Smart Splurge
The Mandarin Oriental chain made a huge splash in early 2008 when they opened their first Mexican hotel here in Playa del Carmen. The 120-room property incorporates design elements from around the world, with whitewashed buildings reminiscent of the Adriatic, Southeast Asian accents like seagrass furniture… more and the occasional Buddha statue, and lagoons, reflection pools, and thatched huts that are pure Quintana Roo. Five bungalows and two-level villas, reached by golf carts, are decorated with Mexican art and have secluded outdoor showers and stone tubs. Each room has a view of one of their water features. Also worth a visit: their 25,000-square-foot spa and contemporary Thai restaurant.
Mandarin Oriental must be terribly embarrassed by this foray of theirs into the beach resort world--it just wasn't thought out well at all. The rooms are perfectly lovely, as are the Bulgari bath products, and the food was consistently good. But the... more
This hotel has surpassed all expectations we had!! We were celebrating our anniversary here and we were treated like royalty!!!! We got a free upgrade to Palafitos Premier room and received more than one complementary bottle of wine... it was... more
everything was great at this hotel except the surprise 27% tack up on bill at check out. it was so good i'd go back. more
I recently spent 5 luxurious days at the Mandarin with a group of friends, and the hotel certainly lived up to my high expectations. The rooms were spacious and elegantly decorated, and I especially loved the huge bathtub on my terrace and the... more
I stayed with my family of 2 little kids at the Mandarin Riviera Maya for four days. We had a regular room, with garden and outside hot tub. The room was ok allthough my 1 yr old son had to sleep in the bathroom! THe design and comfort of the room... more
