The best available hotels & places to stay near Riviera Maya

August 26, 2022 Roger Rusk

Stretching from the fishing village of Puerto Morelos to the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka'an, the Mayan Riviera offers an unforgettable Caribbean coastline experience. Divers and snorkelers will be dazzled by the wrecks of Xcaret and the Puerto Morelos reef. Use a zip line to descend into the sacred subterranean caverns of LabnaHa Eco Park, where you can snorkel an underground river under a canopy of stalactites. The nearby Tulum Monkey Sanctuary will put you in a playful mood.
Things to do in Riviera Maya

1. Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

Carretera Cancun-Puerto Morelos KM 27. 5, Puerto Morelos 77580 Mexico
Excellent
80%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 327 reviews

Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

Secrets Riviera Cancun evokes the power of attraction with its all-Preferred-Club-suite luxury and perfect location, nestled between the jungle and Caribbean Ocean, just 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport. Made for adults seeking an exquisite, pampered getaway, all our guests enjoy exclusive Preferred Club benefits and Unlimited-Luxury™ inclusions such as 24-hour room service, personalized destination-concierge service, limitless top-shelf spirits, pool and beach wait service and more. Guests will discover the perfect balance of romantic tranquility and social sophistication with exclusive free-flow access to Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa next door. They can mix and mingle at a water aerobics class or with a curated cocktail in hand by the Energy Pool, jump into a volleyball game, or become immersed in entertainment and dance to the music of international DJ’s. When they are ready to wind down, guests can relax together in their private terrace whirlpool, have a rejuvenating spa treatment at relax Spa by Pevonia®, indulge in a romantic private dinner on the beach or stay in bed with 24-hour in room dining. Visitors will savor a variety of sublime cuisine at the exclusive Rosewater, or stroll next door to experience unique and trendy international restaurants serving gourmet fare, with no reservations required, and sip on perfectly mixed cocktails at nine vibrant bars, all without limit. For a more elevated experience, Secrets Riviera Cancun features 164 ultra-modern suites, all part of the Preferred Club. Each of the suites feature a king or two double beds, a private and furnished balcony and whirlpool, Secrets Box for private room service delivery, daily refreshed mini-bar with soft drinks, bottled water, beer and a tequila bar, hair dryer, cable TV, MP3 docking alarm clock, spacious bathroom, slippers and more.

Spectacular unexpected visit

Reviewed By morty1017

Our plans were to travel from Philadelphia to Miami and then to Curaçao with a stay at Zoetry Flight delays and cancellations throughout most of the east coast on Saturday 6/4 forced us to either cancel our vacation or select a new destination with a Sunday arrival We chose Secrets Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos because of the close proximity and ability to stay preferred adults only on short notice ALL of the staff who worked very hard to make our stay beyond outstanding deserve a special thank you and should be commended for doing everything possible every single day to exceed expectations We did not expect this level of consistently outstanding service in a number of areas but that’s exactly what we experienced for 6 consecutive days In particular we would like to acknowledge the incredible customer service provided to us during our stay by the following: LUIS preferred lounge bartender FABIAN preferred pool complex butler DAVID secrets entertainment URBANO the best pool complex bar service CESAR Rosewater restaurant Maitre’D ADAL Rosewater waiter As you can see there were a number of hardworking dedicated and loyal employees who made it happen every day and who deserve a special thank you Our stay was incredible and we enjoyed this beautiful resort that doesn’t get all of the hype & the headlines but certainly far and away distinguished itself in the Secrets brand Continued success & many thanks for a very memorable stay We will be back Dean Kokos Carlisle Pennsylvania

2. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

Carretera Federal 307 Km 254 + 600, Akumal 77760 Mexico
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 9360 reviews

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is ideally located in the heart of the Riviera Maya along the famed white-sand beaches and calm, clear waters of Akumal. This brand new, adults-only resort offers a truly magical UnlimitedLuxury(R) experience starting with 434 elegant suites, many with stunning ocean views, an expansive infinity pool along with 11 smaller pools, all located nearby the centuries-old Mayan sites of Tulum and Coba. Indulge in 24-hour room service, daily refreshed mini-bar, limitless gourmet dining and top-shelf spirits six à la carte restaurants, one international buffet, a café and a grill, seven bars and lounges, pool and beach wait service, nightly entertainment and more. Spend a night out with the Sip, Savor & See dining experience at nearby sister properties or wind down with a specialty treatment at the exquisite Secrets Spa by Pevonia(R). Enjoy the natural beauty of Akumal - meaning "Place of Turtles" in Mayan - by snorkeling off the coast, visiting nearby underwater rivers, or simply basking on the pristine beach. A whole new world awaits at the all-new Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya. - Idyllic. Striking. Nature. We’re committed to redefining your travel journey with our best-in-class CleanComplete Verification™ practices. While health and safety have always been our top priorities, these new protocols further elevate our standards of quality and cleanliness, enabling you to vacation at any AMResorts® property with the ultimate peace of mind. Our 360-degree quality, safety and hygiene system takes into account every aspect of resort operations, backed by the highest-level third-party certification. We will be evolving and innovating our procedures continuously and will share the newest developments as they are implemented. Our protocols begin the moment you start planning a vacation to the time you return home! To learn more about our quality, safety and hygiene practices, please search for AMResorts CleanComplete Verification™ in your favorite browser.

