Mexico Vacation: Playa Del Carmen

[z1ggy]

Have any of you well traveled folks been to this destination? I have some vacation time left over that I must use by the end of the year or I lose it. I have found some decent deals on Kayak for 5 star hotels in this area for a 5 day 4 night vaca around $650 bucks. I'm open to other suggestions, but one of my coworkers suggested this.

I'm looking for a place that's safe, all inclusive, & has spas or other activities for my g/f and at least 1 golf course for me. Would like to keep the plane ride to < 4 hours or so, I'm not a massive fan of long ass rides in the sky.

 

[dullard]

That area is safe, although I've only driven through Playa del Carmen. Too touristy for me.

But, I'd highly suggest you get out of the all inclusive mindset. There are fantastic hotels right on the beach for much lower prices between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Taxis are easy to find or call. Visit the Tulum ruins for a day. Visit Chichen Itza for a day (busses run all the time if you don't want to drive). In fact, I highly suggest spending at least one night in Valladolid so that you can get to Chichen Itza alone before the throngs of all-inclusive and cruises arrive a few hours later ruin the experience.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chichen_Itza

I also highly suggest a similar trip if you don't necessarilly want the beach. Try Guanajuato (no airport there, but you can get a taxi in the nearby airport's help desk as you depart). I'm sure spas can be found, but you'll want to spend the days exploring the city instead of in your room which you could just do at home. It is the wealthiest (or at least was the wealthiest) and one of the safest cities of Mexico, beautiful, and a fun college scene (ie restaurants and things to do) without tourists. Also just a short flight.

https://www.google.com/search?q=gua...ved=0ahUKEwj2m8_H2JnQAhXK34MKHbqZDEkQ_AUICCgD

If you like Guanajuato but want to be surrounded by British tourists and places that cater to them, try the nearby San Miguel de Allende instead.

https://www.google.com/search?q=san...ved=0ahUKEwicq4KN2pnQAhUC52MKHYFEDjQQ_AUIBygC

 

[z1ggy]

That area is safe, although I've only driven through Playa del Carmen. Too touristy for me.

But, I'd highly suggest you get out of the all inclusive mindset. There are fantastic hotels right on the beach for much lower prices between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Taxis are easy to find or call. Visit the Tulum ruins for a day. Visit Chichen Itza for a day (busses run all the time if you don't want to drive). In fact, I highly suggest spending at least one night in Valldolid so that you can get to Chichen Itza alone before the throngs of all-inclusive and cruises arrive a few hours later ruin the experience.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chichen_Itza

I also highly suggest a similar trip if you don't necessarilly want the beach. Try Guanajuato. I'm sure spas can be found, but you'll want to spend the days exploring the city instead of in your room which you could just do at home. It is the wealthiest (or at least was the wealthiest) city of Mexico, beautiful, and a fun college scene (ie restaurants and things to do) without tourists.

https://www.google.com/search?q=gua...ved=0ahUKEwj2m8_H2JnQAhXK34MKHbqZDEkQ_AUICCgD

I just figured even if we saved on hotel, we'd then get set back by airfare. I'd have to look into it, but it just seemed simpler doing all inclusive.

I planned to go to Chichen Itza, but it was one of those bus tours that you buy through Kayak. I will look into Tulum and how to get there. The spa was for my g/f to have something to do while I golf. Any time I travel, I make it a point to play whatever local courses their are, and that whole thing usually takes between 4-5 hours.

 

[OutHouse]

mexico never interested me in a vacation. too touristy and i don't want the feel that i have live on a compound green zone to keep me safe from harm. or to be constantly on guard for not getting ripped off.

go to homeaway.com and find a rental on one of the Bahama islands and enjoy life.

 

[sdifox]

See how much more is Cozumel. It's across from Playa del Carmen. And Mexican stars for hotels are inflated. dont bother with Tulum if you are already taking the bus to Chitchen Itza. You will ride through army checkpoint with hmg mounted on jeep on the way to Chichen Itza.

The beaches are nothing to write home about.

<---- lived in Tainan, Tawian til 13 and we lived 15 min from the beach by car.

