Playa del Carmen or Isla Mujeres -- or somewhere else?

If you want to take in some ruins, snorkel/dive some cenotes, go to one of the theme type places--Xcaret or Xel-ha then I'd for sure head to Playa.

Playa has turned into too much of a city for my taste, as well as now having things such as Starbucks and McDonalds.

However, the beach is lovely, lots of beach clubs, huge choice of restaurants and bars.

I fear Isla Mujeres is heading in the same direction, although, it's still pretty laid back. The construction of a fairly large all inclusive on the beach, right downtown, is an eyesore I personally haven't quite come to grips with yet.

If I just wanted to relax, I'd stay on Isla long before Playa. Still has some of the feel of a Mexican town. Head to the colonias for a more authentic dining experience while you're there.

Although not on Playa Norte, I love Hotel Playa de Media Luna. Absolutely stunning views, a nice pool area, and I love hearing the sound of the surf. There's a beach, but it isn't swimmable, too many rocks. Playa Norte is a five minute or so stroll away. You can walk to Sergios, on the other side of the island for loungers and umbrellas, for no charge as long as you eat or drink there, in 15 minutes.

We're planning a trip around the Yucatan some time this winter. We're definitely going to Merida and Isla Mujeres. Also considering heading to Isla Holbox for a couple of days. Looks like an interesting place for a few days.

You are right that you can't stay on the beach in Tulum and walk to town. It's at least four miles. Not a pretty walk either. But, what a beach there is. We may spend a night there, haven't been in quite a few years, on our way back to Belize.

I'll have to throw a bookmark on this.

Thanks a lot.

I'm wondering if you wander further west of 5th Av in Playa that you'll find more of the feel of a Mexican town? Of course Playa is a Mexican town -- since it's a town in Mexico! But, you know what I mean. I sort of don't mind seeing the Starbucks and McDonalds at this point -- seems inevitable, and we are purposely going to a beachy, resorty area, so I don't think we can avoid that type of development entirely. But, I would like to find some slightly less touristy and more neighborhoody restaurants, bakeries, etc also.

I think Playa is appealing a bit more to me is because we could take a day trip over to Cozumel one day if we want a change of scenery. I'd also sort of like to check out the Jungle Place, the spider monkey rescue (if it's legit, which I think it is). I'd definitely like to check out some ruins at some point, but we may not do that on this next trip.

I know I shouldn't be making sweeping judgments based on this, but when I visit the Playa forum over at Trip Advisor, it really makes me weary about going! But, I'm assuming most of those posts are by people who are staying in AIs, so I don't think I'll have to interact too much -- what do you think? I know how elitist that sounds, but I just don't want to be around a bunch of drunk, rowdy, rude fellow tourists. Give me some nice, conscientious ones, and I'm okay!

We've been to Playa twice and have book our 3rd trip for December at the Mahakel Beach Resort. We have been to Isla Mujeres once. Though we like Isla, it was just too boring for us. Nothing like 5th Avenue in Playa. On a golf cart you can go around the entire Island of Isla in a couple of hours. We tend to be busy on vacation, so we want a destination that has plenty to see and do off property. Also been to Cozumel several times. Would pick Cozumel over Isla also.

March is high season, so except to pay top dollar for flights and hotes. 5th Avenue will be crowded and most hotels crawling with families/kids. Try to go the second week of May if you can.

Thanks, I'll keep the time of year in mind. I was wondering what it would be like during spring break. I will be a student myself, though, so I won't have the same flexibility as I used to. There may be a small window at the end of April/first of May, so I'll consider that instead as I plan this.

By the way, has anyone been in January? I see the temp ranges from 69 to 82 on the World Weather site -- how does the water feel then generally? It'll definitely be warmer than NYC, but I'm wondering just how it will really feel?

I think if you're looking for a beachy, resorty area, then Playa certainly fits the bill.

You really don't have to walk too many blocks off 5th Avenue to find real Mexican restaurants. At least you didn't a few years ago. Had lunch at a little place where no one spoke a word of English. My Spanish is far from good, but we had an excellent time.

I understand exactly what you're saying about the forum on Trip Advisor. Lots of smaller, local bars to avoid what I call the 'all inclusive' mentality. I know it isn't fair to categorize people, but there is a definite type of traveler whom I also wish to avoid.

