We spent our spring break at the Playa Maya this year, and it was fantastic. Best beachfront property I have been to. This is a relatively small place, not a large hotel with hundreds of rooms, and that makes it all the more special. It is just steps from any room on the property to sitting, walking, or playing on the beach.
The food at the restaurant is excellent, and the wait staff is very attentive and gracious – they even recommended me the blue water sea trek cozumel tour. The rooms have everything you need, and are very well kept by the team – super clean and fresh! We had a wonderful time, and will be back!
This was our second trip to Playa Maya; our first was about five years ago just after the renovations. Quite frankly, Playa Maya is, without a doubt, the best bargain in Mexico for a beachfront hotel. They also offer discounts for repeat guests which further increases the value proposition. The rooms are basic, comfortable, and spotlessly clean. AC worked high, excellent water pressure and plenty of hot water. We came from Barcelo Colonial, and the room condition and cleanliness at Playa Maya put Barcelo to shame.
What sets them apart is their service and attention to detail. It honestly seems like the staff went through the Ritz Carlton service training program; they are all amazing. After breakfast (which is included in the rate), you are 15 steps to your beach chair, which consists of the umbrella, already pitched by the staff.
The chairs are also padded, which makes lounging all day extremely comfortable. When you’re ready for a drink, the staff is there willing to oblige, bringing everything right to you in your beach chair. Finally, their food is fantastic. The coconut shrimp is easily the best we’ve ever eaten, and it’s a bargain given current exchange rates at about USD 12.
We also had the pleasure of meeting the owner Stephen Ryberg. Super nice guy. He seems to care for his employees and guests. As for some of the complaints regarding noise from the Carmen Hotel next door, we didn’t have any issues. They did play thumpity thump music, but it wasn’t that loud. Additionally, they had live music from 1-5, and the musicians they had were great. Considering The Carmen Hotel was almost 2 1/2 times the cost of Playa Maya, I found the entertainment a bonus.
Finally, beach conditions are always changing. However, they were excellent when we were there. As you get further to the north of Playa Maya, towards Playa Palms, that’s where the beach erosion is pretty bad. We had a vast stretch of sand in front of Playa Maya, which made for great people watching!
