Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a small city located one hour south of Cancun, along the Gulf of Mexico in the Mayan Riviera. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its gorgeous beaches. Playa del Carmen features world-class nightlife, a variety of restaurants and cuisines to choose from – from authentic street food to traditional taquerias to casual international eateries to fine dining, and a shopping district along 5th Avenue – a walking street that is completely closed to traffic.
Playa del Carmen also has a wide variety of places to stay – from cheap backpacker hostels to budget hotels to unique guesthouses to Airbnb apartment rentals to expensive all-inclusive resorts along the beach.
If you are traveling on a budget and are looking for cheaper accommodations, this is my comprehensive guide for budget-friendly places to stay in Playa del Carmen that won’t break the bank.
I hope to show you that by staying in budget accommodations and traveling cheaper, you can save money so that you are able to travel slower and for longer periods of time.
Budget Hotels ($100 USD or less per night):
Hotel Colorado | Starting at $30 USD per night
Calle 4 Norte between Avenidas 20 and 25
Hotel Colorado is a charming and laid-back small hotel with unique and colourful decor. It is clean, comfortable, simple and quiet. It is located a short distance off the tourist path and is within walking distance to the beach, shopping, restaurants, banks and the ADO bus terminals.
The hotel features a common terrace and garden, housekeeping services, a book exchange and library.
The private rooms offer a fridge, cable television, a fan or air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, private bathroom with hot water.
Hotel Colorado
Hotel Colorado
Official Website, HostelWorld, TripAdvisor
Hotel Casa Tucan | Starting at $50 USD per night
Calle 4 between Avenidas 10 and 15
Hotel Casa Tucan is a charming and colourful hotel located only blocks away from the beach, public transportation, restaurants, and shopping.
The hotel offers a swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens, free Wi-Fi, parking, laundry services, and a relaxed and friendly environment. The hotel also features a small restaurant, library, internet cafe, car rental, and diving school.
Casa Tucan offers 30 different rooms from cabanas with palm roofs to standard double rooms to studios with air conditioning, fans, cable television, and some even have a small kitchenette. Some rooms even have a balcony or terrace. All rooms have a private bathroom.
Hotel Casa Tucan
The Bric Hotel | Starting at $65 USD per night
Calle 28 between Avenidas 5 and 10
The Bric is a clean, comfortable and quiet boutique hotel that is centrally located just steps from 5th Avenue, with shopping, restaurants, banks, public transportation and the beach. The hotel provides luxury at an affordable price.
The hotel features a swimming pool, daily breakfast, housekeeping services, beach towels, private balconies and terraces, and cable television.
The hotel offers 14 charming rooms with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi internet.
The BRIC Hotel
Official Website, TripAdvisor, Expedia
Hotel Villa del Mar | Starting at $60 USD per night
Avenida 10 between Calles 2 and 4 Norte
Hotel Villa del Mar is a clean, comfortable, and simple boutique hotel located one block from 5th Avenue with shopping, restaurants and transportation and two blocks from the beach.
The hotel features daily housekeeping services and free Wi-Fi.
All rooms offer air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a safe, private bathroom, satellite television and comfortable mattresses.
Hotel Villa del Mar
Official Website, TripAdvisor, Booking
Hotel Hul-Ku | Starting at $45 USD per night
Avenida 20 between Calles 4 and 6 Norte
Hotel Hul-Ku is a stylish, modern, clean and comfortable hotel that is centrally located within walking distance to the beach, shopping, restaurants, transportation and other attractions.
The hotel features a garden, continental breakfast, beautiful shady courtyard, a wood terrace with hammocks and a beautiful fountain, on-site restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, guest computer, and free parking.
The hotel offers 26 rooms that are basic, clean and spacious and that provide natural lighting and have views of the garden. Rooms feature a balcony with resting area or terrace, private bathroom, air conditioning, cable television and free Wi-Fi internet.
Hotel Hul-Ku
Official Website, TripAdvisor, Booking, Expedia
Hotel Barrio Latino | Starting at $45 USD per night
Calle 4 between Avenidas 10 and 15
I stayed at Hotel Barrio Latino for one night during my solo travels to Mexico.
Hotel Barrio Latino is a simple, clean, comfortable and modern small hotel with a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. It is located a short walking distance to the beach, 5th Avenue, shopping, restaurants, and transportation.
The hotel features a central courtyard surrounded by a lush tropical garden area, free continental breakfast that is served in the treed courtyard under a palapa roof, fast and free Wi-Fi, free international phone calls, and a guest computer terminal. The staff were polite and friendly.
The hotel offers 18 comfortable rooms. The rooms are entered from the outside and they all face towards the central courtyard. The rooms are quite charming, clean and spacious and provide large and comfortable beds, a safe, full private bathroom, a ceiling fan, air conditioning, small fridge and a small terrace/balcony with a hammock that looks out towards the courtyard. The rooms have a Mexican flavour to them, with the decorations and tile flooring.
