The Carmen Hotel - Ocean Front

Mexico , Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Calle 8 Nte 876, Centro
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2026

Lexis

Great location and staff was so nice and helpful! Is a Party location next to the beach. If you want a quiet room ask for a room away from the street. The restaurant was great with great food next to the beach. Rooms were clean and spacious just as shown in their pictures. Is a great hotel if you want to be next to the busy downtown area. Walking distance to the ADO bus and Walmart.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2026

Dishant

Clean room , Some staff dont speak English. Airport shuttle don't available. Ocean view is perfect .

Partner

4/10

Poor

15 Mar 2026

Rachel

Did not know cars were not allowed to the front door. The police will take your license plate. Be aware. No doorman with luggage assistance, be prepared to carry your own luggage. Room was outdated for an ocean front property in my opinion. Showerhead was inoperative and toilet was nearly inop as well. Next door was a nightclub with music blaring over television and continued till 2am. No sleep whatsoever. Breakfast is provided at extra cost and is extremely limited with 4 options. Cleaning staff cleaned our room and turned off air condition. Came back late at night with 80 degrees plus humidity after a long hot day at amusement park. Rented a parking space for 3 days 70 US dollars, had to walk 4 large suitcases 4 blocks uphill because no cars permitted as stated above. Local police booted car after parking in business lot not identifying payments will be required. Traveled for ease of access for the Xcaret parks but will stay in Cancun and bus in next time.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

11 Mar 2026

Cynthia

The price was fair for the location on 5th Avenue and right in front of the ocean. The hotel is clean and the bed was comfortable, but the property clearly needs renovation. The toilet area felt very small and somewhat claustrophobic.

There is also noise at night from nearby restaurants and music from the surrounding area. I personally sleep deeply, so it didn’t bother me, but light sleepers might find it an issue.

Overall, it’s a reasonable option for a short stay if you want an affordable beachfront place in a very central area.

Family

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2026

dan

The ocean was barely visible.
The pool was too small to swim lenghts

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2026

Kendall

The staff was friendly, great location

Friends_and_family Friends

4/10

Poor

25 Feb 2026

Luis

People at the check in were not very well trained. They are not up to date with guest using their credit card, not willing to call to verbally verify when their machine does not approve the card. This is a common practice in any respectable hotel. Not very friendly. The sheets were never changed during 8 days. Location great but lousy service. Be aware.

Friends

2/10

Poor

21 Feb 2026

ARTEMIA

Service was the worse in restaurant and front desk. My first day arriving. My welcome was my room number no instructions on where the restaurant and pool was no wi fi password was given.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

15 Feb 2026

Elizabeth

They had construction going on during our stay. The floors in lobby were being replaced, which is disappointing because the old floors looked and suited the aesthetic better. So the constant noise and tape and dust was a bit overwhelming.
We couldn’t even enjoy the restaurant next door due to the constant noise through the day.
The staff were very friendly and helpful. The food and drinks at the rooftop were surprisingly delicious. The passion fruit margaritas and salmon were *chefs kiss*.
However, the pool was super cold, didn’t even get in almost wish it was heated but the weather wasn’t too hot.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2026

Alina

Very clean. Very friendly and a really nice place in general. Enjoyed my stay & would recommend

6/10

Pleasant

09 Feb 2026

Deborah

The room was cool but definitely had some issues. For example the paint was peeling, the sofa broke, the shower knob was weak and pulled out of the wall.

One of the elevators was broken, but we were on the 2nd floor so we walked the majority of the time.

JP (Juan Pablo) was great as was the blond at the beach bar, but Armando at the beach bar was HORRIBLE. The rooftop bar and pool were also very cool, but the pool was freezing cold and the drinks were ridiculously expensive. And in the future I most definitely won’t pay the extra money I spent to stay here since the beach bar was open as was the rooftop pool and bar. Anyone can go!

The music was super loud since they put us in a room next to the MUZA, and btw, that MUZA balcony was disgusting and sadly we had to look at it when we sat outside and played cards.

