10 Best Playa del Carmen Hotels for Families

Author: Dan Brewer

Last Updated:

When you want a relaxing beach getaway with adventure around every corner, the best Playa del Carmen hotels for families are ready to take you away and create lasting family memories. Imagine staying at one of these beachfront family friendly resorts with many kid-friendly amenities, such as a kids pool, kids club, babysitting services, etc.

One of our favorite family-friendly places in Mexico, we recently spent a month in Playa del Carmen with our kids. We uncovered the area’s best family-friendly adventures and incredible all-inclusive resorts to help you plan the best family trip to the Mayan Riviera. The crystal-clear waters of the best beaches of Playa del Carmen are always sure to please, but there’s much more to Playa del Carmen family hotels than it’s stunning Caribbean Sea setting. 

Small waves make Xpu-ha a very toddler-friendly beach near Playa del Carmen
Our family vacation to Playa del Carmen was one of our best ever!

Many of our recommended kid-friendly Playa del Carmen hotels offer excellent access to various excursions, including massive Mayan archeological ruins, world-class adventure parks, and refreshing kid-friendly cenotes unlike anything else in the world. Selecting the best place to stay in Playa del Carmen with family is a critical part of your Mexican family vacation. That’s why we worked hard to create this list of the best kid-friendly resorts in Playa del Carmen.

This post contains compensated links.

The Best Family-Friendly Playa del Carmen Hotels

We love the Riviera Maya and have spent extensive time there before and after having kids. Based on our real-life experiences and first-hand knowledge of the Riviera Maya area, here is our list of the top 10 best Playa del Carmen hotels for families:

1. Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda

Located directly on the beautiful Playa Punta Esmeralda, our pick for the best beach in Playa del Carmen, a stay at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda hotel is one of the best experiences you can imagine. 

Playa del Carmen cenotes for kids
Our kids loved the huge cenote in the middle of Playa Punta Esmeralda!

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda offers a family concierge to make things easy, with options for all-inclusive packages featuring 24-hour room service to keep the entire family’s belly full. The full lineup of activities and amenities will keep the entire family happy. The extensive list of on-site restaurants has everything from grab-and-go buffets to luxurious dining with international cuisine. 

But what makes the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda one of the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen with family is the amazing water park with a tropical theme. Three swimming pools and five slides combine to create one of the most incredible adventure pools, which is sure to be a hit and keep your children entertained for many hours.

the awesome water park at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda all-inclusive resort.
Kids love the awesome water park at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda.

The Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda has an extensive list of family amenities. For example, a baby club (an all-day nursery service) helps care for the little ones ages 1 to 4, while a kids club provides excitement for those up to age 12. Why not take a visit to the full-service spa or fitness center while your kids are having fun at the kids club?

an excellent kids club at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda resort.

At the kids club your kids will enjoy age appropriate activities such as craft time, pool and beach activities, and other workshops that keep them entertained while delivering a learning experience about local culture. Teenagers aren’t left out, with a wide selection of water equipment and games to enjoy, including kayaks, beach volleyball, and snorkeling gear ready to go.

a colorful kids table sits in the elegant lobby of the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda resort.
The kids table in the elegant lobby says a lot…

Best of all, customer feedback at the Paradisus La Esmeralda is exceptionally high. This luxury resort’s staff goes above and beyond to ensure your entire family gets the best treatment, letting you enjoy the best on-site and off-site experiences to make your visit to the best family hotel in Playa del Carmen memorable. It doesn’t matter if you want to spend all day at the pool or go on nonstop tours, the staff helps make your family trip to Mexico the best it can be. 

2. Thompson Beach House – A Concept By Hyatt

The second on our list of the best Playa del Carmen hotels for families is the Thompson Beach House

If you want to know where to stay in Playa del Carmen with family in the center of everything, look no further. The lovely Thompson Beach House is a beautiful 5-star hotel on the Central Playa del Carmen beach. In fact, we passed the Thompson Beach House many times as we made our way to our favorite spot on this beach – just 150 feet away from the hotel.

best public beaches playa del carmen - our favorite spot in town.
Our favorite spot on the main beach in Playa del Carmen – just a minute away from the Thompson Beach House.

This smaller beachfront hotel delivers an intimate experience that offers everything your family needs, from a refreshing swimming pool to an onsite restaurant with flavorful dishes. 

a dog sits by the pool at the pet-friendly Thompson Beach House hotel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

The ideally-located hotel is also a block or two away from Quinta Avenida, or 5th Avenue, where many of Playa del Carmen’s best kid-friendly restaurants and shops are located. This gives you convenient access to boutique shopping, fine dining, and endless entertainment.

