Hi Ladies~

We are planning a trip to Riviera Maya, some time in June. We are looking for an all inclusive resort located in Playa del Carmen. Has anyone ever been there, and if so, can you recommend a resort that I can look into? I have plenty of brochures and it's just overwhelming!

Have a good evening
Karen

Hi Karen, Yes, I have been to Playa del Carmen. I did not stay at a resort but rather stayed at a privately owned resident of one of my good friends. I did the trip ten years ago. I can tell you that it's a beautiful area. The snorkling is awesome...if you like to do that kind of thing....Also, the ocean water is soooo beautiful. I loved the swimming. Lots of good food there and the shopping is plentiful.

CG

Hi Karen!

I've been to Playa del Carmen also. We stayed at Rio Playacar (I think I've got it right). It was all inclusive, although we ate a couple of dinners in the little town and the food there was more authentic and delicious than the resort. But there's something for everyone foodwise at Rio Playacar (I think it's a German owned place - a lot of them are owned and visited by a lot of European folks, I'm told - so the food reflected that)
The water was a bit rough (although beautiful) because we were there shortly after a big storm (December) so it was not real hot. We loved going to the pyramid in Coba - through the jungle - we hired 2 cabbies to take our whole family instead of a tour group - it was an adventure! As I remember the rooms were spacious and clean and the staff very friendly and helpful. We had a very good time!
Donna

Hi CG and Daebster~

Thanks so much for your feedback. How lucky are you CG, to have a friend that owns a home over there!? That must be like heaven on earth

Daeb, I will check out that place online. I love your idea about hiring the cabbies to take you on the tour. We're going with some friends so we'll need more then one. I've heard that the beaches can be rough, depending on the time of year. We'll just have to cross our fingers and hope for good weather.

Thanks again!!
Karen

Karen,
We go to Rivera Maya twice a year, I love this part of mexico, beautiful beaches and no hassle vacation. But it depends what you looking for: luxury versus tranquillity and great swimable beach.
if you looking for good resort, then Riu chain hotels like Riu Yuacatan comes to mind, if you want more luxurious, then it would be nice to go to Azul, All-suites Eldorado or Edorado Royal, all by Karisma hotels. You can google it, they are really nice and beach is cool.
if you want the best beach in that area, try to find resort on Maroma beach, they do have upscale spa called Maroma beach if you willing to pay 1000 per nite, or they have 2 start next to it resort Catalonia Playa Maroma, with the best beach I have ever seen, white refine sand, where you can walk miles along the beach. The resort is older, and used to be Venta club Italin, so they cater to Italians and French, and expect to see some euro trash there too, not too much speaking english personnel. But we stayed there twise, if you like Italian food it was very good, plenty and yummy, they have good Italian cook. As I said, the rooms as so so, as in many resort in Playa but pool is good, you can do laps and the best beach ever! They also have jungle inside the resort, with cute animals that just walk around, some kind of local lemurs, racoons, etc. Well maintained grounds, etc. Overall, decent and not expensive at all.
But be ready that the road to the resort is the worst ever, once you leave the freeway, 10-15 minutes of huge potholes, so brace yourself.
After Wilma and other hurricanes, many beaches were ruined in Yucatan, so make sure you know if the beach is your primary concern, or you prefer relaxing and luxury spa type hotel.
A good site to visit and read real ppl review, is Tripadvisor, ppl post pictures and share honest opinions.
Playa del Carmen is good area too, although we prefer to go there for a day, and one hotel comes to mind, is suner fisherman village, right next to the strip on the Playa.
I won't recommend Cancun, too rough water and too many drunk students, and I love to swim, so I go to hotels with nice large beach, and the rest just falls in place.
HTH,
I.

Hi Ira~

Twice a year! How wonderful that must be. We've been to Puerta Vallarta, Cabo, Cancun, Cabo and Cozumel, we were told this place was even more beautiful then the others.
We are definitely looking for beautiful and accessible beaches. We looked at the Spa & Resort on Maroma Beach, at $2,000.00/per night, that is most definitely out of our price range! I'm so happy that you suggested the Riu chain because the Riu Palace Rivera Maya is our top pick at this point. It's a bit more expensive then the others, however; it has received excellent reviews.
Yes, I heard that many of the beaches were ruined by the recent hurricanes. We will most definitely look into that.
Is there anything inparticular you would recommend doing over there? It will be three couples and our 12 year old son. Do you know where the best place to do snorkeling is?
Thank you so much for all the great information, it's so appreciated. Did you fly out of San Francisco? That's where we would be flying out of? If so, which airline did you take?
Thanks again!
Karen

I stayed at the Barcelo Maya about three years ago, with a large group. It was nice and the food was good. I would go again, but I love going ANYWHERE in Mexico, especially with my friends. My family isn't crazy about going to Mexico but they don't mind me going.

