Hilton Playa del Carmen Resort Recap

Location

This beautiful beachfront resort is located about an hour south of Cancun International Airport. Transfers to and from the hotel should always be arranged beforehand, which I will be more than happy to help you with! Just outside the hotel's doors, you will find all of the best restaurants, shopping and nightlife that Playa del Carmen has to offer along the famous Fifth Ave.

Rooms

At Hilton Playa del Carmen, every room is a suite, complete with a jetted bathtub and a balcony or terrace. The junior suites start at a spacious 653 square feet, and if you’re feeling fancy, the presidential suite is nearly 2,000 square feet! Some rooms even come with a personal swim-out pool, stunning beachfront views or a charming garden view. Perfect for up to four guests. There's something here to suit everyone's vibe.

Amenities

At this all-inclusive resort, you can enjoy all the food and drinks from their 14 restaurants and bars without ever needing your wallet. Talk about stress-free! They’ve got a fantastic gym with a variety of fitness classes every day. One of my favorite things about this resort is the entertainment. There are activities going on at the main pool all day, including their epic foam parties. In the evenings, the entertainment staff puts on incredible Cirque du Soleil-style performances that will blow your mind. There are also live bands, DJs and even a silent disco — which is always a highlight for us! If you're all about relaxation, the spa offers a variety of services and you can kick back in beach chairs or cabanas with wait service, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Dining

• Spice: The hotel's buffet for breakfast and lunch.

• Barefoot: This poolside snack bar offers great healthy grab-and-go meals (you've got to try their poke bowl!).

• Maria Petrona: Upscale Mexican cuisine serving dinner (my personal favorite!).

• Kalamata: Mediterranean and Italian options for dinner with both buffet and menu choices.

• Asiana: Gourmet Asian fusion, open for dinner.

• Aromas: This coffee shop is open from early morning until late at night for a caffeine pick-me-up. They’ve got ice cream and pastries too if you’re craving something sweet!

• 24-Hour Lounge: A great spot to watch a game, play pool and grab a quick snack anytime.

• Pelicano's: Caribbean fusion serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Rincon Mexicano: Beachfront restaurant serving Mexican specialties.

• Chef's Plate: Gourmet fine dining that’s free for guests on the one-bedroom king suite level and above. For other room types, there’s an extra charge. Reservations are required for everyone. This was definitely the best meal we had at the resort!

*Please note that as of February 2024, Pelicano's and Rincon Mexicano are closed for construction.

I highly recommend Hilton Playa del Carmen for anyone looking for an unforgettable getaway. Its smaller size makes it feel intimate and easy to navigate, while the exceptional service and lively nightlife add to the overall experience. Whether you're a couple, a group of friends or an adult family, this resort caters to all types of travelers, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and fun.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Playa del Carmen. In need of further inspiration? Check out Stephanie Hicks’s guide, All-Inclusive Family Getaway to Playa Del Carmen.