My husband and I went here for my son's 2nd birthday and had an amazing experience. The villas on…read morethe water are spacious and very comfortable for a family of 4. The service is impeccable. The staff go above and beyond to cater to you. We received 2 pillow cases embroidered with our kids names as soon as we arrived to the room on the first day. Every evening with turndown service the kids were left special little gifts made locally (little wooden animals, knitted toys, etc). So many little touches were personalized - which were thoughtful and made the best gifts we could've received. The staff knew our names, were kind to our kids, and went out of their way to ensure we had a great stay. Our butler was attentive to our needs and accommodated every request. The drink/food service at the pool cabanas and the beach was great as well. The property is absolutely stunning. Of the hotels in the area, this one is by far the nicest, most private and without the typical commercial crowd. Given the location, definitely bring mosquito repellent for when you're spending time outside the room by the water. Overall, absolutely love Rosewood and will surely be returning to this location. Simply put, it felt like a dream.

First time at a Rosewood property and I left very impressed with this Mayakoba resort. Truly a…read moregreat place for relaxation and for recharging your batteries. It felt private, secluded and quiet. We booked a Rooftop Ocean View Suite, but were delighted to get upgraded to the Two Bedroom villa. A bump from 966 to 1562 square feet of space (not including the extra outside space). The welcome drinks, popsicles (for the kids) and guacamole were great and of course the dramatic boat ride to your suite is one of a kind. The suites at Rosewood Mayakoba are amazing. Even the small suites are spacious (I think their smallest room is 788 sqft). Our suite had plentiful outdoor space, its own dock to the lagoon, a private plunge pool and also a large rooftop terrace. Truly too much space for our family of four (2 adults, 2 kids), but we happily enjoyed it. Service was stellar, which I expected at a high-end hotel. My most recent vacations have been to the Caribbean, so the combination of Mexican hospitality along with the Rosewood service really made for a nice stay. Our butler stayed in contact with us via Whatsapp, but we really didn't have many requests except for booking dinner reservations and ordering more cow's milk to the room for our baby. Our kids had their own monogrammed pillowcases, that we took home. The turn-down service also left small wooden figurines (indigenous) which was a nice touch for the kids. There's definitely an extra attention to detail that's on another level from other hotels. We were able to get a bike with training wheels and also a trailer for the kids to go on short bike rides with. The kids club was very good. Lots of planned activities throughout the day and an air conditioned indoor play area. Our daughter was 3, so one of us was with her, but I think kids 4 and older can stay alone. The staff was consistent and got to know our daughters pretty quickly. There are excursions within the property like the bat cave and boat rides which is nice (instead of just staying indoors doing arts and crafts). The family pool was just okay. There's a small shallow part for toddler to play in and also a bigger deeper pool. It's well kept, but I can see how some might say it's time for a renovation (which I believe they are doing). There isn't a very good gradual entry point in the bigger pool, so I would say it's not the most kid friendly for small children (no problem for bigger kids), since there's one step and then it drops off to 4 feet. The beach also is undergoing a lot of erosion along with the sargassum. It's narrow and slightly rocky, so I feel like if you plan on playing in the sand or spend a lot of time in the water, there might be better options. However, it's still quite scenic and perfectly fine for lounging in the recliner. Food was very good (especially breakfast at Casa del Lago), but is pricey like everyone mentions. La Fondita, the tostada restaurant in El Pueblito, is one of the better and more low-key options at Rosewood. There is a consistent kids menu at all the restaurants at Rosewood. We did not get a chance to check out the restaurants at the other hotels. TL;DR - Luxurious and family friendly resort that shines with their accommodations and service. It's relaxing, but quiet and a bit sleepy (might be too quiet for some people). Food is good, but pricey. Kids club is great, but the pool is just okay without easy entry or waterslides. Beach is not best for extended playtime in sand or water. Even so, I still loved it and would definitely return.

