Hotel Xcaret México

This eco-minded, all-inclusive hotel underwent massive renovations in 2025, owned by Experiencias Xcaret, a company that manages several area parks devoted to Mexican and Mayan history, landscape, and culture. Certainly, the Hotel Xcaret's biggest appeal is that guests receive free admission and transportation to the parks, allowing them to hop on a bus or shuttle boat as many times as they like each day. However, there's a lot to see on-site as well, with the design beautifully integrating with the natural rocks, rivers, and jungle. Housing a whopping 1800 rooms across five "casas," some of which have special perks and exclusive amenities, the grounds are expansive and well-manicured. Guests first drive down a long road past park entrances to reach the large palapa-style lobby, which features hanging planters, various natural materials, and casual cream-colored poofs next to tree stump tables. From there, steps lead down to a stone path flanking a water feature that comes upon the ocean-view infinity pool with a swim-up bar. The resort is a jaw-dropping mix of caves and coves surrounded by lush greenery, which guests can explore on foot, kayak, or snorkel. Visitors should keep an eye out for flamingos, iguanas, and tropical fish. Hotel Xcaret boasts a breathtaking design with numerous nooks and crannies for guests to explore, and several areas take full advantage of the lovely Caribbean views.
Guests wear wristbands that serve as room keycards, provide access to all-inclusive dining, and even contain sensors for various cameras spread across the resort. The property attracts an even mix of international and domestic couples and families, and because many spend their time at one of the parks, the atmosphere is relaxed. The only time guests will likely feel the crowds is at check-in and check-out, when lines can be pretty long. The recent expansion gave the resort 20 restaurants (including Ha’, Michelin-starred in 2024), 16 pools with four rooftop options, five new waterslides, expanded wellness and spa facilities, and new entertainment hubs such as Xinema (a 24-hour cinema-restaurant), Distrito 1317 teen lounge, and La Paxanguería nightclub. They also introduced clearer zoning by age and interest, helping families and couples alike find their niche. On the downside, swinging bridges and the lack of railings in certain areas can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. The property is undeniably impressive, but rates are high. For a more affordable option with direct park access (although not free admission), consider the Occidental at Xcaret Destination. For a smaller, more intimate property in Playa del Carmen, the luxurious Banyan Tree Mayakoba is a standout.

Hotel Xcaret México is situated along the highway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, adjacent to Xcaret Park. Guests have easy access to the eco-archaeological attractions, natural swimming areas, and cultural performances that the park is known for. The property is about an hour from Cancún International Airport. Since the 2025 expansion, the resort has added Casa Vida’s new transport hub, which makes shuttles to all Grupo Xcaret parks (including Xcaret, Xenses, Xplor, and Xel-Ha) more streamlined.

Its massive expansion saw Hotel Xcaret double in size from 900 rooms to 1,800, all decorated similarly, in a contemporary, beachy aesthetic with lots of locally inspired elements. Expect modern wood furniture, beige marble floors, pink accent walls, embroidered tapestries from Oaxaca, and turquoise pillows. The crowning feature of each room is the furnished outdoor terrace, which features chairs, a hammock, and loungers, and offers ocean vistas in some. Starting at 575 square feet and increasing in size with upgraded units, rooms are spacious and accommodate a sofa bed, glass table and chairs, desk, and jetted tub. Bathrooms also feature separate rainfall showers, luxurious toiletries that include bath bubbles, digital scales, hairdryers, robes, and slippers. Also standard are flat-screen TVs, free minibars with beer and soda, Nespresso machines, closets with laptop-sized safes, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Rooms are spread among five buildings, each with its own theme. Casa Fuego is for adults only and features an exclusive ocean-view rooftop pool, bar, and restaurant. Casa Agua is by the spa and centers around wellness, while Casa Tierra is geared toward families. Rooms on levels 1 and 2 are typically overlooking the river or garden. Large suites are available, some of which have separate living spaces or swim-up access.

Hotel Xcaret is packed with on-site features, and guests receive complimentary admission and transportation to the Xcaret parks for activities such as Mayan shows, snorkeling, and zip-lining, among others. Reservations are required for a few of the parks, as well as free tours of Chichen Itza and area "cenotes" (swimming holes). As of 2025, Casa Vida serves as a dedicated transport hub, making connections to all Grupo Xcaret parks faster and more convenient. While on the property, there's also a ton to keep visitors busy. Multiple pools, a lagoon, and a river offer spots to take a dip, snorkel, or use the free kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The ocean-view infinity pool with a swim-up bar is a favorite, as is the lagoon with its own stretch of sand and tropical fish. Toward the back of the resort is a family-friendly kids' pool with waterslides, plus an adjacent bar for adults. Casa Fuego has its own sleek rooftop pool. In 2025, the resort expanded to 16 pools total, including four rooftop pools, and added five waterslides.
The oceanfront beach is long and lovely, kept in its natural state with rocky areas. Loungers sit under umbrellas, and flags designate the swimming conditions — red means dangerous, while green is safe. The elegant spa is gorgeous, featuring 15 individual cabins in their own cave-like structures, a hydrotherapy area with hot and cold pools, a sauna, and a salon for nail and hair treatments. A well-regarded kids' club offers organized activities throughout the day, conveniently located next to the child-friendly buffet restaurant, Chibali. Tennis courts and three gyms (a couple of which are exclusive to certain buildings) are available, plus the hotel offers free yoga, meditation, and Tai Chi classes each day. A gorgeous chapel is also on-site, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape and the Caribbean. Wedding and function spaces are available, and a conference was being held near the lobby during our visit. Also near the lobby are a store selling snacks and sundries, and an ATM machine. Wi-Fi is free across the resort.

There are 20 restaurants and eight bars on-site, all of which are available for everyone to use at no additional cost. The Ha' restaurant is a gourmet tasting menu eatery run by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytan; it's only open for dinner and requires an extra fee and a reservation. Adults staying in Casa Fuego have exclusive access to an all-day à la carte restaurant and rooftop bar. The main buffet restaurant is Mercado 17, featuring 10 themed stations that resemble a Mexican market. Other standouts include the dinner-only Xin-Gao, featuring a teppanyaki station and a sushi bar, and Las Cuevas, a Mexican-meets-international spot serving dinner in a cave-like setting by the river. You can also enjoy Tama-Mon (a sushi train concept) and Arriba Baja, a rooftop adults-only restaurant with a waterfall backdrop. Eight bars are spread among the resort, including a swim-up bar, and all liquor, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are covered. Guests can also find stands selling tacos, fruit, or juices set up. Food receives positive reviews across the board.