Start your day with relaxation with the rooftop yoga classes, or get a sweat on in the fitness center. The air-conditioned rooms have WiFi and cable TV for all your evening wind down entertainment needs. The Thompson Beach House avoids the hustle and bustle of larger all-inclusive resorts yet still has everything you need to relax.

the Thompson Beach House has a beautiful beachfront setting for a family vacation to Mexico.

Staff is ready to greet you upon arrival with valet parking and swiftly get you inside your modern room, so you can immediately hit the beach or go out on the town for some fun. A dedicated tour desk and concierge service help you line up the best family-friendly activities, such as running to nearby water parks like the Xcaret eco-park or the Coba ruins with its towering pyramid you can still climb.

3. Grand Velas Riviera Maya – All Inclusive

If you want to enjoy the experience of one of the ultimate Playa del Carmen all-inclusive hotels for families, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the place for you. Located a 15-minute drive north of Playa del Carmen, this all-inclusive resort sits on a stunning property with five pools and an extensive, gorgeous beach area with plentiful seating and lounge opportunities.

guests of the Grand Velas Riviera Maya all-inclusive resort enjoy an outdoor yoga class in the morning.

Eight restaurants are part of the all-inclusive package deal, including a beachfront buffet with unforgettable views and incredible convenience, a Frida-Kahlo-inspired upscale dining spot with mouth-watering Mexican cuisine, and options that let your tastebuds complete a worldwide tour while basking in the glow of the Riviera Maya sun.

The Ambassador Experience focuses on generating a premier Playa del Carmen all-inclusive resort for families. These rooms are near the Kids Club, Teens Club, and fitness center to ensure everyone sticks together.

a table of kids makes colorful Mexican crafts at the kids club at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort near Playa del Carmen

There are a wide variety of family-friendly room options at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The family suites are one of the main reasons this property makes our list of the best kid-friendly hotels in Playa del Carmen. The family suites offer separate bedrooms and amazing family amenities such as children’s books, children’s robes and optional in-room babysitting services.

an oceanfront room at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort near Playa del Carmen, Mexico

You don’t need to leave the Grand Velas Riviera Maya resort, but if you want to explore the local sites, dedicated travel agents are always available to book what you want, when you want it. They’ll leave no stone unturned to let you discover the wide range of things to do in the Riviera Maya, making this property rank high on our list of the best all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen for families. 

4. Anah Downtown Luxury Condo

Some Playa del Carmen family hotels offer incredible luxury at a budget-straining price. But if you want a lower-priced option that lets you enjoy the Playa del Carmen experience, the Anah Downtown Luxury Condo is worth checking out. It’s right in the center of the action with access to 5th Avenue’s plentiful shops and restaurants Plus, Anah Condos are an affordable and upscale building complete with a rooftop pool and picturesque courtyard.

the rooftop pool at the Anah luxury condo building in downtown Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

There are countless restaurant options just outside the front doors, but for those who want to experience cooking local food at home, the Anah Condos include a complete kitchen, well stocked with everything you need. It can reduce the cost of your trip while letting you in on another side of local cuisine. A coffee shop and bar can still serve up beverages and snacks to kick start your day or enjoy a little afternoon treat.

With dishes like Chicken Mole Enchiladas, Carboncitos was one of our favorite restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
We loved taking our kids to the many excellent kid-friendly restaurants in Playa del Carmen.

The ADO Bus Station is within walking distance, as is Playacar Beach. It’s also right next to a major supermarket Soriana with a Walmart just two blocks away. It doesn’t get any easier to have everything you and your family need.

When we recently stayed in Playa del Carmen with kids for 28 days, we rented a condo a block away from the Anah Downtown Luxury Condo. We loved the downtown Playa del Carmen area, close to the beaches, the restaurants along Quinta Avenida. We loved the condo rental experience and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an alternative to staying at a kid-friendly all-inclusive resort.

5. Suites Corazon

Another high-quality budget option as one of the best places to stay in Playa del Carmen for families is Suites Corazon. The spacious 4-person studios come with a microwave and mini-fridge so you can have some food in the room. Each suite includes a comfortable seating area and a lovely terrace providing sunshine and fresh ocean air.

a rooftop terrace with a pool at the Suites Corazon hotel.

If you take a 3-minute walk, you can relax on the popular Central Playa del Carmen beach or grab a bite to eat in some of the delicious restaurants along the strip. Accessing tours and daily excursions is a breeze as well, with available hotel pickups from most agencies or hiring one of the many tour companies within walking distance.

