France

Hey! I'm going to Playa del Carmen... as well as Tulum and Chichen Itza. Doing all the planning on my own (hate those pre-planned all paid guided type trips), and would love tips for people who have been in the area before, and have something to say about it...... Hope to get messages!! Thanx

brandi

I was there in Aug. Do you already have a hotel? If your looking for something small, beautiful, and private in the heart of the city, try the Casamara hotel, I believe they have a website...www.casamara.com? Anyway, I visited Xel-Ha and loved it, great snorkeling, aslo Xcaret, a must see! Xcaret has an underground river you float down, its so peaceful and relaxing after wandering around the park in the heat. I swam with the dolphins at Xel-Ha and loved that as well. Take a day trip, or stay two nights at Cozumel. Great diving and snorkeling there as well. Lots of good shopping along 5th Ave in PDC, but alot of these places sold the same stuff, at diff prices. So shop around before buying things. Hope this helps..<BR>Brandi

Monica

We have been going to Playa for 13 years and are in the process of building an apartment. I would be more than happy to help with suggestions and recommendations on where to stay, eat, renting a car etc. Feel free to contact with any questions or concerns. You have made a good choice in going to Playa

Carla

Monica,<BR>We are going back to Playa in March and I am wondering if there is a reputable place to rent a car in Playa for two days. I would like to pick up and return the car in PDC.<BR><BR>Thanks for any suggestions.<BR><BR>p.s. Last time we had some issues with the car (taillight broken overnight, one day car wouldn't start, etc.)

Monica

For the last 5 years we have been renting from Thrifty in Playa on 8th off of 5th. Thrifty may not be the cheapest, but we have them to be the most reliable and honest. Always make sure when renting from anyone in Playa that when they check the car with you to write down everything you see even if its a small dent or scratch. Don't pay more than $13 a day for insurance, but I highly recommend that you take it. Good luck!

dan woodlief

I am not sure where to start. Check out my 3-part travelogue at www.oneeyed.homestead.com. It covers four ruins, Playa, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Merida, Xel-Ha, and Cancun. I went in June 1998.

betty

My friend and I are going to Playa on March 3rd for one week. We booked into the Bravo Club El Mandarin Resort. Does any one have any information on this hotel? We were in Playa a few years ago and stayed at the Continental Hotel which was right in town. We loved Playa. My hair stylist goes to Playa every year and stays in one of the smaller hotels not on the beach since he rents a jeep and travels around.

Ron

Check out www.playaguide.com. No matter where you end up staying, I recommend that you check out Yaxche restaurant, The Blue Lobster and La Parilla (black pasta with shrimp -- flamed at tableside). Also, the Blue Parrot Inn for rock & roll after 10:00 PM. I also recommend that you take your bathing suit with you everywhere (top optional for women). You never know when you will get the urge to just jump in and you will need to be prepared.<BR><BR>For all-inclusives I recommend that you check out either the Gala or Iberostar properties. For in-town hotels, you can consider La Lunata, The Blue Parrot and a host of options ranging from $15 to $250+ per night.<BR><BR>Tours? Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Tulum should be at the top of your list. Yup, all a little comercial but worth it. You should consider a ferry ride to Cozumel. If you want to snorkel, there is no place like Chakanob National Park -- a short cab ride from the ferry landing -- and I guarantee you will swim with several barracuda (one friendly fellow, about 4 1/2' long, decided he was curious enough to sneek up on me -- yup, I can walk on water).<BR><BR>Have a great time!

nancy

Avoid using debit/credit cards while you are in PDC and Cozumel. We had our account emptied shortly after we returned home last spring. I personally have heard of 2 others who have been there recently and had the same thing happen! Take travelers checks!!!!! (It is a great vacation spot otherwise! We are planning to go back!)

Sheri

In PDC, make sure you eat at Karen's Grill. It had great ribs, lots of food, and for a really cheap price. Plus, they had a live band every night. Also, in Cozumel, avoid any "snorkling" tours that you pay $50 for to go on. We brought our own snorkling equipment with us (then you aren't putting your mouth on something some stranger had) rented Mopeds, toured the whole island, and stopped where we wanted to snorkel. We were frequently snorkling with the touriest that paid full price. There is a few neat little "pubs" on the far side of Cozumel that you would miss if you don't rent mopeds.

Christina

I noticed your original post mentioned 2 archaeological sites. Perhaps you are more interested in history than shopping? If so, do rent a car and go south of PDC to Tulum. Then head inland to Coba - an absolutely fantastic site that most people don't go to as it's not built up for too many tourists. Half the site was still under dirt hills and what was uncovered was either left as it or restored, so you geat a great idea of what stuff looked like back then. It's also a great place to see cuz it's right in the jungle and it's like walking in a big park with the wildlife!

Robert

I have had very good experiences renting from National in Playa. They are in Los Molcas hotel, close to the pier. They will quote you an all inclusive price with no surprises!