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Reviews of The Reef Playacar Beach Resort & Spa-Optional All Inclusive 4 stars

Paseo Xaman - Ha s/n, Playacar, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Mexico

#157 of 240 hotels in Playa del Carmen

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 655 hotel reviews

7.8

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.4

  • Comfort

    8.4

  • Location

    8.8

  • Facilities

    8.0

  • Staff

    8.3

  • Value for money

    7.7

  • Free WiFi

    6.5

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 6 May 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I choose jungle style resort because i love birds singung in the morning. Unforunately there are no birds in this resort. Even if there were i could not have opened window/balcony door during the night because there are no mosquito net anywhere. You can not get free coffee during the day (except for breakfast/lunch/dinner). There was no strong/real alkohol in all you can drink coctails. I believe tequilla shots were mixed with water. There was loud fridge and very loud air con in the room.

    The location and the concept was quite nice. The bed was really confortable. They upgraded us in appartment with 3 balconies, 2 bathrooms, living room and the kitchen which we didnt need at all. First night was for free, second and third night we needed to pay extra which i dont believe was worth it and i believe was only sales trick to pay more.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 April 2024

    9.0
    Nothing
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    All

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 April 2024

    8.0
    We only stayed one night which was fine. Wouldn’t want to stay much longer, too small.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Only one pool was open. People smoking on the property. Our balcony faced the back of the property facing the Riu. It was right above the staff/service sidewalk and it smelled like sewage.

    Beautiful grounds. Felt like we were in the jungle! Plenty of filtered water stations. Gorgeous beach area.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 April 2024

    8.0
    Extremely good value for money. Natured filled resort and close proximity to everything!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 15 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Being asked to sit down for a upsale pitch from one of the staff straight upon arrival. We traveled from Australia for 25+ hours when we finally arrived and we simply wanted to check in and relax. The gym was very small and needs a refresh. No coffee provided in room or good coffee generally offered at the resort unless you wish to pay for Nespressos at the lobby. The chromecast didn’t work on the television and they didn’t assist with trying to fix it. More evening entertainment would be great but great day time activities offered.

    The menu was very diverse and super tasty - unlike the reviews we read prior to arriving. We stayed for 15 nights and loved every meals. The beds were very confortable and the facilities and were extremely clean and well maintained. The grounds were natured-filled and we loved the smaller nature of this complex in comparison to bigger resort chains. The pool bar staff were great. The close proximity to the 5th avenue was fantastic! Filtered and cold water machine everywhere which was super convenient. Beachfront and superb beach!

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 10 April 2024

    8.0
    Great stay. Recommended hotel
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 6 nights

    food options in the restaurant could be better. Restaurant was busy and service slow at peak times.

    Lovely hotel with nice amenities, friendly staff

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 10 April 2024

    7.0
    Beautiful resort, great location, TERRIBLE food
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The rooms constantly smelled like sewage. We walked to the local Walmart to get a bunch of air fresheners. The food is not edible. I got food poisoning the first day there, then every other day we spent money to eat out because genuinely- not good. Not even Mexican! How do you stay in a resort in Mexico and not offer Mexican food? I can’t say it enough. The food is very very bad.

    The location is amazing! We could walk anywhere within a mile. The site its self is beautiful, the place was well kept and the beach was GORGEOUS. The staff was very friendly.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 February 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    n/a

    Facilities

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 13 February 2024

    9.0
    In overall it was perfect
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 5 nights

    Took too long time to fullfill requests like, clean balcony, open safe, etc.

    The garden in the middle.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 3 February 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Internet Dirty sand next to the beach chairs.

    Staff always with a smile and very competent.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 February 2024

    7.0
    Agradable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Su personal

    Su playa

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 27 January 2024

    7.0
    Nice. But far to be all inclusive
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It’s literally the worst food I have ever eaten. Not worth paying for “all inclusive” for this kind of food because you will find yourself eating outside

    Nice rooms, nice facilities

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 January 2024

    8.0
    Good beach and location. Not so good room and shower
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Our room didn't get much sun or day light. It was always dark, because of its location. Other rooms did not have this problem. Also, the beach does not have chairs for all guests, and gets packed quite early in the morning. Finally, I thought the shower was not good, no water pressure.

