Our only regret is that Chakka was closed during our 9-day stay due to low capacity.

We were also a bit disappointed not to be able to hang out at the Zen pool, as the Zen hotel section was closed,

The downside of that was that a number of the bars and restaurants were closed for refurbishment and that wasn’t advertised in advance.

It happened to be very low occupancy for some reason the week of August we went so it was very quiet and allot of things were closed.

But, the Zen pool was closed, which was a bummer because it's so beautiful and we wanted a change of pace for the kids after so many days.

There were strong winds and the port was closed for a couple of days; therefore, we couldn't go out.

The restaurant selection was reduced because of the occupancy and our 2nd reservation to Lucca was cancelled because it was closed.

Please note piano bar closed the entire time we were there

The spa is the best part of the resort, dont miss it!

Zen area was closed during our stay due to the construction.

Unlike our former stays where Azul was always open for a more casual dinner buffet, this time it closed at 5PM daily.

Taste like fake sugar substitute in pina coladas/margaritas ect
-Bistro is closed for lunch which is a huge let down.

When we finally got to the restaurant, the front desk guy told us that it was closed for a private party and that the Piaf chef wasn’t even there. What!

The main lobby is closed, one of the stores is shut down, and one of the bars is also shut down.

Some restaurants were closed on certain nights during our visit,

•	Monica responded on April 5th saying we could no longer get the Zen room rates because the category is now closed for the date we had picked.

Four restaurants were closed because of covid,

Although some of restaurants were closed due to the number of guests, they would alternate the schedule so we didn't have to eat at the same place twice.

Our experience at the Gran Velas hotel in Playa del Carmen was amazing.

The food is outstanding, the service is always top notch, and you cannot beat the crystal clear blue waters off of playa del Carmen beaches.

We had the most amazing experience at the Grand Velas Resort in Playa Del Carmen Mexico.

A 15 minute taxi ride puts you into the middle of Playa del Carmen where there is abundant shopping along with many restaurants and bars.

Short car ride into Playa del Carmen for a walk along 5 Ave, heaps of shopping, bars and cafes to entertain for the day.

We spent six days at the Grand Velas, a few miles north of Playa del Carmen.

Went into Playa del Carmen one day, was 20 US dollars each way and only 15 mins away.

After 3 days in Tulum staying at the Azulik hotel, we move to Playa Del Carmen at GrandVelas Riviera Maya all Inclusive Spa and Resort.

We took our first vacation since Covid to Playa del Carmen and had an amazing time at Grand Velas.

Tried different hotels in Playa del Carmen like The Fairmont to the Pablo Escobar Mansion in Tulum and I know about service, quality, etc.

I was very impressed with the Grand Vilas here in Playa del Carmen.

we have been visiting Playa del Carmen for more than 15 years and since we stayed in Grand Velas, it has been imposible to go to another hotel

I won a company incentive trip to Grand Velas in Playa del Carmen.

So, this is our 4th year in Playa del Carmen out of the last 5 years.

The location is great, its secluded back probably a mile from the main road that goes to playa del Carmen.

Would recommend this resort to anyone considering a vacation or getaway in Playa Del Carmen!

We have just returned from an amazing trip to the Grand Velas hotel in Playa del Carmen - its not often that you can say a holiday is perfect

Strong Wi-Fi all over the resort

Location
Close enough to Playa Del Carmen
Nice walk along the beach

Food
Whether it was room service, poolside, beachside, Azul, Fridas, Piaf or Lucca the food was delicious.

The food, drinks and service at every restaurant was just fantastic.

Chaka was where my family got sick on December 30th / food at the beach area was good, good hotdogs.

Each and every day it is a wonderful experience, the views are stunning, sunsets spectacular, food is great, rooms are fantastic

Highly recommend visiting Milton at the Grand Class Adult Pool bar for some amazing cocktails.

The food was superb, and the personnel was excellent.

We even encountered Doña Mary preparing the Lucca restaurant, who bestowed a beautiful smile upon us while carrying out her duties.

The grounds are beautiful, the suites very spacious,  the facilities excellent, the food amazing.

