About this property
Accommodation category
Resort
Riviera Maya beachfront, lush tropical forest, and all-inclusive luxury at an eco-conscious 5-star hotel.
The Iberostar Waves Quetzal sits on the Playa del Carmen coastline, in the Playacar resort zone, away from the bustle of 5th Avenue but still within reasonable reach of downtown. It's a 5-star all-inclusive resort built for families and couples who want a private beach, several pools, and meals included without pulling out a wallet for every drink.
Good to know: the hotel is closed for renovation from May 15, 2026 to November 30, 2026. Check your dates before booking.
Location and beach
The resort sits directly on Playacar beach, a strip of white sand that's less crowded than the downtown waterfront. The water is usually calm, in the turquoise shades typical of the Riviera Maya. That said, as along the whole Yucatán coast, sargassum (brown seaweed) can affect the beach depending on the season, especially between April and September. Better to know that before you pick your dates.
Rooms and comfort
The rooms are spacious, with tasteful décor in warm tones. The ocean-view rooms are worth the upgrade: waking up to the sound of the waves really changes the trip. The air conditioning works well and the beds are comfortable. Some travelers report that garden-side rooms get little natural light, a detail to keep in mind when choosing your room category.
Services and dining
The all-inclusive plan covers several themed restaurants, open bars, and beach service. The main buffet is generous, and the à la carte restaurants let you vary your meals at no extra charge, by reservation. Evening entertainment is there but stays at reasonable volume. Staff are regularly praised for being attentive and welcoming.
Who it's for
Highlights
- Private beach with direct access from the resort
- Several pools, including one just for kids
- Staff praised for their professionalism and kindness
- Calmer setting than hotels in the middle of downtown
Know before you book
- Sargassum risk on the beach in season (April to September)
- 5th Avenue and the lively downtown area require a taxi or shuttle ride
- Garden-side rooms are noticeably darker
Friendly tip: book the à la carte restaurants as soon as you arrive for the evenings that matter to you. Slots go fast in high season, and eating at the buffet alone for a whole week gets old quickly.
Front desk hours
Property services and amenities
Room services and amenities
*Prices and information are indicative and subject to change.
Let us start with what I liked the most: the layout of the property, where mini jungles, waterfalls, ponds, and more are recreated. You will run into rodents, squirrels, monkeys, tortoises, iguanas, flamingos, herons, swans, ducks, peacocks, kingfishers, toucans, fish... Some animals like tortoises or toucans are in enclosures, while others wander around semi free in the hotel jungle.
Next, the rooms are clean, the bedding is large and comfortable, and the shower is spacious.
Pool: top notch, large with shallow areas in some spots.
Beach: white sand, warm turquoise water, but very crowded. By walking about ten minutes to the south, the beach gets a bit wilder, bordered by the jungle.
Dining: it is all inclusive, so you can definitely indulge in terms of quantity. As for the quality, you will have to be a bit selective. By the way, the orange juice in the room fridge is better than what is served at the tables.