To read my full review of Hotel Barrio Latino, visit this link.
Hotel Barrio Latino
Hotel Barrio Latino
Hotel Barrio Latino
Official Website, TripAdvisor, HostelWorld, Expedia
Hotel Banana | Starting at $45 USD per night
Avenida 5 and Calle 32
Hotel Banana is a simple and comfortable hotel with Caribbean-Mexican decor, located on the northern section of 5th Avenue with a quieter atmosphere. It is close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and transportation.
The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, 24 hour front desk, terrace, on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a small library. The hotel also provides beach towels.
The rooms are air conditioned and include a mini fridge, a safe, cable television and a balcony. They are cleaned daily.
Hotel Banana
TripAdvisor, Official Website, Booking
Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya | Starting at $80 USD per night
Avenida 10 at Calle 30
Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya is a stylish, comfortable and peaceful hotel situated in a central location, a short walk to the beach, restaurants, and transportation.
The hotel features a small swimming pool with lounge chairs, pleasant courtyard, free Wi-Fi internet, 24 hour front desk and security, continental breakfast, private airport transfer for a fee, massage services, laundry services, local tour information and booking services, car rental services and complimentary beach towels.
The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, cable television, ceiling fan, safe deposit box, and a view of the tranquil courtyard. They are decorated with Mexican furnishings.
Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya
TripAdvisor, Official Website, Expedia
Hotel Luna Sol | Starting at $90 USD per night
Calle 4 between Avenidas 15 and 20
Hotel Luna Sol is a comfortable and modern hotel with a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, located within walking distance of the beach, shopping, transportation and restaurants.
The hotel features a huge outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, a poolside communal guest kitchen, free parking and free Wi-Fi in public areas. Other amenities include laundry facilities and coffee/tea in the lobby.
The hotel offers 16 comfortable rooms. All of the rooms have free Wi-Fi, private balconies or patios that overlook the hotel’s gardens, and cable television.
Hotel Luna Sol
Hotel Luna Sol
Official Website, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Booking
Hotel Playa del Karma | Starting at $50 USD per night
Avenida 15 between Calles 12 and 14
Hotel Playa del Karma is a comfortable, tranquil, modern and affordable boutique hotel located close to the beach, supermarkets, banks, transportation, shopping and restaurants.
This adults-only hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens and a lush courtyard, and features an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.
The rooms provide air conditioning, a hammock, magnificent garden views, and private bathroom.
Hotel Playa del Karma
HostelWorld, Official Website, TripAdvisor, Booking, Expedia
Hotel Alux | Starting at $40 USD per night
Calle 14 between Avenidas 10 and 15
Hotel Alux is a friendly and clean budget hotel located just a few blocks from the beach and the famous Fifth Avenue, along with restaurants, shopping, transportation and other attractions.
The hotel provides free Wi-Fi as well as luggage storage.
The rooms offer air conditioning, cable television and private bathrooms.
Hotel Alux
TripAdvisor, Booking, Official Website
Hostels:
Hostel 3B | Starting at $20 CAD per night
Avenida 10 and Calle 1 Sur
I stayed at Hostel 3B for two nights during my first solo travels to Mexico.
Hostel 3B is a new and clean hostel with modern decor and a stylish boutique appearance, located on the south end of Playa del Carmen, one block away from the shopping district of Fifth Avenue and only three blocks from the beach. It is within walking distance to the ADO bus terminal, restaurants, shopping and banks.
Hostel 3B is a party hostel complete with local and internationally known DJs playing music nightly on the rooftop (it can get noisy at night if you trying to sleep). The hostel features a rooftop patio with lounge chairs, swimming pool, bar and DJ booth, a communal kitchen, fast and free Wi-Fi in the common areas (lobby and rooftop), board games, and book exchange.
You can choose to stay in dormitories ranging from 6 to 12 beds (mixed or female-only). The hostel also offers private rooms. The dorms are air conditioned, have private bathrooms attached to them, have large lockers big enough to fit a backpack, and comfortable pillows and mattresses.
Check out my full review of Hostel 3B at this link.
The hostel pool on the rooftop
View of the hostel from the street (10th Avenue)
Lounging areas on the hostel rooftop
Official Website, Facebook, TripAdvisor, Booking, HostelWorld
Hostel Che | Starting from $17 CAD per night
Calle 6 between Avenida 15 and 20
Hostel Che is a friendly, fun and unique hostel with a social atmosphere and chill vibe and is centrally located only three blocks from the beach, two blocks from the supermarket and three blocks from the ADO bus terminal. It is close to shopping, restaurants and attractions.
