If you’re looking for all-inclusive luxury that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Fives Beach Hotel in Riviera Maya Mexico. So let me tell you about my stay at the Fives Beach Hotel in the Riviera Maya! It was exactly what I needed. From the moment I stepped foot into the resort, I knew I was in for a treat.

At A Glance:

Suitable for Business Travel: Yes  Business Facilities: Yes    Should you work here?: Yes Wifi: Yes. Fast and Reliable throughout the property

Similar to the Fives Downtown Playa del Carmen, you can expect to find approachable luxury here without breaking the bank. However as a result of the price point, and quality of the Fives Beach Hotel Riviera Maya this makes it one of the most sought after hotels in the Riviera Maya

Arrival

From the Airport

The Fives Beach hotel is located about 40 minutes from Cancun airport and about 15 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen. To arrive at the resort you have to pre arrange a private transfer (I use Happy Shuttle Cancun), or use local taxi transport. If you’re travelling with more than 2 people, it’s more economical to arrange a private transfer. Moreover, haggling with airport taxi stands in Cancun airport is not for the faint of heart and as a result may put a damper on your holiday from the get go.

Hotel Arrival

With over 600 rooms, that means there are often a lot of people that stay at the Fives Beach Hotel for their holiday. When you arrive, you’re greeted at the door with a welcome drink and asked to wait in the lobby. However, there will likely be many people checking in at the same time as you and consequently, your wait might not be as seamless as you would expect on a vacation. However, once you’re checked in and ready to start your holiday after that it’ll be smooth sailing. You are taken to your room by hotel cart and from there you’ll see why once you leave the lobby the hotel doesn’t feel crowded despite what was happening in the lobby (except when you’re trying to make a dinner reservation), but more on that later.

Hotel Grounds

The Fives Beach is a modern luxury beachfront hotel featuring 662 spacious residence style suites, within 20 complexes, decorated in a modern beach house style. There are eleven restaurants and 5 bars to serve you anytime you’re feeling peckish.  In addition, if you’re looking to rest and recharge, there’s a spa as well as a small fitness centre to keep your mind and body tip top on holiday. In addition, if you’re looking for some adventure, there are also water sports and activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddling located on the beach.

Rooms

The Fives Downtown has 662 rooms all featuring modern amenities. Some rooms face the shared complex pools while others face the outer courtyard and garden. However, apart from a couple of rooftop penthouse suites, none of the rooms offer an ocean view which certainly can be a bit of a bummer. I stayed in the courtyard rooms and my friends stayed in the pool facing rooms.

Personally, I loved the courtyard suites. While staying in the poolside suites is nice, this means you’re sharing the pool with others as a result, and in some instances, the pools are reserved for weddings and group parties. This happened almost everyday of our vacation and therefore at times the pools may not always be accessible near your suite

Epic

This is the entry level room and to me, was perfect for what I needed. Comfortable, modern, stylish. All suites include a Nespresso machine, with capsules, a smart tv, rainfall shower, unlimited minibar snacks and beer, and a VERY comfortable bed. Some Superior rooms face the garden while others face the pool.

Epic Delux

Similar to the Epic room, except featuring a different layout and decor. Personally I’d stick with the Epic room. The extra cost isn’t worth it. 

One Bedroom Resort Residence

Decorated with lamps sculpture and paintings and featuring a king size bed with separate living room, double sofa bed, full kitchen and dining room

Epic One Bedroom Penthouse Residence

A modern Penthouse room featuring a rooftop terrace including a gazebo, barbecue grill and whirlpool. There’s also a king size bed, and a double size sofa bed, rain shower, fully equipped kitchen, living room, and outdoor and indoor dining areas

One Bedroom Penthouse Residence

Occupying the top floor of each building, all feature a private rooftop lounge with a patio, barbecue and whirlpool. Interiors also feature a king size bed, double sofa, rain shower, fully equipped kitchen, living room and indoor dining area

One Bedroom Swim up Pool Resort Residence

Decorated with modern lamps, sculptures and paintings. The bedroom features a king size bed, as well as a separate living room area and double pull out sofa bed. The suite provides a full kitchen, dining table and access to the main pool and water deck in front of the patio area. However, as mentioned earlier, due to events you might have a private foam party happening during your stay

Epic One Bedroom Swim up Pool Resort Residence

Have breakfast outside on your furnished terrace relax by the pool just steps away from your bedroom. This residence features a king size bed, bathtub and rain shower, fully equipped kitchen, living room, dining room and sofa bed

Two Bedroom Resort Residence

This suite provides the same amenities as the One Bedroom Resort Residence with the second bedroom furnished with a double or king size bed. Rooms can be connecting or joined (subject to availability). Consequently this is a great affordable option for families

Two Bedroom Penthouse Resort Residence

This room category proves the same amenities as the Two Bedroom Resort Residence except located on the top floor.