Hi Karen;

We absolutely loved Mexico............... we were at the Mayan Riveria. Beautiful. We did an all exclusive at the El Manderian - it was a 5 Star when we were there. I know they were building hotels like crazy and there are probably bigger and better ones now.

We hired a "cabbie" for the day.......he toured us around. It was a great experience & really didn't cost alot of money.

If you do a tour, there is one that goes to Tulem & SheShe (sorry my spelling might not be right) but it is pronounced <SHAWHA> we stayed there for the day you could choice to split the day ........we were glad we didn't. Lots of snorkling there and bikes and things to do with little restaurants you can stop and eat with your swim suits on......drink just about whatever. Swim with the dolphins............. come down on an innertube. It was the BEST day & time was running out, so I'm very glad we choose to do the full day there. If you do the ruins you don't need to do Tulum (there are about the same, is what people told us)

We were only 5 mins from Playa de Carmen......and our resort had shuttles going every hour. We usually took it there but coming back as we never knew when we just hopped in a cab. Think it was $10. ride. I loved the shopping in Playa de Carmen and all the neat places. We did the ruins, and at that time you could walk to the top, someone was saying you can't do that anymore.......... safety is an issue. It was fairly high up & I could understand as they had a rope you could hang on to coming down. Steep........very steep.

Hope this helps. I wish I was going........

Logan

Hi Chocolate~

I went to Trip Advisor, the Barcelo Maya Palace is one of the most popular resort at the Riviera Maya. We're going to have a travel agent breakdown the costs for the Barcelo Maya and the Riu Palace Maya, see where we get the best deals. Yes, we love Mexico as well, and keep wanting to go back

Thanks for the info!
Karen

Hi Logan~

There's an all incluse called the Mandarin Oriental Riviera, I wonder if that's the same place? If so, yes, it's still a five star (which means it's out of our price range!).

The place that you're talking about, where you went snorkeling, swam with the dolphins, innertube, etc. etc. Was that the water park that I hear so much about? I was told that there a beautiful place to do all those things, I wonder if that's the same park. So that was in She She, right? When you took the cabbie on a tour, where did you tour around? I heard there are jungle tours, is that what you did?

We can't wait, June will be here before we know it so I better get on it!

Thanks so much for all the information, greatly appreciate
Hugs,
Karen

Hey Karen - here's a bit of good news for you...I think. I just returned from an almost months stay in Puerto Vallarta and I can tell you U.S. travel to mexico is way down...I mean WAY down, as in about 50% of what they normally see. In fact, while I was at the dentist office, I was reading a mexican newspaper that was talking about what a problem the lack of american visitors is for mexico this year and it's all due to our poor economy. Well known places such as the Fiesta Americana - the Sheraton...places normally filled during high season are truly feeling the pinch since no one is coming, not even the notorious "spring breakers". In fact, it talked about the travel companies which handle the american 'package' deals and how difficult it is to get people interested in them. With high season now coming to an end, I would not be at all surprised to see you finding great deals to just about anywhere you want to go in Mexico...just keep in mind the airlines though. With gases prices going up on a daily basis, it won't be long before airline tickets begin reflecting the higher costs, so I'd advise keeping an eye out for any deals - of which I'm sure there will be many. And, with your group going during what is considered 'low' season - I would think even the most expensive places will be offering deep cuts just to keep the places filled.

I do know in "PV", many of the smaller hotels, cafes and such, actually close during the summer since most people are content to stay home during our summer months BUT while american tourists were alot less, there were many more international travelers...Japan - UK - France etc. because their money is much stronger than our U.S. dollar. (it was 10.5 peso to 1 U.S. dollar - and for the first time canada's exchange was actually a bit better than ours.) Needless to say, while we here in the U.S. found it a bit more costly, many others (such as those using the euro) were finding everything much much cheaper.

