When the Royal Hideaway Playacar first opened its doors nearly 20 years ago, it was the grande dame of Playa del Carmen. The resort was one of the first luxury hotels in the area, setting the bar for all-inclusive elegance.
But as the years have passed and the luxury sector of Playa del Carmen has grown and flourished, the concept of all-inclusive luxury is no longer a game-changer, and the resort (an Occidental Hotels & Resorts property) had become lost in the shadows of some of its competitors. But with a multimillion-dollar investment and renovations on the way, Royal Hideaway Playacar is looking to take back its crown.
The guest experience at the Royal Hideaway Playacar retains its barefoot elegance. Guests are greeted in the main, marble-covered lobby by white-gloved butlers carrying complimentary Champagne. From the main building, the resort's 200 villa suites scatter themselves toward the pool area and ocean. There are six a la carte restaurants, six bars, six pools, a beach and pool concierge, a spa and entertainment. The resort is within walking distance of Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue.
Service at the resort is impeccable, with staff who remember names, and preferences and sprinkle surprises throughout your stay. All the elements of a great five-star resort are there. Still, compared with other luxury hotels in Mexico similarly touting a luxury all-inclusive experience, Royal Hideaway Playacar's facilities are in need of an upgrade. In fact, one is on the way.
The resort is undergoing a renovation, which will include all of the guestrooms, a new sports bar and an expansion of the gym and spa area. All of the renovations are to be completed this year.
When I visited the property in May I was able to see a model room with renovations, including new color schemes and bathroom fixtures and furniture that echoed today's modern, chic resort vibe that travelers have come to expect. They can expect a lighter, airier feel to the guestrooms, all of which have balconies and views. Accommodations include Luxury Suites, Luxury Ocean Views, duplex Junior Suites and the Presidential Suites.
Dining at the resort leaves little to be desired, with many international options. But the experience to beat is the Chef's Table at Las Ventanas restaurant. This elegant experience brings diners into a private room that overlooks the main kitchen. The interactive dining experience, with wine pairings, enables guests to hear directly from the chef the inspiration and techniques behind his cooking. Unlike the other dining options, this one comes at an additional cost but is well worth the added expense.
There is an art to the way the Royal Hideaway Playacar works: white gloves, butlers, Champagne, traditional high tea. It's a forgotten elegance that has gotten lost in a sea of high-adrenaline nightlife, minimalist mod and electric pink cocktails. But royalty never goes out of style, and with the upcoming refresh Royal Hideaway Playacar will be ready to rule the beach once again.
See www.occidentalhotels.com.