Second time not as good

Reviewed By golfersatx

REVIEW SECRETS AKUMAL JUNE 2022 A summary: We have been to Secrets Akumal once a few years ago. In our eyes this very nice property has lost some of its luster and could use a refreshing. Those who visit SA (Secrets Akumal) frequently may not notice some of these areas that could use a redo. Our travel agent did a masterful job in securing our trip from our airline to AMSTAR. We waited no more than 10 minutes to be in a private transfer and on our way. SATURDAY On our arrival, the ceiling fan in our room had just 2 speeds, very fast and off. Our concierge was able to get an electrician to work on it but parts were not available. The following day parts were located and prompt repair. There was a Mexican buffet scheduled around the pool. We were there early and enjoyed a better bottle of wine to get us a table for two up front to enjoy the show. The appetizers were very good. We went for more food but heavy rain started to fall ruining the outdoor Fiesta party. We felt sorry for the staff. They put a great effort into the setup and food only to have it washed out. Monday we had reserved and paid for the use of a Bali bed. Nice location away from much of the noise. It was disappointing that it was saturated from the rain and multiple layers of beach towels were not enough to get the most enjoyment from it. We cancelled subsequent reservations for the beds. Yes it rained a lot but the beds could be better protected for the $75 charge. Monday night we dined at El Patio. The menu was comprised of Yucatecan and Oaxacan dishes. They were very good. Tuesday we ate at Bordeaux. We selected a bottle of wine from the alternate wine list. It was dutifully decanted to bring out full flavors. The chef asked us if we would like him to prepare us a special menu. That he had a special of surf and turf of lamb and salmon. We specifically asked for each to be prepared medium-rare. When the dishes arrived they were so well done we sent them back and asked for just a double order of the escargot for each of us which was nicely done. We never went back to Bordeaux. Wednesday we went to the spa for a scheduled massage. When we were in the relaxation room the entire spa lost power. We waited 15 minutes for someone to explain what was going on. They confirmed a power outage and wanted to proceed with our massage. We explained that we did not want a massage in room without air conditioning and that we would reschedule. On our way back to our room, we talked to two other concierges from other buildings. They stated that Akumal was having issues with their electrical supply and that the resort was now suffering from occasional blackouts due to overbuilding of new resorts. That evening we ate at Portofino. It was so good that we dined there again later in the week. Paulina again presented the wine we chose. Thursday the room was warm and again contacted the concierge. She explained that the system was fresh air based and that the temperature inside and out will be the same. That is not how air conditioning works. We told her we did not agree with her and wanted the unit checked out again while we were at breakfast. When we returned the room was even warmer. Maintenance was going to check the thermostat and replaced it. When we got back to our room, we had no hot water and the room was still warm again. The power outage apparently affected the water supply and the chiller system. They were able to get both back on line. Thursday evening we ate an Oceana. Seafood was very nicely done but it took 3 hours to receive 3 courses of food. They might have had a large party they weren’t ready for. Friday we had an extended period with no rain. It rained every day for some period of time but SA has no control over the weather. Snorkeling time. For some unexplained reason the turtles have migrated to a different area. It was disappointing that they were not close in like they were on our last visit but SA has no control the wild creatures. That night we ate at Portofino again and had another bottle of wine with a great meal. Saturday we went to eat at Sea Side. Because of the Mexican festival we ate at Oceana. We experienced another outstanding meal. And again it was a repeat of a downpour which sent the staff into over drive and shutting down the Fiesta festival buffet again. The preparations were absolutely wonderful. We decided to go for expresso and cappuccino at COCO. We arrived to see local artisans set up for shopping and they were also getting rained out. We went to get a drink to let the rain ease up. I went to the lobby to try to find an umbrella. While in the lobby a drop of rain hit my head and found out they need repairs to the thatched roof. Sunday we had to get up at O’dark thirty for our trip home. AMSTAR arrived at 6:55 for our 7:00 reservation for our return to the airport. Flawless trip arrangements by our TA.

3. Hotel Xcaret Arte

Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Colonia Rancho Xcaret, Playa del Carmen 77710 Mexico
Excellent
81%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1405 reviews

Hotel Xcaret Arte

Cayuco Restaurant “Server Roberto”

Reviewed By artc897

Thanks to the best server in the world “Roberto” in Cayuco at Xcaret Arte! His service was just the BEST! Thank you Roberto for the incredible experience. I’ll be back to visit my friend! If anyone visits please ask for him! He will not only provide you with his service but with an incredible experience!

4. Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Carretera Chetumal - Puerto Juarez Km. 282, Playa del Carmen 77710 Mexico
Excellent
84%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8901 reviews

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Our All-Fun Inclusive® program transforms and outmatches the traditional All-Inclusive concept, as we offer unlimited access to our Parks: Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco and Xenses, as well as deluxe tours to Xenotes and Xichen, with round-trip transportation included. Airport shuttle included.

Great experience !!

Reviewed By Roving02405631921

I went to the rooftop at the fuego house and Alejandro took care of us in an amazing way we was so kind and helpful. If you read this thank you so much my friend! Amazing profesional and human being I’m so glad that we went there and we had such a good time !

5. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Carretera Federal 307, Chetumal-Cancun Km. 306.5, Playa Maroma, Playa del Carmen 77710 Mexico
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 19124 reviews

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is tucked away on secluded Maroma Beach, voted the World's Best Beach by the Travel Channel four years in a row. This unlimited-luxury heaven provides opulence to the most discerning traveler with a pure white sand beach, stunning ocean views stretching as far as the eye can see, elegant suites providing 24-hour room service, daily refreshed mini-bars and several of them with swim-out access to twelve smaller pools plus a shimmering infinity pool, gourmet dining options and chic lounges. We’re committed to redefining your travel journey with our best-in-class CleanComplete Verification™ practices. While health and safety have always been our top priorities, these new protocols further elevate our standards of quality and cleanliness, enabling you to vacation at any AMResorts® property with the ultimate peace of mind. Our 360-degree quality, safety and hygiene system takes into account every aspect of resort operations, backed by the highest-level third-party certification. We will be evolving and innovating our procedures continuously and will share the newest developments as they are implemented. Our protocols begin the moment you start planning a vacation to the time you return home! To learn more about our quality, safety and hygiene practices, please search for AMResorts CleanComplete Verification™ in your favorite browser.

Jorge at El Patio

Reviewed By DakotaKappelle

Jorge provided unbelievable service! He was extremely kind and gave us a top tier experience. He gave us a cute little honeymoon sign with our dessert to celebrate us. We would definitely. one back!!!

6. Ahau Tulum

Carr. Tulum a Boca Paila Km. 7.5 Zona Costera, Tulum 77760 Mexico
Excellent
88%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1742 reviews

Ahau Tulum

Ecological luxury Hotel with a Guest House in Tulum Beach in Mexico. Experience the magic and mystique of Tulum from our beachfront resort, Ahau Tulum. Unplug, unwind, and enjoy barefoot sophistication amid the lush Mayan jungle and the crystalline Caribbean Sea on the pristine white-sand of Mexico's most coveted destination. Designed for the environmentally conscious traveler seeking a luxurious getaway, our resort offers eco-conscious cabanas and huts on the oceanfront. Enjoy daily yoga lessons and sunrise meditation or venture out to explore the ancient Mayan ruins located minutes away. Begin your journey at Ahau Tulum, your home for an authentic escape on the Mexican Caribbean.

REYES IS THE BEST!!

Reviewed By NiaLaeliah

¡HOLA! We had an absolutely great time at this beautiful establishment. We got caught in the rain and were greeted at the door with towels to dry off which we were extremely grateful for. Reyes was our server and he was more than amazing! He got us a fruity margarita while we waited for a gorgeous cabana that was on the beach. The food & drinks were delicious. We were celebrating my friends 21st birthday and she was surprised with a pineapple with sprinklers and tequila shots that we ordered! It was so much fun! The atmosphere is outstanding and the beach was beautiful. It was just the right temperature to have a great time. Hector was the manager on duty and he checked in with us to make sure we everything was going well (which is was). I definitely would recommend coming here! I will be back again!!!

7. Nerea Tulum

Fraccionamiento Tankah III Mza 3 Lot 21, Tulum 77760 Mexico
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 10 reviews

Nerea Tulum

Nerea is a hotel located in Tankah, Quintana Roo, an intimate space focused on personal wellness. Away from the city and the bustle, you can find the time and space to connect with yourself and find your most authentic self. Nerea means "flow" and invites you to be water, to adapt to any circumstance and cycle that arises in your life. Nerea offers different services and amenities that help you discover your optimal state by channeling your waters, your emotions.

