Len3

We have a res. at the HI in Aruba Feb 3-10, but with insurance that enables us to cancel for any reason. After reading many posts, should we change to Cancun - it looks to be much cheaper. We really want to just get out of the DC weather in Feb.

Diana

They are so similar as to be almost interchangeable.

I'd go with Cancun if it's a lot cheaper. You can usually get there more quickly as well.

Len3

So, if I change to Cancun, where should we stay? It's just my spouce and me - no children. Any suggestions or comments?

TurquoiseWaters

Hyatt Cancun Caribe is a wonderful hotel. Every room has an ocean view! not too far from the "action", yet far enough away to have peace and quiet.

Diana

I have stayed at quite a few hotels in Cancun.

For $100 to $175 per night, I like the Camino Real (Club Tower only), and the Intercontinental Presidente and the Fiesta American Condesa a distant third.

In the $175 and up range, the JW Marriott, the Ritz Carlton and Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach.

All of the above are more adult-oriented. (There will be kids, but not as many.)

KimberlyO

If you are looking for something less expensive, and less commercialized than Cancun, try the Riviera Maya (it is about 1/2 hour south of Cancun). We have stayed in Cancun and Playa del Carmen and absolutely loved PdC better than Cancun. It is a lot more relaxing and I believe less expensive than Cancun. The beaches are better. You will not get the nightlife here that you will in Cancun, but we believe the trade-off is worth it.

Len3

Can you suggest some hotel in PdC?

KimberlyO

Iberostar in PdC is great. They do allow children and am not sure if that is a consideration.

Diana

Len, in Playa, there are some very nice hotels where you will find fewer kids. We like Mosquito Blue and Deseo. Very few kids at either.

For on the beach, El Faro and Playa Maya. They will both have kids, but not too many. PDC is really more of an adult destination than Cancun.

There are also some very nice condos there - Villas Sacbe, etc.

I would not suggest an AI for PDC. There are so many super places to eat there.

francot

I have been to both Cancun and Arua. I assume that you have reservations at the Holiday Inn in Aruba. I love Aruba but would never stay at the Holiday Inn. Aruba has great restaurants / Cancun has good restaurants. Beaches are very nice at both. Aruba has the nice breeze to keep you cool. Downtown Aruba is quaint with pastle painted dutch buildings all the same stores and shops. Cancun downtown is well downtown. There is more to do in Cancun in the way of excersions. But Aruba has the casios. If you could stay somewhere other than the Holiday Inn I would go to Aruba. If not go for Cancun, you can get a better hotel for the price. Either way you will have a nice trip. Good luck and let us know what you ended up doing

evcmllc

Aruba is wonderful! Have been there 5 times, most recently for 9 days in November 2004 and are returning November 2005. Strongly recommend HYATT. Aruba is clean, safe, local people very nice, no apparent poverty, wonderful restaurants and shopping. Casinos, great weather/beaches and no problem with the drinking water.

Additionaly, no one bothers you with high pressure time share sales, hair braiding etc. You won't go wrong with Aruba. We've never been to Cancun, but are going to try it out this spring.

But, we've been all around the caribbean and overall for everything it has to offer, Aruba is the best.

Enjoy your trip!

Anice

Len,

Hello, from one DC native to another ...I know how it feels to want to get away...especially from this cold, snowy weather.

My family has been to Aruba, although I have not. I have heard nothing but good things about it though...good food, nightly entertainment, friendly people...very enjoyable. I believe they stayed at the Occidental.

Hubby and I went to Cancun for our honeymoon. We stayed at the Grand Caribe which was a great hotel with a beautiful ocean view and a super nice beach...food was so-so...lots of buffets, but we did frequent a few of the restaurants in Cancun...Carlos & Charlies, etc.

I found the downtown market to be very "in your face" which made me feel uncomfortable. I am pretty reserved by nature and people coming up to me constantly shoving stuff in my face makes me very uneasy.

If you are looking for a good deal, but a relaxing vacation I suggest Cozumel, Dominican Republic, or stick with Aruba...a lot of the hotels are offering great deals now as part of packages flying out of BWI...if you don't mind the drive.

Best wishes.

Anice

KeyGal

Hi, Len, I'd be interested to know what insurance you have that allows you to cancel for any reason. The insurance we've been purchasing is always full of restrictions.

ekeley

If you have the money, go for a high-end hotel in Aruba. I've been to both Cancun and Aruba. Cancun's beaches are nice, but nothing else in Cancun compares to Aruba. I stayed at the Radisson Hotel in Aruba in September 2004 for 5 nights. It was fabulous! Aruba has everything--great food, nightlife, weather, shopping. It's very sophisticated. Arubans were very friendly and we always felt safe. Good luck!