    .Location is really good, in Playacar, not far from Playa del Carmen (15 min walk from the main street there). The beach is also great, blue water, good for children. Also liked the fact the hotel is not that big (neither small), easy to get around.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 January 2024

    9.0
    Loved this resort and can’t wait to come back
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The WiFi was a little weak. It’s a little hard to get beach or pool chairs at times.

    Beautiful forested setting, with nice clean modern rooms in a really section of playacar beach.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 January 2024

    9.0
    Overall high value for the money. I would stay there again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The special Italian restaurant was not good. Additional charges for better wines and aperol spritz.

    The buffet was really good. The beach is amazing and the property was really good maintained.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 January 2024

    8.0
    it’s ok, but little expensive for
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    food could be better, pillows were very uncomfortable

    Beach is nice, different than other hotels, very tropical

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 December 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I didn’t like that not everyone was very nice. They look over tired. Maybe because the place is huge and didn’t have enough people working.

    Excellent Location, safe . The Breakfast buffet was great! Beach súper Pretty! Rooms clean. It is very easy to walk to 5 avenue. The hotel is beautiful!

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 26 December 2023

    9.0
    Would definitely stay again!!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The beds!!!!

    I love that it was a smaller resort. The jungle vibe is spectacular!

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 December 2023

    9.0
    Relaxing and budget friendly!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights

    I would have love to have more services offered by the hotel.

    I love the staff, they are super friendly and provide a great customer service, location i convenient as you can actually work to the quinta avenida.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 5 December 2023

    7.0
    For a budget hotel it is an excellent place!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 7 nights

    The food needs A LOT of help and the hotel must know because I read the reviews and have to agree that others were accurate. The plumbing / sewer needs adjusting as some days there was a terrible smell in the room like stale water. I was asked to pay for Nescafe coffee which i think would have been a nice free touch; the spa is too expensive; no entertainment which is very very unfortunate;

    The ambiance of the hotel is excellent. The whole resort is very clean and I loved that. The air conditioning worked well. The beds were firm but comfortable. The nooks around the resort was nice to find a shaded place to relax. The beach is wonderful and you can always find a chair at the beach, The staff is excellent and kind although sometimes I wondered why I was not served before another patron when I was clearly waiting first, but I was too relaxed to fuss about it. Easy to walk to Quinta Avenida

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 1 December 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The food options were very limited, if you have the chance just go to the Mexican restaurant or Italian one, don’t even try the buffet

    Very nice resort and big clean rooms

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 30 November 2023

    7.0
    Beautiful resort !!Loved the staff …Gorgeous beach ❤️
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 14 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was excellent,other then the construction that went on for 2 weeks ,and the pushy time share guy as soon as you arrive

    The beach and pool was wonderful ❤️

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 November 2023

    8.0
    Overall, it is a good resort, avoiding the ground floor
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Premium Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Outside our room ( ground floor )where the cleaners had their storage space, there was too much noise .

    Good room size

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 November 2023

    8.0
    Fair price for the stay, hotel could work on food veriaty and quality.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 11 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beach at the front of the hotel could be cleaned like at the other hotels. Some bed red and plastics lies there for weeks after storms. Main hotel restaurant that faces the beach was closed for renovation, hotel never notified us of the upcoming renovation which is the main attraction in the hotel. No discount nor compensation are available in that respect which is unfair. We have returned to that hotel 3 times but not sure we’ll go back again.

    Location is excellent, green jungle area between Willis provides shade and shelter from the sun in hot days. Beach is very nice and kids friendly.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 9 November 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room with Garden View
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Staff was a little rude.

    Location. Jungle

    Stayed in November 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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