Beautiful boutique Hotel

Reviewed By 611sharonh

This is a tasteful decorated small hotel right on the beach. It is very well designed, so despite the hotel being on a small plot it maximise space. The pool starts almost as soon as you walk in and continues to the beach. Very clever. Stylish comfortable furniture and beds. Chic bar area. The best breakfast I’ve ever had, served to you, freshly prepared. Friendly helpful staff. Good location, within a short walk to two sister hotels you can also use & dine in. Two other small hotels and a beach bar within walking distance. There is also a cenote (sink hole) a short walk away. It’s situated on a strip a couple of miles long, housing about 50 fabulous villas, so we took a long walk along the beach each morning…. Dreaming of being rich! The hotel is situated about, 15 mins from old Tulum, we loved it.

8. Excellence Riviera Cancun

Carretera Federal 307 Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Mz 7, Lote 1, 11, Puerto Morelos 77580 Mexico 1 (888) 307-2623
Excellent
82%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22713 reviews

Excellence Riviera Cancun

This all-suite, all-adult Resort is set along Mexico's renowned Mayan Riviera, between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, on an immaculate white sand beach. Six meandering pools wind through their grounds. You have unlimited access to eight international restaurants and ten bars, plus such amenities as an expansive swim-in spa, a full-scale fitness and cardio-conditioning center and an unparalleled range of activities on land and sea.

Always Paradise!

Reviewed By moviemom99

This was our tenth visit to ERC. The resort is beautiful and the pools inviting. The grounds are immaculate. The rooms so comfortable. The restaurants offer a delicious variety of food. It’s the perfect place for relaxation. The reason we continue to return is first and foremost the excellent staff and service. They always go above and beyond to make all the guests feel special. I would like to give special mention to the following staff members: Fatima Young(Guest Services Manager), Alfonso(Food and Beverage Guest Services), Christian Pool(Lobster House manager), Anais(Chez Isabelle manager), Rodrigo and Matilde(pool servers), Berenice and Inocencia(Hostesses at the Kitchen Table), Beatriz and Sergio(Aroma baristas), Jennifer(Hostess at The Grill), and the following servers Pablo and Geronimo(Lobster House), Jose(Agave), Manuel and Mario(Oregano), Padron(Grill), Bernardo(Chez Isabelle), Edwin(Kitchen Table). We thank all of you for making our vacation a memorable experience. You can not go wrong choosing Excellence Riviera Cancun. There’s a reason so many guests return again and again.

9. Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya

Carretera Federal 307, Chetumal Puerto Juarez Km. 311 500, Playa del Secreto, Playa del Carmen 77710 Mexico 011 52 984 206 3660
Excellent
74%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16477 reviews

Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya

Hotel Valentin Imperial Maya is the new definition of paradise. Our 5 star Adults-Only (18+) All-Inclusive Resort is located a short 25 minutes from Cancun International Airport in the Riviera Maya. Set amid lavish gardens on a half-mile-long stretch of white sand beach named Playa Del Secreto (The Secret Beach), this magnificent award-winning resort boasts one of the largest swimming pools in Mexico. The location is ideal as one can easily reach Cancun and the world famous Mayan archaeological sites such as Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza, yet be removed enough to enjoy the casually elegant ambience of Valentin Imperial Maya. Escape into a world where your every wish is our command. Come indulge yourself....You deserve it! Valentin Imperial Maya Hotel & Spa is committed to preserve the environment by reducing the consumption of natural resources, promoting among our guests and staff, protection and respect for the environment through good environmental practices.

Best Vacation Spot

Reviewed By LJustinMicha

This place has everything you could want in a resort. There are friendly faces everywhere, even the landscapers are friendly and say hi. You can make it as laid back as you want or as active as you want. Sonia is the best bartender and made the best Dirty Monkeys! The food is great and love their cheeseburgers. Dora was a ray of sunshine among the rain clouds. She had all the answers to any questions we had. I would recommend this resort to anyone and everyone!

10. Paradisus Playa Del Carmen

5 Avenida, Playa del Carmen 77719 Mexico
Excellent
72%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13622 reviews

Paradisus Playa Del Carmen

Set on the beach and surrounded by mangrove trees, Paradisus Playa Del Carmen is an all-inclusive four Diamond resort with its promise of all-inclusive fun and LUXExclusive experience designed with the entire family. All suites feature a private balcony or terrace and include air conditioning with climate control, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room Service, cable TV service, Minibar, in-room safe, complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, living area with sofa and a coffee maker. Services for relaxation and pampering include a YHI Spa, a hair salon ($), Wedding services, tours/ticket assistance and a business center. World-class facilities, Fitness, YHI Kids, Kids Zone, Kids Club, Baby Club, Game Room, Life enriching experience, Kids Pool. The resort offers 14 restaurants to choose from which are open daily.

Best Restaurant on the Resort

Reviewed By melissasC6768AT

My husband and I are staying in the Paradisus la Perla resort. For our last night we ate at Molé. Best restaurant at the resort. Service was fantastic (Guadalupe was amazing) and the food was so good!

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