The Royal Playa Del Carmen

Hola!

I was recently in the Riviera Maya, Mexico to conduct some site inspections. One of the nicest 5 star resorts with a great location (right off of Fifth in the heart of Playa Del Carmen) is The Royal Playa Del Carmen.

Here is my report:

The Royal Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Site Inspection 2/18/09

Best Features:
• Fabulous Spa
• Award winning food
• Gorgeous stretch of white sandy beach
• Location, location, location!

Overview:
• Adults only (16 & older)
• Palatial styling
• 477 suites including swim up suites and presidential suites with private pool. This is very large all-suite property.
• Concierge in every building so there is no need to go to the lobby.
• 6 Restaurants: Spice (main buffet), Maria Marie, Asiana, Chef’s Plate, Tapas & Pinxos, Pelicanos - no reservations required
• Sommelier at specialty restaurants
• Access to restaurants & facilities at Gran Porto Real
• Several snack bars and lounges
• Cigar bar
• 24 hour lounge
• Nightly entertainment
• 24 hr. Room Service
• Ballroom that seats up to 600 guests
• Wedding Gazebo
• Wedding coordinator on site
• Complimentary beach service via cart that includes lotion service, magazines, beverages.

Spa Zul:
• Amazing spa with hydrotherapy area - massages, facials, Jacuzzi, cold plunge pool, Temazcal, in-suite service, sauna, spa shop, and more!
• Serious gym with instructors on site. Spinning and Pilates classes.

Outdoors:
• Gorgeous and very large stretch of beautiful white sand beach
• Olympic size quiet pool with 50 meter lap lane
• Oceanfront activities pool
• Well manicured grounds and sparkling pools

Indoors:
• Sparkling, expansive indoor areas and lounges
• Alas, they were at 100% occupancy and were not able to show me a room

Summary:

This resort was absolutely a 5 star property. Beautiful and well-kept, catering to a luxury clientele. During my visit, they were preparing for a celebration of their 5 Star Diamond Award given by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Chef after chef paraded by carrying large trays laden with amazing concoctions (see photos of display).

The Spa and the Gym were “to die for” with fabulous facilities and attentive staff.

In the case of this property, the location is great but not its crowning feature. The beach? The food? The suites? The service? So hard to choose.