I was in Cancun in January once (long time ago). It was warm during the day, cool at night. I remember wearing long pants a couple nights. The pools were definitely too cold for swimming, and there were red flags up and down the beach.

Now days, we winter in Belize, and the water in the ocean there is plenty warm for swimming in January. Even last year, when it was unseasonably cold, even in Belize (only five hours south of Playa by bus).

Thanks for posting this Plum.

Jean would you suggest Playa over Isla for a single female? I don't want to feel isolated, on the other hand I'm not much into the night time scene/bars. I'm pretty much looking to avoid the same people plum is Btw, the first week in Dec weatherwise? I've been looking at Hotel Secreto on Isla which is right next door to the hotel you mention.

One more question, sorry plum! Any advantage in either place if I plan to do Ek Balam & Chichen Itza tours?

Hey, get your own thread! Scram!

Just kidding. Of course I don't mind sharing the thread -- the more the merrier. I'm wondering about some of those things too.

Thanks Jean. I had a feeling if one just walked a couple of avenues away from 5th that you can find more interesting places. We love just to wander and stumble onto whatever we happen to find -- and I'm always looking for a situation that will force me to use my very little Spanish.

If we decide to go somewhere in January instead, we might look further south. I wish the flight to Liberia, CR weren't so darn expensive! We *might* look at Curacao, but I'm just not sure.

tully, if you end up looking at Playa over Isla, in addition to Mahekal, you might want to check out Playa Palms. I'd consider this place, but it only has queen beds and we need a king or two beds. Just another place to look at...

We've been going to the Yucantan Penisula every Nov/Dec for the past several years. The weather is great as it's not as hot as the summer months and hurricane season is virtually over. The ocean temps are fine, the cenotes cool but bearable and the hotel swimming pools just downright cold.

Anytime between Christmas and the 2nd week of May will cost you more and be full of people/kids, as you have people in the Eastern US states and the Canadians trying to get away from the cold. You have winter break and spring for schools and then Easter break. I've tried twice to go the 3rd week in an April because of my birthday and won't do it again.

Tully, as a female, but married, it depends on what you're looking for. My DH and I love Playa because we like to try the bars and restuarants on 5th Avenue. The shop vendors can get a little aggressive, which I don't care for. If you want beach and relaxation I would say Isla. If you want a party, fun atmopshere to met and mingle with people in the bars/clubs, then Playa. If you chose Playa, I would suggest a hotel within walking distance of 5th Avenue.

Plumboy, we went to Curacao in 2009, and we didn't care for it. Beaches are small inlets/coves scattered all over the Island and made up of crushed coral. We didn't find much nightlife and transportation was quite difficult. I would suggest Aruba instead. The area across the street from the hotels in Palm Beach remind me a lot of 5th Avenue. Resturants, bars, shopping, and entertainment. Several beach bars and retuarants on the beach side of those hotels also.

I would be interested in your trip to Costa Rica. We were looking for next May, but the price was quite high. We were just interested in 6 nights divided between The Peace Lodge and Arenal area and it is around $4,000, which is why we keep going back to Mexico. We got 6 nights in Playa in December for $1,462. Big, Huge difference.

Tully, to answer your question regarding EK Balam and Chichen Itza. They are closer to Playa than Isla. If you stay on Isla and want to see those sites, then you take the ferry back over to Cancun and then it's about an hour to Playa and than another hour or so to those sites. Much easier and not as long of a day from Playa. Tours can be booked either on-line or at your hotel's tour desk.

KVR, thanks for the little review of Curacao. We're not looking for nightlife at all, so that's not an issue, but the transportation thing is a concern. I wasn't sure if a car was needed, and it seems like it might be. I'll check out Aruba, as a possibility also. Maybe too expensive though...

Re: Costa Rica. I would just check out the various trip reports on this forum from CR. Peace Lodge is VERY expensive, so that's probably what's pushing your budget up. I've been to CR four times now, and I never really spend that much, all things considered. You can go to CR expensively or you can go there very inexpensively -- and anything in between. There are definitely many, many lodging options, at many different budget levels. I've always been able to get pretty cheap airline tickets there, but I live in NYC so that helps.

