Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Small hotels in Playa del Carmen are experiencing what they describe as the worst season in recent years, with occupancy rates below 30% and a sharp drop in room rates as owners try to reverse the decline.
Ofner Arjona, president of the Association of Small Hotels of Playa del Carmen, said the main factor behind the downturn is the massive arrival of sargasso seaweed, combined with a negative perception that has hurt bookings.
According to Arjona, Playa del Carmen is geographically vulnerable to large-scale sargasso landings, which has caused a strong economic impact due to misinformation about beach conditions. As a result, June has become the month with the lowest occupancy and hotel rates ever recorded for small establishments.
“We are facing an unprecedented situation. Many hotels have had to drastically lower their rates to try to attract guests, but rooms remain empty,” he said.
“Misinformation has seriously damaged our image. Tourists cancel their reservations when they see widespread reports about sargasso, without distinguishing that not all beaches are in the same condition,” the hotel leader explained.
This perception has triggered a domino effect: fewer visitors, lower economic spending, and a chain of impacts reaching restaurants, tours, transportation, and local businesses.
The low season that normally begins after Easter has extended. Many small hotels, which represent a significant part of Playa del Carmen’s alternative and affordable lodging options, report occupancy between 20% and 30%, well below the usual for this time of year.
In response, hotel owners have resorted to aggressive discounts, special packages, and last-minute promotions, sacrificing profit margins to at least cover operating costs.
The Association of Small Hotels maintains ongoing dialogue with municipal and state authorities to seek emergency support, such as specific promotional campaigns, temporary tax breaks, and increased investment in beach cleaning. However, Arjona warned that if conditions do not improve in the coming weeks, many establishments could face permanent closures or forced transfers.
Playa del Carmen, one of the most iconic destinations on the Riviera Maya known for its dining, nightlife, and proximity to archaeological sites, now faces the challenge of regaining travelers’ trust.
