Need an Airbnb in Playa del Carmen? Reviews of our Favorites.
Planning your trip to Playa del Carmen? Forget about those expensive all-inclusive resorts. If you want to see the real city, the city we return to again and again, you’re better off with an Airbnb in Playa del Carmen.
We’ve lived in Playa del Carmen, off and on, many different times. Our favorite area to stay in is Centro and the area just to the Northeast. Basically, this area is bordered by Ave Benito Juarez to the south, Ave CTM to the north, Ave 50 (307) to the west, and 5th Ave to the east.
This area offers a great array of attractions, all kinds of shopping, and some of the best restaurants you will find in all of Playa del Carmen. Best yet, it’s only around $35 pesos ($1.75usd) for a taxi anywhere within this border.
Between long-term rentals, hotels, and Airbnbs, we’ve probably stayed in 10-12 different places in this area of Playa. Below we review five of our favorite Airbnbs we’ve stayed in in Playa del Carmen. We’ve made sure to only recommend Airbnbs that:
- Offer private lodging (not a shared dorm room or a room in someone’s house).
- Have private bathrooms (always make sure you check for this. It’s not always the case).
- Include air conditioning (it gets really effing hot here).
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s find you the best Airbnb in Playa del Carmen.
Appartamenti Melissa – The Least Expensive Airbnb in Playa del Carmen
UPDATED Aug 2022 – It looks like Appertamenti Melissa is no longer on Airbnb. You can still find them on Booking.com, though. Also, the price has doubled since I first write this. Still, $25 a night, walking distance to 5th Ave and the beach, is still pretty good.
Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, even when funds are low. Luckily for you, Playa del Carmen is the perfect beach destination for those of us on a budget. Take Appartamenti Melissa for example; right in Centro, clean, comfortable, a 10-minute walk to the beach, and only $12 a night.
I stayed here by myself for a week while Natasha was house-sitting in Bacalar, Mexico. I came to Playa to get my passport renewed and just needed somewhere cheap to crash for a few nights. Appartamenti Melissa did not disappoint.
Appartamenti Melissa – The Neighborhood
Appartamenti Melissa is ideally located right in the middle of Centro. You’re less than a 10-minute walk to the beach and world-famous 5th Ave (Avenida Quinta). You are also surrounded by some of the most authentic and delicious restaurants that can be found in Playa del Carmen.
Appartamenti Melissa – Amenities
Even though the price of this Airbnb in Playa del Carmen is pretty low, that doesn’t mean you’re not getting the same amenities you would in a more expensive hotel. Appartamenti Melissa offers:
- Hot Water (not that you’re going to need it, at least not in the summertime)
- Air Conditioning (which you’ll definitely need, especially in the summertime)
- Free Wifi
- Satellite TV
Sure, you’re not getting a pool or jacuzzi, but you are only paying $12\night.
Appartamenti Melissa – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Rediculously affordable.
- Great location.
- Gated property.
- Clean and comfortable.
- Mini-fridge for ice-cold water and beer.
Cons:
- No weekly or monthly discount which many Airbnbs offer.
- It’s really small.
- No kitchen (not really too much of a con since you’re surrounded by awesome restaurants).
- Prices go up during peak times.
Appartamenti Melissa – Reviews
There are a total of 17 units in Appartamenti Melissa. As they offer different amenities, all of the prices are different. What’s constant though, are the reviews; nearly all of them great. As of this writing, they have 628 reviews on Airbnb and are averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Elephante Blanco Studios – A Very Affordable Airbnb in Playa del Carmen
UPDATED Aug 2022 – It looks like Elephante Blanco is no longer on Airbnb. You can still contact them directly on Facebook, though.
Elephante Blanco is an Airbnb we’ve returned to more than a few times. If you’re looking for an inexpensive studio with great amenities we definitely recommend it. And starting at $15usd a night, this Airbnb in Playa del Carmen is a steal.
Elephante Blanco Studios – The Neighborhood
Elephante Blanco sits in a very nice residential community away from all of the over-priced tourist spots. You’re surrounded by amazing little restaurants and are less than a 5-minute walk to two major grocery stores. If you’re looking for a beach day or a stroll on 5th Ave, you’re just a quick 15-minute walk to each.
Elephante Blanco Studios – Amenities
You get quite a bit for your money when staying at Elephante Blanco Studios. Probably more than you would expect at this price. Amenities include:
- Air conditioning.
- Hot water.
- Work Area.
- Full Kitchen.
- Wifi.
- Cable TV.
- Rooftop patio.
I cannot stress enough how awesome the rooftop patio here is. Most of the time we spend at Elephante Blanco is chilling out on the roof with a small meal from a local restaurant and\or a glass of wine.
Elephante Blanco Studios – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 20% discount if rented by the month (which we have done).
- Far enough from tourist spots to be affordable, yet close enough to walk to.
- Everything you need is within walking distance.
- Great place for multiple groups to stay together.
- Very affordable.
Cons:
- No weekly discounts.
Elephante Blanco Studios – Reviews
There are a total of 17 units in Elephante Blanco Studios with a combined 355 reviews as of this writing. Nearly every single review is 5 out of 5 stars. Like I said, we stay here quite a bit and have never been disappointed.
Condo R402 – Airbnb in Playa del Carmen, Close to 5th Ave
UPDATED Aug 2022 – It looks like Condo R402 is no longer on Airbnb. I can’t find any info on any other platforms. Next time we’re in PdC I’ll find a new and awesome Airbnb to replace this one.
