What to Do, Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen?

What to Do, Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen? Twas’ my second time in Playa del Carmen and when I arrived I instantly remembered why I loved Playa so much the first time around. On this particular visit, I visited the Riviera Maya for a Destination Wedding, hence a couple nights were spent with the wedding party. Playa del Carmen is so full of life, a romantic city that is rich in food and culture. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway where you can enjoy good food, shop, hit the beach, stroll for miles down Quinta Avenida, and people watch, Playa del Carmen is your place. Unlike Cancun, Playa del Carmen appeals to a more mature crowd, honeymooners, and families. You will most definitely find some nightlife in this beautiful town, but it’s not as loud and crazy as Cancun. Aside the hotels, I didn’t find Playa del Carmen to be as expensive as other Caribbean destinations, however it is definitely more expensive than Cancun. Although I didn’t venture out to any nearby attractions, you can spend a day in Tulum and another in Chichen Itza. Out of all the Caribbean and Mexico destinations I have visited, Playa del Carmen is one destination I am happy to visit over and over again.

6 night itinerary in Playa del Carmen…

Arrived at the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen!

A warm welcome with guacamole, chips and veggies, along with fresh lemonade. Thanks Braulio! 🙂

A Club King Room - comfortable bed with a balcony, but no view!

Pool area at Grand Hyatt.

The next day – breakfast at Grand Hyatt’s Club Level. The staff was super sweet, friendly (Luis) and always greeted us with a smile. Loved that we could wake up and start our day right with coffee, freshly squeezed juice, eggs, yogurt chia, and more. The luxury of having fresh green juice each morning, I got so spoiled.

I totally indulged in eggs & salsa roja, salmon, toast, fresh jams, Americano, and my favorite – Yogurt Chia. I need to replicate the recipe.

HOTEL REVIEW: Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
STAR RATING: **** ½
STYLE: Modern/Trendy
PROS: Trendy Hotel | Excellent Location | Luxury Rooms | Complimentary WiFi | Comfortable Beds | Rain Shower Head & Regular Shower | Excellent & Friendly Customer Service | Housekeeping | Complimentary Waters Daily | Complimentary Dessert Daily | Complimentary Tea/Coffee | Restaurants at Hotel | Club Level Access | Infinity Pool | Beach Access | Resort
CONS: Rooms without Ocean View/Pool View - not much to see.
VERDICT: 4.5 / 5
LOCATION
1a Avenida esquina Calle 26 Colonia Centro, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, QROO, Mexico

Arrived at Alux Restaurant. [Dress: Revolve Lioness]

Romantic dinner in a cave, a unique restaurant that is underground with absolutely no windows. A cool experience and one that I highly recommend. I’ll share my foodie adventure in my next post.

Next day, I hit the beach. The water was clear, but not crystal clear. So far the best water I have seen have been (in order) Turks and Caicos, St. John, St. Thomas, and Aruba. Playa del Carmen is next.

Spent the evening attending a wedding at the Grand Hyatt.

The next day, dinner at Axiote where I tried Guacamole with Grasshoppers. I KNOW! Apparently, it is a popular delicacy in Mexico. I would say grasshoppers are the American equivalent to bacon, it gives the guac a little something. I wasn’t able to stomach more than a couple bites though.

A stroll down Quinta Avenida at night, so romantic with the cobblestone streets and colorful flowers.

Again the next day, a stroll down Quinta Avenida.

There are tons of places that offer Couples Massage for just $50 – that’s an hour long massage for 2 people! I felt so relaxed afterwards.

An evening snack at Grand Hyatt Club Access. This meal blew my mind, I couldn’t believe how much food they had and more importantly how good it was. Of course, I enjoyed a glass of rose wine. I skipped dinner this night since I overate.

Stopping by Calle Corazon where you’ll find shops, restaurants and loud music. A fun crowd and great evening hangout spot.

I spent the next day riding the waves at the beach. Although I can’t swim, being in the ocean and riding the waves is one of my happiest moments. I’m strongly considering taking swimming lessons now.

Let’s not forget about Cocktails by the Ocean from El Paseo at Grand Hyatt! Imagine riding the waves after a slight buzz, that’s even more fun, just be careful.

Heading to dinner on 5th Avenue. I never got sick of strolling down this romantic street. I easily got my 10,000 steps in for the day so I never felt guilty about what I ate.

A fabulous and romantic meal at La Casa del Agua which offers Contemporary Mexican cuisine. Definitely worth a visit.

Strolling down 5th Avenue on a perfectly breezy warm night.

Beautiful church - Nuestra Senora del Carmen Catholic Church.

A night stroll on the beach. Hearing the waves crash against each other was so calming. I love being around the ocean at night when the waves are calm.

Last meal in Playa at La Cueva del Chango where I had the BEST chicken enchiladas of my life. Best and most affordable meal of the trip! A must-do!

The next day a bird pooped on my hair before lunch. It’s a good thing I didn’t realize it until after lunch else I would have been so grossed out. Another shampoo for me before heading out. [Dress: H&M]
TIP for Curly Haired Gals: when you don’t have your hair products on hand, after you hop out of the shower, substitute body lotion for cream, and then scrunch your hair with actual conditioner. It helps with frizz, a little trick I use on vacation when I don’t bring my curly hair products.

Bye Playa del Carmen, see you again, someday! 🙂