IHG & Playa Reflag Hacienda Tres Ríos All-Inclusive Under Kimpton In 2024

IHG and Playa Hotels, which operates all-inclusive hotels under various Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Wyndham brands, announced on Monday that there would be a Kimpton opening in Playa del Carmen in early 2024.

An existing Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort hotel will become Kimpton Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort (all-inclusive) in early 2024 after hopefully extensive renovations.

You can access Kimpton’s page for this property here and the current website here.

READ MORE: IHG One Rewards Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Location:

The hotel is 48 kilometers from Cancun airport, and it takes roughly 40 minutes to arrive at the hotel by cab. It is just north of the Mayakoba development, with hotels under Fairmont, Andaz. Banyan Tree and Rosewood brands.

Here are images from Diamond Resorts:

You can have a 360 tour of the property here:

Press release from Kimpton:

IHG Hotels & Resorts Announces First All-Inclusive Kimpton Resort to Open in Riviera Maya in Early 2024

Boutique Hospitality Brand Expands its Offerings and its Presence in Mexico

SAN FRANCISCO (September 19, 2022) – Today, IHG Hotels & Resorts announces a new endeavor for its boutique pioneer brand Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants with the signing of its first all-inclusive resort. Kimpton continues to innovate and grow beyond its original urban boutique hotel model to evolve the brand’s product offerings while maintaining its award-winning quality and trademark ethos. Together with the resort’s owner, Sunset World, and operator, Playa Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park will bring the brand’s signature barefoot luxury and heartfelt care to the Riviera Maya’s Playa del Carmen in early 2024.

Originally opened in November 2008, Kimpton Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park will feature not only a rebrand of the award-winning, environmentally conscious resort but also an interior renovation of its 255 architecturally acclaimed guest rooms, suites and villas. Guests of the all-inclusive beachfront resort will enjoy want-for-nothing amenities and activities such as 11 unique culinary concepts, five swimming pools, private beach access, a world-class spa, fitness center and several family-friendly facilities ranging from a Kids Club to water sports. For those looking to meet or celebrate beachside, the resort also will house a total of 26,200 square feet of meetings and events space across 12 rooms.

“This development is testament to Kimpton’s continued growth and broad resonance,” said Kimpton CEO Mike DeFrino. “We couldn’t have found better partners than Sunset World and Playa Hotels & Resorts to bring our first all-inclusive resort to life, and believe our special brand of boutique hospitality will translate perfectly in this renowned part of Mexico.”

Located in the heart of Riviera Maya in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Kimpton Hacienda Tres Ríos will fully embrace its namesake thanks to the three freshwater rivers that flow through the Tres Ríos Nature Park’s 326 acres of well-preserved tropical forest. Throughout the resort and nature park, guests can explore 10 cenotes and discover more than 90 species of animals and 120 species of plants. As one of the area’s privately owned natural treasures, Tres Ríos is governed by strict environmental regulations for sustainable tourism.

Striking the delicate balance between luxurious amenities and environmental conservation, Kimpton Hacienda Tres Ríos will appeal to both IHG One Rewards members and curious tourists looking for a one-of-a-kind all-inclusive experience. All guests can unwind on the resort’s peaceful beaches and explore the stunning grounds, whether through swimming, snorkeling or kayaking via guided tours of the mangrove forests. Those looking to take in Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen beyond the resort can discover further culture and adventure within the area’s Mayan ruins, golf courses, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues

“We are thrilled to join this venture with Playa Hotels & Resorts and Kimpton Hotels,” said Sunset World Vice President of New Development and Board Member Daniel Arroyo. “With 30 years in the hotel industry, we know that one must continue to reinvent our business.  We are confident that this new venture will provide new and unique experiences to our guests.”

The leading operator in the Mexican all-inclusive industry, Playa Hotels & Resorts currently manages more than 10 hotels in Mexico. As the only company managing all-inclusive hotels for multiple brands, they’ve successfully assisted with developing well-known brands such as Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, and Wyndham Alltra. The Hacienda Tres Rios marks Playa’s first resort with Kimpton.

“Playa is delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts on the first ever Kimpton all-inclusive,” said Fernando Mulet, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Playa Hotels & Resorts. “With Kimpton’s vision and our proven execution, this new all-inclusive high-end boutique brand is a welcomed addition to our portfolio of resorts. We are equally grateful for the confidence of Sunset World in allowing us to reposition and manage their environmentally responsible luxury resort.”

Some reviews from Google

The resort is beautiful. The pools are nice. But the level of service and food quality did not justify the expense. We made reservations for on-site restaurants through the concierge. When we arrived at one, they said “you can’t have your reserved dinner – we aren’t serving that here tonight”. Then we made a reservation for a wine pairing dinner. When we arrived they said “that was only at 6 – your reservation is for 8. It’s over.” Beyond the concierge issues, the food was sub-standard. Bland, oily, odd. At the Italian restaurant I ordered shrimp over pasta – and my shrimp arrived over mashed potatoes. Sometimes we found something good, and when re-ordered another day hoping we had found the one menu item that was tasty, the same item was served with completely different seasonings, cooking style, and accompaniments from night to night despite the menu never changing. The buffet advertised different themes (Caribbean, Italian, etc.) but the food was the same each day. It simply wasn’t good.

and

Pros: Jungle Car excursion (by Beto) and Kids Zone (by Gloria) Spacious room and location (for those wanting to be away from the city crowds) Cons: Dirty Pool. Watered down alcohol. Food quality and variety subpar. Lack of daily activities. Management deferring questions due to lack of answers. Overpromising and underdelivering.

and

Food service is slow, portions at restaurants are small, cappuccino machines broken, no dark beer, no shrimp available, no one smiles, employees don’t look happy to work here. Beach is far and not clean. Full of seaweed.

Conclusion

If you love all-inclusive hotels and believe Playa is a fantastic operator, you should stop reading NOW.

I don’t know how Playa, all-inclusive, and Kimpton, known for good quality and local F&B, can work in Cancun/Playa del Carmen.

Playa Hotels, as I pointed out above, operates all-inclusive hotels under various brands. Unfortunately, all three I have visited in Mexico under Hyatt Ziva and Zilara have been awful from hard and soft product perspectives.

The food is basically from bad to barely acceptable, and the accommodation quality is about the level of a Holiday Inn. I won’t expect this Kimpton to be any better.

Bill Kimpton, who founded the chain, would turn in his grave if he knew what IHG is doing to his much-loved brand.