If you want to see ruins, I'd think Isla would be too much a hassle. In March, you may run into some rowdy college age and younger crowds out in the bars, but they mainly seem to stick to Cancun itself and some of the AI resorts. Depends when you go. We went to an AI last March, and it really is unfair to classify all AI people as a specific type - but the first week of March was very quiet. When my husband and I want a beachy, relaxing get away, and AI in Mexico, around the Playa area is just perfect. There's nothing like getting away, beautiful beaches and not worrying about food, drinks or tips. We always choose one of the more upscale resorts with several restaurants so our choices are not limited and my husband is a chef, so he's extremely picky. We don't stay only on the property, but when we do excursions, we don't feel like we're breaking the bank since everything else is totally paid for.

I've done day trips to Isla and it's a small place and would personally not want to spend an entire vacation there. There is just way too much to see and do in the other areas of the Riviera Maya. Cozumel is nice and would be quieter and still give you the beach vacation you are looking for if Playa doesn't fit your needs.

We've been to the Riviera Maya about 7 times, various times of year ranging from Feb through September and always had weather warm enough for the beach or pool and the heat was never hot enough to be unbearable.

Coba is a great ruin to check out as well. It's much less excavated and has a great feel to it when you visit. When we were there last, about 4 years ago I believe, you could still climb the tallest pyramid there (which you can no longer do at Chichen Itza) and the view was spectacular).

I'd go with a hotel near or around the Playa area over Isla, or I'd look at Cozumel if you don't plan to visit ruins on this trip.

KVR & Shell, thanks for your replies, though it makes me even more torn! I will have about 8 nights, maybe I should do a split between Isla & Playa? I'm really just looking for a de-stressing, very lazy holiday with maybe 1 or 2 active days for the ruins. Aiming towards very small resorts/hotels, getting some reading in and taking it easy in general. I do like the hotel choices better in Isla, more 15 or so rooms hotels there than I'm finding in Playa. Although like Plum I like Mahekal. I dunno though Plum, Playa Palms is not calling to me but I will look at it again and check out some TA pics.
Glad to hear it won't be too nippy early Dec, I'm a real wimp when it comes to anything below 75.

I have come across a day tour to Chichen Itza for a $100 and another day trip to Ek Balam for another $100, but am wondering if it'd be reasonable to just get a private tour for about the same amount and do it all in 1 day?

Tully, in Playa also look at Le Reve Hotel and Spa. About 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen, so not walking distance. It was our second choice over Mahakel, but we wanted within walking distance to 5th Avenue.

Also check out locogringo.com for accomendations in Playa. Other good options are Playa Maya or Petite Lefite. I would definatly stay at La Tortuga, but only in the summer months as their pool would be too cold to enjoy otherwise.

This December will be our 10th trip to the Yucantan Peninsula. It will also be our first time that we have not gone AI. Yes, we have grown tired of the rowdy, obnoxious people that stay at AI resorts and think whatever bizzare, inebriated behavior they come up with is acceptable.

We have done Chichen Itza and Tulum. We are doing Coba this time. Though Chichen Itza is nice and a must see, the hundreds of vendors trying to sell you stuff just takes away from the experience.

For more of a private type tour, as they only take a limited amount, check out

http://www.playa.info/tours-anna-james-general.html

We did the Tulum and Beyond and loved it. However, for this time we decided on:

http://www.playadelcarmentours.com/punta-laguna-monkey-sanctuary.htm

Plumboy, we will eventually get to Costa Rica. Right now air is what is killing us. $1,500 for 2. If I could get it for less than $1,000. We're stuck with either AA or Continential, so not much leeway.

Curacao and Aruba cost basically the same. In Aruba we did AI. Curacao has only one AI, which is Breezes and is really not up to par. Curacao is more diffcult to get to than Aruba. We either had to stay over night in Miami with AA or go through Aruba on Continental and change air carriers, which we chose to do.

If you're interested we have all our travel pics posted.

http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn

for tully~ I haven't been yet since I always go to the West Coast (most often Puerto Vallarta) but I'm VERY interested in both Isla and PdC. I would comfortably go to either as a single woman. I'm assuming Playa del Carmen would be more similar to PV in that there's a bussling town there, more to do, plenty of shops, bars, people around. And that on Isla would be a more laid-back beach-centered vacation.