Great food, gorgeous suites and wonderful and warm staff.

What a beautiful and hospitable place 
Loved every minute of it 
Wonderful choice of meals, beautiful and clean surroundings, amazing decoration welcoming staff 
The spa service was number 1
Couldn’t recommend it more 
Perfection !

but Marco and Augusto served us the final evening at Covina Azul (tasting menu).

The resort is top-notch, is very clean, and features a good range of restaurants with excellent food.

Gorgeous views
Clean rooms
A pillow menu
AMAZING spa (thank you, Arbil) 

Cons:
They have an econcierge to make all your arrangements before your trip.

The food across the board is excellent and very family friendly.

Nahum Velasco, Jaime Jimenez, and Zuri Saddai facilitated the meals according to our dietary restrictions and they were very eager to assist.

We also loved our babysitter, Melissa, who watched our daughter two nights while we went out for dinner.

Special thanks to Iran, Ruben, Francisco, Fernando our mixologist Emmanuel and the manager of Bistro Brandon.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

closed

Free parking

Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)

Pool

There was loud techno music and reggeaton playing from every direction at all times.

Booming music from multiple directions was a constant.

Loud club music all night on weekends and you will not rest.

There is a public beach in front of the hotel so be prepared for a big crowd afternoons and loud music late night,

Noise and privacy will be a problem weekends hey are playing music late on the beach!!!

HOWEVER, what the resort does not do a good job of communicating is that at night, it can turn into a party beach with extremely loud music and loud voices.

If I were to change anything, I'd change the music to be more regional (pop versions of American classics was a little silly) and I would turn it down in the restaurants,

I got really excited about that because my husband is Mexican and loves Mexican food and music.

There is hotel music until 5 am at least and the bubble tea shop next door blasts music from 7am.

Almost every night people on the beach blasting music until at least 5am or they start blasting music at 6am.

All the 10 days here was loud clubbing music.

The beach in front of the resort is a public beach and many locals like to hang out (sometimes past 3am) and party, play loud music, etc.

We heard some music from a neighboring bar only on a Friday and only while at the Fuego pool.

but far enough away from the loud music on 5th street.

however since it’s was on the edge of the property, we had to deal with loud music from a club one night.

This does mean some music and noise in the evening from the city, depending on where your room is so be prepared.

but it was close enough to the Agave Bar in the resort that we could hear the music they played until they closed (about midnight).

Playa del Carmen in itself was as designed by satan.

but it is right in the centre of Playa del Carmen so if you want to go out there is lots of choice.

You do not feel you’re in the middle of the city of Playa del Carmen—the rooms are very private and we loved the landscaped hotel grounds.

If you are in need of a peaceful and relaxing vacation on the beach THIS is your resort in Playa Del Carmen!

My closest friend had a wedding this past weekend in Playa del Carmen, they recommended this hotel for the stay for the wedding.

We were initially a little concerned that this resort immediately abuts the public beach in Playa del Carmen,

The resort feels like an oasis in a sometimes wild and lively Playa del Carmen.

Staff was great exercise facility could be better and location within the city of playa del Carmen is terrific.

but it was easy and safe to park on the street anyway so it wasn’t a big issue for us. When we come back to Playa del Carmen we would probably stay here again :)

Most beautiful place in Playa del Carmen.

The resort was within very easy walking distance to the tourist shops and restaurants - Playa del Carmen just has a very nice feel to it!

It is also the only hotel that we could see on playa del Carmen that was actually on a hospitable beach where you could swim without seaweed, rocks etc.

Beautiful property, nicely maintained beach, excellent location on a pretty tree lined street in Playa del Carmen.

My family just got back from a week at Mahekal in Playa del Carmen and what a great experience.

The hotel itself is centrally located in Playa Del Carmen just a block away from their main shopping trip.

Mahekal is nestled in an oasis of palms & flowers surrounded by quaint, walkable, entertaining & safe town of Playa Del Carmen.

The resort is just situated off the main tourist strip in Playa del Carmen,

The absolute best place to stay in Playa del carmen!

The property was beautiful, and managed to feel tropical while just outside the trendy shops and restaurants of Fifth avenue in Playa del Carmen.

