I have to admit that I was a bit nervous heading into this trip based on previous comments on TripAdvisor. I am glad to report that I was pleasantly surprised that we did not experience any of the issues expressed by other travelers. The staff could not be more engaging and friendly, from the bellman that greeted us with a beverage of our choice upon check-in, to Hector at the front desk who did everything in his power to accommodate us at check-in and throughout our stay, the cleaning staff, our favorite wait staff - Gladis and Guillermo and everyone from the grounds crews, bartenders and activity staff.

We had an issue with a smell of cigar smoke in our room when we checked in and there wasn't a comparable room available to move us to so we decided to stick it out and air out the room, Hector offered to have the linens and curtains changed if necessary to air out the room and sent up a cleaning staff member with air freshener (and fresh linens) which they allowed us to keep and continue to spray as needed. It definitely got better after we kept the doors and windows opened off and on throughout the week. This was definitely no fault of the staff or the resort and I really think they went out of their way to make us happy.

The food at the buffet was excellent for breakfast and lunch. Not as good for dinner (though there were many options), but Botticelli and Terraza were nice options and we had excellent service and food (went to Botticelli twice and Terraza once). We ended up eating out twice - with the close proximity to 5th Avenue we couldn't pass up an early evening walk into town.

We were with our 2 teenage daughters and at no time did I feel uncomfortable leaving them in their room alone if they wanted to sleep late or allowing them to walk up to their room or sit on the beach without us.

If I had to find something negative to say, my husband would want me to point out that since The Reef Marina is technically a separate entity and their credit card machine was broken all week, it was a bit of a nuisance to keep going to the ATM to withdraw Pesos if we wanted to use the wave runners, para sailing, and/or snorkeling trips (which are all highly recommended). Not sure why it couldn't be charged through the hotel or simply get the machine fixed??

Overall it was a trip to remember - I hope we find the time to go back some day.

Thank you to everyone at The Reef Playacar for making our first trip to Mexico a memorable one.

My husband and I just returned from the Reef after a week stay. I was referred by a friend who had previously stayed at the resort. She was correct that this is a great place to stay in Mexico. Plus, after reading so many negative reviews I was a bit scared of what to expect but I respected her opinion and was blown away with the place. First, it's a wonderful small resort that isn't overwhelming to the point that you can navigate the whole place with no problems. We stayed in a room with 2 beds on the third floor of building 7 with a lovely view of the garden area. We enjoyed seeing the little critters running around and the views of the foliage. The location was close to the pools, beach and buffet area. The beds were comfortable as well as the pillows. Clean and spacious enough for the two of us.
The pools, the dining area and beach was fabulous. I didn't have a bad meal or a bad drink for that matter. I am not sure why I have read that there is not enough variety. I always found some good eats, and I loved the variety and the foods that I would like to eat everyday, such as fruits and a salad.
The location of the resort was great. Close to shopping on 5th avenue by foot or bike.
The staff were the greatest! I have to mention Irma, our housekeeper, always asked if we needed anything since we really don't need daily housekeeping. Great gal. Humberto, Gerard, Jose, Willy and so many other folks that really made our stay so wonderful. I forgot Ana and Nadyli too. Fun crowd. I would highly recommend the Reef if you want the experience of a large resort on a small scale. I am ready to go back next year. I can't say enough good things about this wonderful little place of paradise! Thanks to all for a wonderful 1st time visit to Mexico!!

We were there from jan -19 to feb2 2013...The resort was just beautiful..We were looking for something smaller and we found just that..Food was very good and so were the drinks..We upgraded to a supereme room and had top shelf drinks..The beach is one of the best in Playacar..15 min.. to town was just wonderful..You can walk on thebeach or on the road and its very safe..We met lot of nice people from USA and Europe..Stff are very friendly..Herrardo and Luis at Nicos Bar were asome..Thank you to Gladys at the buffet restaurant.The nice gentleman at the lobby bar i think his name is Armando but we called him Almo was very friendly...Over all it was amazing trip and cant wait to go there again..

My wife and I have just returned from a 14 day stay (Feb 14 thru 28) at the REEF PLAYACAR. We keep returning to the same resort because we think it is a good value compared to other resorts and we really like the area. This resort is smaller than most, so it may not have as much to offer as the mega resorts, but I'm here for the beach and the sun anyway. The food is adequate for my wife an I.The employees are hard working and courteous. The Reef is situated inside a gated community, so it is very safe to go out on the streets at night if you wish or walk 20 minutes into the town of Playa Del Carmen. I see dozens of joggers and bicyclers on the sidewalks each day. The Playacar shopping mall is close by with no high pressure salesmen to bother you. The beach has to be one of the best in the Riviera Maya area with lots of sugary white sand and no rocks. The hotel is beautifully landscaped in a jungle like atmosphere and kept very clean and maintained. If you go here you have to adjust to a certain schedule as restaurants and bars open and close all day. Don't miss out on the coffee bar and the ice cream shop. They are easily missed because of location and are only open for a short time each day, but are delicious.

If you like Michael Jackson, and the Michael Jackson show is at the theater, it is a must see. I never really cared for Michael Jackson, but these guys did a fantastic job and I can't wait to see it again next year.

I don't want to steer people away from the Reef, but I do want to note a few things that annoy me, but not enough to make me go somewhere else. Four years ago WiFi was free in the lobby. Now it costs $80 a week! I refuse to pay that much, so I walk 5 minutes to Starbucks at the Playacar shopping mall and use their free WiFi. You can get free WiFi at many restaurants and bars in the city of Playa Del Carmen. You just might have to buy a cup of coffee or something.

The Reef doesn't communicate its special events very well at all. I wish they would post events in the lobby, but sometimes you have to figure things out by accident or by talking to other guests and employees. Last year they posted the weather forecast in the lobby, this year...nothing. The pool entertainment staff announces some events, but if you're not at the pool you won't hear it.

I bet some guests don't know where the Botticelli restaurant is. It is hidden above the buffet and there is hardly anyone in there. Maybe I shouldn't tell anyone and keep it a secret so there won't be any waiting for a table, but the food is terrific, so I'm guessing some folks just don't know it's up there. Guillermo is my favorite waiter at Botticelli's and really tries to make you happy. Terraza Grill, the other restaurant above the buffet, started charging for some food unless you pay for the $20 a day upgrade, so we don't go there anymore. If I want to try some different food, I like to go into town and try their multitude of restaurants.

Another complaint is the $2 a day charge for a room safe. I pay for that, but I don't like it.

No one tried to sell me a timeshare, but I saw other folks being talked to. I talked to 2 couples that bought into timeshares and they aren't very happy, so I recommend you just say NO. They get your money up front and then you have to fight with them to get what you were promised.

I totally recommend the Reef Playacar to those folks that are looking for a small, quiet, beautiful and affordable resort, but not if you are expecting a 5 star resort.