The Reef Playacar - All Inclusive

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

8035 reviews

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  Needs Improvement

  This was my husband's first experience at an all-inclusive and he was disappointed overall. We were in Playa del Carmen for a wedding so we didn't even need the all-inclusive but it was nice to have breakfast which was good. The property is nice but could use an update. The beach was small and it was impossible to find a lounge as guests hold lounges with their towels and then they are no where to be found, very frustrating. There was no bar/food service at the main pool and none of the pools were that nice, aesthetically. We had to move out of our ground floor room because it smelled badly and we were located on a dark corner with moldy windows (and we couldn't open blinds because there was no privacy whatsoever). Out next room was better (still in need of renovation) but small with no outlets. The noise was ridiculous - we were up at 4 am with the constant rumblings of the workers about the property. The worst offense was at Botticelli. We had a 7:30 rez that we politely cancelled because we were stuck on a catamaran. When we did make it back, we headed over to Botticelli to try and get a table. Even though a family of 4 was presently being seated, and, there were numerous available tables, they would not take us. The manager whom we called for was extremely rude. We would not recommend this place - it really was not worth the money and it was an unpleasant stay.

  Jan 22, 2025
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  Winter get away

  When we arrive and told the reception desk that this was our 10th time at a REEF resort they were able to confirm that and upgraded us. This resort is really very nice. We liked that it's not a large resort and easy to get around. The staff was remarkable. We loved not fighting for a lounger by the pool everyday. The food is what you expect at an all-inclusive, some was WOW that's good and some was UGH....We never left hungry.....When we got the upgrade it meant that our liquor selection was a little better, definitely a plus....We had a real good time at the pool bar with Alberto and Antonio, they were both very attentive and just fun people......I have to give a shout out to Felix at Bar NICO'S, great guy.....Our room was good, comfortable with a good shower. We went to Fifth Ave a couple times and had a few drinks and people watched ( we are easily entertained ) For the price you pay, I don't think you will find many better places.....I believe this will not be out last time visiting .......

  Jan 21, 2025
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  Moldy Rooms, Not Relaxing

  More like a 1 or 2 star resort. Room smelled like mold, bed extremely uncomfortable, walls very thin and woke up all throughout night any time someone left or entered their room. Food was bad and reception at check in doesn’t warn you the restaurants book up quickly, so we had to eat at the cafeteria both nights. Music WAY too loud during day, not a relaxing vacation. If you want to day drink and party all day, maybe it’s the vacation spot for you but I don’t know how I could have stayed one more day. They also don’t have a towel hut and make you go all the way from beach to lobby to return towels which seems like a HUGE operational issue and pain in the ass for their guests. They won’t let you leave them in the room for house keeping upon check out either. Never would come here again and shocked people do, unless it’s just recently gone down the drain.

  Jan 20, 2025
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  Nothing special except for the setting

  I will start with the positives - the setting is quite nice - but it kind of drops off quickly from there - the rooms are ordinary and disipointing ( we had to move our first room as it smelled like mold ) the rooms are quite small and very plain - also very noisy - The pool was kinda of loud ,filled with a big bachelorette party and some day drinkers - not very relaxing - loud obnoxious music - and sales people trying to sell you excursions - The food was a real disapointment almost felt like a college cafeteria buffet- But probably my biggest disipointment was with the manager of there premium reatutant Botichelli - we had an earlier reservation for saturday 1-18-25 but could not make it back in time so we cancled by phone . at apoximatly 9:30 pm when we returned we thought we would try to get a table as we were starving - the hostes said they could not seat us so I asked to speak with the manager in charge - we explained we were starving and could he posible fit us in for a quick bite - I rarly point to one individual ( the resort will know who this is ) but this gentleman was combative and dismisive , not apoligetic at all - it’s amazing how the actions of one employe can ruin the reputation of the collective - but we were very taken back by his attitude - after all we are guests - We won’t return here and would not recomend this all inclusive resort , your paying a premium for bland unimagnative food - your better off eating at local resturants and experiencing local culture and cusine - and being treated with respect by a resturant owner with some passion about the experience .

  Jan 19, 2025
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  The Reef is a gem

  The Reef is the best place to stay in Playacar and Playa Del Carmen. It is quaint and not too big and gaudy like many of the large hotels. The staff is very friendly and helpful and the grounds are beautiful and lush. This was my 13th stay at The Reef.

  Jan 19, 2025