This is a beautiful facility that feels like you are surrounded by nature while also being centrally located in Playa Del Carmen easily walkable to lots of touristy shopping and good restaurants.

butler to cater to our every need, we only wanted the possibility to take a shower and lock our door (which we would of had better luck with at the cheapest hostel around, as said earlier).

Unfortunately, our stay at Mahekal has not been as magical as 2 years ago, despite staying in the Ocean View King Palapa this time (supposedly one of the nicest, most expensive on the property, which is why we paid up for it).

nevertheless the tip was calculated on the full cost.

The spa was also very expensive ($100 mani pedi).

I've probably been to 20+ properties in the area over the years - would not recommend this one to friends - especially for the cost.

To send a swift wire takes time and at least 40 dlls cost to send.

I felt that it was very overpriced for the service we received.

It’s extremely overpriced for what you get.

We went to Fuego for lunch and I paid the full price.

is quite expensive when coming from Europe.

This isn’t even an expensive hotel for them to act like this!

but not least this hotel is overpriced for what it gives.

My favorite part was the pottery painting hut, I went three times and it’s not very expensive!!

Our travel agency also had no information about these fees.

Front desk confirmed a one night extension upon check in, at the same rate,

Taxi gets expensive so we had to reset a car instead.

Reception staff were adamant that these were paid immediately even after a tiring 10hr flight with a 10 month old baby.

The staff at the restaurants and the guards were nice.

Otherwise the food was very good for an all inclusive hotel,

We received a bill for everything including breakfast and dinner.

The food was top notch, drinks were refreshing and delicious.

The food was delicious, presented creatively and with attention to detail.

Also there was a mandatory dinner fee because it was New Year’s Eve, which we paid,

Pros - great food, very friendly staff, secure and great location near restaurants and shopping.

While the facilities, food, setting & scenery were everything we'd hoped for and more, it was the friendly staff that made this trip such a wonderful experience.

My family and I booked this hotel with breakfast plus one meal.

They have  amazing lobster meals and will cook your food any way you like.

Some of our favorites are; Enrique & Lois took great care of us at breakfast and then for lunch at Fuego.

The food was overwhelmingly the best part of the trip.

The rooms are beautiful, the beach is right out your door, the food & drinks are scrumptious,

The food and service in the restaurant was excellent.

Location and views are nice and food is good.

Mahekal Beach Resort

price

music

Street parking

Free internet

Please beware of all the extra charges!!!!!!

What I do have a problem with is charging $70-80/ bottle for $10-15 wine.

There is a big effort at upselling (extra charges) the house wines are not that good and the ones that they sell are mediocre and overpriced.

Tried to charge us almost $400 a night for an upgrade! Wow!

Hilton Honors members take note, if you do not book directly through Hilton, your status is recognized, no upgrades, no stay credits and no points.

Plus, several items were an “up charge” - should read “some-inclusive” not all-inclusive.

In addition, a couple of the restaurants were charging a fee for dinner, while food at the all -inclusive restaurants had no taste.

If you don't have significant extra funds and want to socialize with your group you could end up spending all of your vacation budget on your first night out causing you to spend the rest of your evenings sitting in your room watching tv.

but I guess Hilton wasn’t making enough so hey let’s get rid of the loungers and charge the guest if they want to sit by the pool.

Be aware all inclusive for Hilton does not include top shelf spirits and there are up charges for specific items and one restaurant if you are not staying in the more expensive rooms.

but my God, charge more for cabanas and take out half.

Not bad I was just not planning on all the extra charges for everything.

but payment was on the day of arrival and Hilton coverts all of their advertised payments which are in USD to MXN which then converts to the currency of your card.

After you pay for the all-inclusive, they love you charge for everything, especially for using the beds that are around the pool, they don't clean your room if you don't ask for it, the shower is dirty, and the beach cabanas are poorly cleaned.

This leaves minimal seating unless you’re wanting to add an extra $1000 charge to your vacation.

Without the spa access you get a key card.

The hotel charges us a 400.00 smoking fee, there were 2 other couples who smoked and they didn’t get charged.