Epic Two Bedroom Penthouse Resort Residence

Modern two bedroom apartment-style residence located on the top floor, ideal to enjoy stunning partial views of the Caribbean Sea from a fully furnished balcony with a Jacuzzi, gazebo, and barbecue. Moreover, there is also a fully equipped kitchen and dining room where breakfast is served daily. The suite is also equipped with a king-size bed, two double beds and a sofa bed. Each bedroom offers its own bathroom.

Three Bedroom Resort Residence

Designed for a group of friends or family this suite is perfect to host special events. This residence offers the same amenities as the 2 Bedroom Resort Residence with the addition of a third bedroom. Rooms can also be connected or joined by an entry hall (based on availability).

Penthouse Resort Residence de Tres Habitaciones

This room category provides the same amenities as the Three Bedroom Resort Residence located on the top floor. The patio also features a whirlpool, gazebo and barbecue

Epic Three Bedroom Resort Residence

This suite features a master bedroom with king size bed, two connected deluxe rooms with king size beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large dining room where breakfast is served daily. There is also a rooftop terrace with a gazebo, barbecue, and whirlpool therefore making this ideal for larger groups and parties

Food

The Fives Beach Hotel has 15 bars and restaurants to choose from depending on your cravings, however getting into the restaurant of your choice may be more difficult than you imagine. As a result you may want to book your dinners well in advance

PRO TIP: Before you arrive try to book a restaurant through the hotel for the day you arrive or you might be spending your dinner ordering room service (which is also great).

Flavours

Family restaurant featuring an international menu. Ideal for breakfast and dinner

Oka Sushi Bar

Japanese cuisine featuring local ingredients. *Pro Tip: Try the nigiri and sashimi. Super fresh

Koh Thai

Authentic Thai cuisine specializing in wok stir fries and also authentic curries *Pro Tip try the Pad Thai or the Thai Green Curry

Sea Olive

Mediterranean Mexican fusion using local ingredients *Pro Tip: Try the fried calamari and ceviche

Arezzo

Authentic Italian food in a Tuscan style venue *Pro Tip: Try the Risotto

Natura Day Club and Grill

Enjoy grilled dishes surrounded by lush forest and mangroves.

La Brasserie

Think bistro cuisine with an international flair *Pro Tip: Come here for the dessert and pastry

Lizards

This is the place for a casual snack or meal featuring a selection of salads, sandwiches and other quick casual bites. However the quality of the food here was not my favourite

Pisco Nikkei Cuisine Restaurant

Featuring Japanese and Peruvian restaurant featuring Nikkei cuisine *Pro Tip: Try the ceviche

Bar Palmas

Swim up pool bar in the main residence pool area

Breeze Bar

Located in the beach club pool area serving exotic drinks and fruity cocktails

Cantina 1910

A traditional cantina featuring local and international beers as well as the best tequilas and mezcal from Mexico

Zky Bar

Enjoy a few cocktails before dinner or enjoy the sea breeze and view in the Zky Bar lounge.

Gin Bar

Enjoy inventive gin tonics, gin cocktails as well as classic concoctions in this cozy lounge. Perfect for an after dinner sip. 

Fitness

With so much food great food available to you on your all inclusive holiday, consequently you might feel the need to hit the gym…might. Thankfully there is a gym on premises. While there is nothing fancy or special with weights and cardio machines, there is certainly enough to help you burn those calories

Groups and Special Events

I have mixed feelings about hosting a special event here. The staff are wonderful, the facilities perfect for a gathering, however, everyone and their uncle is planning an event here. From weddings, to birthdays to anniversaries this hotel is packed as a result. Therefore you may not have the intimate setting here that you’re hoping for. However, if you don’t mind sharing your day with other couples and creating one mega party, then this the Fives Beach Hotel Riviera Maya is perfect for you

In summary, the Fives Beach Hotel Riviera Maya is popular for a reason. It’s good quality at good value. However, if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or five star offerings, you might be disappointed with your choice. Don’t get me wrong, I did love my time here and I was here for a party so it was perfect. However if I came here with relaxation in mind, I likely wouldn’t have the same opinion

What did you think of The Fives Beach Riviera Maya?