 

[Elganja]

Playa Del Carmen is very nice area and generally safe... I've been there a couple of times, and we've always stayed at the Hardrock Playa del Carmen

They have an adult only side, which is pretty awesome and tailored completely towards adults

 

[z1ggy]

mexico never interested me in a vacation. too touristy and i don't want the feel that i have live on a compound green zone to keep me safe from harm. or to be constantly on guard for not getting ripped off.

go to homeaway.com and find a rental on one of the Bahama islands and enjoy life.

That's almost literally every country or area in central/south America that tourist people flock to. Even Jamaica, etc.

 

[z1ggy]

Playa Del Carmen is very nice area and generally safe... I've been there a couple of times, and we've always stayed at the Hardrock Playa del Carmen

They have an adult only side, which is pretty awesome and tailored completely towards adults

Is there a nice golf course in the area? What things did you do while you were there?

 

[purbeast0]

I've been there but never stayed there. It's nice. I stayed in Cancun 2x when I went down there. Cancun is WAY more touristy than there though, and it's all about partying.

If I had a place I had to pick in the Carribean it would be Turks and Caicos or Aruba. Been to Aruba 3x and T&C just once but most likely going back to both next year. Both are safer than the places you are looking in Mexico (although that is safe too).

And I agree with dullard - forget about all inclusive wherever you go.

 

[Elganja]

Is there a nice golf course in the area? What things did you do while you were there?

i'm not much of a golfer, so I'm pretty much useless on that question... but a quick google search says there are several golf clubs in the area. I'm sure the resort can get you to one.

we generally spent a lot of time on the resort ... they have activities to do through out the day to keep you busy, or you can just lay by the pool and drink all day. they also have a couple of night clubs and several restaurants to eat at

while a couple posters said to stay away from all inclusive, I actually enjoyed the all inclusive aspect a ton. Eat as much and often as you want (including room service), drink as much as you want (albeit rail liquor) and enjoy yourself

 

[purbeast0]

i'm not much of a golfer, so I'm pretty much useless on that question... but a quick google search says there are several golf clubs in the area. I'm sure the resort can get you to one.

we generally spent a lot of time on the resort ... they have activities to do through out the day to keep you busy, or you can just lay by the pool and drink all day. they also have a couple of night clubs and several restaurants to eat at

while a couple posters said to stay away from all inclusive, I actually enjoyed the all inclusive aspect a ton. Eat as much and often as you want (including room service), drink as much as you want (albeit rail liquor) and enjoy yourself

I can eat as much as I want and drink as much as I want, without all inclusive. And I can go explore the island while doing it and eat at many different restaurants of different types instead of being stuck with what is at the resort.

 

[Elganja]

I've been there but never stayed there. It's nice. I stayed in Cancun 2x when I went down there. Cancun is WAY more touristy than there though, and it's all about partying.

If I had a place I had to pick in the Carribean it would be Turks and Caicos or Aruba. Been to Aruba 3x and T&C just once but most likely going back to both next year. Both are safer than the places you are looking in Mexico (although that is safe too).

And I agree with dullard - forget about all inclusive wherever you go.

cancun is totally different then playa del carmen... the only things they have in common: you fly into the same airport... lol

turks is pretty awesome too.. but mexico is just a different kind of trip

 

[Elganja]

I can eat as much as I want and drink as much as I want, without all inclusive. And I can go explore the island while doing it and eat at many different restaurants of different types instead of being stuck with what is at the resort.

food at the hardrock play del carmen is very good (can't be said for all, all-inclusives) ... they have many restaurants that are pretty awesome

 

[z1ggy]

I can eat as much as I want and drink as much as I want, without all inclusive. And I can go explore the island while doing it and eat at many different restaurants of different types instead of being stuck with what is at the resort.

The all inclusive I guess was just to make life easier on me. I've never been here before. It's not like going to Disney or someplace where I know where I can go to easily find food and drink and I know the water isn't going to be riddled with some insane bacteria or virus.

 

[Midwayman]

The all inclusive I guess was just to make life easier on me. I've never been here before. It's not like going to Disney or someplace where I know where I can go to easily find food and drink and I know the water isn't going to be riddled with some insane bacteria or virus.