Hi Tay~

That is EXCELLENT news!!! I had no idea that tourism is so low right now, and I did not know that it's the low season in Mexico. For some reason, I always assume summer time is high season (anywhere in the world!). You got to be in Mexico for a month, lucky you!!! We have some friends in Puerta Vallarta right now, they have four kids and are staying at an all inclusive resort.

Yes, airfare is where we will probably get stung a bit, there will be no surprises there! When I meet with the travel agents tomorrow, I will walk in there with a different attitude;) Knowing they're struggling a bit in as far as tourism goes, it might give us some leverage. I would love to keep the middleman out and book it directly online, however; that scares me somewhat.

Thank you so much for the information, we greatly appreciate it
Karen

Dear Karen
My son was in the Riviera a few months ago and had a Mahevlous time. I will ask him where he stayed and get back to you.

Either way......can I sneak into one of your bags?

Dottie

Karen,
Rivera Maya is a true gem of Mexico, beautiful beaches and finest white sand. It is where Mayan king's used to live and I don't blame them;). Not as crowded and touristy as Cancun, but not much to see either, it is mostly resort type of vacation to relax and unwind, kick back and do nothing....

We take direct flight from SFO on Untied, we are loyal United customers even they not too friendly, but still reliable and safe. It is flight #1087/1086 and it goes on Saturdays only, leaving SFO at 8:30 and arriving in Cancun at 3:30 pm or so, and then it takes about 30-40 minutes to get to the resort. Since they build brand new terminal for the US flights only, it takes no time to get though the custom now, much better than before, one time we had to stay more than an hour in line to get out of the airport.
I imagine most beaches has been restored by now, they been pumping sand from the bottom of the sea for a year or so, but I usually read the reviews still before I go.
Snorkeling is nice in Tulum and Akumal, but most resorts offer boat trips, and it is free I think. They will take you a mile or two out to reef, it is fun. I know Cozumel has nice snorkeling too.
I hope you have a good time, this is a good season, not too hot and humid yet, until end of April.
HTH,
I.

Hey Karen, I'm glad I could help! We just got back from Puerto Vallarta last thursday and today we're having a lovely (NOT!) snowstorm. (good grief!) But yes, there is indeed high & low 'season' in mexico. High season starts around the 1st part of november and runs through april, then low season begins, so may, june, july august, sept. and oct. are pretty much 'tourist' free except for those who have time share. They prefer to go during low season since their condo is already there and the prices for food etc. are about half of what is charged when the towns are filled with visitors.

However....be prepared for heat and outrageous humidity during the summer months, and be sure to pack bug spray. That's one of the benefits of 'high season'...yes it's still hot, but it's considered 'winter', so there are no bugs....summer months however, is a different story. Be sure to pack only 'thin' clothes - as in stuff you can launder in your room if need be, that will 'drip dry' in a day. Oh, another thing....the airlines are changing some of the restrictions - right now there are several which only allow 1 check-in bag per person, which can be difficult for some who travel with lots of clothes. Any additional bags checked in, are charged 25.00 per bag, so my suggestion is pack light because you'll be buying things down there and if your suitcases are already full....ya got a problem. Another suggestion? Leave the purse at home and carry a backpack instead. That way when you shop and buy something you can stick it in there....not to mention, when the time comes to go home, and the suitcases are filled, you have additional space due to your backpack....(grin)

Anyhow, I do know the humidity is awful during summer, which is why I'm suggesting clothes you can rinse out. We have many friends who live in Puerto Vallarta and they change clothes several times a day because the humidity makes them feel constantly wet. (altho if you go early in summer, it may not be as bad as say...aug.) Also, low season is the rainy months, but it's like hawaii....most of the time it isn't all day rain, just rain everyday, so to be safe, pack an unbrella too...ok?? (That doesn't mean you'll necessarily get rain, but if you do, it truly is like a monsoon....it absolutely pours to the point where you can't see anything but a curtain of rain, then 'poof' - it disappears and the sun comes back out)

Hi Tay~

I can't thank you enough for all your helpful information, I appreciate it so much!!!! We will pack as you suggested, and the idea for the backpack is a good one! I can't wait to do some shopping. The resort sounds wonderful, so rain or shine, I'm sure we'll have plenty to do.

