A popular tourism and resort district, the Riviera Maya is world famous for its all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, historic ruins, fine-dining restaurants, and pedestrian-friendly shopping. Being such a rich historic area, archaeology is naturally a major tourist draw, with popular sites like Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum attracting countless visitors each year. Even the popular ecoparks Xel-Ha and Xcaret feature small archaeological ruins as part of their attractions.
Other popular activities throughout the Riviera Maya include snorkeling, Jet-Skiing, swimming in cenotes, zip-lining, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding, and going on guided tours.
Whatever your reason for visiting Mexico's Riviera Maya, it's important to find the ideal hotel that allows you to enjoy everything this Caribbean coastal destination has to offer.
When to Visit the Riviera Maya, Mexico
During the summer rainy season, the Riviera Maya is extremely hot and humid. This period lasts from May to September, which can make a stay here unbearable if you can't stand the heat. One good thing about visiting the Yucatan Peninsula in the summer is that it's relatively protected from hurricanes. You may experience strong storms, but rarely a full-fledged hurricane. Because summers can be so stifling, hotel rates tend to drop.
The winter months from December to April are considered the Riviera Maya's peak tourist season. Many travelers escape cold northern climates in order to enjoy a week or two in Caribbean paradise, so hotel rates tend to skyrocket. You'll also experience more crowds at the resorts and area attractions, but the weather is pleasantly mild, and you don't run the risk of dealing with rainfall.
For the best of both worlds – fewer crowds and great hotel rates – try traveling during the shoulder seasons. Late April to early May and late November to early December are relatively uncrowded, and you can find amazing deals on hotel rates.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Riviera Maya, Mexico:
Riviera Maya, Mexico: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Browse these charts to evaluate the best months to make a reservation in Riviera Maya during the year.
Luxury Hotel Options in the Riviera Maya, Mexico
4 Star Average Prices: $223.82
Being a major all-inclusive resort destination, the Rivera Maya is brimming with upscale resort options designed to exceed expectations.
Hacienda Tres Rios is a five-star resort featuring hacienda-style décor and airy suites with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access, and coffeemakers. You'll can also enjoy a private balcony or terrace, hot tub, whirlpool tub, minibar, and separate living area if you choose to upgrade to a better suite. Meals are available at any of the nine restaurants and bars, which include a sports bar and pizzeria. Guests also have access to a spa, fitness room, cooking classes, and a kids' club.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya is an ultra-luxe beachfront all-inclusive 10 km from downtown Playa del Carmen. The property features eight restaurants, an infinity pool, karaoke bar, poolside bar, high-end spa, an exercise room, business center, and plunge pools. Posh guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and terraces. Some even offer minibars, safes, sea views, living rooms, whirlpool tubs, and private pools.
Viceroy Riviera Maya is also located 10 km from Playa del Carmen. Tucked away in a lush beachfront setting, Viceroy Riviera Maya is an all-villa resort offering private plunge pools, outdoor rain showers, soaking tubs, and high-tech amenities such as Bose sound systems and Nespresso machines. The property features an open-air grill, restaurant, library, lagoon-style pool, spa, gym, and private pier. You can also participate in daily activities, including yoga.
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is an all-inclusive beach resort near the ruins of Chac-hal-al. The resort's guest rooms offer flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, minibars, whirlpool tubs, and private balconies with hammocks. Room service is available, but you have 12 eateries to choose from, five of which are adult-only options. There's also a private beach, three pools, and a spa.
Affordable Hotel Options in the Riviera Maya, Mexico
3 Star Average Prices: $209.45
Finding an affordable accommodation in the Riviera Maya is easier than you might think. Playa del Carmen Hotel is just a five-minute walk from Calle Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen's prestigious Fifth Avenue. Traditional guest rooms feature subdued décor, kitchenettes, cable TV, in-room safes, and 24/7 room service. There's also an available breakfast bar in the cozy dining room and an outdoor pool for guests to enjoy.
Hotel Playa del Karma is a colorful boutique hotel featuring stone accents and tiled awnings. Located 10 km from Xplor Adventure Park, this lodging boasts airy rooms with tiled floors, terraces, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms even feature hammocks. All guests can enjoy the property's tropical garden courtyard, outdoor pool, and sun loungers.
Located on the Playa del Carmen beach, The Royal Haciendas is an affordable all-inclusive resort boasting a vibrant Spanish-Colonial influence. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, balconies, and coffeemakers, while upgraded rooms and suites throw in hot tubs, sea views, and kitchens. All meals and drinks are included at The Royal Haciendas, and guests have access to the swim-up bar, outdoor pool, gym, spa, market, and kids' club.
Situated a block from lively Calle Quinta Avenida, Hotel Maya Turquesa is a casual hotel overlooking Cozumel island. Colorful guest rooms and suites feature satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, whirlpool tubs, and balconies. There's even an on-site bar and restaurant in addition to an outdoor pool, hot tub, and sundeck.
Other budget-friendly accommodations in the Riviera Maya include Hotel Eurostars Hacienda Vista Real, Coral Maya CondoHotel, and Hotel Barrio Latino Playa del Carmen.