Hotel Grand Riviera Princess
Family-friendly resort in Playa del Carmen.
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(89 discussions)
Grand Riviera Princess works best when understood as part of a three-resort system rather than as a standalone property. Guests at Grand Riviera have access to Platinum Yucatan Princess (adults-only, typically the highest-rated of the three) and Grand Sunset Princess — in practice meaning access to multiple pools, restaurants, and entertainment options across a large complex. Travelers who've stayed cite this multi-resort access as the main value driver, particularly when Platinum Yucatan's adults-only amenities are accessible.
Food quality is the consistent caveat across travelers discussions. Reviews spanning multiple years suggest food at Grand Riviera specifically is the weakest link — average to below average for a Riviera Maya AI at this price. The accommodation of swimming with sea turtles, cenote access, and proximity to Playa del Carmen offset this somewhat for travelers who plan to eat a few meals off-resort or focus on excursions.
The best booking strategy travelers suggests is getting into the Platinum Yucatan Princess rather than Grand Riviera if the adults-only section is available — it's the superior property in the complex. Alternatively, the multi-resort strategy works well for groups with varied preferences: families at Grand Riviera, couples preferring the adults-only atmosphere gravitating toward Platinum Yucatan.
Pros
- +Part of the Princess complex — stay at Grand Riviera, access Platinum Yucatan Princess and Grand Sunset Princess too
- +Swim-up suites available giving 24/7 pool access from your room
- +Not far from Playa del Carmen — accessible location for day trips into the town
- +Large resort complex with extensive pool and beach space
- +Good for groups who want a mix of resort options without paying for multiple hotels
- +Relatively affordable for the Riviera Maya region
- +Friendly staff culture with good service reputation
- +Multiple restaurant variety across the three-resort Princess complex
Cons
- −Food quality mixed — one long-term reviewer from 2017 called it 'honestly sucked,' consistent with limited positive food mentions
- −Older property — Grand Riviera Princess has been around long enough to show its age
- −Not a premium resort — the Princess brand is mid-tier with corresponding quality
- −Large complex can feel overwhelming or impersonal
- −Seaweed in this Riviera Maya stretch can be problematic seasonally
- −Limited nightlife — the Platinum Yucatan adults-only section has the quieter atmosphere
- −Proximity to Playa del Carmen means more urban feel than remote jungle resorts
- −Rooms in lower categories significantly less impressive than the resort's public spaces
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Five stars for our server at Snack Sunset, Lorenzo Poot, who made our mornings the best part of our trip. Thank you Lorenzo for your genuine kindness and for always keeping our coffee full -- please give your babies a hug for us! Thank you also to Va...”
“This resort is one of the best I ve ever been to, very clean, beautiful scenery, lovely staff that go above and beyond to make sure you are enjoying your time in there. Fantastic foods and restaurants ( I highly recommend the Steak house and La Fleur...”
“We were looking for a place to rest, enjoy, eat and forget all the life stress. This place is perfect. Delicious food, there’re multiple restaurants with different thematics, you can find your favourite one. Also, we were able to enjoy the pool, basi...”