They also decided to redo the reception area floors when we were there so that was another minus. The Lucia a hotel uses the same reception desk and it less money AND has a better beach bar and beach chairs. All of the Carmen hotel beach chairs were broken.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

07 Feb 2026

Natallia

The hotel front desk staff were incredibly rude. The room smelled of mold and had cockroaches, the bedside lamps had broken light bulbs, and the towels were very old and stained.
The hotel is located right next to a bar that plays very loud music until 4 am, so it's very noisy and impossible to sleep.
Repair work is being carried out on the floor in the lobby. I do not recommend this hotel.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

31 Jan 2026

Elvia

The staff was absolutely amazing? However the room itself could use some updates and better cleaning. The balcony had a Jacuzzi however, the Jacuzzi did not have hot water. The balcony could’ve actually had better cleaning as well.

6/10

Pleasant

28 Jan 2026

Gary

Start with the good. Hotel is right on the beach. There is a good beach club attached and food. Amazing views from the top floor bar area. Room designs are fun and balcony is nice. Front desk staff was quick to address any issues. Meena was wonderful. Unfortunately, the hotel is located next to open air night clubs that play extremely loud music until 4 am every night which is a big issue all along 5th Ave. Your room just thumps all night so don't plan on sleeping or bring ear plugs and headphones. We tried moving rooms but there was no availability and they said it wouldn't make much difference anyway. Toilet poorly flushes and sometimes not at all. You also are not allowed to flush any toilet paper. yuck! The hotel, in it's prime was probably top notch and a big effort was put into the design, but it's a bit tired and needs some TLC. Cleaning staff did a nice job with cleanliness in our room. We tried toughing it out but after 4 nights we had to check out early due to the noise and their supposed to refund us the remaining nights, so we'll see if that happens. If you don't mind not being able to sleep and the few other items I mentioned it's a good value. It really is too bad for hotel owners and guests that nothing can apparently be done with all these nightclubs near 5th ave. playing crazy loud music and no one is even in them most the time!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2026

Neil

Nice chill place.

Leisure

8/10

Excellent

21 Jan 2026

Rafael

I loved the modern vibe and the great pool. The location is excellent, and overall it’s a fantastic stay. The only small improvement I’d suggest is updating the beach club lounge chairs, as they’re a bit worn, and possibly adding a parking partnership with a nearby parking lot.

2/10

Poor

17 Jan 2026

Helga

Although staff members in general were nice there was one receptionist by the name Mina who not only wasn't nice to us but we felt being treated by her differently. We were the only one being told that the check out would be 11 oclock despite our clear written time of 12 pm. Whenn we indicated that she was very nasty about it. Also when stating the rules, she was very intimidating. We didn't see this treatment with other customers while waiting. We really believe thisvwas a result of us being minarity group. The other receptionist was very nice and even told Mina in spanish that check out was 12. Other staff members were nice.

8/10

Excellent

16 Jan 2026

Hayden

Room was clean, missing a bathroom mirror. Music from the restaurant was extremely loud until late at night keeping us awake. Beach loungers were old and falling apart.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

09 Jan 2026

Albert

The room has no mirrors except a 5 inches round mirror on a pivot, bathroom is very tiny so if you’re a plus size don’t go there, like a lot of hotels in that area lots of wear and tear. Staff needs to be replaced as they are not friendly at all, will not go there again.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Dec 2025

Rebecca

The staff was not friendly, the room showed a lot of wear and tear. Restaurant/ bar was closed during stay

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Dec 2025

doug

The room is very nice, and the staff is terrific. The cleaning services every day are very good and the views from the hotel are great and the location is great. It’s right next to Muza a very nice restaurant. There is also a restaurant in the hotel when tourism is at its peak.

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

29 Dec 2025

Irvin

No hot water in shower. Coffee machine did not work. Room was very cold. Light switches difficult to operate. Hotel is not on beach. No chairs in room.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Dec 2025

Payton Sydney

Overall, nice beach access hotel right on the Main Street in playa del Carmen. Walkable distance to shops, restaurants and beach.

8/10

Excellent

06 Dec 2025

Janice

I left a gold wedding ring in the room by accident, when i checked out. I phoned.. thirty minutes after check out but the number was not in service..no numbers were in service. My emails bounced back as not able to deliver. ..I had a plane to catch so I had to leave it. Two phone numbers that didn’t work and two emails that were not able to deliver. That.. is poor service so someone has my wedding band!

8/10

Excellent

06 Dec 2025

Alejandro

The view was okay and the same with the room. It is in the center of town, half a block from the 5th avenue, so it is noisy and I prefer more peace.