One of the most amazing experiences of my life! The beach was beautiful lots of activities for…read morekids. Grand class was adults only and absolutely stunning but walking distance from the kids friendly ambassador. There was transportation to get anywhere in the resort. Zen the more jungle focused hotel was Also beautiful. All inclusive 24 hour room service unlimited food and drinks and refillable mini bar. Cocina de autor which is a Michelin star restaurant was amazing , the wine pairing is extra but it's worth it. Piaf has great French food , Frida , Luca , sen Lin and Chaka are kid friendly I missed Chaka but the other three are really excellent. The bistro at grand class is great and azule is a great more casual buffet. There multiple bars the pools and the beach which is beautiful have food and drink service. Some activities are included and the spa is beautiful. My suite was over 1000 square feet with a plunge pool on my balcony. Getting chairs early is key at the pool and the beach. There are bars a coffee shop multiple boutiques gyms and activities. One of my favorite was catch of the day on the beach for lunch . There is a kids and teens club and a kids spa. Beautiful place for a wedding, I saw multiple during my stay. The food is really good! They have a mini golf course most of the year. There is night security and the resort is gated. They have mocktails as well as cocktails. The staff is really friendly. Tipping is optional but tipping in American money is recommended it will get charged to your card. There are three pools not including the spa. One at the grand class ( adult only) , zen, and the ambassador. The ambassador and grand class are walking distance from each other. This resort attracts more than Americans. It's beautiful and a world class resort.

The Grand Velas certainly lives up to its reputation. From the stunning property to the gourmet…read morefood and impeccable service. Every detail is closely attended to from the amenities in the room to the sauces on the plate. If you're looking for luxury in a beautiful setting this place is the one. I highly recommend it and I will be going back the first chance I get.

Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)…read more Our stay at Banyan Tree Mayakoba was overall a beautiful and relaxing experience. The setting is absolutely stunning--lush, tranquil, and meticulously maintained. The villa was private and perfect for unwinding. We especially appreciated the thoughtful touches throughout the resort and the ease of getting around via bikes or golf carts. That said, we're giving 4 instead of 5 stars due to a few key issues that impacted our stay. During a rainstorm, the ceiling in our villa leaked, which was surprising given the caliber of the property. The floor on the top deck of the pool was a bit wobbly too. There were also noticeable inconsistencies in service--some team members were incredibly warm and attentive, while others seemed disengaged or confused by basic requests. Upon arrival, Juan, our service person for the week, mentioned he arranged a golf cart and reservations at La Copa but didn't do either. We also felt very rushed at check in, our flight was delayed 40 min, but some guests received bracelets and other nice touches upon arrival we didn't get. Lastly, we ran into frustrating discrepancies with our final bill that took time and energy to resolve at checkout. While these issues didn't overshadow the overall experience, they did fall short of the flawless service we expected from a resort at this level. Still, the beauty of the property and the many highlights of our stay make it a destination we'd consider returning to--with hopes that the service becomes more consistent and infrastructure more resilient in the future. Shout out to Pepe, Rene, and all the cart drivers who were super!

The Banyan Tree Hotel and Resort near Playa del Carmen is a five-star property located about 45…read moreminutes from the main airport. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and taken by boat across the scenic Mayakoba River to the check-in area. We were offered a room upgrade, which we appreciated. However, during our stay, we noticed several areas where maintenance and improvements were needed. For example, the light switches in the restroom didn't function properly, and many of the outdoor light bulbs were out, including the LED lights above the bed. While I understand that proximity to the ocean can cause wear and tear due to saltwater exposure, I believe that management, especially the concierge team, should ensure that rooms are thoroughly inspected before guests are allowed in. On a positive note, the dining options were excellent, and there's convenient access to nearby resorts with the option for room delivery (with a small fee). However, from a management perspective, I noticed a recurring issue with staff members frequently being on their phones. I recognize that this may be for communication purposes to keep staff informed of activities around the resort, but I would recommend a more discreet approach. For instance, hosts standing at the front of a restaurant should avoid being visibly on their phones, as it can come across as unprofessional, especially in a four- or five-star environment. A discussion between management and staff on maintaining a professional presence in front of guests would be beneficial. Lastly, when I shared my feedback regarding these areas for improvement, the management responded promptly with some thoughtful service recovery measures, which I appreciated.

