The Former Thompson Playa del Carmen Has Reopened as the New Hyatt Centric
Playa del Carmen’s famous Quinta Avenida has a new hotel chapter. After a stylish rebrand, the former Thompson Playa del Carmen has officially reopened as Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen — a dual-property concept that brings together the energy of downtown life and the serenity of the beach in one bold move.
It’s a significant shift for one of the Riviera Maya’s most recognizable urban hotels, blending Hyatt’s lifestyle-driven Centric identity with the bones of a beloved design hotel. The result is a refreshed destination that speaks to both the traveler who wants to be in the middle of it all and the one who prefers to step away from the bustle.
This is Playa del Carmen’s newest opening, and it’s redefining how a single address can offer two distinct escapes.
Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen is built around a dual-house concept, separating its spaces into two unique experiences.
Downtown House is adults-only, with 92 guest rooms and suites that put you steps away from Quinta Avenida’s pulse. Its rooftop infinity pool, Alessia Dayclub, and new UMI Urban Kitchen bring a high-energy vibe, where sunset cocktails and DJ sets unfold against panoramic views.
Beach House offers 27 suites set along the shoreline, just a quick ride away in a vintage Volkswagen Beetle. Here, the tone shifts — it’s more relaxed, ideal for families or couples looking for quiet elegance. There’s an oceanfront pool, direct beach access, and the C Grill restaurant, which focuses on fresh local seafood and international classics.
The concept is simple but smart: keep the nightlife close and the ocean closer.
What’s Changed (and What’s Staying)
The architectural DNA that defined the old Thompson remains — clean lines, mid-century flourishes, intimate scale — but Hyatt has layered in a Centric-style refresh.
The food and beverage program has been reimagined, from rooftop day parties at Alessia to casual grab-and-go bites at The Market. Event spaces have been reconfigured with Niz + Chauvet’s design touch, positioning the hotel as an intriguing venue for weddings and retreats.
Rooms retain their plunging balconies and rain showers, but the branding is lighter, brighter, and more connected to the surroundings. It’s less about a curated scene and more about being part of Playa itself.
Why Hyatt Made the Switch
Hyatt Centric properties are built around being in the center of the action — lifestyle hotels that encourage guests to explore their neighborhoods. Quinta Avenida is exactly that: Playa del Carmen’s vibrant pedestrian artery, lined with restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife.
By moving this property under the Centric banner, Hyatt is aligning it with a brand better suited to the location’s energy, while giving the owners more operational flexibility than the Thompson label typically allows.
It’s also a strategic way to fold the hotel more deeply into World of Hyatt, a move that broadens its appeal to loyalty travelers looking for lifestyle stays in beach destinations.
What It Costs to Stay at Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen
The value is pretty good — rates starting as low as $184 right now for entry-level rooms at the main 5th Avenue location.
Karen Udler is the Deputy Travel Editor of Caribbean Journal. A graduate of Duke University, has been traveling across the Americas for three decades. First an expert on Latin American travel, Karen has been traveling with CJ for more than a decade. She likes to focus on wellness, luxury travel and food.