Literally charged a friend $200 for make up on a towel.

but they had flavored water and cookies available so I guess that balances it out….

I stayed at Hilton Playa del Carmen with my best friend.

My family traveled to Hilton Playa del Carmen all inclusive resort in Dec. 2023 and we had a fantastic time!

If you stay in Playa del Carmen, this is a clean hotel with good amenities, decent restaurants, and excellent service.

This used to be the Royal Playa del Carmen and it was much better then,

Walk out the main door and you are in town (playa del carmen).

loved exploring the mall..many stores similar to what we have in Canada 😃we had an amazing time here at the Hilton Playa del Carmen..I'm sure we'll come again 😃Thank you for a wonderful time

A very welcome oasis from the tackiness and tourist traps in Playa del Carmen town.

Our annual Anniversary trip to the former Royal Playa del Carmen , and now Hilton, never disappoints!

My wife and I have been to the Hilton Playa del Carmen five times since August 2017.

I really enjoyed my stay at the Hilton Playa del Carmen.

As for the rest, the location is great you can do in and out of the hotel feeling very secure to explore Playa Del Carmen which offers more than the 5th avenue.

I went to Playa del Carmen to celebrate the festival of the dead and I have to say I had the most excellent time.

The resort is in a perfect place to enjoy the town and all aspects of Playa del Carmen.

We had a great time at Hilton Playa Del Carmen.

Loved our stay at the Hilton Playa Del Carmen.

Hilton Playa del Carmen is a stunning destination.

In conclusion, my recent visit to Hilton Playa del Carmen Resort was far from the exceptional experiences I had previously enjoyed.

Best location and within walking distance of all things playa del Carmen.

What an experience at Hilton Playa Del Carmen.

Reservation: I paid via Hilton Honors for 2 people, also confirmed by Hilton Honors.

They had tables on the grass that you had to pay for.

Finding space at pool can be difficult if you don’t want to pay $120/day for a cabana.

but it’s declined in new ownership that seemed to cut out the expensive stuff (fully stocked bar).

We contacted playa collection for transportation that never showed up for us at the airport and we had to pay 3x what it cost to get to the resort.

5th Ave.  ..prices have gone up since our last visit

This is a total lie you must pay for cabanas you must still get your own reservation for dinner and I was never told this upon arrival until day 2 of my stay when they said it’s a 2 hour wait for dinner.

Expensive massage options and dining tables around the dance/entertainment floor.

We did the dinner at Chefs Plate which you have to pay for.

The hidden costs required to stay here might give one cause to decide against choosing The Hilton.

All the cabanas are the same the pricing is $74 for a cabana with 2 waters and 2 hard seltzers and only drink service (this is what we got), the other two are around $110 and $170 for a bottle of alcohol or champagne and food and drink service.

You literally pay people to kick out unsuspecting guests out of chairs in front of cabanas.

I am sure there are less expensive ways to do this

They only place to sit is a cabana which is quite pricey

I was curious about how it would be given the price difference between the other Playa resorts.

The food is way better than at other all inclusives.

We went off campus several times for meals.

The food was excellent-we particularly loved the restaurant named Kalamata and the banana dessert from Asiana.

The restaurants have good food and variety.

Asiana dessert choconori I am still dreaming about.

(We liked the Mexican and Asian restaurants, as well as Kalamata.)

Great little bar for a pre dinner cocktail.

Restaurants were superb ate in five unique setting.

Food is so-so with one exception being great tacos al pastor at Rincon Mexicano.

The pool was nice with plenty of chairs and food at the pool which was a perk.

Food - Above average for an all-inclusive resort.

We enjoyed our stay BUT for the service at the various restaurants which was mediocre especially the waiters.

-Canabis smell got inside my room everyday (that was the worst for me).

No cigar bar- 😞 and no place to smoke them if you brought your own.

but our room was a little musty smelling.

The check in process for Diamond members started with a welcome drink and then followed with a cold damp towel.

Honest to god -- it smelled like raw sewage.

however did smell like mildew (did visit during their rainy season so this could be the cause of it) 

The bad:
The food was terrible, which made the all inclusive a terrible value.

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