We just returned from Viceroy and had such a relaxing and amazing time!…read more - The staff are all welcoming, genuinely friendly and super attentive -prior to checkin I let them know mosquitoes absolutely love me , they had spray upon my arrival (organic and off!) and they sprayed my patio and had a netting around the bed all set up. I never had any bites until I left the resort my last night for a wedding ! - food: We ate at both restaurants and the food was excellent. Especially the shrimp and octopus dishes. Cocktails were done right! Not watered down like other places . - beach - this resort seems to have the best beach area as compared to nearby resorts with actual sand The pool is a perfect size and was never crowded . Pepe and staff always took care of you. -gratuity - 16% service was added automatically to your bills. This is not an all inclusive , for the quality of service we made sure to bring $USD to add tip for everyone. They all work so hard in the heat to make your experience memorable! -Spa - Splurge for this! Best way to start our days first thing with massages and facials . You can also use the jacuzzi and steam room daily without services. I frequent Burke Williams and their masseuses are good , strong too ! They did our services outdoor for couples in this serene area with a fountain running. -room - we enjoyed the premium villas, super spacious with walk in closet, shower and bath tub . All the villas are close so a short walk to the pool - There is a little bass coming from the next door resort's DJ at night, but when I closed the windows , it was very muffled and did not bother us at all. - long drive from main road - so expect a secluded spot . They will call you a taxi that gets there in 20 min. Download WhatsApp and text the same taxi will take you back. Felt safe ! We can't wait to come back someday! Definitely highly recommend this place for all couples who just need to relax.

Paradise for sure! We felt pampered the moment we stepped into the beautiful outdoor lobby. Staff…read moreis eager to please! From the welcome coconut drink and cool towels to the thorough tour ( thanks Claudia) ,check in was a great experience. Bellmen we're very friendly and helpful. And our villa was just gorgeous! Heated plunge pool, hammock, and more great you as you enter the area. You are in the jungle, so there is a lot of natural privacy. Inside the villa, you will be caught up in the romantic vibe thanks to the sweet and decadent decor. Outdoor shower brings you close to nature. Many special touches await. Poolside is another area to be spoiled- by Pepe and crew. They will get you anything you want, no need to lift a finger. And the wait staff at Coral restaurant are very thorough. They seem more like personal butlers rather than waiters, taking the time to get to know their guests by name, and learning their food and drink preferences. This area is also beautiful, with a view of the ocean. And the spa is very relaxing, access to the spa facilities including the steam room, jacuzzi is complimentary with your stay. Viceroy isn't without its flaws. The small beach is barely swimable due to the coral/rocks. And though they work to remove the seaweed, if you come from May-Nov that will be somewhat of a pain ( the whole area not just here). And there is music that drifts over from the next door hotel which at times annoys. It wasn't too bad while we were here, but was noticiable. There are mosquitos and rainforest animals around, so if you're not okay with seeing agouti while eating breakfast on your patio, this isn't your place. And yes it's pricey. Nevertheless the quality, service, and beauty of this resort make up for any issues. We didn't want to leave!

We were here for a wedding- it was HOT! The hotel is nice. Service was so-so but staff is friendly…read more Some nights we got turn down service, and some nights we didn't. No clear reason why. When I asked for a 2hr late checkout (keep in mind, they were at low capacity)- they wanted to charge me. I've never encountered that at any hotel when going to Mexico. They typically work with your flight schedule. The wedding food wasn't very good- the salad was so overdressed that I literally choked on the dressing, and same with the chicken- it was saturated in sauce. Although, I've been to a Fairmont wedding at another location so I was expecting that from the food. The Japanese restaurant on site is great though! I personally wouldn't stay here again...I would opt for Rosewood or Alila next door.

This resort was the worst experience we had in mexico. The…read morefood is beyond terrible, even the Saffron restaurant that they claim is their best was at best cart food. But seriously the food not only was beyond disgusting the prices are insane, you pay prices as if you dine at the Four Seasons however the food is terrible! Service - at the beach the staff pretend they dont see you, most staff look like they dont want to be there. The beach is also very ugly with the seaweed barriers its just not at all appealing. The resort is big but it looks unkept and not at all modern by 2025 standards. The only positive thing the room seemed clean but the bed definetly uncomfortable. We will never be back here and will ensure i post this review everywhere because i definetly believe all the positive reviews are paid.

