Grand Riviera Princess, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Our family recently enjoyed a fantastic vacation at the Grand Riviera Princess in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Having previously stayed at other Princess resorts in different countries and visiting this resort about 15 years ago, we were excited to return to a place we had loved before.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Johnathan, who assisted with our bags and guided us through the check-in process. Shortly after, Ricardo greeted us with refreshing welcome drinks—a perfect treat after a long day of travel.
Following our drinks, we met with Dany from VIP Services, who provided a thorough overview of the resort's amenities and our package details. He explained everything we needed to know and used a map to show us the location of our building, restaurants, bars, and the Platinum section. Dany's enthusiasm and professionalism made an excellent first impression, showcasing his passion for his role and representing the resort wonderfully. While our rooms were being prepared, Dany recommended we grab a bite to eat to begin enjoying our stay.
When we returned, the staff escorted us to our two requested side-by-side rooms, which was perfect since we were traveling with teenagers. We were assigned spacious garden-view rooms on the ground floor. One room featured a king bed, while the second had two queen beds and a pull-out couch, providing plenty of space for our teens.
The rooms were well-stocked with towels and washcloths, and the hotel's cleanliness was outstanding. Housekeeping went above and beyond, not only keeping the rooms spotless but also adding special touches, like arranging the linens into creative shapes—a sailboat on the bed was a particularly delightful surprise.
Each morning, we often woke up to the sight of playful coatis roaming the grass and gardens, adding a unique charm to our stay.
Before our arrival, we reached out to the resort to arrange a special dinner at Mamma Mia, the Italian restaurant, to celebrate our twins' birthday on the day we arrived. We were thrilled to hear they could accommodate our request, making the boys' birthday celebration truly memorable.
The restaurant's atmosphere was stunning, with a beautiful color palette of mauve, white, and teal that set the perfect tone for the evening. Our meals exceeded expectations—starting with the most delicious focaccia bread served with fresh Parmesan and tomato. The lasagna was incredibly flavorful and satisfying, and the tiramisu was an absolute delight.
Our server, Ulises, was exceptional. His enthusiasm, efficiency, and attentiveness made the experience even more enjoyable. He ensured our drinks were always full and brought warmth and hospitality with his welcoming smile. Ulises added a festive touch to the evening by organizing the staff to sing Happy Birthday to the boys, making them feel extra special. It was a fun and memorable 17th birthday celebration!
The resort grounds are truly stunning. Everywhere you look, there are towering palm trees, vibrant tropical flowers, lush bushes, and meticulously maintained greenery. The resort is also teeming with wildlife—you can spot iguanas basking in the sun, a variety of colorful birds, deer nibbling on bushes, and plenty of playful coatis roaming around. Watching the coatis was such a delight, especially seeing the mischievous antics of the adults and the many adorable baby coatis during our stay.
Beyond the beautiful grounds, the view of the ocean is absolutely breathtaking. The turquoise water was magnificent—crystal clear, warm, and free of significant seaweed. You could see your feet even when wading out deep. We spent hours enjoying the beach, collecting seashells, and were lucky enough to spot a few starfish.
One of our favorite discoveries was a serene beach area about a 15-minute walk to the left of the main beach. This hidden gem had fewer swimmers, and the water was incredibly clear and calm, making it feel like our own private oasis. You'll know you've arrived when you pass the guards in the tower. Thanks to barriers in the area, there's no seaweed to worry about, and the walk is absolutely worth it!
When we weren't at the beach, we spent our time at the Riviera Platinum pool area. While the resort has several pools, we were looking for a relaxing vacation, and the Platinum pool delivered exactly that. We met many incredible people from around the world in the Platinum section, and we've stayed connected with several of them through social media.
The Platinum pool area is conveniently located near the Platinum lobby, restrooms, and a bar that serves both drinks and snacks. The staff worked tirelessly to ensure everyone had a great experience. One standout team member was Neysi, who was there most days with a warm smile, ready to take and deliver drink orders. She was fantastic—friendly, efficient, and attentive. Our drinks were always full, and she made sure the kids enjoyed their non-alcoholic beverages as well.
Neysi's dedication was impressive; when she wasn't serving drinks, she was busy tidying up the pool area, collecting empty cups and dishes, and sweeping. Her hard work and pride in her role were evident.
The Platinum bar deserves special mention for their incredible frozen mango margaritas with a Tajín rim—easily the best I've ever had on vacation! They were absolutely amazing and became a highlight of our time by the pool.
The food during our vacation was absolutely delicious. For breakfast and lunch, we often opted for the buffet at the Snack Riviera Restaurant. Roberto served us at breakfast, while Fernanda took care of us at lunch. Both were incredibly friendly and hardworking, despite the busy flow of guests during these meals. Their cheerful and attentive service made a great impression, and it's always heartwarming to see employees who genuinely enjoy their work.
For dinner, we typically prefer specialty restaurants while on vacation, and this trip was no exception. During our stay, we dined at several: Mamma Mia (Italian), La Hacienda (Mexican), Miso Teppanyaki (Asian hibachi), Steak House Riviera, La Fondue (Swiss fondue), and Le Fleur (international gourmet). While all the restaurants served fantastic food, our favorites were Mamma Mia, which we loved so much we dined there twice, La Hacienda, and Le Fleur.
La Hacienda stood out with its authentic Mexican cuisine that exceeded our expectations, a rarity based on past experiences in Mexico. Our entire group thoroughly enjoyed the dishes. At Le Fleur, the pianist playing live music during our dinner created a refined and elegant atmosphere, complemented by stunning floral arrangements and beautifully set tables. The food was exceptional, and the ambiance made it a truly memorable dining experience.
The hotel offers an abundance of activities during both the day and evening. Be sure to download the Princess App before arriving—it's incredibly helpful. Through the app, you can make dinner reservation requests, explore menus for each restaurant and bar, and learn about the resort's various services. The app also includes a hotel map and a daily activity schedule, so you'll stay informed and won't miss out on anything happening around the resort.
We were thoroughly impressed by the Grand Riviera Princess and its breathtaking beauty. The white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters are stunning, allowing you to see your feet even when standing in deeper water. The warm ocean invites you to walk right in. If you plan to take a long stroll along the beach, remember to apply sunscreen and bring water—you'll want to keep exploring the gorgeous scenery.
Finding beach chairs was never an issue, even for our party of five, as there were always plenty available. The staff worked tirelessly to keep everyone happy, making sure drinks were served promptly. I particularly loved the amazing mango margaritas they crafted. Bottled water was also readily available, which was a thoughtful touch.
The employees at the Grand Riviera Princess are incredibly hardworking and dedicated, clearly passionate about their roles. We met many wonderful staff members and guests who genuinely seemed happy to be part of the resort experience. As a family of five, including teenagers aged 18 and 17, we found the resort to be a perfect destination for relaxation and fun.
We thoroughly enjoyed being Platinum guests, and we had an incredible vacation. We highly recommend the Grand Riviera Princess to everyone and will definitely be returning to this awesome resort!