The hostel features a guest kitchen, rooftop bar and music, themed social parties in the evenings, guest computer, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, tour and travel information, 24 hour reception, fans and common areas to meet people, relax and have fun.
There are a variety of rooms to choose from, including private rooms and shared forms (ranging from 6 to 10 beds, female-only and mixed gender). The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable.
Hostel Che
Hostel Che
Official Website, Facebook, TripAdvisor, HostelWorld
The Yak | Starting at $21 CAD per night
Calle 10 Norte Bis between Avenida 10 and 15
The Yak is a popular and well known party hostel with a friendly social atmosphere, centrally located in Playa del Carmen, close to restaurants, transportation, shopping and the beach but just a little ways off the busy tourist track.
The hostel features a bar, relaxing common areas, free Wi-Fi internet, free continental breakfast, hammocks, air conditioned rooms, luggage storage, BBQ facilities, a book exchange, live music, activity nights, housekeeping, 24 hour reception and security and a rooftop terrace.
The Yak offers simply decorated shared dorms (ranging from 4 beds to 12 beds, all of them are mixed gender) and private rooms, which all include a small kitchenette and fridge along with bathrooms and showers, as well as lockers in the dorms.
The Yak
The Yak
HostelWorld, Official Website, Facebook, Booking, TripAdvisor
Youth Hostel Playa | Starting at $17 CAD per night
Avenida 25 and Calle 8
Hostel Playa is a clean and fun hostel, centrally located a short ways off the tourist track, but close to transportation, restaurants, the beach and shopping.
The hostel features free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, a guest computer, fully equipped kitchen, free breakfast, good music, housekeeping, fans, swimming pool, rooftop terrace, hammocks and quiet lounging areas, BBQ area, secure parking, large garden area where you can socialize, living room with cable television, DVD player, books and board games. The hostel has a huge common area which is perfect for playing cards, relaxing, meeting other travelers, watching TV or reading.
The hostel offers shared dorms (ranging from 5 to 8 beds, female, male and mixed gender) and private rooms. The dorms include lockers, individual fans, mosquito nets, comfortable mattresses and all rooms have linens included.
Hostel Playa
Hostel Playa
Hostel Playa
HostelWorld, TripAdvisor, Official Website
Humble Bumble Hostel | Starting at $17 CAD per night
Avenida 30 between Avenida Constituyentes and Calle 18
Humble Bumble is a new, friendly and comfortable hostel with chic modern decor and a laid back atmosphere, located off the tourist track, but within walking distance to restaurants, local taquerias, supermarkets, shopping, transportation, and the beach.
The hostel features a rooftop terrace, small swimming pool, shared kitchen, and BBQ facilities.
The hostel offers a variety of rooms including shared dorms (female, male and mixed) and private rooms. All rooms have free Wi-Fi access, air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Humble Bumble Hostel
Humble Bumble Hostel
HostelWorld, Facebook, Booking, TripAdvisor
Hostal MX | Starting at $21 CAD per night
Avenida 5 between Calles 10 and 12
Hostal MX is a newer and unique hostel in a rustic-style building with Mexican style and flavour and an abundance of vegetation. It is centrally located on the popular 5th Avenue and is steps from restaurants, shopping, the beach and transportation. The hostel has a peaceful atmosphere despite its location.
The hostel features a beautiful garden with tropical vegetation, hammocks, a bar, outdoor Jacuzzi, 24 hour reception and security, free Wi-Fi internet, included breakfast, housekeeping, linen included, lockers, book exchange, hot showers, and board games.
Rooms include 6, 8, and 12 bed mixed dorms.
Hostal MX
Hostal MX dorm
HostelWorld, Booking, Official Website
Tres Mundos Hostel | Starting at $14 CAD per night
Calle 6 Norte between Avenida 20 and 25
Tres Mundos is a unique, colourful, comfortable hostel located within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, banks, transportation and the beach. It is surrounded by cheap eateries with tasty local food. This is not a party hostel but it does maintain a friendly social atmosphere and the staff treat guests like family.
The hostel features free and fast wireless internet, free continental breakfast, fully equipped kitchen, comfortable common area with cable television, rooftop terrace with hammocks, BBQs and big tables for relaxing and socializing with new friends, included linens, book exchange, laundry service for a fee, towel rentals for a fee, and tour information.
The hostel offers a variety of rooms including mixed or female-only dorms with 6 and 8 beds, with a bathroom ensuite or shared bathroom. They also have private rooms, with or without a bathroom ensuite. Two private rooms have air conditioning. All dorms have fans and lockers.
Tres Mundos Hostel
Tres Mundos Hostel
HostelWorld, Official Website, TripAdvisor
Xaman Eco-Hostel | Starting at $13 CAD per night
Avenida 10 between Calles 4 and 6
Xaman Eco-Hostel is a simple and basic hostel, centrally located just two blocks from the beach and one block from 5th Avenue with restaurants, shopping, and transportation. The hostel uses recycled decorations, has lots of plants and uses earth friendly products.