When you're at the Andaz Mayakoba Resort, leave your worries behind because you've entered island…read moretime. Even though Mayakoba is not an island, the creators of the resort have created the perfect retreat that keeps you feeling isolated and safe. Mayakoba has 4 hotels: The Rosewood, The Fairmont, The Banyan Tree, and the newest being the Andaz. All 4 properties can be accessed via walking, bike, shuttle, or even boat and have their own set of restaurants. The Andaz offers 4 unique restaurants: Casa Amate, Cocina Milagro, Sotavento, and Tinta del Pulpo (see individual reviews for details). Though comparing the four to each other feels like comparing apples to oranges, the experience at Sotavento could not be matched, as you're having a gourmet meal with toes in the sand adjacent to the beach. Out of the 4 properties, I truly felt the staff at the Andaz were the gold standard. They were always very accommodating, incredibly polite, and competent. If you're looking to bring home a souvenir, I would suggest looking at one of the other hotel gift shops, as the one at the Andaz was tiny and did not provide many options.

I enjoyed everything about the resort. The food/drinks are great, staff is accommodating, and the…read moreviews are unmatched. This hotel is part of the trio hotels on the beach. The private gated entry to Mayakoba; Rosewood, Andaz and Fairmont. Walking on the beach all three properties are side by side. Very high end and relaxing. There are bicycles for use to each property. Stop in by the pool and grab some ice cream!

We chose to stay at the same resort when traveling with two other couples. We all had a fantastic…read moretime and thoroughly enjoyed our trip. I think the food had gotten better and the drinks are stronger. I recommend this resort! TIP: Rent a car for the day (Ramon can help you) and drive to Tulum, then Cenote Azul, and finish off the day shopping in Playa del Carmen. Go early because Tulum is crazy hot!

The staff, cleanliness and property was great. Food was just okay, the smell from seaweed was…read moreawful -- caused a headache a few days. Not much to do. The activities directors were great.

Outstanding experience, week of 2/6-2/13. My boyfriend…read morejoined me for his first experience as a platinum UVC member! I may have set his standards too high now. Check in was not very efficient and not very personal. Things improved after we got settled in our room, ocean view king preferred. We had a blast at the pool and service was great. Amy, Saul and Rosa took care of us! Embers was fabulous, we ate there 2 times, with Wilbur and Omar. Bone marrow was fantastic. Bamboo for Thai fusion was great for lunch, with Jorge, waiting on us and Chief Ignacio introducing himself! Breakfast and lunch on rooftop preferred restaurant was the best, but made no personal connections. It was Super Bowl weekend and they had amazing set up inside and out, we decided on indoors! Noel, Eduardo Armando, and Noel all came through to make this experience unforgettable.!!! Hidden disco was fun and beach was walkable and clean. The only downside was that large groups (convention size) would take over pool. Pool 5 stars, food 5 stars, room 5 stars! We will be back!

BRING INSECT REPELLENT AND LEAVE YOUR HEELS AT HOME LADIES…read more IF YOU WANT SPECIAL ATTENTION, STAY AT SECRETS MAROMA. Keep your expectations low if you've stayed at other Secrets resorts. This place was such a disappointment, especially for almost $750/night with Preferred. Pros: Multiple pools, cool infinity pool, Preferred Observatory restaurant, Marketplace buffet, nice Preferred lounge, and most staff were friendly. Cons: Tons of mosquitoes (bring bug spray), even found a roach in the pool. You can't make restaurant reservations until you arrive, even if you email ahead. The app and digital room key barely worked. No fireworks for the 4th of July. No butler service. Nothing special for our anniversary besides a banner. All the pools were heated (gross in July). Slow elevators with no A/C. Rooms are outdated, smelled like sewage in the bathroom, and the A/C wasn't cool enough at night. Uneven walkways everywhere--don't wear heels. We came here because YouTube made this place look amazing. Huge mistake. We've stayed at Secrets Maroma and this didn't even come close. Check-in was just okay. No champagne when we arrived. The Preferred lounge was nice, but the app was garbage. Just ask for a physical room key. Our "beach view" overlooked mostly a parking lot. The room was spacious but worn down. Shower door barely opened, mold in places, flashing smoke detector all night, bathroom smelled terrible, and the room got hot every night even with the A/C turned down. Room service took almost an hour every time. The Preferred infinity pool was the best part of the resort. Get there early because chairs fill up fast. Service there was excellent. But why are ALL the pools heated? It's already hot and humid outside. Restaurants were our biggest complaint. We stayed only 3 nights over the 4th of July and couldn't get a single reservation because you can't book until you arrive. Ember was decent with good service. Suki completely ruined our trip. We got there right when they opened but were forced to sit outside because they said every indoor table was reserved. Within minutes I was getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. I told them I'm allergic and asked to move inside. They refused, even though indoor tables stayed empty almost our entire meal because people never showed up. Management only apologized and wouldn't even remove one Japanese beer from our bill. They later said they would, but never did. That's what frustrated me the most--not the food, but how they handled the situation. The 4th of July beach party was another mess. We waited about 30 minutes just to get seated, then had to wait in another long buffet line. We left early. If you paid extra for reserved seating, you skipped the line. The Marketplace buffet was actually one of our favorite places. The Preferred Observatory restaurant also had the best breakfast and lunch. Coco Café had good coffee and cookies. Overall, this resort felt crowded and impersonal. Preferred really wasn't worth the extra money. Between the reservation issues, outdated rooms, heated pools, poor anniversary recognition, and how management handled our complaint, we won't be back. We'd stay at Secrets Maroma again without thinking twice.

