The Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is a World of Hyatt Category 5 property, meaning free night awards start at 20,000 points per night, whereas Points + Cash is available for 10,000 points and $125 per night. I decided to choose the later on this stay as rates were over $300 during the week, so I thought this was a decent value.
The resort is a quick 45 minute ride from the Cancún International Airport. You can arrange a shuttle service in advance, though there are plenty of cabs at the airport as well. The property is located in the heart of Playa del Carmen by La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) which is where all the shops, restaurants, and clubs are.
As a World of Hyatt Globalist member, I was invited to check-in at the Grand Club, where I was informed that we had been upgraded to a Oceanfront Grand Suite, which is located on the 5th floor of the bridge.
Grand Suite bedroom
Grand Suite living room with pull-out sofa
Grand Suite had sliding doors with an outdoor terrace
Large bathroom with two sinks
Rain shower
Bath amenities including mosquito repellant
Ocean view from Grand Suite
Grand Club
The Grand Club lounge is located on the 4th floor of the property directly above the lobby, and offers a spacious seating area to unwind throughout the day, along with outdoor seating. The lounge offers breakfast each morning until 11:00am, as well as evening appetizers and alcoholic beverages in the evening from 6:00pm-9:00pm.
Grand Club lounge
Grand Club lounge
Breakfast in the Grand Club
Breakfast in the Grand Club
Breakfast in the Grand Club
Evening appetizers in the Grand Club
Evening appetizers in the Grand Club
Evening desserts in the Grand Club
Evening cocktails in the Grand Club
Freshly made margaritas each night in the Grand Club
The resort has three infinity pools, including an adult’s only pool. In addition, there are tons of beach chairs and umbrellas for guest use at no additional charge.
Adults only pool
Hotel pools
Hotel pools
Hotel pools
Cenote Spa is open daily from 9:00am-8:00pm, and offers day passes for guests at around $40 per day. While Globalists don’t receive complimentary access, they do get a 30% discount, meaning spa access is $28 per day.
The 25 meter spa lap pool
Indoor whirlpool and cold plunge pool. Additionally, there was a steam room and sauna.
The hotel has two main restaurants La Cocina and The Grill at 1 26. La Cocina is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where the The Grill at 1-26 serves dinner.
Chicken quesadilla for lunch at La Cocina
Bottom Line
Overall I was very pleased with the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. The property is still relatively new, however it’s becoming more recognized in the area. The hotel has a unique layout and design, with an open air lobby, similar to the Andaz Maui at Wailea, which could be since both were designed by the Rockwell Group.
I was pleased with the treatment as a World of Hyatt Globalist member, with the upgrade to the Oceanfront Grand Suite. For those looking for water activities, there were jet skiing rentals and parasailing on the beach in front of the hotel.
Another great plus is how close the property is located to the center of town. There are tons of local Mexican places on the surrounding blocks, however if looking for some upscale gourmet dining nearby, both Catch and Lano 20 Catina are great options and are within a 10 minute walk on La Quinta Avenida.
When headed back to the airport, you can pre-arrange a shuttle, though the hotel has taxis that will take you back for around $45 back to Cancun.
Have you stayed at the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen recently, feel free to comment below on your experience.
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Is there a charge in the lounge for cocktails in the evening?
I stayed there in Feb 2016. I had a fabulous experience there and can’t wait to go back! We had a swim up room and it was pretty nice to relax in at the end of the day.
My family and I were there in February – it was amazing! Elizabeth’s margarita’s in the club were fantastic (and free!), and service overall was amazing. The hotel was pretty quiet when we were there, as I think we were a week or two before the Spring breakers showed up. I was afraid that some of the crazy Cancun crowd might be around here (my kids are 13 and 11), but I found this hotel to be very family friendly. I’d go back next year in a heartbeat.
I think Riviera Maya is an an anomaly in the miles & points game. I think paying cash is more often than not a better play. There some great resorts for $400/night that gets great food and top shelf booze. I’d rather spend the points to get a better hotel in a more expensive city
Thoughts about here versus Andaz for Explorist, as a single traveler who isn’t into kids? Both same amount on points, and price much higher at Andaz, but the club lounge upgrades seem nice …