The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences Review: All-Inclusive

Deciding where to stay in the Riviera Maya often comes down to balancing luxury amenities with real guest experiences. This review of The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences draws on verified ratings from multiple booking platforms and detailed traveler feedback to help you decide whether this all-inclusive property in Playa del Carmen is the right fit for your trip. The resort holds a confirmed guest rating of 8.6/10 from 233 verified ratings on KAYAK (KAYAK), providing a strong baseline for the analysis ahead.

Last checked: 2026-06-27

Property Name: The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences · Location: Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico · Star Rating: 5 stars · All-Inclusive: Yes (À la carte)

Is The Fives All-Inclusive?

The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences operates on an à la carte all-inclusive basis. The property’s official website describes the package as covering all meals, drinks, and select amenities, but the exact inclusions can vary by room category and promotional terms. Guest reviews from multiple platforms consistently note that food and beverage quality are strong points — especially at the specialty restaurants.

What is included in the all-inclusive package?

According to a detailed independent review, guests have access to six à la carte restaurants serving Mexican, French, Italian, sushi, Thai, and Mediterranean cuisine, with no limit on how many can be booked during a stay (Samantha Leigh Blog). The same source noted the buffet was less impressive compared with the specialty options. Official materials market the property as having 14 gourmet restaurants, a figure that includes both à la carte and buffet venues. The resort also includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, though premium brands may have an additional charge — a common practice in higher-end all-inclusive resorts.

What Amenities Does The Fives Offer?

The resort boasts eight pools, a lazy river, multiple swim-up bars, and a fitness center, all set within lush tropical grounds. The official website emphasizes the property’s residence-suite style, with spacious suites that include kitchenettes or full kitchens. WestJet’s review aggregation shows frequent guest compliments about the pool areas, room space, and the variety of on-site activities.

Are there swim-up bars?

Yes. Multiple guest reviews on Expedia and TripAdvisor mention swim-up bars as a highlight, particularly in the main pool area. The resort’s own promotional imagery shows bar seating integrated into the pool design.

Does the resort have a lazy river?

A lazy river is one of the eight pools mentioned in the official listing. Travelers on Facebook and TripAdvisor specifically reference the lazy river as a family-friendly feature that children and adults alike enjoy (Facebook – 78% recommend rate).

What Do Reviews of The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences Say?

Guest feedback across six major platforms paints a picture of a resort that excels in room quality, pool variety, and service, but shows inconsistency in dining and beach conditions. Booking.com gives the property 8.2/10, with a breakfast score of 8.0. KAYAK’s 233 verified ratings yield 8.6/10. TripAdvisor reviewers repeatedly describe the property as “boutique-like,” “relaxing,” and “secluded,” praising the spacious, clean rooms and responsive staff (TripAdvisor). Hotels.com snippets echo the same themes: large suites, friendly service, and beautiful grounds.

Overall guest satisfaction

The consensus among 18,568 TripAdvisor reviews (as of early 2025) is that the resort delivers a high-quality experience for those who prioritize room space, multiple pool options, and a relaxed atmosphere. A recent guest on Hotels.com wrote that the “food and amenities were excellent” (Hotels.com). Expedia reviewers describe the landscaping as “lush” and the setting as feeling like a “nature reserve with luxury services” (Expedia).

Common praises and complaints

Praises: Spacious, updated rooms; well-stocked mini-fridges (including water, soft drinks, and beer); multiple à la carte dining options; attentive housekeeping; a variety of pools suitable for all ages.

Complaints: Some reviewers cite lukewarm shower water, a buffet that falls short of five-star expectations, and check-in delays. WestJet reviews mention that the beach can feel small and that sargassum is an occasional issue (WestJet). Expedia reviews also note musty odors in some rooms and longer wait times for à la carte dinner reservations.

How Much Does a Stay at The Fives Cost?

Exact nightly rates vary by room type, season, and booking channel. The property offers studio suites, one- to three-bedroom residences, and penthouses. Because the resort markets residence-style accommodations, pricing tends to be higher than standard hotel rooms in the area, but the extra space and kitchen amenities can offset costs for families or longer stays. No current per-night rates were available from the reviewed sources; travelers should check the official website or OTAs for live pricing.

Price range and room types

Common room categories include “Residence Suite,” “Luxury Suite,” and “Penthouse.” A blog review from mid-2024 suggested the overall value was not compelling at the time due to perceived food quality gaps. However, recent Reddit threads (August 2025) call the value “remarkable” for the pool, food, and kids’ club amenities (Reddit). This contrast underscores how pricing and perceived value can shift with seasonal demand and recent renovations.