I don't even know where to start as I love this place so much. In fact, part of me was torn in adding this gem to Yelp! because I didn't want the secret of Playa Maya to get out. I wanted to save it for myself, my family and the lucky few who stumbled upon it..but I did..I put it on Yelp!. Why? Because it truly is a "joya" and needs to be appreciated and celebrated in the fullest.
Play Maya touts itself as, "Your Beachfront Home", and nothing can be closer to the truth. From the moment you arrive to the moment you wistfully say goodbye you are treated like nothing less than family. By the second morning, each and every member of the culinary team will know your name, your room number, beverage choice, how you prefer your eggs and are extremely attentive to any food allergies.
There is always a place to sit and never have we had to wait for a table, but more importantly, never have we ever had to send any meal back for any reason. So not only are they cooked to perfection, they are wonderfully plated. Lunchtime is also a special treat here at your beachfront home, where the Coconut Shrimp can not be missed as well as the Fish Tacos. You'd swear the fish was just caught 10 minutes before they were made! The ceviche..oh the ceviche! I do personally love the mix vs just shrimp, but I always get the medium size as the large is huge and big enough for two...I wish there was a small option, although I never thought to ask if they would make one.. Next time..as I am sure they would have, "No problem".
"No problem", is all Stephen Ryberg and his wonderful staff ever says, and they truly mean it. Ever gracious, kind and caring to each and every guest.
The rooms are also well appointed for the price! We have stayed in a variety of styles here and none of them disappoint. Rooms A and B (Jr Suite w/ Kitchenette) are quite suitable for couples wanting a bit more "stuff" or a family with small children as the feature a kitchenette with a glass topped table with 4 chairs for sitting and eating as well as a futon that can be pulled out to a full size bed. This room can easily accommodate a family of 4 with 2 small children. Easy access to the beach and pool so minimal stair climbing as well, great for people who have difficulty with that task.
Room 305 and her sister are amazing; the Family Suite! Double balcony overlooking the center of the hotel complete with detachable hammock. Serta Perfect Sleepers, King bed and 2 Doubles..along with 2 futons that can convert to full size beds and 2 mini fridges, just massive amount of space..great for large families or a close group of friends! Seriously, the best view in the entire hotel, hands down.
We have also stayed in a Deluxe Balcony which boasts a detachable Hammock Swing on the Balcony and supreme ocean views. King sized bed, mini fridge and loads of square footage. And about those fridges, you will find water, soda, iced tea and cerveza replenished in them daily.
Another great feature is located in the stairwells you will find bubblers of purified drinking water so you can fill up whenever you need to, really thoughtful. Saves you Pesos on water, because as you know, tap is not safe, for anyone.
Oh, and it's so clean..so so clean. The housekeeping staff is superb and friendly. Towel animals! She made a lovely elephant for my daughter upon request because we happened to be in the room while she was in there..seriously she could have said no, and I've had understood, but she did it and the look on our 5 yr old's face was priceless. She didn't take that elephant apart for days.
Now lets talk a little about it's fantastic location on Calle 8 Norte. It's pretty much exactly where you want to be. It's close to Calle 12 if you like to party until dawn at say Dirty Martini and it's close to great place to eat like Carboncito's, Los Aguachiles and Las Brisas. Also, if you like a good beach bar versus lounging at Playa Maya in quiet you can walk a very short distance to Lido, Bad Boys or Wah Wah. If you want to venture a bit outwards to say Xplor, Tulum or Cenote Azul and want to do it cheaply, you are very close to the Collectivo on Calle 2 or you can hoof it to El Fagon, Don Chendo (I have a review of this place as well..) and Mom's...which by the way are places NOT TO BE MISSED.
I don't know if you can tell by reading this review how much I adore Playa Maya and all of the beautiful people who work there. I can't help but feel as if I have returned home when I step foot on Calle 8 Norte, to my beachfront home, because that is what this place truly is, and it's rare to find a place that not only lives up to its name but surpasses it.
Thank you so much for creating such a place, Steve. We love it. read more