We recently stayed at Paradisus Playa del Carmen, and overall, I was really impressed—especially with the food, which was some of the best I’ve had at a family-friendly all-inclusive.
First Impressions & Thoughtful Touches
One of the biggest highlights? Arriving to find that our butler had already made dinner reservations for us. Of course, he was happy to change them if we wanted, but everything looked great, and honestly, I was thrilled to not have to make the decision myself. (As any mom knows, the mental load of choosing dinner every night is real.) It was such a thoughtful, stress-reducing start to the trip.
Little touches throughout the stay stood out—like having sunscreen and bug spray included in the in-room toiletries. The swim-out suite connected directly to the main pool, which was lively and fun without being overwhelming. We also had a whirlpool on the balcony, though we didn’t end up using it—it just didn’t feel particularly inviting. The king bed was super comfortable, but the pull-out sofa wasn’t great, so we ended up all piling into the big bed together. No regrets there.
Rooms, Pools & Kid-Friendly Perks
We booked a family suite, which offered a lot of extra space, including a full dining table—perfect for room service. I also appreciated the simple instruction to just call when we were ready for dishes to be picked up. No awkward guessing about protocol!
Around the resort, wild cats roamed freely, and my kids were totally charmed by them. We also peeked at the kids’ club, and although my boys didn’t want to go, it looked fantastic—like a larger version of an indoor play museum (local friends, think Kidzu).
The main waterpark would be a huge hit with many families. My kids preferred the smaller “pirate ship pool,” but the big slides, splash zones, and multi-level play structure offer something for all ages.
Dining Highlights & Concierge Service
We had access to the Family Concierge pool and poolside restaurant, which were nice but not essential. Next time, I’ll probably skip the upgrade unless the price difference is pretty small. While the concierge lounge did offer a self-serve bar, espresso machine, snacks, and sandwiches, I didn’t find it necessary given how many great food options were already available throughout the resort.
Speaking of food, the fresh juices near the breakfast buffet were a hit, and I loved the wide variety of both American and Mexican breakfast options, plus tons of fresh fruit.
The butler service started strong, but I didn’t see much of him after check-in. When I inquired about in-room babysitting, he gave me the info but didn’t offer to make the arrangements for us—not a big deal, but it didn’t quite match the level of service I expected.
We visited during sargassum season, so the beach wasn’t at its best, but it didn’t bother us—we were perfectly content at the pools. We did take a quick look at the Family Concierge beach area, which featured a smoothie bar the kids would’ve loved if we’d stayed longer.
Would I return? Final Thoughts for Families with Teens
Yes—especially when my boys are a little older and more eager to explore. The easy cab ride (or moderate walk) into downtown Playa del Carmen makes it a fantastic option for families with teens who want a balance of resort time and city access.