Business_and_leisure Family

2/10

Poor

26 Nov 2025

breon

Stinky musty ass smelling room

2/10

Poor

20 Nov 2025

Regina

Terrible hotel.
Just spend a little more and stay somewhere else.
When we checked in it felt like we were bothering the receptionist. She just asked for our ID’s and credit card and went straight to letting us know that if we lost the key we will get charged for it. That’s pretty much all the information she gave us.
We asked for two room keys, since it was two of us, and she said we could only get one….

The music from Sr Frogs it’s ridiculously loud and it does on all day. You will be up at 8am with all the roosters from the lot across from the hotel.
We didn’t have hot water the first day.
One of the elevators was broken for two days.
The swimming pool area could be really nice but looks like they just gave up on this hotel.
The bar is a total joke, the pool furniture is old and dirty. The water is freezing. The bar staff is very unwelcoming. And to top it off when we asked pool staff for pool towels they said we had to go to the lobby for them lol.
I’ve stayed in 20 different hotels in playa del Carmen and this is the first time I write a review.

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

12 Nov 2025

Eric Ming Yin

The room was dirty and had bubble gum on the sheets

8/10

Excellent

06 Nov 2025

Sandra

We liked the room ,even though it wasn’t the one I thought we were supposed to get! Front desk were nice. proximity to all the action was nice.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Nov 2025

Kenneth

Clean room. Affordable drinks but no bath towels.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2025

MIGUEL ANGEL

Fue una gran experiencia quedarme en The Carmen

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2025

Irina

I had a sunrise suite and the view was breathtaking!

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2025

Jackie

Very nice room but definitely starting to show its age. Main vent in center of room leaked water the entire stay. For the proce and location its well worth it though.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Yessenia

Beautiful hotel !! The service amazing .

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Sep 2025

Erendira

Great location but bad service

The location was great for this hotel. However the staff was rude and dismissive. Also, a couple of our rooms were not thoroughly cleaned even after mentioning to cleaning staff that there was a roach in the room.

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

24 Aug 2025

Bruce

Staff VERY unfriendly

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

18 Aug 2025

Jesse

Location is great. Staff can be more friendly

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Aug 2025

Scott

Right on the water. Clean room. There is no parking so you have to walk a few blocks to get there

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2025

Matthew

Great location a little pricey and outdated

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Aug 2025

Romaldo

Nice location and good staff. Food was not good.

8/10

Excellent

06 Aug 2025

Jasmine

Staff was super friendly and helpful. I felt safe the entire time as a solo traveler. Great happy hour specials and tasty food options. Menu pricing was similar to surrounding restaurants. It was exactly what I needed.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

04 Aug 2025

Jennifer

Stay was Great

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Pretty decent

Great location. Nice hotel with an excellent roof top pool and bar. Bar staff was amazing and very friendly.

The front desk has a rule that if you bring a friend or guest back to the hotel they have to fill out paperwork and provide identification. The night shift front desk woman was rude, aggressive, and made my friend very uncomfortable. Making assumptions about the reason we were going to the room wanting to know if they would be staying the night. It upset both of us. I realize this may be a hotel policy for security but many of the details she requested were an invasion of privacy. I wouldn’t return as a solo traveller for this main reason.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2025

Verified traveler

Amazing stay!! Thank you Diego and the deck 5 crew for making it such a pleasant stay. -Taylor

Business_and_leisure

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2025

Kirk

Contemporary

Super cool hotel right on the sand.

Partner

4/10

Poor

07 Jul 2025

Joseph

Servicio

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2025

Stacey

Only bad thing was the shower water did not get hot

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

16 Jun 2025

Migdalia

There’s no phone in the rooms air conditioner was not working properly

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2025

Francisco

Great location and plenty to do.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jun 2025

Fernando

Normal

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2025

Maria Eugenia

We loved our balcony! The room was great! Modern decor.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jun 2025

claudia

All is perfect just the roof top/bar needs some renovations!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2025

Darren

Great location. Spacious room.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2025

casey

I searched for ages for a regular place to stay in play, and THE CARMEN ticks all the boxes... Now it's the only place I stay!