Thanks everyone for this discussion -- it's been helpful for me to talk this all out. But, as I said in my original post, I'm still literally flip-flopping between Playa & Isla every day. Today, I'm leaning back towards Isla, so go figure!

I Flickred some photos of Isla again last night, and I'm just starting to think it's more in line with what we might like. There's something about the colorful buildings, some of them crumbling in places, that is appealing (I like to photograph, and I'm seeing a lot more opportunities on Isla). Also, the beach photos -- of Playa Norte -- just seem a tad more appealing, I think.

Also, I've taken a second glance at Hotel Playa Media Luna, and it really might be perfect. Tully, I also like the feel of Secreto, but it might be a bit out of our range for this trip, but I'm going to keep it in mind (I wish I could snag those reduced rates they're advertising on their site now -- looks like you'll be able to if you go in early December).

So, I'm thinking it's either going to be Mahekal in Playa -- or one of those two in Isla. That's today, anyway. Who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Suze -- I've also been really looking at PV, or even Sayulita or San Pancho, for a while now. It's just that we've been to to the Pacific for the past three trips, and we've never really experienced the Caribbean (once when I was 12, but that doesn't count). But, I have a feeling we'll make it to that area soon enough. Your constant cheering of PV has influenced my interest!

Oh, by the way, re: airline ticket prices. I don't know if anyone else is noticing this, but it seems like ticket prices are WAY more than they had been the last two or three years. At least for the dates I'm looking at. I'm not really seeing anything that I think,"Now that's a good price". It's almost prohibitive -- and I'm talking about most places. In fact, the ticket prices to Cancun from NYC next March are currently coming in at a bit over $400, and that's really the least expensive destination -- along with CR. I guess the reduction in flights that were made really have pushed the prices up. Sad

@KVR -- thanks for the link to your photos -- always great to see other people's pics, thanks!

This is a great thread.

Tully, if you don't mind moving, I'd give serious consideration to splitting your trip. We tend to move around a lot when we travel, so it's not a big deal for us.

I have to say that I don't think I would stay at either Media Luna or Secreto by myself. It's very close to Playa Norte and downtown, but the last block is dark and pretty uninhabited. When I went with a group of women, and someone (usually me) wanted to go back to the hotel fairly early in the evening, we went in a group. Probably not necessary, but, that's what we did.

I am much happier on Isla for just hanging around than in Playa. Playa has just gotten too devleoped and busy for me. I do enjoy a night or two in Playa, just to wander about and whine about all the traces of the Playa I remember being gone....

I don't think you could pay me to go to Aruba, sounds far too Americanized. And, I keep hearing that it's usually windy. We almost went to Curacao and Bonaire a few years ago, sounds like the type of places that we'd be happy.

plumboy~ Well I JUST got back from a fabulous 10 days in Negril Jamaica, so I AM open minded about destinations -lol! And the Caribbean IS an amazing place certainly.

My cheerleading for PV is because I've been there 19 times and have never had a bad trip, it's always fantastic for me there.

Agreed plum, this is a great convo! Given me plenty more to look into and research (even if I'm not supposed to be on the computer)

KVR I did look at Le Reve but the distance is a concern. I think the same with another I looked at - Petir Lafitte. I don't need to be smack dab in the middle of things, probably wouldn't like it anyways!, but do want the freedom to walk places nearby for food. Which brings me to Mahekal, I can't seem to figure out where it is in relation to the center. I just took a peek at locogringo and see that's going to keep me busy for a while! Yes the playa.info tours were the ones I was looking at, "tours for people who don't like tours", that's me! The Coba/Monkey Sanctuary looks interesting too. The water in your pics on Isla is so beautiful. Where are you coming from where airfare to CR is so high? I've been spoiled here in FL for flights to CR over the past 10 years with usually in the $300 range. I agree with Plum, Peace Lodge is a budget killer. It's so much fun, at least once though.

Plum have you looked into Bonaire? Really great snorkeling and so small and compact, with donkeys randomly wandering around Though I'm not sure about airfare, may be high, as the airline I flew in on 10 years ago I think went kaput and not sure who is flying there now. Hey we can flip-flop between Playa & Isla together, I know I am, that's why I'm thinking just doing both may work best. Airfare - for my dates in Dec, Cancun is running $288, and CR is running $416, which is the highest I've ever seen but I've never gone before in Dec.

suze agree with your assessment, and I think that's why I can't decide and may have to do both! I want laid back, yet bustling, ha.

