Learn how to choose which places places to rent it Playa del Carmen, the best neighborhoods to stay, and how to book long term apartments.
Why Rent in Playa
Powder-white sands, azure blue waters, and a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a tropical slice of heaven. Set along the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo, this coastal resort town is known for its spectacular palm-lined beaches, and colorful coral reefs.
Although Playa the largest town on the Yucatan Peninsula, it a charming, small village feel. Running parallel to the beach, the pedestrian-friendly La Quinta Avenida is lined with laid-back bars, casual restaurants, trendy shops, and buzzing dance clubs.
Quaint streets are filled with beautiful condos and houses, some even boasting a private rooftop with an ocean-view hot tub. Villas and sprawling vacation home properties with spectacular ocean views, are also available in Playacar. After dark, Playa del Carmencomes alive with a glittering nightlife, while Playa’s restaurants serve some of the best food in the world.
It’s a perfect location with perfect weather where more vacation ideas are are within easy reach, such as exploring Mayan culture, ancient ruins, and natural cenotes, along with taking a world-class scuba diving or snorkeling trip.
Where to Find
Playa del Carmen vacation rentals are advertising in both Spanish and English on numerous websites such as Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and even Craigslist Yucatan.
Do note that many vacation rental properties with permanent listings may no longer be available when calling, but their managers will usually have alternative options available.
Facebook Groups
There are several Facebook groups on which you can find advertisements for apartments to rent in Playa del Carmen. Posts are either written by agents sharing condo rentals and sales, while others are posted by people searching for an apartment.
If you’re already in Playa del Carmen and searching for a long-term rental, messaging agents via Facebook to schedule a viewing is a great strategy.
In-Person
Another way to find an apartment rental in Playa del Carmen is to visit various properties in person. If the block of apartments or condominiums has a reception or front desk, you can leave your details for the owners to contact you. Responses may be limited this way, but it could be a good way to contact property owners who may otherwise be unreachable.
Rental Locations
Playa del Carmen has five neighborhoods close to the beach that are popular with holidaymakers, expats, and local residents. The two most popular areas for vacation rentals are Centro and Playacar. There are also many private gated communities and developments called fraccionamientos across the highway that are further back from the ocean.
Centro
The downtown area or Centro of is the beating heart of the city. It’s packed with restaurants, shops, and places to stay, this is a popular destination for tourists, and there are plenty of vacation rentals in Playa del Carmen. Centro is also pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around without a car.
Due to being Playa del Carmen’s main tourist hub, long-term property rentals here can be expensive. Centro offers some lovely places to stay in Playa del Carmen. It’s easy to find for short-term rental accommodations here from neat studio apartments and one or two-bedroom condo and beautiful vacation homes.
Many property owners prefer to rent their homes on a short-term basis on Airbnb, making reasonable long-term rentals difficult to find. Long-term rentals range from 15,000-35,000 pesos a month.
Playacar
Playacar is an upscale resort area just south of Centro and is home to all-inclusive hotels and resorts. This discerning gated community has beautiful properties with the best amenities. Exquisite vacation homes boast air conditioning, hot tubs, and private rooftops with ocean views.
When it comes to Playa del Carmen vacation rentals, apartment rental in this area tends to be limited with to high-end rental units, while cheaper accommodation are given to hotel and resort staff. However, there are vacation rental properties to be found with varying rental prices, ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 pesos a month.
Be wary though, that transportation is limited in Playacar and taxis are expensive. The shops, restaurants and nightlife of Centro are a few miles away so it might be feasible to hire a car if renting a vacation property in Playacar.
Rental Tips
The Playa del Carmen vacation rental market and at certain times of the year, properties go fast. Avoid disappointment by booking well in advance. If a deposit is required, it’s best to only use a highly reputable rental agency or property manager.
Once you have found the property you want to rent in Playa del Carmen and have made contact with the owner or rental agency, make sure an agreement is set up and signed. If you’re booking in advance, it’s a good idea to have someone look at the property to you may want to have someone here check it for you, prior to arrival.
Scams
Beware of vacation rental scams. Once you start looking for vacation rental properties, you might be targeted by scammers. An easy Playa del Carmen guide to follow, is If it sounds too good to be true, in it probably is!
If you are approached by anyone on the Internet about rental properties, always ask for details of the property, photographs, videos, online reviews and references.
Credit Checks
Credit checks for accommodations and rentals are not a regular occurrence in Mexico, but some property rental agencies will request proof of your financial history for long-term rentals.
Be very wary of anyone on Facebook or Craiglist who asks for a credit check before you have seen the apartment or met in person. It may be a scam.
Online Deposits
Sending deposits for vacation rentals can be risky. If you are required to send a deposit, ensure the money is going to a reputable rental agency, landlord, or owner. If you are asked to send a deposit to a location outside of Playa del Carmen for any reason, take this as a warning sign that it may be a scam.