We just booked everything, it can't get here soon enough! I also booked a dolphin excursion, we can spend all day interacting, swimming, and training with the dolphins. I am mostly excited about this, it will be like a dream come true for me, something I have always wanted to do. All the drinks and food is included as well, I think that's just paid for our vacation;)

Well, now I have the horrible task of trying on bathing suits. Not only do I feel out of shape, my skin also resembles the colour of Elmer's glue! I suppose it's time to start using that tinted lotion, which gives me a 50/50 chance of turning orange and streaking.

Thanks again Tay for all the helpful information.
Hugs,
Karen

Another thing you might want to throw into the suitcase (if you can find them) is a...heck, I'm not sure what they're called. It's like a mini umbrella that has clothes pin type clips on the end - and a hook at the top that fits over a rod like...shower rod? Know what I'm talking about? (they're made of plastic). (I think I've seen them at dollar stores) Anyway, they are small, easy to toss into a suitcase and ideal for the tropics. You can wash out your swimsuits or undies and hang the thing up in the bath and it helps dry the clothes faster.

Anyway, I'm glad I could help - we've been going to Puerto Vallarta for the past 30 years, so I know what it's like in Mexico, and I'm glad you're going all inclusive. That's the best way to go when you're in unfamiliar terriorty. No worries about whether the food is ok to eat etc. I also want to remind you to take some imodium along - granted, mexico get's a bad rap because of the 'don't drink the water' stuff, but honestly, in reality, it's more what we tend to do on vacation that causes the tummy issues. You get someplace and they offer fresh squeezed orange juice - how can you resist? The beer tastes so good...soon you end up eating & drinking lots of stuff you normally don't do and presto - the last thing you want is to lose a day of vacation because you can't leave the hotel room. Oh - yeah....another thing. Down in Mexico it's HOTELS (can't stress that enough) - if you call them MOTELS either people will look at you funny or giggle. Why? Welllll....ahhh...let's put it this way. You STAY in a hotel and you 'visit' a motel - if you get my drift. That's right, down there, motels are where you take hookers to...(giggle)

Another thing - if you want to buy real mexican silver, please realize you won't find it being sold by the beach vendors. Yes, they'll show you the 9 point stamp, but it's only silver plated. If you want real silver, buy it from jewelery stores - beach vendors/ flea markets are a wonderful experience, but you don't want to blow a lot of money on something they want you to believe is real. Tee-shirts - always buy the 50/50 not the 100% algon, which is 100% cotton. You buy those and after the first washing they'll soon realize they fit your neighbors cat. (grin) Most now sell only the 50/50, but the cheaper they are, the more like they are to shrink -

Oh - ice cream....dear lord, wait till you taste it, it's incredible and completely safe to eat. You'll probably see vendors with small carts selling ice cream, and yes, it is perfectly safe to eat and absolutely delicious! I can't get enough of the coco (coconut) ice cream, but there are flavors you've never seen before. Melon - ever had a watermelon popcicle? And the baked goods - oh my! Yes, I know you're staying at an all inclusive, but if where you're going is anyplace like where we go, you'll see vendors selling baked goods on the beach as well - and they are amazing too. There's nothing like getting a freshly baked muffin that's straight out of an adobe oven....(slurp)

Beer - ahh, well I know everyone drinks corona because that's what we see on TV, but my hubby prefers several others. You'll see Pacifico, DosXX, Sol and yes, Corona, but the better beers are Indio, Casta, Bohemia, and Modelo (my hubby really likes the amber beers) Indio has an amber, and Modelo has Negro Modelo...they're actually very good - and that's saying a lot because I'm not really a beer/alcohol drinker, but even I enjoy an occasional sip ....

And BTW - swimming with the dolphins will be an experience you'll never forget, that I can guarantee - we're fortune in the fact that where we go is the largest bay in mexico, so seeing dolphins and whales are quite common. Many times dolphins will come close enough to shore, where people get in a swim with them - and the whales...oh my!! There is nothing - and I do mean nothing like watching those lovely things come shooting out of the water. I've seen them so many times and yet, I still squeal whenever I see them and my world completely stops until they disappear. Course, I don't know if you'll get to see any of those - when we left last week, they were beginning their journey to the north. Most of the pods had lots of new babies, so there was a whole lot of activity - the pods try and teach the young before they leave so often times they'll be shooting out of the water like torpedoes...

