Some of you may remember this resort as The Fives Azul Beach Resort when Karisma used to manage it–the resort owners wanted to manage it themselves (actually, all of their own resorts) and took over this task in Oct. 2019. As a result of the change, there have been some changes, some small, some not so small in all their resorts. From my current understanding of how this resort family is set up, the all-inclusive plan may not be a given anymore since some of their properties have options of accommodations only, a breakfast plan only, and an “all senses inclusive plan” which is more like what everyone associates with an all-inclusive plan. So, just a heads up when booking to make sure you have booked an all-inclusive plan (All Senses Inclusive) if that’s the way you want to travel.
The Fives Beach Hotel and Residences near Playa del Carmen has 662 guest rooms and suites with several suite categories offering multiple bedrooms and generous rooftop terrace areas. If you are interested in a room with a rooftop terrace, these are the room categories which have that amenity:
- One Bedroom Penthouse Residence
- Two Bedroom Penthouse Residence
- Three Bedroom Penthouse Residence
Upgraded Epic room categories are also available with rooftop terraces–Epic room categories are kind of like upgrading to a Club Level room at other comparable resorts. This room category offers amenities like Ambassador Service–my guess it’s like butler service, reserved areas at the pool and beach, better room locations (none of the rooms here offer ocean views with the exception perhaps of some rooftop areas), free laundry service, private check-in, nightly turndown service, guaranteed same day restaurant reservations, upgraded room service menu, upgraded bath amenities, aromatherapy offerings, and pillow menu. Epic upgrades also offer one, two, and three bedroom penthouse residence suite categories.
This resort has always been known for its HUGE rooftop terrace areas as well as its popularity for accommodating larger families or parties traveling together. From my understanding, the resort is still finishing its room upgrades, so some vacationers may still get rooftop terraces which still need some renovations. That doesn’t mean the rooftop areas are terrible, it just means that its not going to look all shiny and new if you don’t get a suite with the recent renovations (my guess is that the Epic room upgrades would be renovated first). Typical rooftop areas offer multiple padded full loungers, multiple seating areas, a hot tub, and large padded day bed–some of the rooftop terrace has a shade structure, but not all of it is covered.
Below is a video showing what the two bedroom penthouse residence looks like. What do you think? Would you stay here?