We recently sat down with content creator Esther Lee, who just returned from a fantastic family vacation at Ocean Riviera Paradise. This 4.5-star all-inclusive, ocean-view hotel is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the best family resorts in the Playa del Carmen section of Riviera Maya, where affordability truly meets family fun on a stunning white-sand beach. From its characterful rooms designed to accommodate the whole family to a vast array of amenities, Ocean Riviera Paradise leaves nothing to chance in guaranteeing a memorable, well-deserved vacation with your favorite people.
Esther’s here to share her firsthand insights on what makes this hotel such an exceptional choice for families.
Q: As a parent, what about the hotel made it easier for you to relax and fully enjoy your time there vs other resorts?
Ester: You know, as parents, truly relaxing on vacation isn’t always as easy as it sounds. We all know that while it looks great on paper, shifting from our usual home rules and schedules to that more carefree vacation mode can actually be quite a challenge.
But at Ocean Riviera Paradise, we really loved that there was so much entertainment that kept the kids busy and not relying on us for entertainment 24/7. Movie nights were a lifesaver, and the restaurants had something for everyone, which took a lot of pressure off. The staff at the resort were also incredibly helpful, which made a huge difference.
You also have access to sister resorts Ocean Coral & Turquesa for even more restaurant options.
We actually ended up having a “yes day” because, hey, they’re on vacation too, and they’re allowed to enjoy the moment! They chose what they wanted to do, and it was a blast. We played soccer, ordered room service for lunch, made forts in the room before their nap, went to the ice cream shop twice, built sandcastles on the beach, and even stayed up late at the bowling alley. And you know what? It was so much fun—for them and for me! It truly felt like we had the best time.
Q: How big is your room, and how did its amenities contribute to a more enjoyable family vacation?
Ester: We absolutely loved our Eden Junior Suite Swim-Up on the first floor. The direct pool access proved incredibly convenient, especially for us as parents; it meant we could easily enjoy the pool while the kids were napping, which was a significant plus for relaxation.
Beyond the convenience, the room’s design was quite a refreshing change from what you usually see in hotels. It certainly wasn’t the typical all-white and sterile look; instead, it featured subtle nautical touches, beautiful geometric flooring, warm wooden beams, and colorful furniture. The comfortable bedding ensured everyone got a good night’s sleep, and the inviting balconies really added to the charm. Most importantly, the suite was remarkably spacious, comfortably accommodating our entire family without us ever feeling cramped during our stay.
Q: What was your kids’ favorite amenity at Ocean Riviera Paradise?
Ester: Without a doubt, the Jungle Friends water park was the absolute favorite! It was fantastic because, even though it has four swimming pools, its central location in the Riviera Maya meant it was incredibly easy to get to at any time of the day. They really loved the mixture of swirling slides and smaller water games, which meant it was genuinely suitable for all ages—both my older and younger ones had a blast. The jungle theme with all the animal figurines was also a huge hit; my kids just adored it! And from a parent’s perspective, I really appreciated that the water park was compact enough to be entirely surrounded by lounge chairs. This made it super easy for us to relax, enjoy the sun, and still keep a close eye on our kids. Honestly, everyone had a good time there. The staff overseeing the water park were also fantastic, ensuring safe entertainment.
Q: How is the Kids’ Club, and did you feel it was a safe environment that allowed you to spend quiet time?
Ester: We were incredibly grateful for the Daisy Club. Having that option for two hours once a day meant mom and dad could actually get some time to ourselves—and let me just say, I absolutely LOVED spending it at the spa!
Kids aged four and up can attend, and they offer a full program across two sessions: from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. They even have a family time session from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM for younger children.
The kids had a blast with the mascot Daisy and a fantastic team of entertainers who led activities like Pirate Day, Kids’ Olympics, music quizzes, kids’ shows, dance classes, and the minidisco. For older children, there’s even a videogames area, a film screening room, and table football.
We also spent hours there as a family, enjoying friendly competitions of chess, tic-tac-toe, and even getting into some intense rounds of Mario Kart. This hotel truly thinks of everything for families! The staff and facilities were great, and knowing the kids were safe gave us peace of mind.
Q: In hindsight, how will you remember your Playa del Carmen beach vacation?
Ester: Oh, that’s easy! I cherished just being fully present with my kids—splashing around in the pool, collecting seashells by the beach, enjoying plenty of ice cream. Those are the moments that truly make core memories for me! You know, stepping away from the daily grind and all the routine in the Riviera Maya is really precious, and that really keeps us going once we’re back home. We can always travel back in our minds to those lazy days without schedules, without school, without even worrying about what’s for lunch.
It was just about truly enjoying each other’s company and creating memories that I know will last a lifetime.
Q: How would you review the H10’s all-inclusive resort in three words?
Ester: Kid-friendly, convenient, spacious.
