Planning a stay in the Riviera Maya often leads travelers to the Xcaret brand, which operates two distinct all-inclusive hotels: Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte. Both properties sit on a shared beachfront near Playa del Carmen. This article compares their luxury level, adult-only versus family focus, and recent controversies to help you choose.
Last checked: 2026-06-26
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Brand: Hoteles Xcaret (two properties: México and Arte) · Location: Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico · Category: All-inclusive luxury resort · Audience: Families (México) and Adults-only (Arte)
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-06-26.
Sources reviewed: official property website, neutral review platform (TripAdvisor), travel booking sites (TUI, OnTheBeach), local journalism (Mexico News Daily, Yucatán Magazine).
No on-site visit, no staff interviews, no independent price verification.
Snapshot: Xcaret Hotels at a Glance
- Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte are the only two hotels in the Hoteles Xcaret brand. (Xcaret Blog)
- Forbes Travel Guide lists Hotel Xcaret Arte as a luxury adults-only property with approximately 900 suites. (Forbes Travel Guide)
- Hotel Xcaret Arte enforces a minimum guest age of 16 years, per its marketing materials. (Yellow Umbrella Events)
- Both hotels sit side by side on a shared beachfront in Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. (TUI)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | All-inclusive luxury resort |
| Number of properties | 2 (Hotel Xcaret México, Hotel Xcaret Arte) |
| Family property | Hotel Xcaret México (all ages) – PlayaDelCarmen.com Blog |
| Original Xcaret Park opened | December 1990 – Hotel Xcaret Arte / Grupo Xcaret |
| Hotel shooting incident | January 21, 2022 (2 Canadian fatalities, 1 injured) – USA Today |
What Is Xcaret?
Xcaret is a resort brand in the Riviera Maya that combines hotels with an ecological water park experience. Grupo Xcaret traces its origins to the opening of the original Xcaret park in December 1990. Today the group operates two all-inclusive luxury hotels: Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte, both offering unlimited access to multiple parks—Xcaret, Xplor, Xenses, and others—as part of their “All-Fun Inclusive” model.
Hoteles Xcaret Overview
Hotel Xcaret México opened first and is marketed as a family-friendly, all-ages property. Hotel Xcaret Arte launched in 2021 as an adults-only, art‑themed resort. Both share the same beachfront, dining quality, and park access, but differ fundamentally in atmosphere and target guest.
Xcaret Park: Water Park and Tours
The original Xcaret Park is an ecological theme park with underground rivers, a butterfly pavilion, and cultural shows. It remains the flagship attraction, and hotel guests receive complimentary transportation and entry.
The bottom line. Xcaret is not a single hotel but a brand encompassing two distinct all-inclusive properties plus multiple adventure parks—a model that appeals to both families and adults seeking an active luxury vacation.
Is Xcaret a Luxury Resort?
Both properties market themselves as luxury all-inclusive resorts. Forbes Travel Guide lists Hotel Xcaret Arte as a luxury adults-only property with 900 art-inspired suites, multiple restaurants, and access to eight parks. Independent reviewers on PlayaDelCarmen.com describe Hotel Xcaret México as “strongly family-oriented” with play areas, kids’ activities, and natural swimming areas. Consumer reviews on Trustpilot mix praise for food and rivers with complaints about service consistency and crowding, though no official star rating appears on that platform (Trustpilot – Hotel Xcaret reviews).
What this means. Xcaret properties occupy the premium segment of the all-inclusive market, but the guest experience varies significantly between the family-focused México and the adults-only Arte.
Which Part of Mexico Is Xcaret Located In?
Both hotels are located in the Riviera Maya, specifically in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The resorts are built side by side on a shared beachfront between a sandy beach and a river. The area is about 45 minutes south of Cancún International Airport and roughly 10 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen.
Guests typically fly into Cancún and arrange transfers by private van, shuttle, or rental car. Xcaret Park is within walking distance and the hotels provide complimentary shuttles.
The trade-off. The shared beachfront offers convenience but also means noise from nearby water activities; guests seeking complete seclusion may prefer a more isolated resort further down the coast.
Is Hotel Xcaret Adults Only?
One of the two properties is adults-only: Hotel Xcaret Arte, which enforces a minimum guest age of 16 years. Forbes Travel Guide confirms its adults-only status and describes it as “art‑themed” and “social”. In contrast, Hotel Xcaret México welcomes children of all ages and is explicitly marketed as “All-Fun Inclusive for families”.
Travel agent comparisons on Yellow Umbrella Events note that Arte is better suited to couples and adult groups, while México offers a broader range of activities for multi‑generational travel.
The pattern. The brand deliberately splits its audience, giving each segment a dedicated property rather than a single resort trying to serve everyone.
What Is the Controversy With Xcaret Park?
Grupo Xcaret has faced several safety-related controversies in recent years, the most serious being a fatal accident at Xenses park and a shooting at Hotel Xcaret México.
In March 2021, a 13‑year‑old boy from Durango died after being sucked into an exposed water filtration system at Xenses park, a Grupo Xcaret attraction in Quintana Roo (Mexico News Daily). The boy’s father alleged that local authorities coerced him into signing a document absolving Grupo Xcaret of responsibility before releasing the body, prompting an obstruction‑of‑justice investigation (Yucatán Magazine). The Durango state governor publicly criticized the handling of the case.
