Originally Posted by mdskyguy

We just returned from 3 nights each in Playa and Mayakoba and I will start there.
Grand Hyatt PDC - Positives: I like the design with a closed courtyard with all rooms facing the only opening which is to the sea. You are in the middle of town but you would never know it until you step out onto the beach or the street. One of the most gorgeously designed spas I have ever been to in the world. Good Services. No resort fee. No service charge. Club is very nice with micro-cuisine and very helpful staff. Not huge but very comfortable well designed rooms including plunge pool suites. Hotel food is good at relatively reasonable resort prices. Many options off property for fun and fun from elegant to low brow at much lower cost. $$ Negatives: it is busy and you share space at the pools and restaurants with everyone. Party crowd or families.
Andaz Mayakoba - Positives: gorgeous natural setting, serene. Unusual design, service and ambience, not cookie cutter. Ocean Front Kings are literally 30 feet from a pristine deserted beach. Spread out which forces you to feel nature all around you. Nice to be able to go to the other resorts for dining. Negatives: $$$$, 15% resort fee and service charge. Spotty service. Rooms are design centric; cool chairs but not a single comfortable one to sit in except the couch on the balcony (which the plunge pools don't have). Neutrals: I am not sure I get the Andaz brand here, higher end; friendly staff but not stellar attentive service in general. Minimalist in both design and service. Some will love that others will not.
Quickly Zilara - I found much more frenetic than Hyatt PDC and at a higher price point. No privacy in your rooms, you can look left and right and see your neighbors. Good food though. Ziva - in the thick of Cancun but you may never know it if you stay on property. Many excellent restaurants to chose from and an Adults only building and pool so it is semi-serene. Rooms pretty standard. At a point so you have three beaches and sun all day.