Hi Beachbridezille, i have living in Playa del Carmen since i was 5 ( now i´m 29), let me tell you, Barceló is a horrible idea, is like a MC Donalds combo, choose your combo 1, 2, 3,4 ,5 ,6, 7, 8 or 9, if you want to cry ( not for happiness) chosse Barceló. Pretty much is all about your budget, Riu is a nice hotel but only if you have Riu Palace Riviera Maya, if you have Riu tequila, riu Playacar or other Riu just forget about it, has to be Riu Palace Riviera Maya, don´t get confusse are like 7 Rius hotel in the same area (playacar-playa del carmen). The Royal is a really, really, really nice choise, close to 5th av,