My daughter and her husband are currently there on their honeymoon and it is terrible, they have…read moreonly one restaurant to eat all three meals at, my daughter has gotten sick two out of the three nights after eating. There is construction everywhere. they can't go to the beach because the seaweed is so bad and they have two men and a wheel barrel to remove it. Unlike every resort down the beach who has tractors to remove it. Since it is just sitting on the beach the smell is horrible and you don't even want to go outside. this is unacceptable!

We booked 6 nights of a very expensive vacation at Blue Diamond Hotel in Riviera Maya Mexico,…read moreexpecting a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Unfortunately, the reality was completely different from what was advertised online. * Room Conditions: Our room was located up steep stairs with no elevator, surrounded by a scary jungle environment. Inside, the shower barely worked, the bathroom was rusty and broken, the bed was extremely noisy, and doors/windows were stiff and hard to open. Overall, the room was in terrible shape. * Facilities: The pool and restaurants were located very far away (about a 25-minute walk). There was only one restaurant, and the food portions were tiny. When we ordered a second dish, they brought us inedible fatty meat scraps. The bar and its facilities were rusty and poorly maintained. Overall, two very small pools and one Bar * Safety Concerns: The property felt unsafe. We even saw a crocodile and multiple alligator in the water on the hotel property -- extremely dangerous for guests. * Staff Behavior: The staff were extremely rude and unprofessional. When we complained about the conditions, instead of helping us, they got offended and suddenly told us to leave the hotel immediately without refunding our remaining unused 5 nights of stay. They gave us only 10 minutes, escorted us to pack our things under supervision, and forced us out into a dangerous area with no support. It was humiliating and frightening. This was the worst travel experience we've ever had. We felt unsafe, disrespected, and completely deceived by the misleading hotel description. Do not waste your money here -- avoid this hotel at all costs.

There are plenty of huge resorts in Playa del Carmen with multiple pools and lots of entertainment…read moreoptions. However, if you're in the mood for something quieter, smaller, and more intimate, then Petit Lafitte is the one for you. Focused on wellness and tranquility, this lovely little resort offers daily yoga, sound therapy, and Temazcal (traditional Mexican sweat lodge). It's really a place focused on relaxation rather than activities, and there's nothing more relaxing than a massage by the sea. You can take a dip into the pool, close to the beach. The beach itself is a little rocky, but if you walk a little further left or right, you'll find smooth sand. Staff are great! Friendly, attentive, and very helpful. The bartender is a great guy. We got a tequila shot (which ended up being like a triple shot) and he gave us several mezcal samples as well with great explanations on flavour and origin. There's also daily live music in the afternoon, which creates such a nice vibe. In the 5 days I was here, it was never super busy and truly felt like a peaceful getaway. Petit Lafitte prides itself in its little organic garden which provides a lot of the produce that guests consume. The food itself is excellent, each meal was delicious and made with fresh ingredients. The rooms are rustic and clean. My only downside is the weak wifi, which isn't too much of a concern if you're trying to disconnect.

Outstanding resort experience we are having our daughters wedding here and the location is remote…read morebut close to everything the rooms are beach and jungle bungalows with conventional hotel rooms we opted for the beach bungalows very comfortable and spotless the staff is so friendly and very helpful the food is 5 star they have included in price menu very good selection breakfast and dinner and a upgraded menu options steak and so on as good as anything I have had anywhere... the beach front deck bar has the best tacos I would recommend this resort with a five star rating... a completely wonderful resort experience never want to leave!!!