Jacquie

We (two couples all in late 20s) are planning a trip to Playa del Carmen (were considering Cancun but from message board think Playa is better). We have been informed about two options - european plan (hotel and air only - no drinks or meals) and all inclusive. We are trying to figure out which is a better deal. Can anybody help? Average prices for meals and drinks per person would be helpful. <BR>Thank you

christo

Hi,I went to Cancun last January and in feb. I am going to Playa Del Carmen <BR>From my experience, I think it is better to take the all inclusive plan, you don,t have to carry money with you the tips are included and it,s all-you-can-eat meals <BR>

Susan

I guess it depends on where you want to eat. If you like to eat at your hotel, maybe all inclusive is a better idea, but I remember several nice restaurants in Playa and it's fun to be able to move around. We're going back in March for a few days. I've only had one experience with all inclusive (many years ago in the Bahamas) and I doubt I'd do it again. Carrying the money around is not a big deal - you usually have access to a safe deposit box - and 'all you can eat' doesn't hold a lot of appeal for me - at buffets I usually eat way too much and end up regretting it!

don

Playa is one place where I would not want to go AI. This town has the best dining in the area, with many small restaurants representing all cusines. Most are Euro/US/CDN owned. Dinner for 2 averages 20USD, with appetizer, main course, dessert and drinks. Last November, daily spending for myself and girlfriend ranged between 40 and 70USD, including three meals out, drinks and snacks, misc.stuff(and we are not particularly careful with our dough, although we are light drinkers). Try Le Bistro on Calle 2 between Avienda 5 and 10 for great French food. For lunch, good pizza at Karen's or grilled chicken at one of the many take out joints located 2 or three blocks off the beach. For me, prepaying meals and drinks at a hotel takes away any reason to get off my ass and explore the town, and this is a fun and safe town to walk around in. Feel free to email w/ questions.

Kurt

My girlfriend and I just returned from a week long vacation about 20 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen. We went AI BUT we got a good deal so we didn't worry too much about eating 3-4 times in town. The breakfast and lunch were great when we wanted to hang around our resort and the nights we did stay at our hotel to eat the dinner was excellent as well. We probably saved money just from the breakfasts and the included booze. If you guys drink lots and eat big breakfasts and lunches AI will pay for itself. The best place we found to eat in Playa was a place called Media Luna at the end of the pedestrian street. Playa is a way better choice than Cancun.

KGalle

I would not choose the all-inclusive plan. The prices for meals in Playa Del Carmen are quite reasonable. The restaurants are excellent and offer a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes. Playa Del Carmen is a ferry ride away from Cozumel which also has excellent restaurants. One night, my husband and I had appetizers, dinner and drinks for $15.00 American at a very nice restaurant. All inclusive can be too limiting. Whatever you do, I am sure that you will have a great time.