Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen (2023)

FAQs

How many days is enough in Playa del Carmen? ›

The ideal number of days in Playa del Carmen depends on your preferences and interests. Generally, a 3 to 7-day trip should provide enough time to see the main attractions, enjoy the beach, and take day trips to nearby sights.

The currency used in Playa del Carmen is the Mexican Peso, but US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and main tourist attractions. Buy pesos from your local bank before you come. Most banks offer a much better exchange rate than your hotel or the exchange houses along 5th Avenue.

No – The tap water in Playa del Carmen is not safe to drink–even in hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. You'll want to drink bottled or purified water which is readily available and easy to find. 👀 Looking for the best way to get clean drinking water on the go? Consider buying a Water-to-Go water purifier bottle.

The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May, when there are fewer people along the shore. Day temperatures hover between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly in the evenings. From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm.

Expect perfect weather in high season (December–April)

Playa's peak season brings balmy days and cool evenings – but also huge crowds and high prices. Beaches bulge at the seams and hotel rates spike around Christmas and spring break.

Past travelers have spent, on average, M$393 ($23) on meals for one day and M$398 ($24) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Playa del Carmen for a couple is M$1,315 ($79). So, a trip to Playa del Carmen for two people for one week costs on average M$18,944 ($1,131).

With today's exchange rates, $100 USD is about $1,900 – $2,000 MXN. Compared to wages, $1,900 MXN is about weeks' worth of salary for most manual labor jobs outside the major cities of Mexico. So for locals that have basic day labor jobs, it is a decent amount of money.

A credit card will make the most sense for larger purchases and you'll likely need one for hotels. You'll always need cash to make everyday purchases.

As a general rule, you shouldn't drink the water out of the tap anywhere in Mexico and this includes Playa del Carmen. What is this? Water in most major cities in Mexico has usually gone through some sort of purification process, however, this doesn't mean it is purified enough to drink.

You are also in Mexico, where the beer flows freely and also home to many liquors. However, don't take that drink to go and walk around with it. This is illegal to walk around town with an open drink. In the past this was something much more tolerated and tourists would stroll around enjoying a beer or something.

Can you swim in the water in Playa del Carmen? ›

Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day! Playa del Carmen and the bays are protected by natural reef systems or in the case of Playa, the island of Cozumel so high waves just don't happen very often.

The Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen is a Category 5 property, requiring 20,000 Hyatt Gold Passport Points for a free night. Room rates for our dates were $302 per night ($384.38 per night after taxes and fees), so this would've been a great use of the Points + Cash redemption option of just 10,000 points + $125 per night.

Sargassum season in the Mexican Caribbean typically runs from May through October, with July and August generally being the worst months for its arrival.

Playa del Carmen is a pretty small town, so walking alone at night isn't considered too dangerous. However, always listen to your intuition, meaning that if it feels safer to take a taxi ride instead of walking, do that.

The hurricane season falls between June and November when tropical storms can occur. And most rain falls from June to October. From June to August it's very hot. The average figure for sunshine is 340 days of the year.

Both Playa del Carmen and Cancun have beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft sand. However, Cancun's beaches are more crowded and touristy, while Playa del Carmen offers a more laid-back atmosphere.

Cancun offers a more developed, resort-style vacation with plenty of activities and nightlife, while Playa del Carmen is a smaller beach town with a more relaxed atmosphere. I've always loved the laid-back vibe of Playa del Carmen, and I prefer the beach clubs to the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.

If you're looking for a destination offering a little bit of everything. Playa Del Carmen is worth visiting with its awe-inspiring cenotes, exciting adventure parks, and a plethora of activities to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cancun vs Playa del Carmen

In my experience, Playa Del Carmen tends to be slightly quieter than Cancun. While both offer vibrant atmospheres, Playa Del Carmen feels more laid-back and relaxed, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter getaway.