The Reef 28 is a relatively new adults-only all-inclusive OPTIONAL hotel and spa right in the heart of busy Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya (the hotel opened in 2018).  It’s basically a block away from famous 5th Avenue and a long block from the beach with access to Mamita’s Beach Club.  This boutique hotel only offers 120 guest rooms, all of which are suites with only two room categories–Jr. and Master Suites with plenty of space (for a Playa del Carmen guest room), but not necessarily the best room views.  But that’s the price tag attached if one wants to stay in the midst of the very busy city of Playa del Carmen.

The hotel offers several different dining plans including Breakfast Plan Non-Refundable, Breakfast Plan, and All-Inclusive Rate, all of which can be found on the hotel’s website when booking for real or doing a “dummy” booking.  Be careful if you decide to book through a wholesaler and make sure you are getting the rate plan you actually want.  If you decide to go with the All-Inclusive Rate, here’s what you will get:

• all food and drinks included
• complimentary room service
• one complimentary hydrotherapy circuit p/guest p/stay
• free shuttle to the hotel’s all-inclusive sister resorts, The Reef Coco Beach (located just north of Playa del Carmen), and The Reef Playacar which is located on one of my favorite beaches in this part of Mexico; it actually is next to Riu Palace Riviera Maya on Playacar beach.  Guests of The Reef 28 can eat, drink, and use the water sports equipment at these sister resorts without extra cost during the day.

If you want to stay “close to home”, The Reef 28 has an excellent rooftop pool (with an ocean view) and a couple of Jacuzzis along with access to food and a bar.  Better enjoy electronic music, though, because that is what you will hear both day and night.  In fact, the only entertainment at this resort is the DJ who plays EDM at the rooftop pool and bar area.  While this rooftop area can be noisy, it’s also a great place to make new friends.

This boutique hotel markets itself to younger couples (mid 20’s to mid 30’s), but it can also be a good stay if you are a younger single person or an older person who feels comfortable in this kind of setting.  While I’m not in the hotel’s market age range, I wouldn’t mind staying here a few nights just to soak up the hotel’s trendy, chic ambiance.

Below are a couple of videos which show not just the suite layouts, but gives one an idea of what the hotel is like as well.

What do you think, would you stay here?

Here’s a video of the Master Suite….