The Grand Riviera Princess in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, offers travellers a direct route to informed decisions: this article compiles verified data on its all-inclusive policies, distance from the airport, dining, and guest-review patterns. The resort’s all-inclusive package covers unlimited food, drinks, and use of the facilities, as confirmed by Princess Hotels & Resorts. Here is the fact-checked research pack you need before booking.
Last checked: 2026-07-29
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Star rating: 5 · Number of rooms: 674 · Number of pools: 12 · Distance to Playa del Carmen: 3 km
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-29.
Sources reviewed: official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, Booking.com listing, Expedia listing, Hotels.com listing, WestJet review page.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
At a glance: Grand Riviera Princess
- 674 – among the largest all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya (TripAdvisor)
- 12 outdoor pools, plus an indoor pool and a children’s pool (Expedia)
- 8.1/10 based on 788 reviews (Booking.com)
- Full all-inclusive package included in stays – confirmed by official operator (Princess Hotels & Resorts)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of rooms | 674 |
| Pools | 12 outdoor + 1 indoor + 1 children’s |
| All-inclusive | Yes (food, drinks, activities, entertainment) |
| Check-out time | Noon (late check-out available for USD 50) |
| Adult day pass price | 2,000 MXN (subject to occupancy) |
| Review score (Booking.com) | 8.1/10 |
| Review score (Expedia) | 8.2/10 |
Is the Grand Riviera Princess all inclusive?
Yes. The property operates as a full all-inclusive resort, meaning your stay includes all meals, drinks, on-site activities, and nightly entertainment. The official Princess Hotels & Resorts website states that the package offers “unlimited food and beverages, access to the hotel’s restaurants and bars, recreational activities, daily and nightly entertainment, and use of the resort facilities.”
“The All-Inclusive package at the Grand Riviera Princess hotel offers unlimited food and beverages, access to the hotel’s restaurants and bars, recreational activities, daily and nightly entertainment, and use of the resort facilities.”Princess Hotels & Resorts
Day passes are also available for guests not staying overnight. According to the official site, passes cost 2,000 MXN per adult and 1,000 MXN per child, covering access from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, subject to occupancy.
The bottom line: The all-inclusive label is accurate and well-documented – you won’t face surprise charges for meals or basic drinks, but expectations for haute cuisine should be tempered.
How far is Grand Riviera Princess from the airport?
The Grand Riviera Princess is located in Playa del Carmen, about 3 km from the town centre. The nearest major airport is Cancún International (CUN), roughly 50 km away – a drive of 45 to 60 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Transportation options
Most travellers arrive from Cancún Airport. The resort does not operate a free shuttle, but several transfer companies offer shared or private rides. TUI and other tour operators often include transfers in package bookings. Taxis from the airport cost approximately USD 60–90 one way (prices vary).
The pattern: Pre-booking a shared shuttle through a site like Canada Transfers (or your package operator) is the most cost-effective and stress-free option.
What is the dress code for Grand Riviera Princess Restaurant?
The official website does not publish a detailed dress code for each restaurant. Based on typical Riviera Maya all-inclusive policies, most venues require:
- Casual wear (shorts, flip-flops) for the buffet and poolside eateries.
- Smart casual (long trousers, collared shirts for men; dresses or blouses for women) for à-la-carte dinner restaurants.
- No swimwear in dining areas after dark.
The implication: You will not need formal wear, but a pair of long pants and a collared shirt for men will cover all venues.
How many restaurants are in the Grand Riviera Princess?
Hotels.com reports nine on-site restaurants, while TripAdvisor mentions a similar count. The selection includes a large buffet, several à-la-carte options (Mexican, Italian, Asian, steakhouse), and a dedicated Family Club section with its own casual eateries. An Hotels.com listing adds that food and beverages are included, subject to some restrictions.
Dining service windows, per the official site, include breakfast 7:00–11:00, lunch 12:00–15:45, and dinner 18:00–22:15. Reservations may be required for à-la-carte restaurants.
The catch: Several guest reviews on WestJet’s aggregated page note that the food quality across restaurants “is similar to buffet standard.” That is not uncommon for large all-inclusives, but it means you should book with realistic expectations.
Practical guide
Pros and cons
- Beachfront location with tropical gardens.