Jean, you voiced one of my (unstated) concerns about Secreto & Media Luna. I was looked at the hotels on myislamap.com and I was wondering how those 2-3 blocks were. I was thinking maybe renting a golf cart the whole time I was there, maybe? On the other hand, I'd only use it so much. I guess worse case scenario I could grab a cab, but then I'd feel odd taking one for a couple blocks. Definitely something to keep in mind.

I went and bought a Yucatan guidebook today, so plenty of reading to do.

I think if I really wanted to stay at Secreto, I would just suck it up and take cabs home after dark. They'll be really cheap.

On some level, it seems silly to pay to take a cab a few blocks, but, it's better than not feeling safe.

I would also recommend looking into the 'map chick maps'.
http://www.mapchick.com/
More than a map, more like a mini-guidebook. We pretty much wore ours out, the first time we went to Isla.

I am seconding my recommendation for splitting your trip.

tully, if you look up Playa on Google Maps (not Earth) and locate 38th Street, Mahekal is where 38th Street meets the ocean. You'll see a note for Hotel Las Palapas, which is next door and just to the south of Mahekal.

You should then be able to get a good idea of how close it is to the town and everything. From what I understand, 5th Avenue is the main drag, and though I think it's much busier and bustling further down, south of Constituyentes, I think there are plenty of restaurants and stores in this more northern area also.

If you haven't already, you'll also notice that the streets are even numbered, so walking from 34th to 32nd, for example, is only one block. The avenues are in multiples of five -- so walking from 5th Avenue to 10th Avenue is only one block. So, my thinking is that things sound further away than they really are (though the distance from 5th Avenue and the ocean does increase greatly in this area).

I'll check out Bonaire, but my previous forays into researching Caribbean islands have always led me back to Costa Rica and Central America in general. I think I must have some kind of subconscious block when it comes to being on an island, or something. Part of it is that I worry about food -- I don't like fish or seafood, so I do tend to prefer to stay on a mainland so I have more (and more affordable) options. Isla doesn't make me as nervous since it's so close to the mainland. I'm crazy...

Tully - Here's a map of hotels. It will show you where Mahakel is in relation to 5th Avenue. The map still shows the Mahakel as their old name of Shangri-La:

http://www.cancunmap.com/playadelcarmen-hotels1.html

It's about a 10 - 15 minute walk to the start of 5th Avenue. So about a $6 cab ride if you don't want to walk it late a night. I've been told that new resturants and bars have been built around the Mahakel since we've been to that area.

We stayed at the Royal last time and it was just a block or two off of 5th Avenue. When do you plan on going again? We're going in December so if it's after that, we can give you a good review with pictures.

Yes, the water over at Isla was downright beautiful. The snorkeling however, not so great. We've read so much about snorkeling at Akumel and Yal-Ku lagoon, we decided it was time to try it. Plus, I want to see the turtles. The last time we were in Playa, we did a catamaran snorkel trip and was amazed that the water was so clear and the snorkeling so good. Much better than prior trips.

We live in Texas in the middle of nowhere. The only airlines from our departure area is Continential and American. We have to fly to either Houston or Dallas to get anywhere, so that normally raises the airfare about $200 - $300 then flying out of a major airport to start with. Both Houston and Dallas are too far to drive to.

I know Peace Lodge is expensive, but I fell in love with the pictures and going to wait until we can do it. I also wanted to stay at the Springs Resort, but settled for day passes instead. Right now air is about $600 round trip per person and then add on their taxes and fees. If I could get air for $300 p/p round trip, I would be estatic. That horrible 4-letter word "wait" keeps popping up.

KVR yes I've seen lots of mentions on the mapchick and that it is a must have, I do plan on ordering. I'm looking at Dec 2-10th for now, haven't asked the boss yet though!

I'm now possibly throwing a wrench in my plans and going back to my original idea of an overnight at Chichen Itza, at 1 of the nearby hotels. The maybe still do a split with Playa & Isla? hmmm will have to keep researching, the logistics are stumping me a little, back to reading my book and checking bus schedules!

We'll be there at the same time if you stay in Playa. Dec. 6 - 18th.

I'll just miss you - we're joining our daughter and her husband in Playa on December 26th.