All inclusive or not kinda depends where you hotel is. There are some nice hotels near the center of playa del carmen that have all sorts of choices of food around. If you stay near town you don't want all inclusive. However if you are looking at a secluded spot all inclusive looks a lot more appealing. You'll be eating at the hotel almost all the time anyways and the kinda rape you on food if you're out of the way. I will note that you want to go high end on all inclusive places. Cheap ones are gross. I just booked a hotel across the water in Cozumel for winter break. Secrets Aura. Adults only, all inclusive. Been there once before pretty good food.

 

[edro]

Can only comment on going to Chichen Itza. It was amazing.

 

[cbrunny]

i've been to two resorts in that general area, slightly north but barely. would happily go back. you're either a resort person or not.

 

[purbeast0]

The all inclusive I guess was just to make life easier on me. I've never been here before. It's not like going to Disney or someplace where I know where I can go to easily find food and drink and I know the water isn't going to be riddled with some insane bacteria or virus.

It just depends what you want to do. A lot of americans are scared to venture out because they have this fear of the world that thinks anywhere that isn't the USA isn't safe and anyone you run into is out to get you. I've seen it tons. Hell my mom is this way and she's basically scared to travel and thinks every place is a third world country outside of the USA. I've only really ever seen the ignorant fat tourist american in the Bahamas and at the mega resorts in the other places.

My idea of a vacation isn't to be stuck at a resort for the most part. I've done it and had a good time, but it just depends what I'm going for. The Atlantis in Bahamas is a HUGE resort but it wasn't all inclusive, and pretty much every restaurant there is a 5 star restaurant. But I also did some excursions there. I don't think I'd go back to that hotel though, maybe when my son is old enough to enjoy the water park, because it's insane.

I went to an all inclusive in Costa Rica and I'd never go back. The last 2 days my wife and I ate outside of the resort because we were sick of the food. But we only went here because of a wedding.

Every other vacation we've taken we venture out. That's just what we like to do and we're not scared. I obviously use every day street smarts, but I just do some research prior as well. All inclusives definitely make things easier though. A lot of people think they save you a ton of money but I guess it really depends on what you want to get out of your trip. If your plan in general was just to sit around and drink/eat all day then yeah probably. We just like to venture out and explore a bit. Like in Aruba we hit up like 6 or 7 different beaches while we were there, all with their own different touch. Same with T&C - hit up multiple different beaches. A lot of them have sites you can snorkel from the shore too which is a reason I like to check them out.

 

[ponyo]

It just depends what you want to do. A lot of americans are scared to venture out because they have this fear of the world that thinks anywhere that isn't the USA isn't safe and anyone you run into is out to get you. I've seen it tons. Hell my mom is this way and she's basically scared to travel and thinks every place is a third world country outside of the USA. I've only really ever seen the ignorant fat tourist american in the Bahamas and at the mega resorts in the other places.

My idea of a vacation isn't to be stuck at a resort for the most part. I've done it and had a good time, but it just depends what I'm going for. The Atlantis in Bahamas is a HUGE resort but it wasn't all inclusive, and pretty much every restaurant there is a 5 star restaurant. But I also did some excursions there. I don't think I'd go back to that hotel though, maybe when my son is old enough to enjoy the water park, because it's insane.

I went to an all inclusive in Costa Rica and I'd never go back. The last 2 days my wife and I ate outside of the resort because we were sick of the food. But we only went here because of a wedding.

Every other vacation we've taken we venture out. That's just what we like to do and we're not scared. I obviously use every day street smarts, but I just do some research prior as well. All inclusives definitely make things easier though. A lot of people think they save you a ton of money but I guess it really depends on what you want to get out of your trip. If your plan in general was just to sit around and drink/eat all day then yeah probably. We just like to venture out and explore a bit. Like in Aruba we hit up like 6 or 7 different beaches while we were there, all with their own different touch. Same with T&C - hit up multiple different beaches. A lot of them have sites you can snorkel from the shore too which is a reason I like to check them out.

If you seen one beach, you seen them all. Especially in the Caribbean/Mexico. Whether you enjoy the beach at the resort or go to a public beach, it's still just a beach. I've never stayed at all-inclusive but I don't feel like I had more adventurous vacation just because we ate most our meal outside the resort property and took cabs and public buses.

OP, go. 5 days is about the right length of time before you get sick of lounging by the pool and the beach. You'll probably get tired of the food by the 3rd day as well. But sometimes the best vacation is where you don't do anything but relax by the pool/beach and eat good food. The dollar is strong against the Peso so take advantage.

