. Honeymoon suites have outdoor showers, and balconies with queen-size beds.
Smaller properties on the southernmost end of the Riviera Maya can be simple huts with saltwater showers and limited electricity. Travelers who crave more comfort will prefer La Zebra and La Luna in Tulum. Rooms have funky charm and are steps from the ocean. Ancient ruins on the beachside cliffs and hidden swimming caves attract adventurers, but vacationers who prefer to keep their bare feet in the sand all day won't have to leave, as both properties have restaurants and bars. Caribbean Travel and Life magazine recommends Escencia in Xpu-Ha, "an intimate experience akin to a elegant house party." The 50-acre estate once belonged to an Italian duchess.
One tourist's paradise is another tourist's nightmare. Because the Mayan Riviera has so many levels of hotels and resorts, first-time travelers should seek recommendations from friends or read traveler reviews before choosing a place to stay. Small hotels in quiet beach towns may not appeal to travelers who prefer numerous choices in dining and evening activities. Other hotels are popular because they're within walking distance of several bars and restaurants, but you may be bothered by noise once you're back in your room. Small businesses in Riviera Maya may not accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay in cash, particularly if you want to stock your room with provisions from a local market. Also be aware that all-inclusive resorts advertising that alcohol is included in the cost may not have more than one or two brands of beer or wine.
