Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s hottest LGBTQ+ beach destinations, offering stunning resorts, exciting nightlife, and a welcoming atmosphere for gay travelers. Whether you're visiting for Arena Festival (the biggest gay dance event in Mexico), Playa Pride, or just a tropical getaway, choosing the right hotel can make or break your trip.
Luckily, Playa has amazing gay-friendly hotels for every type of traveler—from chic boutique stays in the heart of downtown to lavish beachfront resorts with private villas. In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect LGBTQ+ stay, whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a fun party hotel, or a budget-friendly option near the action.
Rooftop Pool at The Fives Downtown
The Fives Downtown – Best Overall Gay-Friendly Hotel
⭐ Best for: Romantic getaways, rooftop pool lovers, and an upscale LGBTQ+ experience
📍 Location: Downtown, steps from 5th Avenue and all transit options
🌈 Why We Love It:
Stunning rooftop infinity pool with panoramic city views
Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, ensuring top-notch service
Spacious rooms & suites for every budget
Pet-friendly and centrally located
Full gym & spa with couples massages
One-Bedroom Suite at The Fives Downtown
For the perfect mix of luxury, location, and value, The Fives Downtown is our top pick for gay travelers in Playa del Carmen. With a prime location just a short walk from the ADO bus station (for easy airport transfers), the Cozumel ferry, and 5th Avenue's bustling bars and restaurants, it’s the ultimate base for your trip.
The rooftop pool and bar are the best in town, offering craft cocktails, amazing sunset views, and a laid-back but chic atmosphere. Whether you're here to party or unwind, The Fives Downtown delivers top-notch service and modern amenities at an unbeatable price.
We’ve stayed at The Fives Downtown multiple times, and it continues to be our go-to hotel in Playa del Carmen.
Planning your trip to Playa? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Playa del Carmen and beyond.
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e-SIM Cards – Stay connected abroad with Airalo. An e-SIM is the easiest way to avoid hefty roaming charges. Just download the app, purchase a local or regional data plan, and toggle between your plans with ease. We love the convenience!
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🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. By booking services or shopping through these links, you’ll save money AND help keep our blog posts and videos coming your way. Thanks for the support!
Grand Hyatt Playa
Grand Hyatt – Best for Beachfront Luxury & Resort Amenities
⭐ Best for: Beachfront relaxation, luxury seekers, and spa lovers
📍 Location: Directly on the beach, a short walk to Mamitas Beach Club
Spacious, modern rooms with private terraces or balconies
Cenote Spa, inspired by Mexico’s natural sinkholes for a unique wellness experience
Just steps from Playa’s best gay-friendly beach clubs
The Cenote Spa
For beach lovers, it doesn’t get better than the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. This luxury oceanfront resort is just steps from the sand, featuring multiple infinity pools, world-class dining, and private beach access.
The resort’s Cenote Spa is a must-visit, offering unique treatments inspired by Mayan culture. Whether you want a romantic retreat or a stylish beachside escape, the Grand Hyatt Playa is an LGBTQ+ favorite in Playa del Carmen.
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip to Playa del Carmen? From the best gay bars and clubs to must-visit attractions, dining, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to Playa del Carmen.
Alessia Day Club at Hyatt Centric Downtown
Hyatt Centric – Best for Gay Partygoers
⭐ Best for: Stylish stays, modern design, and travelers who love to be in the center of the action
📍 Location: Downtown, on 5th Avenue and nearby to Playa’s gay nightlife
🌈 Why We Love It:
One of the host hotels for Arena Festival—perfect for party lovers
Trendy rooftop pool & bar with gorgeous city views
Modern, stylish rooms & suites
Walking distance to Playa’s best gay bars & clubs
Formerly The Thompson Playa, the Hyatt Centric Downtown is the place to be if you want to be in the center of the action. Located directly on 5th Avenue, this chic hotel is a prime spot for nightlife lovers, making it a top choice for Arena Festival attendees.
The rooftop pool hosts some of the best sunset parties in town, with DJs spinning and delicious cocktails flowing. If you’re looking for a social, stylish, and centrally located stay, Hyatt Centric is a solid choice.
The Palm at Playa – Best for LGBTQ+ Events & Social Travelers
⭐ Best for: Single travelers and those who love boutique stays
📍 Location: In the heart of downtown Playa
🌈 Why We Love It:
Hosts gay pool parties & drag brunch
Chic rooftop pool & bar
LGBTQ+ friendly & social atmosphere
Budget-friendly
Drag Brunch at The Palm at Playa
If you’re looking for a hotel that knows how to throw a party, The Palm at Playa is your spot! This boutique hotel regularly hosts LGBTQ+ events, including drag brunches, gay pool parties, and pride celebrations.
With a fantastic rooftop pool, stylish rooms, and a location just steps from Playa’s best nightlife, The Palm is a favorite among gay travelers. The welcoming vibe and fun social scene make it a great place to meet new friends!
Rosewood Mayakoba – Best for Romantic Luxury & Overwater Villas
⭐ Best for: Romantic getaways, honeymooners, and ultra-luxury stays
📍 Location: Just north of Playa del Carmen in a private beachfront enclave
🌈 Why We Love It:
Breathtaking overwater villas, perfect for honeymooners
Private boat transfers to your suite—next-level luxury!
Secluded beachfront paradise with a focus on privacy and indulgence
World-class spa, fine dining, and unmatched service
Luxurious Bathroom & Outdoor Shower
For the ultimate in luxury, nothing beats Rosewood Mayakoba. This five-star beachfront resort offers overwater villas, private pools, and unparalleled service. We stayed here for our honeymoon, and from the private boat transfer to our room to the incredible spa and dining experiences, everything was truly exceptional.
If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy, romantic escape, Rosewood Mayakoba is next-level luxury.
Whether you're looking for a beachfront resort, a chic downtown stay, or a gay-friendly boutique hotel, Playa del Carmen has amazing LGBTQ+ accommodation options for every budget and travel style. From poolside cocktails to luxurious spa treatments, these hotels will make your Playa trip unforgettable!
🌟 Pro tip – Need transportation between Cancun Airport (airport code: CUN) and your hotel? Pre-book a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation and an English-speaking driver will meet you at the airport with a sign, provide bottled water, and take you directly to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. This is our go-to method, especially when traveling with our rescue pup.
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Hi gorgeous, and welcome to our LGBTQ+ travel blog! We're Andy and Trai, a gay couple traveling the world with PRIDE 🌈 …and our rescue dog, Pattie!
After meeting in San Francisco in 2018 and later moving to Chicago, we decided to quit our jobs in 2021, sell everything, and become Two Gay Expats. For over two years, we explored the best of gay Mexico while waiting for our house, Casa Cangrejo, to be completed in Tulum. We got married at The Beach Tulum in 2020 and became Mexican permanent residents in 2022.
Today, we continue to travel around Mexico and the world to show you our favorite places. If you'd like to follow our adventures, subscribe on YouTube and join us on Instagram.
