Riviera Maya AIs
 

Looking for an inexpensive AI (well, relatively speaking)for June. 5 people - myself, husband, kids (14 and 9) and my Mom. Considering the Reef Playacar outside of Playa del Carmen, but looking for insite on this resort, as well as suggestions for alternatives.
Also, if interested in doing some off site excursions, what do you think of renting a car and doing our own thing, rather than the organized tours. Less expensive? Will we miss out on anything doing it that way?
Thanks!

That area of Mexico is one of the few vacation destinations where we have not rented a car. I am not sure I would have liked driving there- pretty intense! See what others say but I would ask:

1. do you speak enough Spanish to quickly interpret road signs?

2. are you accustomed to driving where it is very busy, the "rules of the road" are not necessarily what you might be used to (pulling onto and across a 4 lane highway and passing seemed to have odd differences), people are impatient drivers?

I would be sure you had good rental insurance also.

Just like, Ishkribbl, this is one of the places we have never rented as well because our auto policy does not cover us in MX. You might want to check your policy or whatever insurance you might be using.

Usually, rental insurance is secondary to your personal policy.

Peace, Greenie

We've rented cars on 2 occasions while in PDC, once to go to Xel-Ha and another to go to Coba. We didn't have any trouble, and beat the tour bus crowds.

Thanks for the rental car advice. Any input on specific resorts.
Thanks!

There are SO MANY great AI resorts along the Riviera Maya. When you say in-expensive, what do you mean. That's a different number to every person.
Check on Trip Advisor for reviews of the the resort you are interested in.
Be advised, the beaches in Playacar are in VERY BAD shape right now. They have had extensive erosion.
The Akumal Beach resort is only a three star AI, but has all the basics you need and is clean. They also have a kids program and a fantastic beach.