Going to Cancun for Spring Break 2005, looking for lodging advice

[iamshady]

I'm a college student, and I'm organizing a spring break trip for me a 5 other friends. Now before you tell me to possibly consider a travel agent, I have done a lot of research into this and I'm trying to get the best price/bang for the buck possible.

We're looking to spend around $500 for airfare and lodging per person. I've gotten airfare down to $352 (with taxes and everything) roundtrip from NYC, and this is the cheapest I can find for just airfare alone. When I tried putting packages together with airfare and lodging, I noticed the savings the big sites claim (Expedia, Orbitz etc) were not better than if I booked it all separately. We're looking to spend around $500 for airfare and lodging.

I will be trying to do the whole biddingfortravel.com thing on Priceline in a few days, but if that doesn't work out, I wanted to know if any of you can suggest moderately priced lodgings in the area. We're specifically interested in something with a beachfront (or close to one) and in the Hotel Zone. I've read all the reviews on tripadvisor and Fodors, but first-hand experiences are definitely important to me. So if you have any suggestions and can relate to the budget minded college student, please share your experiences!

 

[Injury]

For a place like Cancun, you may want to look into a travel agent to help you find a good hotel.

edit: If you have AAA, they will give you some recommendations for free.

 

[iamshady]

Thanks for the tip. Besides AAA, are there any other travel agents that are suggested? Do they work on commission?

 

[Albis]

if you do a hotel + air fare from a travel site like expedia, orbitz and etc. the air fare may not be cheaper but they sometimes give you great deals on hotel rooms for booking the flight

i got a free night b/c of using expedia for booking my hotel room and flight

 

[SethK28]

http://www.applevacations.com/index.do?command=showHome

 

[Rogue]

Well, considering I just came from there (Cozumel actually) yesterday (thread here), I have a few first hand recommendations.

First off, seems like USA 3000 Airlines was very popular and looks to be very cheap, much cheaper than we paid for United from Kansas City to Cancun. From the looks of it, the closest you could fly to Cancun from would be Philly, so I don't know if you want to drive there first or how far that would be. I have checked other airlines I saw coming in and out of Cancun and they are about the same price (less than $300 round trip. Look up some information on the airlines that service Cancun and shop their websites directly.

Second, make sure you have the proper paperwork (passport is highly preferred). I didn't have a certified copy of my birth certificate and it caused many problems, including the official demanding a bribe to let me in with the improper paperwork (I got in without the bribe, see the thread). Immigration there is a pain in the ass and the airport is poorly designed and akin to chaos. I can't imagine it during spring break.

Third, take the ADO buslines to Cancun. They are cheap and efficient. You will waste some party time waiting on the bus (I belive they leave every hour or so). Ticket from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen was only $8.00 one way. Shuttle van was $25 and up with cab fares being $60+ according to the people that will help you at the exit to the airport.

Fourth, we stayed in Cozumel. All-in-all, not a bad place. You'll be near the location where the cruise ships dock, so the places around there are decent and cater to the audience. The beaches were very nice, although a cab to them cost $15 one way, but they don't care how many people you pile in, so split the costs. Remember though, this was Cozumel, Cancun may be different.

Lastly, don't check your luggage. Carry it on your back. Heard way too many horror stories about luggage handling in Cancun airport including theft, etc.

Post back or PM if you have any other questions. Catch my while it's all still fresh in my mind, because my trip to Mexico was not one to remember.

 

[Legendary]

Take the cheapest airline possible and don't check in your luggage - fit it ALL into a handbag.

 

[iamshady]

Thanks for the very valuable information Rogue, I might PM you in a few days with more questions.

 

[lukatmyshu]

I went to Cancun last year (not Spring Break but winter-time). I am assuming that you are going hoping to experience Girls-Gone-Wild meets MTV Spring Break because otherwise the town is a s**thole (no offense to any residents ... the town imho is a tourist trap). Decide if you want to stay at an all-inclusive or a normal hotel. At all-inclusives all the food (and alcohol) is included. Obviously they charge more but it might be worth it. I remember expedia and the like have a lot of reviews of hotels in the area ... one thing you should note is that most people who go write these reviews get angry when there are hundreds of drunk college kids running around pissing on stuff. In other words ... if someone gives a place one star .... it might be fun if you're into that scene.

 

[iamshady]

Luka, where did you end up staying?

 

[AStar617]

DON'T stay at the Ocean Club. It's not in the Hotel Zone, it's right before it, on the horizontal strip of land that connects the HZ with the mainland downtown Cancun. Suites sleep "six" but there are two double beds and two "couches" (more like cement blocks w/a lounge chaise cushion). Nasty bathrooms, and I'm not the squeamish type. Security is nonexistant. Assholes next door broke into our room (read: opened the rear sliding door with the already broken lock that we complained about first day there) and stole our $hit (we determined this in April after getting my cousin's cellphone bill will several calls from Mexico to Miami).

Spend the $$ and get your ass over to Oasis. You can thank me later.

 

[Hammer]

i've stayed at the melia cancun and the royal sands. i liked them both.

 

[SuRgEoN]

First off, I wouldn't put up a lot of money for a hotel. The time spent is not worth it. Really no point in paying for a nice hotel to pass out in every night. Focus on the drink Have fun