On January 21, 2022, two Canadian guests were shot dead and a third injured at Hotel Xcaret México. Authorities described the incident as a targeted attack linked to disputes among international criminal groups, not a random assault on tourists (ABC7). Still, the event raised questions about security at the resort (The Points Guy).
Additionally, at least two foreign families (Chilean and Argentine) have filed lawsuits against Grupo Xcaret alleging negligence in separate accidents at ferry docks and other facilities, leading to serious injuries (Riviera Maya News via Facebook; Interactivo TV).
What to watch. While the shooting appears to be an isolated criminal act, the park accidents and lawsuits point to ongoing safety and transparency concerns that travelers should weigh when booking.
Hotel Xcaret México vs Hotel Xcaret Arte: Quick Comparison
| Property Name | Vibe & Focus | Adult-Only? | Location | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Xcaret México | Family‑oriented, active, nature‑focused | No (all ages) | Shared beachfront, Riviera Maya | Water slides, kids’ club, access to all parks, natural rivers |
| Hotel Xcaret Arte | Art‑themed, social, adults‑only | Yes (16+) | Same shared beachfront | 900 art‑inspired suites, nine restaurants, live performances, art workshops |
Hotel Xcaret México
- Pros: Highly family‑friendly; kids’ activities and water slides; unlimited park access included; natural rivers and pools.
- Cons: Large layout can require significant walking; some guest reviews report service inconsistency and upselling; crowds during peak seasons.
Hotel Xcaret Arte
- Pros: Adults‑only atmosphere; sophisticated design and art focus; quieter environment; excellent dining according to Forbes Travel Guide.
- Cons: Not suitable for families with children; livelier social scene may not suit all couples; higher minimum age (16) may exclude teens.
Best For
- Families: Hotel Xcaret México – dedicated kids’ facilities, multi‑age activities, and water park access.
- Adults-only couples: Hotel Xcaret Arte – adults‑only policy, romantic ambiance, art and culture focus.
- Luxury travelers: Either property, but Arte leans more upscale with 900 suites and Forbes recognition.
- Adventure seekers: Either – the All-Fun Inclusive pass gives unlimited access to parks with zip lines, caves, and rivers.
Pricing Overview
Both hotels are positioned in the luxury all‑inclusive bracket. Standard room rates at Hotel Xcaret México typically start in the mid- to high-end range, while Hotel Xcaret Arte commands a premium for its adults‑only, art‑themed experience. The value proposition improves significantly when factoring in unlimited park access, which can otherwise cost over US$100 per day per person. No current nightly rates are published in the sources reviewed; expect prices to vary by season and room category. Book directly through the official website or a trusted travel agent for the best package deals.
Location and Getting There
Both resorts are located in the Riviera Maya, just south of Playa del Carmen. The nearest major airport is Cancún International (CUN), about 45 minutes north by car. Ground transport options include private transfers, shared shuttles, rental cars, and the ADO bus service to Playa del Carmen. The hotels provide free shuttle service to all Grupo Xcaret parks, including Xcaret Park which is within walking distance.
Our Pick: Which Xcaret Hotel Should You Choose?
For families: Hotel Xcaret México is the clear winner. Its playgrounds, water slides, and kid‑friendly dining cater to all ages, and the “All‑Fun Inclusive” pass means everyone can enjoy the parks together.
For couples and adults: Hotel Xcaret Arte offers a refined, arts‑driven atmosphere with no children, making it ideal for romantic getaways or adult group holidays. If you prioritize design, quiet, and sophistication, Arte is the better fit.
Decision tip: If you cannot decide between the two, consider that both share the same beach and dining quality. Your choice ultimately hinges on whether you are traveling with children (choose México) or seeking an adults‑only environment (choose Arte).
For a detailed breakdown of current pricing and day passes, refer to the Hotel Xcaret Mexico guide for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Xcaret hotels are there?
There are two: Hotel Xcaret México and Hotel Xcaret Arte, both operated by Grupo Xcaret.
Is Hotel Xcaret all‑inclusive?
Yes, both hotels are all‑inclusive under the “All‑Fun Inclusive” model, which covers accommodation, food and beverages, and unlimited access to eight Grupo Xcaret parks and tours.
What is the new Xcaret hotel?
Hotel Xcaret Arte, which opened in 2021, is the newer of the two properties. It is an adults‑only, art‑themed resort with 900 suites.
Is Hotel Xcaret suitable for kids?
Only Hotel Xcaret México is suitable for children; it offers play areas, water slides, and family activities. Hotel Xcaret Arte enforces a minimum age of 16 and does not accommodate younger guests.
Does Hotel Xcaret Arte accept children under 16?
No, Hotel Xcaret Arte does not accept children under 16. It is strictly adults-only.
For a detailed review of the family property, see our earlier article: All Inclusive Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Review & Pricing.
For another Riviera Maya all‑inclusive option, check Hotel Catalonia Playa Maroma Photos: Real Guest Reviews & Tips for a comparison.