The Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa is a 5-star all-inclusive Hotel located within a short distance from the quaint town of Playa del Carmen and the world-class dive destination Cozumel. The resort rests on a half-mile-long stretch of soft white sand beach surrounded by the area’s main attractions including the archaeological sites of Tulúm and Cobá and the ecological water parks of Xcaret and Xel-Ha.
My boyfriend and I stayed at Sandos Playacar from May 12-18. I've never written a hotel review before, but after this stay, I was inspired.
On a positive note, the...
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My boyfriend and I stayed at Sandos Playacar from May 12-18. I've never written a hotel review before, but after this stay, I was inspired.
On a positive note, the rooms were nice - pretty spacious, airy, and clean. The pools on the property were also large and clean, and we were fortunate to have beautiful weather through the entire stay.
On the other hand, the food - something important to us and which we did research before deciding to stay at Sandos - was mediocre on a good day. One day into the stay, having eaten only at the hotel, I fell sick with food poisoning; for the rest of the trip I ate only toast. That doesn't seem to have been much of a loss, though, as my boyfriend and friends there said everything was either tasteless or not worth biting into. This said, what makes me certain I will never stay with any Sandos again, was the service. From the first day when they needed 24 hours to change us from a room with two double beds to one with a king, to the last day as they tried to charge us for massages we didn't have, and everything in between (broken ATMs, multiple attempts required to order toast - which wasn't on the menu - from room service) - we were continually baffled by the level of employee accountability and customer focus that each staffer exhibited.
If you're looking for an cheap yet clean hotel to take your family, Sandos would be great. If you expect anything more than that, you will be disappointed. « less
“Joaquin is amazing”
May 20, 2013
Brooklynn E, Vancouver, Washington, United States | Trip type: Family
I stayed at Sandos for 10 days. I had the best time! My favorite was the entertainment team, Joaquin did such a amazing job. He is a very hard worker...
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I stayed at Sandos for 10 days. I had the best time! My favorite was the entertainment team, Joaquin did such a amazing job. He is a very hard worker and he makes everyone feel included and gives a great experience and alway leaves a smile on your face! He made my stay amazing! I am very happy.
We stayed at Sandos the week of May 12, 2013. We arrived at the hotel at noon (via USA transfers...which we would recommend) and were given wristbands and towel cards....
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We stayed at Sandos the week of May 12, 2013. We arrived at the hotel at noon (via USA transfers...which we would recommend) and were given wristbands and towel cards. Check in was quick and friendly. We were told our room would not be ready until 3, so we walked down to the main buffet to catch a bite to eat and then explore the grounds.
The grounds are really nicely landscaped and the walk to the beach from the lobby is enjoyable. I was surprised that some found this to be an inconvenience, I appreciated the fact that the grounds were so spread out and everyone is not jammed into one common area. There are shuttles for those who do not want to walk.
The pools in the adult area were really peaceful and relaxing while the beach pool was much more lively and crowded. There are 2 pools in the adult area, both have bars and food available. Children are not allowed in the 9000 block pool, but may use the pool in the 8000 block. As far as I could tell, only Royal Elite Club members are allowed to use the pool and bar in the 9000 block. Personally, I didnt feel as I was missing out on anything by not being able to use them.
When we were able to go to our room we went to the bellboy station to retrieve our luggage, Service to our room was immediate and friendly. Our room was on the second floor facing the jungle. The room itself was spacious, clean, quiet and cool. Mini bar was stocked with beer, soda and plenty of water daily. It was nice to have a jacuzzi available after a long day at the beach. The beds are hard, so make sure you get a pillowtop if one isn't on.
I found the buffets to be enjoyable, and there was always something for everyone. We ate at 3 ala cartes (oriental, brazilian and french) all were good. Cupcake cafe for coffee drinks and sweets.There is always food and beverages available, and room service is 24 hours with a very limited menu.
The staff were above excellent! Diony and Vincente in the lobby bar found out it was my birthday and went out of their way to make it special for me (including flaming shots and cake) Thank you! Maximino and Jose at the sports bar were always trying to come up with new drinks for everyone to try and did a great job of it. The evening shows were great and I am NOT a resort show person. Rock night and Mexican Fiesta were exceptional. Also, there is a Michael Jackson show at the theatre that was really good too. The children in our group enjoyed the teen club arcade.
The beach at the resort is one of the nicest beaches I have been to. Clean white sand, plenty of chairs, 2 bars and a snack bar. The ocean is gorgeous and clear. I would recommend parasailing for $45. Also get some snorkeling gear and bread and walk to the south for a bit to feed the fish.
