The Grand Hyatt in Playa del Carmen
Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a hidden gem, the Grand Hyatt. It is a great spot for vacationers as well as locals. Playa del Carmen is a good place to make home base if you are considering visiting the Riviera Maya. It is between Cancun and Tulum and over the last 25 years has developed to be quite an amazing city. It has grown at rates that have startled many. At times it was the fastest growing city in the world and then merely the fastest growing city in Latin America. That said, it is now home to some amazing restaurants and shopping venues. As recently as the late 1990s and 2000 Playa del Carmen was a sleepy fishing village with a ferry to Cozumel and dirt roads. Now it is home to over 300,000 people and a popular spot for tourists.
The Grand Hyatt is situated on 1st Avenue, just steps from the ever-popular 5th Avenue, a long, pedestrian street full of restaurants and shops. We highly recommend you check out 5th Avenue but don’t limit your visit to it, wander off and find some of the hidden gems and truly wonderful local foods.
The entrance to the Grand Hyatt is spectacular with a waterfall at the entrance where the valet will meet you and take your car. From the bellhop stand, past the lobby, the arriving guest gets an unobstructed view of the Caribbean Sea. As you walk through the entrance to the reception area the balmy, tropical breezes warm your face and welcome you to paradise. Rooms are located on both sides of the property.
Continuing on through the lobby one finds the coffee shop and gift shop, this space is also used for various exercise classes throughout the day such as a spinning class in the morning. As you wander closer to the beach you will come to the cocktail bar and sushi bar. During your stay add a sushi making class or libations class, guaranteed fun times.
Straight ahead are a number of wonderful pools all with exquisite views of the Caribbean.
For your dining pleasure you can choose from two wonderful restaurants: to the left is The Grill and to the right is The Cocina. Both are sure to satisfy even the most demanding foodies.
Don’t miss out on the incredible spa, where locals can take advantage of a day of pampering for a very reasonable rate. Inside the spa they offer, of course, a wide variety of treatments. You will also find an incredible lap pool, soothing cenote and both steam and sauna.
It was a pleasure to call the Grand Hyatt home for a week, but as a local I will not be a stranger and will take advantage of a day of fun and relaxation. The perfect spot for some girl-time or a romantic get away.