Is it worth paying for 'Club Level' or 'Preferred Club'?

Only if you want a private lounge with premium alcohol and a dedicated concierge. Otherwise, standard rooms in adults-only resorts usually have access to all the same beach facilities and main pools.

Do I need to carry pesos?

You can use USD for almost everything, but you will get a poor exchange rate. Use an ATM at a bank in town to get pesos for tips and local street food.

Booking an Adults-Only Resort in Playa del Carmen

Filter your search by 'Adults-Only' on major aggregators to isolate proper resorts, then cross-reference the property's direct website to check for 'resort credits' or 'direct booking' perks. Always confirm if the resort is actually located in the Playa del Carmen town center or the gated Mayakoba/Playacar communities, as this dictates your transport costs.

Define your proximity. Decide if you want to be within walking distance of the chaotic 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) or inside a gated community like Playacar. Staying in Playacar offers quieter beaches but requires a $10 USD taxi ride every time you want to visit town.
Check the 'Adults-Only' fine print. Some resorts allow children in specific restaurants or pools. Check the property's FAQ page specifically for 'age restrictions' to ensure the entire facility is truly 18+.
Book direct for perks. Once you find your resort on a booking engine, check the official website. Most resorts offer free airport transfers or room upgrades if you book direct, which usually outweighs the minor price difference on third-party sites.
Verify transfer logistics. If the resort doesn't provide a free shuttle, book a private transfer company (like USA Transfers or Canada Transfers) in advance. Avoid taking taxis directly from the CUN airport curb; they are consistently double the price of pre-booked private vans.

Is it worth paying for 'Club Level' or 'Preferred Club'?: Only if you want a private lounge with premium alcohol and a dedicated concierge. Otherwise, standard rooms in adults-only resorts usually have access to all the same beach facilities and main pools.
Do I need to carry pesos?: You can use USD for almost everything, but you will get a poor exchange rate. Use an ATM at a bank in town to get pesos for tips and local street food.