The Suites Corazon facilities are well-maintained, and the staff takes great pride in ensuring that every stay is memorable and hassle-free. Our favorite parts of this hotel are the budget-friendly price and the central location that lets you do nearly anything you can imagine in the bustling city of Playa del Carmen.

a spacious room in a family-friendly condo rental in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

We also love the name, which translates to heart or love, which will pierce your heart with the heartfelt love flowing out of each room and experience. It’s truly one of the best Playa del Carmen hotels for your family vacation to Mexico. 

6. Viva Wyndham Maya – All Inclusive

Situated on a sprawling beachfront property loaded with beautiful colonial architecture and more entertainment than you can imagine, the Viva Wyndham Maya is one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Playa del Carmen for families. All meals and snacks with unlimited beverages, including cocktails and wine, are all included in the surprisingly low nightly rates.

an aerial photo of the beautiful white sand and turquoise Caribbean water in front of the Viva Wyndham Maya all-inclusive resort.

A private balcony or terrace makes it easy to enjoy the ocean views from the comfort of your room filled with plush bedding and flat-screen TVs. The all-inclusive property also hosts themed parties and live events. 

Your family can partake in many different sports on the resort grounds, including tennis, volleyball, and scuba diving. And the full service spa supplies relaxation like nothing else, while the five onsite restaurants provide a wide array of food that delivers an incredible experience no matter the time of day.

an open air restaurant at the Viva Wyndham Maya all-inclusive resort for families.

The attentive staff at the Viva Wyndham Maya fulfills your every wish, including an available airport shuttle and other convenient services that let your problems melt away. 

The location is also ideal, tucked in the heart of the popular Playacar Beach just south of the main Playa del Carmen area, giving you incredible access to the city hotspots from a special area focused on utter relaxation.

7. Terasu Riviera Maya

If you want to visit the Xplor Theme Park and Xcaret Eco Theme Park, one of the ideal Playa del Carmen family-friendly hotels is the Terasu Riviera Maya. It’s located in the massive Xcaret area located a 15-minute drive south of Playa del Carmen. 

kids will love the jungle setting at the Terasu Riviera Maya hotel near Xcaret Park.

While the hotel property is quaint and relaxing, the Xplor and Xcaret Parks couldn’t be closer, making it so you can spend days enjoying some of the Riviera Maya’s best adventure parks.

We’ve been to most of the Riviera Maya eco-parks for kids, and Xcaret is our favorite. You can read more about our experiences in Top 15 Tips to Have the Best Day at Xcaret Mexico and Have a Fun Day at Xcaret with Kids.

Our kids favorite thing to do at Xcaret was watching the sea turtles.
Our kids LOVED our visit to the Xcaret eco-park near Playa del Carmen.

The Terasu Riviera Maya has a swimming pool just steps outside the rooms and a nearby beach club with lounge chairs and saltwater fun, providing multiple choices for water-based enjoyment. While the onsite food is limited, it hosts a delectable seasonal fruit station with coffee, juices, and bread each morning. 

The property is surrounded by lush nature, providing a jungle-like environment filled with small touches like a thatched roof, natural stone, and beautiful patios.

a beautiful hotel room with a thatched roof near Xcaret, Mexico.

What we love most about the Terasu Riviera Maya hotel is its location and serene environment. While outside of the bustling downtown area, it sits less than 10 minutes away from nearly any adventure you could wish for, including scuba diving, a butterfly pavilion, and world-class restaurants. 

There’s simply no shortage of things for the whole family to do at the Terasu Riviera Maya hotel, including just simply soaking in the relaxing vibes of the family-friendly hotel. It’s an ideal getaway for those who want daily fun and the ability to return to an affordable, yet scenic hotel.

8. Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection

Auberge Resorts is no stranger to providing incredible hotel experiences with an extensive list of resorts spanning across North America under its umbrella ownership. The Etereo Hotel is one of their latest offerings, and it strikes a unique chord for those looking for the best family hotels in Playa del Carmen. 

luxurious beach cabanas at the Etero all-inclusive resort for families.

The Etereo Hotel is only about 15 minutes north of downtown Playa del Carmen making it easy to hop into town for fun and food, but the unrivaled setting makes it feel like it’s a world away from everything. Surrounded by scenic jungle, delightful beaches, and photographic architecture, your eyes feast on incredible views during your visit no matter where you look. 

enjoy dining on the beach at Etero kid-friendly all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya.

We recommend stepping into the Suite experience to get the most Etereo has to offer, with up to 3,900 sq. ft. of spacious living quarters complete with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, plunge pools, and butler service. Simply put, it’s a lavish and upscale experience worth every penny, especially when you see the incredible property and surroundings you’ll be sitting in.

a luxurious seating area with a fire pit surrounded by a swimming pool at the Etereo all-inclusive resort near Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

While there’s no shortage of family-friendly hotels in the Playa del Carmen area, finding a more pleasant experience than the Auberge Resorts Etereo offering will be nearly impossible. It doesn’t get any better than this, including the resort, the surroundings, and the overall experience.