- Cleanliness and staff service praised across multiple review platforms.
- 12 pools plus a dedicated children’s pool.
- Family Club offers separate facilities for families with kids.
- Mixed reviews on value for money – some guests feel it is pricey for the quality.
- Food in specialty restaurants often described as “similar to buffet.”
- Beach may require water shoes (one TripAdvisor reviewer recommends them).
- Some maintenance issues reported in older rooms (pre-renovation).
Best for families
The resort operates a Family Club section with its own restaurants and activities, making it a strong choice for parents travelling with children. The children’s pool and nightly entertainment geared toward younger guests add to the appeal. Booking.com reviewers frequently mention that kids enjoy the abundance of pool space and the animal encounters (coatis, iguanas) on the grounds.
Our pick
For families seeking a straightforward all-inclusive with kid-friendly amenities and a central Riviera Maya location, the Grand Riviera Princess is a solid option. The 2026 renovation should address past maintenance complaints, and the Family Club structure gives parents peace of mind.
Pricing overview
The resort charges an all-inclusive rate; exact per-night prices fluctuate by season. A YouTube travel video from 2026 suggests low season (May–October) sees lower rates, while high season (December–April) commands premium pricing. Day passes are available at 2,000 MXN per adult. Late check-out costs USD 50 (subject to availability, per Expedia).
Location and map
The resort sits on the coast of the Riviera Maya, approximately 3 km north of Playa del Carmen’s town centre. It is close to the El Camaleón Mayakoba golf course.
Getting there step by step
- Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN).
- Upon arrival, take a pre-booked shuttle, taxi, or rental car south on Highway 307 for about 50 km (45–60 minutes).
- Enter Playa del Carmen; the resort is located on the coastal road just north of town.
- Check-in is open 24 hours; all-inclusive benefits start immediately.
Sample itinerary for a family
- Day 1: Arrive, check in, lunch at the buffet, afternoon at the children’s pool, dinner at the Family Club restaurant, evening show.
- Day 2: Breakfast, morning at the main pool or beach (bring water shoes), lunch at a poolside grill, afternoon exploring the gardens and meeting the resident animals, dinner at the Italian à-la-carte (make reservations at check-in).
- Day 3: Late breakfast, use the day pass option for a beach day if staying longer, or check out by noon and catch a shuttle to Cancún airport.
Timeline of updates
- December 2007: Hotel opens (per TripAdvisor).
- Early 2026: Princess Hotels announces renovation; property temporarily closes.
- April 16, 2026: Official reopening date (confirmed by Princess Hotels & Resorts).
princessriviera.com, youtube.com, ca.hotels.com, youtube.com
For a closer look at what to expect, check out real guest photos and reviews of the Grand Riviera Princess before booking.
Frequently asked questions
How many stars does the Grand Riviera Princess have?
The resort is rated 5-star by online travel platforms, reflecting its all-inclusive amenities and recent renovation.
Is there a shuttle from Grand Riviera Princess to Playa del Carmen?
The resort does not appear to operate a complimentary shuttle to town. Taxis are readily available; the ride to Playa del Carmen’s quinta avenida takes about 5–10 minutes.
Is there a mobile app for Grand Riviera Princess?
No official app was found in the sources reviewed. Most information (menus, activities) is available at the front desk or via the in-room TV.
What is the Family Club at Grand Riviera Princess?
The Family Club is a dedicated section of the resort with its own restaurants, pools, and activities tailored for families with children. It is included in the all-inclusive package.
How many rooms does the Grand Riviera Princess have?
The resort has 674 rooms, making it one of the larger all-inclusives in the Riviera Maya.
How many pools does the Grand Riviera Princess have?
There are 12 outdoor pools, an indoor pool, and a separate children’s pool, according to Expedia and Hotels.com.
Sources cited
- Princess Hotels & Resorts – official all-inclusive details and day-pass policy
- Princess Hotels – Restaurants page – renovation notice and dining hours
- TripAdvisor – room count, opening year, review volume
- TripAdvisor (India) – review summary and ranking
- Expedia – pool count, check-out policy, review score
- Hotels.com – restaurant count and guest summary
- Booking.com – review score and category breakdown
- WestJet – review aggregation and dining commentary