Playacar Palace All Inclusive

We had reservations June 5 for my birthday trip. The resort apparently just down due to health violations, and we were never informed. I just happened to see a stranger’s post on Facebook about it. After spending over 4 hours on the phone going back and forth between agents, losing connection, having to call again and be put back on hold, passed around again being told by everyone we spoke to that they had no idea the resort was closed, why it was closed, or when it would reopen. One agent told me it would be open before we arrived, so it wasn’t an issue. The next agent told me possibly the 8th. The third had no idea what I was taking about. We ended up having to cancel our reservation the night before our trip and finding another resort at the last minute. The lack of communication and help was super stressful and frustrating. I doubt we’ll ever make reservations with Palace resorts again.

This resort was underwhelming from the moment we arrived. The property feels dated, small, and in need of renovation. It is not the kind of resort where you can enjoy a leisurely walk before dinner, as there is very little space to explore on the grounds. In many ways, the resort seems to rely on its proximity to Fifth Avenue, but even that attraction loses its appeal after a while due to its heavily tourist-oriented atmosphere. On the positive side, the staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, and the food was very good throughout our stay. However, considering the price we paid, we could not get past how small and unimpressive the resort felt. Overall, we expected much more for the cost.

My wife and I have been traveling to Playacar Palace once or twice a year for the past 15 years. It never fails to impress us!

This past year we went for a milestone birthday. On my birthday we had many celebrations, including a special dinner for friends at Madre Mia, hosted by Herlin, the manager. It was outstanding!

We were also fortunate to be there for the New Year's Eve part. If you have a chance, don't miss it! The entertainment, the food, the drinks -- all outstanding.

Playacar is a smaller resort (just over 200 rooms), which adds to its appeal for us. We don't want a Vegas-like trip; we want something relaxing and manageable.

While the location, restaurants, and amenities are great, the staff members are what keep us coming back to Playacar every year. When you go there, look for these amazing people!

Managers: Everyplace needs management that set the tone. It's no different at Playacar. Thank you to Benito, Herlin, Xeomara, Karen, Carmen, Daniel, Gilberto and so many more!

Bars: One of the reasons we visit is for the outstanding bar service. Check out the drinks from Roger, Ezekial, Raul and so many more.

Pool: It's hot outside, so the people who keep the drinks flowing are VERY important. Sylvia, Perla, Juliana, Daniela, Manuel, Carmen, Valentin, Carmelino and Pamela always kept the cold drinks flowing!

Restaurants: In addition to some of the managers named above, Israel and Elvia (in breakfast) and Miguel and Olivia (in Momo) always provided excellent service and food suggestions.

Special shout-outs! Thank you to Olivia for being everywhere and always making sure we had a wonderful table; Francsico, who always makes sure my room fridge has plenty of cold beer(!); Ignacio, Marvin and Ignacio Jr for always making sure that we had chairs near the pool/beach and that the umbrellas were in place.

Playacar has had a tough spring/early summer with the seaweed issues that are plaguing the Quintana Roo coast, but we are excited to return in November. The seaweed will be gone, and we know that we will again have a wonderful time in our "home away from home!"