​9. El Taj Oceanfront & Beachside Condo Hotel

The 57 units at the El Taj Oceanfront & Beachside Condo Hotel have been award-winning gems for over a decade, providing luxury experiences through two sister properties that combine to make one of the best Playa del Carmen kid-friendly hotels. Each unit has two to four bedrooms, huge living rooms, and fully-equipped kitchens, giving you an unrivaled home away from home feeling with everything your family needs.

a table filled with fresh fruit on a balcony facing the Caribbean Sea at the El Taj condo.

It doesn’t matter if you choose the oceanfront property or the beachside units just across the street, you’ll still have plenty of access to water, with several onsite swimming pools, an exclusive beach club, and the Central Playa del Carmen beach blocks away. 

a family-friendly condo rental in Playa del Carmen, Mexico has lots of fresh air.

Private terraces are filled with exotic plants, and the entire property features lush greenery, giving you a remote feeling despite being right in the thick of the things in the city.

an open air seating area at the El Taj family-friendly Playa del Carmen condo rental.

We love this hotel’s ability to provide an upscale experience that feels like you’re living a remote jungle life, yet you can still step right outside your door for access to the best restaurants, shops, and adventures in Playa del Carmen. The incredible service staff is ready to help you book daily excursions to places like Tulum ruins, Xcaret adventure park, and one of the many nearby cenotes.

10. Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

Located right next to the beautiful ​​El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Course, just about 12 minutes north of downtown Playa del Carmen, the Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Playa del Carmen for families. 

Nestled within the private, gated Mayakoba complex, it provides a superb getaway in a secure facility with amazing beachfront access in a wonderful resort community.

a woman enjoys the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea at the 5-star Andaz Mayakoba resort in Mexico.

Five remarkable restaurants serve dishes from local cuisine experts and international chefs ready to make your taste buds go wild. Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Mexico, Casa Amate thrills with exceptional Latin American dishes, and a taste of Mexican love. 

You can grab a bite from the poolside pavilion’s Cocina Milagro with stunning jungle views, or enjoy a vegan juice or fresh seasonable dish from VB. There’s an option at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya to meet anyone’s needs and desires.

the kids club at the Andaz Mayakoba luxury resort near Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Tours and adventures for the entire family can be booked through the concierge service, including lesser-known sites such as Ek Balam ruins, Rio Secreto underground river, and the Mayakoba 55-foot yacht. There are 214 rooms to select from, including 41 suites, with terraces overlooking the Mexican Caribbean, the interior jungle-surrounded lagoon, or a beautiful golf course. 

a family of four jumps into the Caribbean water off the Mayakoba boat.

​​You can get family-friendly connecting rooms for a bit of privacy without being too far away from your kids. Alternately, go for the full suites with plunge pools, expansive views, and comfortable living areas.

No matter what accommodation you choose at the Andaz Mayakoba Resort, you can’t go wrong with this incredible option as one of the premier kid-friendly all-inclusive hotels in Playa del Carmen.

Final Thoughts

With so many options for the best family hotels in Playa del Carmen, the most challenging part of your trip is picking the right resort for your family vacation. Choose from the amazing all-inclusive resorts tucked in the heart of town or those with full amenities a short drive away.

While the luxurious and upscale options are incredible, there are also plenty of family-friendly options. The Anah Downtown Luxury Condos make it easy to cook up your local food with full kitchens and nearby supermarkets, while the Terasu Riviera Maya lets you enjoy peaceful surroundings steps away from non-stop adventure.

It’s hard to top the splendor of the ​​Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda, but the Grand Velas Riviera Maya is another world-class resort worth every penny. No matter what you do, your family vacation to Playa del Carmen, Mexico will create lasting memories, recharge your spirit, and remind you about the good things in life.

The public Xpu-ha beach is the best beach in Playa del Carmen.
We hope you enjoy your family vacation to Playa del Carmen, Mexico as much as we did!

Did we Mention we Love Mexico with Kids?

To help you further plan your family trip to Mexico, here’s some additional resources from our family travels.

Dan Brewer, co-owner of the Family Can Travel website, visits a food market in Tokyo, Japan with his son.
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Dan Brewer is an intrepid family travel blogger with a passion for exploring the world's most captivating destinations. With 58 countries under his belt and a sense of wanderlust that knows no bounds, he has made it his life's mission to share his travel experiences and insights with fellow families who love to travel.

When Dan isn't traveling with his wife and kids, he's either out enjoying the Canadian Rockies he calls home or working on one of his three travel sites (Family Can Travel, Travel Banff Canada and Ultimate Sports Road Trip).