 

[purbeast0]

If you seen one beach, you seen them all. Especially in the Caribbean/Mexico. Whether you enjoy the beach at the resort or go to a public beach, it's still just a beach

Yeah gonna have to disagree with you there.

This is just Aruba.

And then you also have this which is the typical crowded resort beach.

 

[ponyo]

And this is Destin, FL. Nice beaches are dime in a dozen. I prefer bay over beach.

 

[Elganja]

It just depends what you want to do. A lot of americans are scared to venture out because they have this fear of the world that thinks anywhere that isn't the USA isn't safe and anyone you run into is out to get you. I've seen it tons. Hell my mom is this way and she's basically scared to travel and thinks every place is a third world country outside of the USA. I've only really ever seen the ignorant fat tourist american in the Bahamas and at the mega resorts in the other places.

My idea of a vacation isn't to be stuck at a resort for the most part. I've done it and had a good time, but it just depends what I'm going for. The Atlantis in Bahamas is a HUGE resort but it wasn't all inclusive, and pretty much every restaurant there is a 5 star restaurant. But I also did some excursions there. I don't think I'd go back to that hotel though, maybe when my son is old enough to enjoy the water park, because it's insane.

I went to an all inclusive in Costa Rica and I'd never go back. The last 2 days my wife and I ate outside of the resort because we were sick of the food. But we only went here because of a wedding.

Every other vacation we've taken we venture out. That's just what we like to do and we're not scared. I obviously use every day street smarts, but I just do some research prior as well. All inclusives definitely make things easier though. A lot of people think they save you a ton of money but I guess it really depends on what you want to get out of your trip. If your plan in general was just to sit around and drink/eat all day then yeah probably. We just like to venture out and explore a bit. Like in Aruba we hit up like 6 or 7 different beaches while we were there, all with their own different touch. Same with T&C - hit up multiple different beaches. A lot of them have sites you can snorkel from the shore too which is a reason I like to check them out.

I agreed overall... when i went to Guadalupe, Turks & Caicos, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, St Croix, etc... we always did many excursions. I like to see the culture and scenic views of every place I visit. My idea of a vacation isn't to sit around, it's to enjoy and see things. We always rent cars on the islands so we can go out and explore ... that is half the fun!

With all that said, Mexico trips I've been on, are just different kind of trips... they are usually with larger groups where everyone relaxes and drinks a bunch. For that, all inclusive makes sense... esp 5 star one like Hardrock

 

[z1ggy]

It just depends what you want to do. A lot of americans are scared to venture out because they have this fear of the world that thinks anywhere that isn't the USA isn't safe and anyone you run into is out to get you. I've seen it tons. Hell my mom is this way and she's basically scared to travel and thinks every place is a third world country outside of the USA. I've only really ever seen the ignorant fat tourist american in the Bahamas and at the mega resorts in the other places.

My idea of a vacation isn't to be stuck at a resort for the most part. I've done it and had a good time, but it just depends what I'm going for. The Atlantis in Bahamas is a HUGE resort but it wasn't all inclusive, and pretty much every restaurant there is a 5 star restaurant. But I also did some excursions there. I don't think I'd go back to that hotel though, maybe when my son is old enough to enjoy the water park, because it's insane.

I went to an all inclusive in Costa Rica and I'd never go back. The last 2 days my wife and I ate outside of the resort because we were sick of the food. But we only went here because of a wedding.

Every other vacation we've taken we venture out. That's just what we like to do and we're not scared. I obviously use every day street smarts, but I just do some research prior as well. All inclusives definitely make things easier though. A lot of people think they save you a ton of money but I guess it really depends on what you want to get out of your trip. If your plan in general was just to sit around and drink/eat all day then yeah probably. We just like to venture out and explore a bit. Like in Aruba we hit up like 6 or 7 different beaches while we were there, all with their own different touch. Same with T&C - hit up multiple different beaches. A lot of them have sites you can snorkel from the shore too which is a reason I like to check them out.

I mean... even if you go all inclusive, you can still "venture out". Nothing is stopping you from doing that. It's maybe that you indirectly spend a bit more money to do so since you're already paying for the food there to begin with.

 

[KMFJD]

Looks like Mexico is out of the question now that it's zika ravaged as well...