Princess Family Club Riviera
Family-friendly resort in Playa del Carmen. Family.
Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(120 discussions)
Princess Family Club Riviera has one thing figured out that a surprising number of 'family-friendly' resorts get wrong: it's built so kids actually have a great time independently, which means parents can too. The resort belongs to the Grand Riviera Princess complex on the Riviera Maya and operates as the family-dedicated section with its own pools, restaurants, entertainment staff, and supervised kids' clubs. Families who've stayed here describe it as the rare all-inclusive where children are genuinely catered to rather than just tolerated. The vibe is warm, organized, and energetic — families come here to be active together, not to sit quietly by a pool.
The practical experience is solid, if not exceptional. The family buffet and ice cream parlor get high marks as kid-pleasing solutions, while the adults in the group report the food is fine but rarely memorable compared to stronger culinary options elsewhere in the Riviera Maya. The themed children's pool with water slides is the undisputed centerpiece, and the Mini-Club keeps ages 4–12 genuinely busy. Four children's pools mean there's usually space even in high season. Room quality is comfortable and suits the family format well with bunk beds and suite-style layouts. The Platinum tier has drawn some criticism for overcrowding at the premium pool, so base-level bookings may deliver better value than the upsell.
This resort is purpose-built for families with children in the 4–12 range who want a low-stress, activity-rich week in Mexico without having to plan every moment. It's not the right call for couples, adult groups, or families with teenagers who'll be bored by the programming. Price-wise, it sits in the mid-range for Riviera Maya all-inclusives, below brands like Finest Playa Mujeres but offering a more family-specific setup than most in that tier. Day-trip access to Xcaret, Akumal, and Chichen Itza makes it easy to diversify the itinerary beyond the resort gates.
Pros
- +Four dedicated children's pools including a themed water park with slides, keeping kids occupied without competing with adults for space
- +Mini-Club for ages 4–12 offers structured daytime supervision with a dedicated playhouse, outdoor patio, and videogame room — parents genuinely get time to themselves
- +Theatre Princess hosts nightly kid-friendly entertainment including puppet shows, mini-discos, and live productions, meaning families don't have to leave kids in the room after dinner
- +Exclusive family-themed buffet restaurant with kid-centric menus and an on-site ice cream parlor that guests consistently call out as a crowd-pleaser
- +Family suites with bunk beds and children's welcome amenities make arrival feel intentional rather than like an afterthought
- +Access to the broader Grand Riviera Princess complex with 12 total pools and additional dining options for when the family wants a change of scenery
- +Location in Riviera Maya puts Tulum ruins, Xcaret eco-park, and Akumal's sea turtle snorkeling within a reasonable day-trip range
- +All-suite accommodations mean even base-level rooms have more space than typical hotel rooms, which matters significantly when traveling with children
Cons
- −Food quality at the buffet receives mixed reviews — parents describe it as adequate but rarely inspiring, and picky eaters may struggle beyond the kids' menu
- −Seaweed (sargassum) accumulation on the beach is an ongoing issue, as it is across much of the Riviera Maya, making the beach less enjoyable during high-impact months
- −The Platinum-tier experience draws complaints about the premium pool being undersized for the number of Platinum guests trying to use it
- −Resort sprawl can be tiring with young children — moving between the family pool area, dining venues, and the main entertainment zone requires some walking
- −Ranked #102 out of 306 hotels in Riviera Maya, meaning families seeking a top-tier experience have stronger competitors in the same price range
- −Nighttime entertainment beyond the kids' mini-disco is described as low-energy by adult travelers without children — this is firmly a family resort, not a social scene
- −Travel club and timeshare sales pitches are reported by some guests as pushy, with staff approaching during breakfast or pool time
- −The beach water has a slightly rocky entry in some areas, which can be uncomfortable for toddlers and young children
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Google Reviews
“We recently visited the Family Club at Grand Princess, this was our second visit in 12 months and we were so excited to return. Our family had the most memorable time, we enjoyed all of the family club perks like the splash pad, kids activities, pira...”
“During our stay we absolutely loved going to the ice cream parlour and loved Astrid! She is amazing and made us feel so special each and everytime we went there. She always had a smile on her face and always enquired about our days. My two little boy...”
“We had an absolutely amazing experience at the Kids Club! Jessi, Paula, Viri, and Bety were all outstanding — super friendly, incredibly helpful, and so accommodating with the kids. Our children absolutely loved every moment they spent there. Everyth...”