The hostel provides complimentary breakfast, free purified and cold drinking water, free Wi-Fi, outdoor terrace and common lounge area, communal kitchen, luggage storage, and hot showers.
Room options include private rooms, a 4 bed female dorm and 10 bed mixed dorm. The shared dorms feature a fan and storage lockers for personal belongings. All bathrooms are shared.
Xaman Eco-Hostel
HostelWorld, Official Website, TripAdvisor, Booking
Siete Colores Hostel | Starting at $17 CAD per night
Corner of Avenida 10 and Avenida C.T.M. (Lane 46)
Siete Colores Hostel is a quaint, colourful, friendly and comfortable hostel located refurbished colonial house off the tourist path, but close enough to the beach, 5th Avenue, shopping, restaurants and transportation.
The hostel provides 24 hour reception, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, book exchange, guest kitchen, common areas, housekeeping, hot showers, outdoor terrace, lounge with cable television, and board games.
The hostel offers a 6 bed male dorm, 6 bed female dorm and 7 bed mixed dorm.
Siete Colores Hostel
Siete Colores Hostel
HostelWorld, TripAdvisor, Facebook
Tequilita Hostel | Starting at $14 CAD per night
Calle 6 between Avenida 15 and 20
Tequilita Hostel is a party hostel with unique and colourful decor located a little bit off the beaten tourist path from the busy 5th Avenue, but still close enough to restaurants, banks, the beach and transportation.
The hostel offers free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, TV area, bar, outdoor terrace, luggage storage, common areas to relax and a book exchange.
You can choose to stay in a 6 bed mixed dorm, 7 bed female-only and mixed dorm, 10 bed mixed dorm as well as some affordable private rooms.
Hostel Tequilita
HostelWorld, Facebook, TripAdvisor
Hostel Buhos | Starting at $11 CAD per night
Avenida 15 between Calles 4 and 6
Hostel Buhos is a comfortable and stylish new hostel in Playa del Carmen, located only three blocks away from the popular and busy 5th Avenue on a quiet and less touristy street, but still within walking distance to restaurants, bars, transportation and the beach.
The hostel features air conditioning, hot water, free Wi-Fi, a guest computer, free purified drinking water, in addition to new furniture, mattresses, beds and fresh linens.
The hostel offers an 8 bed female dorm, 12 bed mixed dorm and a selection of affordable private rooms.
Hostel Buhos
Popol Vuh | Starting at $17 CAD per night
Calle 2 between Avenida 5 and the beach
Popl Vuh is a small and simple hostel located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, literally steps from the beach and less than a block from 5th Avenue along with the ADO bus terminal, restaurants, banks, and attractions.
The hostel features free and fast Wi-Fi, a central garden surrounded by palm trees with peace and tranquility to relax, and a guest kitchen for you to prepare your own meals.
There are a variety of private rooms to choose from that include double rooms and a variety of cabin style-rooms. Select rooms have air conditioning, cable television, and private bathrooms. The other rooms have shared bathrooms.
TripAdvisor, Official Website, HostelWorld, Facebook, Expedia
Airbnb:
Airbnb is a website where locals in destinations around the world can rent out a private room in their home or apartment or their entire home or apartment to travelers.
Playa del Carmen has TONNES of unique properties and rooms to choose from, in all areas of the city.
If you are planning on traveling slower and staying in Playa del Carmen for a longer period of time, Airbnb is a great option as you can find places that offer weekly and monthly rental prices. Airbnb rentals are also often much cheaper than staying at a hotel, more so for the long term.
Click here to get a $25 USD discount off your first booking when you sign up for Airbnb!
Volunteer Exchanges:
Workaway and HelpX are websites that connect volunteers to places in destinations around the world where you can help and offer your skills and time.
In exchange for volunteering 4-5 hours per day for 5 days a week, your host will provide you with free accommodation and sometimes food. Popular places where you can volunteer include backpacker hostels, guesthouses, local hotels, travel companies, farms, businesses and individuals.
This is a great option for budget travelers who wish to stay longer in Playa del Carmen while saving money on accommodation and food costs! You are also rewarded with the satisfaction of helping a local business or individual out.
You can check out the websites to browse through the volunteer listings and purchase a membership to contact the hosts.
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I hope that you have found this comprehensive budget-friendly accommodation guide to be helpful for your Playa del Carmen travel planning!
I value budget travel and slow travel and I kept these two travel styles in mind when making this list to help you save money on accommodation costs while traveling and helping you be better able to stay for longer in Playa del Carmen.
Have you been to Playa del Carmen? Stayed at any of my recommendations? Do you have any other suggestions for places to stay that you feel should be added to my list?
Comment below and let me know what you think!
Simply Travel 