Going to Cancun soon with family (including 2 teenagers) and thinking about all inclusive properties. Leaning toward RIU Caribe or Royal Solaris closer to Cancun. Also Allegro or Occidental Xcaret closer to Playa Carmen. Not looking to go "top of the line", but don't want to scrape the bottom either. Any opinions....I know Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen are further, is it worth the hour drive from the airport, etc? Thanks!
2007-07-15 13:32:15 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Mexico ➔ Cancun
I suggest with two teenagers that you stay in Playa, you will feel safe letting them go out on 5Th Ave. The Hotels in Playa that I would suggest to you are the Riu's and Iberostar's, both moderately priced. Xcaret is only 5min. away from Playa, so you can take a taxi to Xcaret. I highly recommend the eco-park. Try Playatrips.com to look at some of the excursions, and Playatransfers.com for transpotation to and from the airport. (Tello is great, I use him everytime)
You and your wife will enjoy Playa much more than Cancun. The town of Playa is nice and layed back. On 5th Ave. you will find plenty of shopping, restaurants and small bars. In Cancun you will find some nice restaurants, but lots of drunk teenagers and 20 and 30 somethings in a club atmosphere.
Cozumel is kind of boring and I am an avid scuba diver. I dive in Cozumel all the time, but there is not much else to do. I stay in Playa most of the time, there is much more to do on the mainland.
Tulum - Xel-Ha tour is nice, you go to Tulum's ruins right on the coast first and then go to Xel-Ha for a very nice day of snorkeling and just exploring the park. Food was good at Xel-Ha as well.
Xcaret- I suggest taking a taxi if you stay in Playa, purchase the All-Inclusive tickets at the park the Buffet is very good. The kids will enjoy both Xcaret and Xel-Ha. You can check out both on the website. The food at the night show is horrible, the show is great, but don't buy the dinner.
I would also suggest you check out tripadvisor.com and look at some of the hotels in Playa. I will tell you some of the Hotels are along way from the town of Playa. The two Iberostars that I suggest are the Tucan and Queztal. (They are close to town) Riu's are close to town as well.
One other way to go is Xaman-Ha condos. Not all-inclusive, but they are on the beach have a great ocean view and they are not over crowded like many of the Hotels. (Located 3min. walk to 5Th Ave.) I stay here all the time, I find it cheaper to stay here and much more relaxing. Try xhcondos.com, they even have a live webcam shot of the pool and the beach. I suggest picking a remodeled condo. Great place to stay and fabulous location. Figure out how much it will cost you for a room vs. a two or three bedroom condo. At the all-inclusives I find your paying between $70-$100 per day for food and drinks for 2 persons. I can eat for less and drink for less. Especially if you are going on all day excursions, where you will be eating away from the hotel for at least lunch and maybe dinner. The tours start early and end most of the time at 7 or 8p.m.
Playa - Cozumel
Cozumel is a ferry ride away. (40min. 20p.p. roundtrip)
2007-07-19 03:55:18 · answer #1 · answered by JaseTX 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just got back from my honeymoon at Dreams Tulum , Mexico (about 80 miles outside downtown Cancun) We did the all-inclusive thing and it was the way to go.
Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen are a little ways outside of Cancun, only about 20-30min. It depends on what kind of trip you are looking for. These places are definately closer to the ruins and most of the day tours...but not as "happening" as Cancun itself.
I would definately consider an all-inclusive...and if your looking for a more family kind of vacation, staying a little outside the super busy Cancun area might be the way to go.
2007-07-16 05:51:48 · answer #2 · answered by q&aG!RL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually Cozumel is better than Playa de Carmen and Cancun for kids. You can usually snorkel in front of the hotels the water is clear and no waves. I have stayed at the Allegro and The Ref Club and I like the Ref Club better. I see that they just remodeled and it looks nice. It is one of the cheapest, but does not seem bottom of the line at all. I have been there three times myself, but I know family and friends that have been there several other times. We liked it even before the remodel.
2007-07-16 14:00:29 · answer #3 · answered by momofhay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We stayed at the Riu Cancun last summer and it was very nice. There were several families with children and teens there. It was a great place, and we liked being right in Cancun.
But I've heard great things about Playa and hope to go there sometime too.
2007-07-15 16:38:57 · answer #4 · answered by MS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Playa del Carmen is the best place for kids. More beach than Cancun. Check out MOM's Hotel in Playa. My long time buddy, Ricco owns it. Unly 4 blocks from the beach & inexpensive.
Shanghai Restaurant in Playa is a great Chinese restaurant too.
2007-07-15 16:29:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its up to you to decide that your teenagers will love cancun but will you allow them to go wild on clubs in Cancun and if you dont will you be a bad parent.its all about what type vacation you want. Basicly,
Cancun: Nite life, City life etc.
Playa DC: Relax, excursions, better quality hotels, more families,and more teenagers who hate their parents for choosing Playa. LOL unfortunately.
2007-07-16 10:06:28 · answer #6 · answered by ZATHUR 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out "Palace Resorts"
Cancun Palace
Beach Palace
Sun Palace
Moon Palace
2007-07-17 05:22:51 · answer #7 · answered by whymewhynow 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I recomenend the Gran Caribe Real as a hotel, i was there about 3 weeks ago and that place is beautiful. its worth the money you pay. and its about a 20 min drive from the airport. and its about a mile walk from the strip.
2007-07-17 09:49:28 · answer #8 · answered by La Muñeca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Le Blanc
2016-04-01 05:56:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just don't go to the riu caribe cancun , you get sick with their food.
2007-07-18 02:05:53 · answer #10 · answered by nanaa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