Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen
Family-friendly resort in Playa del Carmen. Modern, Harbour View.
Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(1,150 discussions)
Hyatt Vivid (formerly Hyatt Zilara) is the all-inclusive for people who don't usually do all-inclusives. Its location directly on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen makes it unique - you can walk out the gate and be in the middle of one of Mexico's most vibrant beach towns, with local restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife literally steps away. The resort itself is compact and modern with a social rooftop pool scene, a nice beach, and an adults-only atmosphere that draws a younger, urban-professional crowd. For Hyatt loyalists, it's one of the best point redemptions in the all-inclusive world.
The food is solid but not the reason to book this resort - it's above average for an AI but doesn't compete with Excellence or Xcaret Arte. The real draw is the combination of all-inclusive convenience with an actual location. You can have breakfast at the resort, walk 5th Avenue for shopping and lunch at a local taqueria, come back for pool time, then go out for drinks in town or stay for the resort's entertainment. No other all-inclusive in the Riviera Maya gives you this flexibility. The recent rebrand from Zilara to Vivid brought fresh decor and a more energetic vibe.
Hyatt Vivid is perfect for younger couples (25-40) who want an all-inclusive base but don't want to feel trapped on a resort. It's also the obvious choice for Hyatt points enthusiasts looking to maximize their rewards. If you want a big, sprawling resort with endless pools and on-property activities, this isn't it. If you want a stylish home base in the heart of Playa del Carmen's action with the safety net of all-inclusive meals and drinks, Vivid delivers something no competitor can match.
Pros
- +Hyatt points can be used to book this property, making it one of the best all-inclusive values for Hyatt Globalists and point collectors
- +Location directly on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen means walkable restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and local culture right outside the gate
- +Adults-only (formerly Hyatt Zilara) with a sophisticated atmosphere that attracts a younger, social crowd
- +Rooftop pool and bar with panoramic ocean views that's one of the best social scenes of any Playa del Carmen resort
- +Solid food quality with multiple restaurants including a good steakhouse and Mexican cuisine restaurant
- +Recently rebranded and renovated with a fresh, modern design that feels Instagram-worthy throughout
- +Smaller, boutique-feeling property that's walkable end-to-end in 5 minutes - no shuttles or long treks
- +Excellent beach with calm water, beach beds, and attentive service - steps from the pool area
Cons
- −Rooms are small by all-inclusive standards, especially compared to the spacious suites at Excellence or Moon Palace
- −The pool area is compact and gets very crowded, especially the rooftop pool which can feel uncomfortably packed
- −Being on 5th Avenue means you hear street noise, vendors, and nightlife from the town - not ideal for light sleepers
- −Drinks are mediocre - standard all-inclusive quality that doesn't match the otherwise upscale feel
- −The beach is shared with other resorts and public beach-goers, so it doesn't feel as exclusive as gated properties
- −Food quality dropped noticeably after the rebrand from Zilara to Vivid according to some repeat guests
- −The Hyatt point redemption rates have increased, making it less of a deal than it used to be
- −No swim-out rooms, no lazy river, no waterpark - amenity-light compared to larger competitors