Grand Hyatt is making quite a name for itself in Mexico, adding numerous properties to popular family destinations. The Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort opened in June 2015 as a luxury city property, nestled between the beach and the bustling pedestrian shopping and dining district of La Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue. Unlike many properties in Riviera Maya, the Grand Hyatt is not an all-inclusive one like its Ziva line. Each restaurant and amenity will cost additional at this property. It may face the ocean, but its location is meant to give guests the full Playa del Carmen experience; it is a hotel for travelers looking to explore the city, visit nearby Mayan ruins and eco-parks, or even hop the ferry to Cozumel to explore another island.

The hotel features 314 rooms and suites, all directed toward the ocean. Rooms on the ground floor are blocked from ocean views by the hotel's lush tropical landscaping, but are rewarded instead with private plunge pools. A small selection of rooms directly face the ocean, and all come at a premium price. Rooms feature 47-inch flat-screen TVs and basic Wi-Fi (it's slow service; faster service is an additional fee). Room types include:

Standard Rooms
The most basic of the hotel's offerings are Standard Rooms, which are 409 square feet and outfitted with a king bed or two queen beds with a small dining area. Connecting rooms are available (but cannot be guaranteed) to provide a two-bedroom option for families. Rooms climb in price based on partial view, ocean view and ocean front offerings.

Suites
Seven 615-square-foot suites are available with king beds. Some suites offer plunge pools and some are on the executive level. Connecting rooms may be available to create two-bedroom suites. A 1,230-square-foot oceanfront Presidential Suite is also available with a king bedroom, living room, dining room, and a private plunge pool. A room with two queen beds can connect to make it a larger suite.

Grand Club
Club level accommodations include the Grand Club Lounge, which serves complimentary breakfast, snacks and evening hors d'oeuvres.

Camp Hyatt
Kids ages 4 to 11 can enjoy indoor and outdoor supervised activities, with a local theme. Activities may include everything from Mexican piñata making to turtle walks on the beach. Computers and gaming systems are available, as well as a nap zone. Full- and half-day programs are available.

Teen Arcade
Separated from the kids and far removed from the beach, the Teen Arcade, aka #Hashtag, is a large space designed to keep teens happy. A 10-person theater enclosed in glass so everyone can see the people inside is immediately visible upon entrance, before a main lounge with games like Ping Pong and air hockey. Friends can watch the action on bleacher-style risers, and tucked away beneath is an Internet and video game area with multiple computers and gaming systems. A concession stand is available with snacks and beverages.

Pools and Beach
Three infinity pools overlooking the beach include a wading pool for kids. The beach is a public beach, but beach chairs are available and beach operators provide water sports equipment. In the Cenote Spa, an additional lap pool is available.

La Cocina
For all-day dining, La Cocina is the hotel's Mexican and Caribbean-inspired restaurant. Breakfast includes a buffet or a la carte option, and lunch and dinner are available with indoor or outdoor dining. The restaurant also services the pool and beach areas, with servers delivering food and drink to lounge chairs. La Cocina is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

El Paseo
From the hotel lobby to the pool is the hotel's El Paseo extension of La Quinta Avenida. Here, kiosks for fast meals are available, including a coffee bar, Mexican tacos, and raw seafood bar. The coffee bar is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., seafood is available 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Mexican food is available 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Grill at 1-26
This dinner-only restaurant overlooks the ocean and infinity pools. A steak and seafood restaurant, it provides indoor and outdoor seating. It is open daily from 6 to 11 p.m.

All About the Extras
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and common areas, although the service is not always reliable and may be slow. Guests can pay for faster and better connections.

The Art of Smart Timing
The peak travel season for the area is summer, Christmas and Easter holidays. During this time, many properties operate at full capacity. The best deals will be found in late spring and fall.

Getting There
Playa del Carmen is located about 50 minutes from Cancun International Airport. Transportation from the airport will begin at about $50, depending on how many passengers are traveling.

Getting Around
As a city hotel, guests of the Grand Hyatt are just steps away from Playa del Carmen's popular pedestrian shopping and dining areas, as well as the ferry that takes passengers from Riviera Maya to Cozumel. Excursions to nearby attractions like Tulum, Xel-Ha, Xcaret and Coba can be arranged through tour groups, who provide transportation.

For Mom and Dad
The Cenote Spa is a luxurious spa with a central "cenote" relaxation area. Designed to look like you are in a natural swimming hole, guests can enjoy a hot tub in a darkened cenote, as well as a number of treatment suites. Suites for full body treatments include showers and lockers so guests can spend a day in private.