Business_and_leisure Self

4/10

Poor

21 May 2025

JoAnn

The property needs improvement

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2025

Cory

Awesome

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2025

Vanness

Great location, property was a bit outdated nice rooftop staff was nice.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 May 2025

Alan

Will stay again

8/10

Excellent

06 May 2025

DOUGLAS ROBERT

The location is excellent and the staff was very nice. Unfortunately, most of the plumbing needs to be replaced

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2025

Luis

Excellent at all

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2025

Sharon

Love it here

The ocean breezes, unique rooms, the music from the club next door, and great location make this one of my favorite places in Playa

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2025

Plutarco

I would definitely go back beautiful view and love iit

Business_and_leisure

6/10

Pleasant

23 Mar 2025

yajaira

The property was located in a great spot their cleanliness was not the greatest for the price that was paid. My grandmother suffers from itchy skin and will sometimes bleed. Instead of them switching them out as they were cleaning they turned them around.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

13 Mar 2025

Jason

A stone’s throw away from The Beach, 5th Avenue and all of The Excitement…… Pool can use a Good cleaning but Otherwise, The Rooftop was Nice:)

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2025

Christina

Excellent location beach front and walk downtown

Partner

4/10

Poor

06 Mar 2025

Ana Maria

The hotel needs to be more maintenance smell old .. towels are really old and hard

Business_and_leisure Family

4/10

Poor

04 Mar 2025

Andrea

Our toilet didn’t flush at all and we didn’t have washcloths the entire time. Outside of that, it was a bit clean and the staff was friendly. A little extra effort and this could be a nice place to stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2025

Valentin

Great location, amazing room views, great staff. Building itself a bit run down; it has unique features, feels like on a cruise. Would recommend for the location and uniqueness.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

24 Feb 2025

Bruce

Horrible staff! Don’t stay here!!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2025

dennis

Really had a good experience at this hotel but it has so many aesthetic things wrong with it.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

17 Feb 2025

Yamileth Chavez

The location is excellent, right on 5th avenue, you can walk around everywhere and it’s right in front of the beach. However, the room was outdated, there is no privacy in the restroom so be mindful If you are not going with your partner. The balcony didn’t have a lock which made us feel unsafe. They denied our request to get more towels because only one per guest was allowed. Keep in mind there is no room service so there is no phone in the room for any needs you may have. If you don’t about any of those, the location was good for the price?

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

09 Feb 2025

Jacqueline

Do not go here if you plan on enjoying the beach or the pool. There is no umbrella coverage anywhere on the property and no pool chairs upstairs. They refuse to put umbrellas up on the beach even though they have them. Total of 6 chairs for the whole hotel.

Music is blasting until midnight every night.
The hotel itself is also run down with lots of water/moisture damage.

If you like to party and want to be in a busy and loud location, then it could be recommended.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Feb 2025

Jose

No wifi service for a few days
The cleaning crew were not thorough
A tip is earned not pushed on by servers

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

07 Feb 2025

Vincent

Great location in heart of Playa Del Carmen. Hotel has nice rooms and design. However, has aged and could use a bit of TLC. Roof pool area is small and there are no lounge chairs, just couches and normal chairs. Overall, descent place to stay at a good price point.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2025

christopher

Love it

Amazing place, the rooftop right on the beach is definitely something you want to live. Spacious room and clean. And service and the staff were very welcoming.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2025

casey

I love this place. I regularly stay here, it needs a little updating and maintenance, bit great service, great spot. Party but quiet sleep

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

22 Jan 2025

carlos

Terrible

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jan 2025

Tracy

Missed for being a 4.5 star property. I would call it a 3.5 star property. Location was great, a block from 5th street. Hotel lacked 4-5 star amenities. There is no phone in the room. Bathroom door is sliding and doesn’t allow for much privacy. Balcony was nice with a view to the ocean. Bed was comfy, but the tv would not work. Had to screen record our phones to tv and that didnt work half the time. Affordable option, but dont expect 4 5 accommodations. The rooftop bar was nice, they had live music and a great view. Centrally located to everything. Recommend taking ADO bus, station is about a 10 minute walk from hotel. From cancan airport it was about 25 pesos.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

15 Jan 2025

Elizabeth

It’s very inconvenient than once you go out to the beach the staff is constantly bothering you to order from the restaurant and if you have a coconut what you bought next door , they don’t let you have it there, although you are a guest of the hotel.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Jan 2025

Patricia

Very well located on the beach.
Nice room design and nice rooftop Pool-Bar.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

04 Jan 2025

Elizabeth

The hotel you experience is NOTHING compared to the hotel itself. The owners have let this place ruin and the quality of the staff is worse.