Just come back from a 2 week stay in this hotel. OK, it's not a 5* hotel in the official sense but it more than met our expectations and we...
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Just come back from a 2 week stay in this hotel. OK, it's not a 5* hotel in the official sense but it more than met our expectations and we had a great time. The rooms were big and spacious, the staff worked incredibly hard and everything was spotless and the food was great. « less
“Fantastic holiday, would love to go again”
May 17, 2013
Pete K, Oxford, United Kingdom | Trip type: Family
We stayed at Sandos for 2 weeks at the beginning of April and it was a brilliant holiday from the moment we were shown to our room, friendly staff everywhere...
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We stayed at Sandos for 2 weeks at the beginning of April and it was a brilliant holiday from the moment we were shown to our room, friendly staff everywhere and the place is spotless. Food was really good and booking the a la carte restaurants is a must. All the staff work really hard to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience, Israel in charge of the mini golf is a really nice bloke who loves to have a chat and laugh with you and is good fun, we have stayed in touch with him since we came home and would love to go see him again, another top bloke is Jimmy on the entertainment team, he really is the life and soul of the party, he loves getting everyone involved and even sorted out a cake for my wife's Birthday while we were there. The beach and sea are amazing and there is good fun to be had there in the day. Would really recommend Sandos to anyone, I have read bad reviews but don't know how anyone can fault the place. Really hope to pay Jimmy and Israel another visit soon « less
These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travelers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.
Cancellation: Cancellation Policies
-Cancel 7 days prior to arrival to avoid a penalty of one night room and tax.
-Cancel 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid a penalty of two nights room and tax.
-Check-In Time: 3 pm
-Check-Out time: 12 pm
Hacienda Junior Suite
One king bed or two double beds. Balcony. Desk. Cable/satellite TV. Alarm clock. Refrigerator and minibar. Hair dryer. Iron/ironing board on request. In-room safe.
Superior Select Ocean Front
1 king bed and 1 sofa bed. Furnished balcony with ocean view. Living room. Dining area for 4. Plasma television with satellite channels. Phone. Safe. Turndown service. Clock radio. Refrigerator, minibar, coffee/tea maker, and complimentary bottled water. 2 bathrooms. Shower, handheld showerhead, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries and hair dryer. Iron/ironing board. Air conditioning and ceiling fan. Maximum occupancy: 3 adults and 1 child (age 2-12), or 2 adults and 2 children (ages 2-12).
Standard Room
One king bed or two double beds. Balcony. Desk. Cable/satellite TV. Alarm clock. Refrigerator and minibar. Hair dryer. Iron/ironing board on request. In-room safe.
Jr Suite Riviera w/ Jacuzzi
1 king bed or 2 double beds. Balcony. Desk. In-room safe. Plasma television. Satellite television service. Phone. Minibar. Complimentary bottled water. Refrigerator. Private bathroom. Hair dryer. Hypo-allergenic bedding available. In-room massage available. Rollaway beds available. Cribs (infant beds) available. Iron/ironing board (on request). Air conditioning. Climate control. Daily housekeeping.
Amenities - Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa All Inclusive
Air conditioning
Alarm clock
ATM
Baggage storage facilities
Car rental
Child facilities
Concierge service
Conference facilities
Credit card accepted: Mastercard/Visa
Credit card accepted: American Express
Credit card accepted: Diners Club
Currency exchange
Dinner available
Electronic key card
Elevator
Facilities for the disabled
Fitness and health center
Games room
Hairdryer available
Handicap accessible
Internet - wireless
Jacuzzi
Laundry facilities
Mini bar
Non-smoking rooms
24 hours opened
Private bathroom in room
Restaurant
Safe in rooms
Sauna
Shop
Shower
Shows or evening entertainment
Spa
Swimming pool - outdoor
Tea and coffee making facilities
Telephone in all rooms
Television
Tennis court
TV room
Pet Friendly?
Sorry, pets are not allowed.
Airport & Shuttle Information - Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa All Inclusive
45-50 minutes drive to Cancun International Airport.
Taxi costs about USD$50
Airport Shuttle? Sorry, no airport shuttle available.
Local Shuttle Info: Free transportation from Resort to Playa del Carmen. Departures every 2 hours from 10 am to 5 pm.
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Previously Known As: Viva Wyndham Azteca Resort All Inclusive
Based on 4,296 traveler reviews 
Value
Cleanliness
“Nice rooms, mediocre food, very poor service”
“Joaquin is amazing”
Hacienda Junior Suite
Superior Select Ocean Front
Standard Room
Jr Suite Riviera w/ Jacuzzi