I have recently got engaged and am planning on getting married on Aug 14.. We are currently looking into travelling to Cancun for our honeymoon during mid August.. Are there any specific hotels that you would recommend or stay away from? How should I go about booking this... Are there any internet sites that are trustworthy enough to book a honeymoon, or should I go through a local travel agent.. Any information or suggestions is greatly appreciated.. Thanks.. Chad

My husband and I stayed at the Caesar Park Resort last April and it was wonderful. We found the rooms, views, service, and facilities great. They have golf and a fitness center and even though the resort was full it NEVER seemed full (except at checkout- the line was pretty long) The pool is fantastic and there are plenty of lounges. <BR> <BR>We went through AAA, who uses Apple, they took care o everything, but you may be able to get a better deal elsewhere.

Chad, my family stayed at El Presidente in May. We also went through Apple Vacations. It's the oldest hotel there so not real pretty but the rooms were big and clean. It's on the biggest beach which is why I picked it. It is also on the "calm side"( the top of the seven that the island looks like.) It's in a great location with a grocery store across the street, by the biggest mall and walking distance to lots of other places. When we were there, no one could swim on the other side because of the dangerous wave. I don't know how it would be in August. (except very hot!!)

<BR>Chad, My husband on our first anniversary stayed at The Fiesta Americana Condesa.....Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! And I stayed at a lot of places. Very impressed with the atmosphere, service, beach, etc.It is one of the best there. I'll tell you, be careful of what you eat and drink. I got so sick on fresh squeezed fruit juice in the hotel. Was in and out of the bathroom all week. Just be careful of fruits, vegetables, and the water! Otherwise, it is beautiful, and fun.

My wife and I have been twice. Last summer we stayed at the Melia Terquesa. The hotel was pretty nice and featured a really large pool and thatch hut bar over looking the beach. Do a "Cancun" search on Yahoo! and you can index many of the hotels and see pics of the places. I used the Web and just did the air and hotel myself. <BR>Tips on things to do: <BR>1. If you want a great dinner and money isn't a big concern. Then dine at the Ritz (the formal restaurant--they have three). A supberb resturant, but the hotel is maybe a little too plush for a beach-based vacation. <BR>2. Pericos. This restaurant is downtown and is a blast. They feature waiters that balance drinks/food platters/etc. on thier head while dancing around. Great margaritas...a great party resturant. <BR>3. Isla De Mujers. This is a day trip to a more relaxed island where you can swim with dolphins (expensive but cool), visit a trutle farm, hold a nurse shark,and just relax. <BR>4. I found that booking my local trips from "Aqua World" (a reliable local agent) was the simplest way to do trips in Cancun. (Someone will offer you a free breakfast/drinks at a hotel to pitch trips. Don't waste your time, just go through Aqua World). They offer packages and you can even go on an escorted SCUBA dive after a brief lesson in the AM. I highly recommend this. <BR>Have fun. Cancun is beautiful.

Sandals.....run away!!!!! Mark

My boyfriend and I went to Cancun in the end of August beginning of September of last year and it was great. We stayed at the Continental Plaza Cancun. Everyone that has been there will tell you that it is the BIG PINK HOTEL. But it was really nice. We went through Apple Vacations and it was pretty cheap there is a discount vacation number 410-547-0828 that you can call and get rates. We also booked our water events through Aqua World and that was just fine. The night life is wonderful, go down to the strip where all the bars are. Take the bus everywhere.No Taxies! And when you go shopping go to downtown Cancun during the day but never leave your fiancee alone. BARGIN BARGIN Shopping. You'll have a great time and the weather during that time was great.

I agree with Lisa. Caesar's Park was incredible. They have 7 pools and the beach area in beautiful. We were there in July '97 and we pratically had the entire beach to ourselves. When we checked in we asked if there was a possibility to be upgraded to a villa. We were...at no extra charge. Always ask, the worst that can happen is that they will stay no. The people, the service, the rooms were all superior. They could not do enough for us. Definitely use Apple, they have the best <BR>rates. We loved Cancun so much we extended our trip 3 days. By the way, stay away from Isle Meheres. My husband and I got very sick. Good thing we had medication with us. Eat at Bogarts...pricey but worth it and very very romantic. It's right out of Casablanca! Enjoy your trip.

Cesar Park is definitely a nice place to go for your honeymoon. Of course it is also one of the most expensive in Cancun. I've never been sick on Isla Mujeres and I have gone several times. It has a much lazier pace and a beautiful beach. Cancun's water is magnificent, but the beaches are eroding on the rough (prettier) side. <BR>Definitely take a day trip to Xpu-ha, an eco-park that just opened up. It is beautifully done.

My husband and I went to the Fiesta Americana Condesa for our honeymoon in Jan '97 and it was incredible. <BR> <BR>Two hints: <BR> 1. We paid for the breakfast buffet at the hotel at check in. It was so convenient to go downstairs every day and not to have to worry about anything. The buffet is delicious and has both standard breakfast food and Mexican specialties. Also the hostess that seated us for breakfast recognized us by the third day and always greeted us warmly. <BR>2. Upgrade to an oceanfront suite. We reserved a regular room but decided to upgrade since it was our honeymoon. We got the most fabulous suite with a hot tub overlooking the ocean. It was definitely worth the extra cost. <BR> <BR>Other helpful hints: <BR> <BR>Try to speak Spanish to the people that you meet there. They will appreciate it and will treat you great. <BR> <BR>Our favorite resaurants were Maria Bonita, Captain's Cove and don't miss The Stone Crab for their soft shell crabs if you like garlic. <BR> <BR>A trip to Chichen Itza is worth the early departure and 3 hour bus ride. <BR>

Chad-congratulations!! You will love Cancun. We stayed at the Melia Cancun (different than the Melia Turquesa) It was gorgeous, pay extra for the ocean view. We were a ways from the downtown area but it was pennies to ride the bus for 10 min. to get to where the action is. We loved the Melia 'cus the balconies are totally private and the breakfast buffet was wonderful. We also stayed at the Caesar Park--really loved this place also. The pools at both places are great (altho my husband and I were in the ocean all of the time). The workout facilities at the Melia were better than at the Caesar Park if that is of any concern to you. The Caesar Park is also a short bus ride to downtown. If you go to Bogarts restaurant (very romantic--food was pretty good, but the atmosphere made up for it) be sure and ask for the Alhambra room--absolutely gorgeous, and again very romantic. Pericos is fun as mentioned in a previous post, but for really good food I'd recommend La Dolce Vita--Italian, very good, recommended in the Triple A book. Feel free to write if you have any more questions.