PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MX
 

travelling to playa del carmen in feb-march '97. would like any comments regarding p d c such as atmosphere, water quality, restaurant suggestions, accomodations, beaches, cheap thrills, etc... will need a break from WY winter, and don't want to be disappointed. Fodor's had too little info, unfortunately. PLEASE H E L P ????????????

Playa D C is a really neat place. We visited there a few years when we went to Cancun. We are going to Cancun again in Feb and will visit PDC again. The place has great Mexican Atmosphere, it is smaller and more laid back than Cancun, so all depends on that youwant. They have a great beach line, we walked it, and have very nice hotel selection. I don't know about food as we did not eat there, just a few beers. Good luck, I am sure you will have fun. If you have never been to Cancun, take a taxi there for a day. You'll enjoy yourself immensely!!

Playa is great! We rented a house there last winter.
It has enough infrastructure to be comfortable, but is not overly touristy. Try Da Gabi for dinner and the Blue Parrot on the beach for drinks. There are lots of quaint restaurants around the main drag. Take the ferry to Cozumel for the day, and rent a car to see the ruins at Tulum and Coba. It was cold at night in January, don't know about later on...

try this site mayanriviera.com

AIRTOURS/SUNTOURS CRUISES.
HAS ANYONE BEEN ON THE MS SUNDREAM OR CAROUSEL.IF SO I'D APPRECIATE ANY INFO, GOOD OR BAD

We stayed on Playa Del Carmen for a week about three years ago.
The beached are great, however the nightlife is non-existent. The food
is so-so. Certainly not great by any measure. We had no problems
with the water. The ferry to Cozemel is a good day trip, however very
rough. Take medicine if you tend to get motion sickness. A sweater
was needed in the evening when the temperature would drop to aroung
60. Ho

We have been to Playa Del Carmen in 1995 with both my children then aged 14 and 18 and my Parents. We had an absolutely incredible holiday and for the first time repeated the same destination in late January 1996. The water was crystal clear and you could snorkel right off the beach. We stayed at the Continental Plaza each time and enjoyed thier meal plan of Breakfast and Dinner and all drinks included. As I am an early riser I was up to see the sunrise every morning and the workers cleaning the beach I just wish I could of gotten coffee before 7am!We had no trouble with the water at the hotel and just used common sense for anywhere else. What we really enjoyed was the fact that Playcar is within about 60 miles of all kinds of things to see and do. We took advantage of the local bus service on many occaisions and found the people always freindly and helpful.We bused to Cancun on each trip just once and we were real glad that we didn't stay there! Great place to visit but very little Mexican personality. The town of Playacar is most enchanting at night as they have the down town strip blocked off from traffic. Their are restaurants, stores, vendors and music all through the area. We capped almost every evening with a leisurly stroll down the strip and enjoyed all of the goings on. I recommend a day trip to Isla Majeres. Take the local bus to Cancun and then to Puerto Morlas(I think thats the name) to catch the ferry to the Island. And if you are into a a whole lot of fun either rent a bike or Moped and travel the whole Island. One of my most memorable days was our day trip to Isla Majures. Called Island of Women. I also recommend renting a car and going to Chitzinitza. About a two hour drive but the local scenery is interesting, we also had on of our best Margarita"s in an open restaurant in the town.You will see lots of advertising to visit a very touristy attraction near Playa where you swim in caves and can swim with the dolphins. I don't recommend. the Caves have no coral left to see and very few fish and the Dolphins are very docile. I do recommend Shehal for snokeling and visiting the ruins at Tulum and walking around Tulum. Its the only bus stop where monkeys,chickensand parrots frequen the Bus stop. PS you can get a Cerversa (beer) for 3 peso's!! You have to pay to bring your vidio camera into the Tulum ruins (I consider this a real rip off)The travel guides on the premises make up their own stories so bring a factual book, I recoomend buying it the the airport or somewhere reputable I also recommend the same thing for Chitzinitza. I am running out of time but as you can see We found the Mayan one of the nicest we have met and I would Recommend even the smaller hotels in town or on the beach. the important thing is to be close to town as it is a wonderful place to visit even daily.If you have other inquires just ask for Alison. Happy Holiday!!!!

We're leaving on Jan. 17th for the Dream Cruise on the Carousel. I've just received an in depth review from someone who just came back home about this cruise. I'll pass it on to you. Are you going on this cruise also? If so, when are you leaving?