Designing Our Own Mexico Trip: 3 Hilton Hotels, 3 Completely Different Vibes

adriana hamelin
5 days ago
6 min read

We escaped the grey winter by designing our own Mexico trip and moving between three very different Hilton hotels in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Instead of choosing one all-inclusive resort, we mixed adventure, scuba diving, and slow luxury to experience Mexico in completely different ways. If you’re wondering whether all-inclusive is worth it or if hopping between resorts actually makes sense, this trip gave us the answer.

We’re Hilton Diamond members, and at the time of booking, I wasn’t following a strict plan, I was mostly booking to escape the cold. Looking back, I’m really glad we did. Moving hotels allowed us to experience three completely different vibes and atmospheres, and it reminded us that we don’t have to be “stuck” doing only all-inclusive trips going forward.

This time, we traveled

On our own
By moving hotels
Through very different atmospheres

Goal: balance adventure and relaxation.

If you’re debating adults-only all-inclusive resorts, I already compared our favorites here https://www.nomadiclovebirds.com/post/which-adults-only-hotel-in-mexico-reigns-supreme-over-the-past-2-years

Before the trip: the Uber airport confusion

Before leaving, I did some research on how to get from the airport to Playa del Carmen.

You can:

Book private transportation (more expensive, but makes sense if you’re traveling with a baby to have a car seat waiting)
Take an inexpensive bus
Grab a taxi

Even ChatGPT said Uber was available. And technically… it is. You can see it on the app.

When we got our luggage, we ordered an Uber and followed everyone else outside where taxis line up and resort shuttles pick up guests. That’s when we realized we weren’t at the Uber pickup location. We walked back inside, past what we thought was a security checkpoint, only to realize it was another exit, this one leading toward departures and the parking/family pickup area.

Except… every time we said “Uber” or tried to locate our driver, security chased the car away. It became clear very quickly that Ubers aren’t actually allowed at the airport, even though they appear on the app. It was hot, confusing, and exhausting. Another couple was trying to do the same thing and we all eventually gave up. We went back inside, bought water bottles, and grabbed alternative transportation to our hotel. That part was unexpected. I thought I was prepared. For first-timers especially, it’s incredibly confusing.

Stop #1: Playa del Carmen: freedom + diving

The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences

We stayed here for a full week and it didn’t feel like too much at all.

As Diamond members, we were upgraded, had free breakfast, evening drinks, and a food discount at the restaurant. We actually spent a lot of time at the hotel, mainly because the rooftop pool was beautiful, the sun was strong, and we genuinely needed to chill.

That said, the music is loud-ish and constant. Fun, yes. Relaxing? Not always.

The staff were fantastic, excellent cocktails, very accommodating with gluten-free and lactose-free options and they gave us great restaurant recommendations.

Playa del Carmen itself is lively at night. My husband had to wear earplugs to sleep, and I sometimes had trouble falling asleep too. There’s a strong police presence, which made it feel safe. We had a 7-Eleven nearby where we stocked up on water and Sabritas chips (Lays).

We tried six different restaurants: vegan, tacos, Thai, and even a Portuguese-style place where they slice meat tableside. The ferry was less than 10 minutes away, and if we hadn’t had the Conrad and Hilton Tulum coming up, we definitely would’ve spent at least one day at the public beach playing beach volleyball.

When it’s an all-inclusive, I don’t usually feel motivated to leave the resort, especially on a short trip. That’s one thing this experience really changed for me.

Scuba diving in Cozumel (a highlight)

From Playa, we booked two dives in Cozumel.

The dive shop gave clear instructions on ferry timing and taxi costs, which made everything smooth. I had researched the ferry beforehand and knew there were online discounts but once there, I realized there are three different ferry companies, and tourists pay different prices than locals.

We could save by booking online, but our Eskimo eSIM wasn’t working properly near the ferry. We had to walk uphill to get reception, and timing got tight.

Still, we had time to explore Cozumel before diving. The island felt calm once cruise passengers were back on their ships. We had lunch at Makaira Tacos y Sea Food Market and it was absolutely perfect. Fresh, light, and ideal before diving.

A $10 USD taxi took us to the dive center, and getting back afterward was easy. The scuba diving itself was incredible, easily one of the highlights of the trip. We chose the shop because it was a 5-star PADI-certified center. The instructors were calm, attentive, and gave us plenty of time underwater.

We saw a massive loggerhead turtle eating a starfish. Of course, no one had their camera on but that memory is permanently engraved.

This is the best base if you want movement, food variety, and excursions.

Stop #2: Ultimate calm at Conrad Tulum

Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

We took a taxi from The Fives to the Conrad, it's about $80 USD. Private transfers would’ve been roughly double.

Hilton has its own compound here, past Bahia Principe: the Conrad, Conrad Spa, Hilton all-inclusive, and a convention center.

We spent five nights at the Conrad without paying for the all-inclusive add-on. As Diamond members, breakfast was already included and it was absolutely delicious, with plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options.

The resort was quiet. A large group had just left, and another was arriving as we checked out. Staff were wonderful, friendly, helpful, and genuinely warm.

We stayed in Building 4. It was a bit of a walk from the main building, but we loved the view. Heels are doable, but you have to be careful with certain paths that can be uneven, and not all buildings are connected. One night we used the umbrellas because of rain.

One pool was under repair, but it didn’t matter because the beach area is lovely. The cove breaks the waves, making it great for swimming and snorkeling (water shoes recommended). Visibility wasn’t perfect due to warm and cold water mixing, but we still saw interesting marine life.

We slowed way down here. Took photos at the mangrove swing (watch out for ant bites), snorkeled, relaxed, and eventually even played beach volleyball.

The food quality was excellent: gluten-free burgers, gluten-free pizza with goat cheese, and consistently great service.

No big shows. No loud entertainment. The first night felt almost uncomfortable because we had to just be. But once we adjusted, it felt like absolute heaven.

If you want stimulation, this isn’t it. If you want to exhale, it’s perfect.

Stop #3: The contrast next door

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort

Going from the Conrad to Hilton Tulum felt like going from Japan to Bangkok, the quiet to chaos.

As we approached, the music got louder. Decorations were up for the holidays. The lobby was packed with people checking in. We knew going in that this resort was entertainment-driven.

As Diamond members, we could book our first restaurant prior to our arrival and secured reservations for the following nights with the concierge after checking in. We opted for Building 4 rather than upgrading closer to the main entertainment area.

A Blend of Weather Patterns and Scenic Skies

It was definitely more crowded but perfect for filling up the beach volleyball courts. The price point is much better than the Conrad, especially for longer stays, and the all-inclusive aspect made it ideal for our friends traveling with a three-month-old baby.

We enjoyed the dinners, evening shows, and warm weather. The beach, however, isn’t as nice as the Conrad’s as it’s slanted, and loungers weren’t very comfortable, so we mostly stayed by the pool.

One unexpected form of entertainment? The raccoons. Bold, persistent, and clearly very experienced at stealing food.

Not worse, just a completely different audience.

Who each hotel is for

The Fives✔ Explorers, divers, food lovers, ferry hopping

Conrad Tulum✔ Couples, slow travel, service lovers, quiet luxury

Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive✔ Social travelers, budget-conscious, entertainment seekers

Final takeaway: designing your own Mexico trip

I really loved having three unique experiences by moving hotels.

You don’t have to choose between adventure or rest as you can mix both in the same trip. This trip confirmed how much we enjoy blending different vibes.

Mexico doesn’t have one perfect hotel, it has the perfect hotel for the moment you’re in.