Looking to be close to the tourist areas? This Airbnb in Playa del Carmen is just 1.5 blocks from the world-famous 5th Ave. In addition to its great location, Condo R402 offers amenities that you just won’t find in your typical hotel. And at only $27\night it’s better priced than a lot of hotels in Playa del Carmen.
Condo R402 – The Neighborhood
Condo R402 is perfectly located just 1.5 blocks away from 5th Ave. You are also close to numerous restaurants, spas, and tourist attractions. The best part about staying here is there is no need for a car or even taxis. Everything most tourists are in Playa to see can be walked to from here.
Condo R402 – Amenities
Not only is the location great, but what you get for the price is above and beyond what most Airbnbs offer. Included in the price is:
Air conditioning.Hot water.Work Area.Full Kitchen.Wifi.Cable TV.Rooftop patio.
In addition to all of these amenities, they also do the little things (fresh fruit daily and personalized greetings) to make your stay enjoyable.
Condo R402 – Pros & Cons
Pros:
Location.Walk to everything.Attentive property manager.Safe and Quite street.
Cons:
No discounts for weekly or monthly rentals.
Condo R402 – Reviews
As of this writing, the condos in this building have a combined 722 reviews with an average rating of 4.95 stars out of 5. I doubt you will find a better-reviewed hotel or Airbnb in Playa del Carmen.
Azula Maya Studios – Airbnb in Playa del Carmen w\ Pool
Looking for a spot to chill at far removed from the tourist areas? Azula Maya Studios has got you covered. These cute little studios have everything you need for either a relaxing vacation or a working holiday. They’re also very reasonably priced at $18-$26usd a night depending on the unit.
While it is far removed from the tourist areas, it is still surrounded by lots of shopping and restaurants. And, if you do decide you do want to hang in the tourist area, it’s only a short taxi ride away.
Azula Maya Studios – The Neighborhood
Azula Maya Studios sits in a residential neighborhood about a 15-minute walk northwest of 5th Ave. If you’re looking for something quiet where you can chill out and relax, this is the neighborhood you’re looking for.
Azula Maya Studios – Amenities
Azula Maya Studios are packed with amenities, including:
- Air conditioning.
- Hot water.
- Outdoor seating with table.
- Full Kitchen.
- High-speed Wifi.
- Cable TV.
- Rooftop BBQ area.
- Pool.
In any other country, having all of these amenities, just a 15-minute walk to the beach, would set you back a whole lot more than $18-$26\night. That’s why we love spending time in Playa del Carmen. You can get so much more for your money than most other cities.
Azula Maya Studios – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fastest Wifi we’ve found in Playa.
- Pool, which is pretty hard to find outside of expensive luxury hotels.
- Safe and quiet neighborhood.
- Safe-deposit box.
Cons:
- No long-term stay discounts.
- 15-20 minute walk to beach or tourist areas.
Azula Maya Studios – Reviews
Not only did we really enjoy our stay here, but it looks like nearly everyone else that has stayed here really enjoyed it also. As of writing these studios have a combined 213 reviews with an average of 4.75 out of 5 stars. We’re pretty sure you’re going to love it also.
Condo Perry – Airbnb in Playa del Carmen, Steps from the Beach
Want to really treat yourself while you’re on vacation? Then Perry’s Airbnb in Playa del Carmen is where you need to stay while you’re here. Condo Perry sits right in the heart of the tourist area, just a few steps away from the beach. There are very few hotels or Airbnbs in Playa that offer this many amenities, this close to the beach, for this low of a price ($98usd\night).
Condo Perry – The Neighborhood
If you want to be in the tourist area of Playa del Carmen, this is it. This condo sits on Calle 38, right between the beach and world-famous 5th Ave. You are literally surrounded by all of the tourist attractions that everyone comes to Playa del Carmen for.
Once you’re here, there is no need for a car or even taxis. You are within a short walk of all of the shops on 5th Ave, the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, and the best stretch of beach in the area. If you’re looking to play tourist on your trip to Playa, this is the place to do it.
Condo Perry – Amenities
Are you ready to be pampered? Check out what Condo Perry has to offer:
- Air conditioning.
- Hot water.
- Private Terrace.
- Full Kitchen.
- Dining area.
- High-speed Wifi.
- 40″ plasma TV w\ Cable & DVD player.
- 2 pools.
- Rooftop patio w\ lounge area and ocean views.
Between the amenities and the location, Condo Perry is the perfect spot for a couple or family looking for the ultimate beach vacation.
Condo Perry – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Small discount for extended stays (2% weekly discount & 15% monthly discount).
- Great for a small family (a private bedroom with a pull-out couch in the living area).
- Quick walk to everything you need.
- Everything you need for the beach (chairs, snorkle gear, umbrellas, etc).
Cons:
- A little pricier than a normal Airbnb in Playa del Carmen.
Even though it’s a little pricey, you do get a lot for what you’re paying.
Condo Perry – Reviews
We were only here for a couple of nights as Condo Perry is a little higher than we like to pay, especially since we’re living here and not really on vacation. The couple of nights we were here though, were great.
Apparently, most everyone that stays here feels the same. Condo Perry has 27 reviews on Airbnb with an average of 4.7 stars out of 5.
Did You Find an Airbnb in Playa del Carmen on our List that You Liked?
Still have more questions, though? Feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help you figure out which Airbnb in Playa del Carmen is best for you based on your budget, length of stay, and what activities you’re interested in.
Paul is a full-time SEO content writer and owner of Word Brokers, LLC. He is also a full-time digital nomad who can be found writing content with his toes in the sand on a beach in Mexico, sipping an espresso in a cafe in Colombia, or chilling by the lake in Guatemala.