Anyway, if you have any questions, just PM me, and we'll do our best to help you guys have the best trip possible - ok??

My daughter went there the week after the two Canadians were found with their throats slit. My daughter had a wonderful holiday though. Her only criticism was that the door locks were iffy.

Tay,

Thanks so much again for all your wonderful advice (and for taking time out of your day to respond I will send you a PM, I have just a couple for questions. Thanks again for everything!

Alice,

I'm freaking out right now! I didn't hear about the Canadians that were murdered. Was this at the Riviera Maya? When did this take place? I'm going to google it right now and see what I can find. I always thought of Mexico as a relatively safe place, now I'm not so sure!!!

Karen

Karen - there's one other REALLY important thing I remembered last night - taxi rates. Several weeks before you leave for your destination, drop an email to your resort and ask if they will be coming to get you at the airport. (some resorts have their own vans and will transport their guests to and from the airport). If the answer is yes, then you have no worries, if the answer is no, however, you need to write them back and ask how much the common rate is for a taxi ride to the resort. Taxi fares are a big problem down in mexico because there are no set standards, so taxi drivers try and get as much money as they possibly can. It's not unusual for a cab drive to tell brand new tourists it will be 30 to 50 dollars to get them to a resort only to find out later the common fee is around 10.00. Or, they will try the ...'to many people for 1 cab, 'I will take you and your husband in my cab, my friend will take your kids in another'. Again, they get double the price and pocket quite a hefty "tip". Which leads to another topic....tips. Ask at the resort if tips are included for maid service. Some are, some aren't. If they aren't covered by the set price, you generally figure about a dollar fifty per day, per room. (tips are generally given at the end of a weeks stay or every week if the stay is longer)

Years ago my doc told me to take one Pepto Bismol tablet--the kind you swallow--twice a day when you travel to Mexico or other places with different food and water from what you are used to. I eat and drink whatever I want and never have any problems. You can take the liquid if you want, but remember that it will make your tongue, as well as your stools, black. All the docs I know who travel to Mexico do this, btw.

Just my two bits...

We swear by the Riu resorts and have sworn off the Barcelo resorts. There's just no comparison. We've been to one of the Riu resorts in Playa del Carmen (?sp) and it was terrific. We just got back from the Riu Palace in Cabo and it was lovely.

Karen, you can be in danger anywhere in the world! You could walk down your own street and be run over by a joyrider! I hope that won't stop you going out now!

My daughter had a fabulous time. You just have to be sensible and careful...wherever you are. Have a good time!!!

My family stayed in Akumal 2 years ago, and had an amazing time. The area is great if you want a smaller, out of the way experience. We went to Playa de Carmen for dinner one night, and were shocked at how different it was -- definately more city-like, with more people.

Snorkeling at Yal-Kul Lagoon was beautiful. Also went to Xel-Ha which is like a giant ecological theme park. Enjoying snorkeling there too.

One word of advice is to bring along a little roll of toilet paper to stick in your bag. Charmen makes a little roll in plastic -- I found them at Walgreens before we left. Many of the bathrooms outside the resort areas are VERY primative. I also brought along a small bottle of hand sanitizer -- sometimes there's nowhere to wash your hands.

We found the Mexican people to be very friendly. Enjoy your stay!

Hi there~

Is the Xel-Ha the park with the zoo animals and marine animals? Where you snorkel throughout the park? I believe this is the same theme park that we are trying to look into. We were told it was very impressive! I've also booked-up my day with the dolphins, I can not wait! Where is Yal-Kul? Great snorkeling is what we're looking for

Thank you for the tip about the tp, I won't forget that!

We are all booked-up, we 're staying at a brand new resort on the Riviera Maya, it's supposed to be just beautiful!

Thanks again for the great tips
Karen

I hope you and your family have a wonderful time in Mexico! I've been to Cozumel, Cancun, and Costa Maya while on our cruises. I loved each port but would love to spend more time there than just one day. I think the prettiest place I've been has to be the island of Roatan, off the coast of Honduras. Very primitive but beautiful. And very friendly people. Have a great trip!


Paula