Hilton Playa del Carmen Review: Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort

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Choosing the perfect resort in Mexico is tough. There are so many beautiful properties to choose from. Last week I had the pleasure of staying at the Hilton Playa del Carmen, an adults only, all-inclusive resort in the best location in Playa. With a fabulous pool, top restaurants, an amazing spa, and incredible service, I truly loved this resort and I think it would make a great choice for your next kid free Mexico vacation. Keep reading, I’m so excited to share my Hilton Playa del Carmen review with you.

 

I was hosted by Playa Resorts as part of a travel agent training. As always, all opinions are my own.

Hilton Playa del Carmen Review:  Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort

The Hilton Playa del Carmen was formerly the Royal Hotel. In 2019, it underwent a rebrand as a Hilton property, managed by Playa Resorts (who also manage the Hyatt Zilara‘s and Zivas, Hilton La Romana, Hilton Rose Hall in Jamaica, the Jewel Resorts in Jamaica and DR, and Sanctuary Cap Cana in Dominican Republic).

With Hilton & Playa, you know you are getting the highest level of cleanliness and service!

This resort runs west to east, you check in in the open air lobby and head to one of four 3-story towers where the guest rooms are located.

This resort boasts luxury Mexican hacienda décor and attracts sophisticated adults who want to let loose and have fun in the sun. During my recent visit we saw many friend groups and a few milestone birthday parties – the perfect resort for these celebrations.

Where is Playa del Carmen and how far is Hilton Playa del Carmen from the Airport?

Once you’ve decided on a vacation in the Mexican Caribbean, you also need to determine what area to stay in.

When you fly into Cancun, you have quite a range of locations to visit. Playa del Carmen is about 45 minutes south of the Cancun airport (south of Riviera Maya, but north of Tulum) and is most famous for its urban feel and pedestrian thoroughfare of shops, restaurant and nightclubs, called Fifth Avenue.

The Hilton Playa del Carmen is located at the perfect spot for exploring Playa del Carmen on foot. You are only one block away from Fifth Avenue, the heart of playa.

The resort itself is self-contained, there is security, and guests require a bracelet to access the property.

Hilton Playa del Carmen Rooms

The guest rooms at the Hilton Playa del Carmen are well – appointed, large and luxurious. With a split bathroom, you have a toilet closet with stand up shower and a separate double sink area.

In room mini-bars include water, soda, Mexican beer (Tecate) and a couple of snacks.

Rooms are offered in King or doubles, with in suite soaking tubs, balconies and a balcony hammock. Views vary depending on what you book from resort view to ocean front suites – and PS the ocean front suites are literally right above the sand!

Some in this category also include a beach Bali bed right outside your room.

For added luxury,  upgrade to a swim-up suite, master suite or presidential suite.

I can help you choose the perfect resort and room category.

Choosing an all-inclusive resort can be tough. Some are big, some are small, some are on the beach, some just near it. Some resorts have better food, more drink options, and more entertainment than others. Of course, there is your budget to consider as well!

For those reasons, it’s always best to consult with a travel professional to help find the perfect resort for you next vacation. And the best part? My services are free!

That’s right, you get full on, personalized, concierge vacation planning service, and it does not cost you a cent more! In fact, a package vacation with one of my preferred suppliers can often save you money on your trip!

Property Amenities at Hilton Playa del Carmen

The Hilton Playa del Carmen is a small/medium size resort but has everything you need for a fantastic vacation!

The main pool area is for sure the highlight – there is a large pool and an adjacent lazy river with a swim up bar.

The beach is small, and from October to April it’s amazing. The other months of the year this area has been prone to Sargasso – an increasingly worsening situation in the Caribbean Mexico (in the summer months unfortunately).

If a large beach with crystal clear water is a vacation must-have for you, I probably would not suggest this resort or area of Mexico.

The Hilton Playa del Carmen has an amazing on-site spa and offers a Mayan steam ritual, called Temazcal – a very authentic ritual from the region.

If you need a workout or want to take a fitness class, there is a fairly large gym.

 

Hilton Playa del Carmen Restaurants

I loved the food at Hilton Playa del Carmen, and for a small resort, there are quite a bit of options!

Specialty Dining for Dinner – Be sure to visit the Gourmet Experience Concierge office located in the lobby to make all your dinner reservations.

–Kalamata – Mediterranean theme. Amazing antipasto/salad bar buffet, definitely try the parmesan cheese cut fresh out of the cheese wheel.

–Maria Marie – upscale Mexican cuisine

– Asiana – Asian and hibachi. Note this restaurant is facing the street and open to the public (for a fee). It is included for Hilton Playa del Carmen guests

– Chef’s Plate – six course tasting dinner with no menu. Included for presidential and master suite guests and $89/couple for other guests. Reservations required.

 

Casual Dining –

Spices Buffet – open for breakfast, lunch and a casual dinner

Pelicanos – located adjacent to the beach, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Rincon’s – adjacent to Pelicanos, serving Mexican street food for lunch.

HILTON PLAYA DEL CARMEN PRO-TIP: Check out the Mexican pizza stand at the back of Rincon’s AND if you are dining at Pelicano’s you can also order off the Rincon menu!

There is also food (sandwiches, wraps, salads and pizza) served pool side at Barefoot’s and an amazing coffee/ice cream shop located in the lobby.

PRO-TIP: Barefoot’s is open in the morning serving fresh juices and smoothies.

Room Service is also available 24 hours a day. Rooms here are equipped with a “magic box” so your food can be delivered and you don’t even have to answer the door!

Lastly,  be sure to visit the lobby bar, Mejorada, oh and don’t ask for a menu – the mixologist will ask YOU what you like to drink and mix up a special cocktail accordingly! This was a really cool, unique feature at the Hilton Playa del Carmen.

Destination Weddings at the Hilton Playa del Carmen

The Hilton Playa del Carmen would be an amazing place to have a destination  wedding (or any other large group event). We toured a few of the event spaces, including the main lawn than  can accommodate a party of up to 500 guests and the incredible sky deck, which will make you and your guests feel like you are partying right on top of the ocean.

Is Playa del Carmen dangerous?

Playa del Carmen is a city center in the developing world. In these types of situations, you should ALWAYS use the ut-most caution to guard your valuables and travel with your street smarts about you.

It’s also worth noting that although the resort is super secure, all beaches in playa are public and there are definitely non-resort guests walking the beach. As always, be careful not to leave valuables unattended.

But with that said, I felt totally safe at the resort.

Hilton Playa Del Carmen Pro Tips:

The Hilton Playa del Carmen will have everything you will need for an amazing vacation, but here are some tips to make your trip even better!

• Check out the Alley of the Kiss – myth has it if you pass through this narrow walkway, you will have long lasting love
• Check out the quiet pool located way in the back by Kalamata’s restaurant.
• You can use the hydrotherapy for only $19 per day, you don’t need to have a spa treatment booking (but it is included with a spa treatment)
• Order room service 24/7 and it will be delivered to your “secret” box
• Bring a pool float and YETI tumbler – the bartenders will make your pool side cocktail right in your mug. Don’t forget to check out my pool packing list and beach vacation packing list.
• Rent a Bali bed for the day – starting at $79. Celebrating something special? The Hilton Playa del Carmen staff can decorate your Bali Bed as well!

 

I loved my stay at the Hilton Playa del Carmen. I would love to head back with a friends group or my husband.  I can’t wait to send more guests to this beautiful resort!

Have you been to the Hilton Playa del Carmen? What is your favorite area to visit in the Caribbean side of Mexico?

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