The only positives were the comfort of the bed and the location.

Otherwise the bathroom was small and uncomfortable with only one frosted glass door shared between toilet and shower.
The glass mirror hanging from ceiling was hanging on by a thread, huge danger and staff blew it off because its still hanging.
Television did not work, they had already corrected it 2x before i gave up.
Pool was green, this was the worst part because to me, it was the best amenity here. Staff said it was “chemicals, give it two hours”. Well 2 days later still just as moldy.
Hotel breakfast was good, but the service was very bad. Unfriendly, and simply not wanting to serve, it was weird.
Front staff stole an item left at the counter and when we went back to ask for it she was rude and snooty and looked angry towards us every single time we walked in the door. I felt like i was getting to work late or something every time she was there, staring angrily.

Otherwise, fridge worked well, cute but useless deck unless you want to hear blaring music til 5am. There was a convenient store a couple doors down and taxis dont go all the way to the hotel, but pretty close.

I would not stay here again unless there was a better room available.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jan 2025

David

This hotel was fine. It was safe. And centrally located.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Dec 2024

Shane

The property is well situated within Playa Del Carmen. Being on the the beach was amazing, having breakfast or lunch seconds from your room was great.

I would definitely stay again.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2024

Deymi

The location was great and also very clean. I will definitely book there for my next vacation.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Dec 2024

Jorge Alfaro

Everything is near.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Dec 2024

Joseph

Great location

This is a boutique hotel with a Fantastic location!! On the Beach and a block away from 5th avenue. The have a restaurant on site that transitions into a beach bar (on the beach) called the Sand Bar (I think). The deck 5 Sky bar give a beautiful view on the ocean. The deck 5 sky bar is on the smaller side (but very nicely down) as it is a boutique hotel. We will stay there again. The beds are great for …..

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Nov 2024

Glen

GREAT value for an ocean front hotel!

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2024

casey

The hotel was excellent. Service excellent. Quiet cool rooms. Needs a little maintenance. Needs more towels, and touch ups. But I will definitely stay again!!!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2024

Mauro

Really nice hotel

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Nov 2024

Rimsha

very kind staff big thanks to mina receptionist

6/10

Pleasant

18 Nov 2024

Rosa

Bathrooms @ the lobby were nasty , not toilet paper . Housekeeping forgot to give us toilet paper and the receptionist said she didn't have extra paper. Very loud bar next to the hotel with loud music until 2:00 am . Very pretty hotel , with comfortable bed and big rooms . Hotel close to the beach .

8/10

Excellent

28 Oct 2024

Waqar

Nice

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

27 Oct 2024

Jessica Kacey

Dirty rooms
rude staff money hungry for tips
dirty pool ruined my new swim suit

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2024

IGNAT SERGEEVICH

Very Loud During the night, busy streets

Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Oct 2024

Daniel

Property was great

8/10

Excellent

20 Oct 2024

Dr. Luis

Great location, closed to ADO bus stations, and it's on the beach. The facilities need an urgent upgrade,, particularly the pool. OCT2024

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2024

Manuel Andre

Beautiful hotel, nice access to the beach and nice view from the room. Did not get a sheet change during all stay, how i know? there were 3 little blood stain on the beeding that stayed there during our whole stay. Other than that, would recommend and visit again if i ever go to PdC.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2024

Saul

I liked the hotel and the location a lot. I’d like a hot tub but the pool is cool on the roof. And the views from up there are great!

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

07 Oct 2024

Daisy

Check in was at 3pm so we arrived at 2:45 the front desk lady didn’t show up until 3:20pm and when she finally showed up ot seemed as though we were an inconvenience to her and she never greeted us, never made us feel welcomed that day or any of the days we stayed at your hotel. We found out about the restaurant and rooftop pool when we were walking on the beach and they invited us in, we told them we were already guests but didn’t know those were available to us. I probably wouldn’t recommend this hotel just because of your front desk rep. The cleaning ladies were much more friendlier than her!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2024

James

Service was great

Leisure Family