silvermist3

Hi!!
We are two fairly well traveled New Yorkers (mid 20's) planning a last minute trip to the Cancun/Mayan Riviera area during this Valentine's Day Week. We've been cruise hopping to a few caribbean islands, but this will be our FIRST trip to Mexico and would really appreciate some guidance! We picked this area because we thought it could be a fun easy intro but don't have to stay in Cancun itself etc...

IDEALLY LOOKING FOR OVERALL: (which city is best to base at?)
---We're craving jaw dropping scenery, villages w local culture, and tasty Mexican food !!
---Looking for a lush/romantic/scenic 1 week vday getaway from grimy loud NYC
---Love romantic ocean views but not keen on sitting on a beach all day or swimming ;p
---Want a few day trips/ruins, but also lots of chill low impact exploring by boat/foot/helicopter
--Don't want to feel isolated, would like to take nice strolls to local markets/sights/food
--relaxing spa that's not too expensive

IDEAL HOTEL SITUATION--Please can you suggest a few that could fit the bill?
---4 star + room with ocean views, balcony, & private jacuzzi. No fear of bugs anywhere pls...
---luxurious beachfront with nice dining options nearby
---Don't want to be isolated where it gets dead by 10pm!! Don't need clubs, but desire a lively atmosphere where we can be out till midnight and still feel a festive vacation vibe around
--Don't want to have to take cabs everywhere, want nice strolls to market/food nearby
---would like to stay in ONE hotel for whole trip if possible and do some day trips.
---not too many kids and families as we are going on a romantic trip =)
---We are open to AI, but think it may be better to try local food/eating out on day trips too?
--Hotel that could offer fun things like private dinner on beach for reasonable rates

QUESTIONS:
1. What city should be our base based on our ideal trip activities? (romantic/scenic/culture/low impact)

2. What do you recommend itinerary-wise to see Mayan Riviera highlights in one week please?

3. What day trips do you recommend? (i.e. don't want to go swimming, like scenic walks)

4. Which hotels fit our reqs? (beachfront walking distance, room w ocean views & jacuzzi)
4a. Any AI's worth it under $150/pp/night?

5. Should we rent a car to explore on own or take tours? don't want long commute daily...

**Ideal budget for our trip is between $3-4K for 6-8 nights hotel/airfare...please help us!

Thanks!!!!
S&S

qwovadis

This luxury hotel features
2 outdoor swimming pools, a spa and a private beach.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/the-...cancun.en.html

My fav but many other options.Prefer Cancun tourist zone safer with more action better spas tour out from there. I do NOT rent cars there to many robos police shakedown for La Mordida(bribes) a real hassle. Driver guides work out better cheaper for me xel-ha.com Chichen Itza 2 good tours.

www.spirit.com first class flights for price of coach cancun.bookit.com excellent packages value.

Happy Planning!

schmerl

The town of Playa del Carmen is perfect for what you describe. There are several boutique type hotels and also condos that fit your description.
For an AI right in Playa look into the Royal Playa del Carmen. It is adults only and right on the beach but may be too big and "busy" for what you want.
The Royal Hideaway is a very romantic adults only AI right on the beach and may be more of what you are looking for. It is not right in Playa, but is not too far out.
Look into Edventure Tours to take you exploring. They have some set tours but will also plan a day around what you want to do. They provide a driver/guide and a wonderful experience.
http://www.edventuretours.com.mx/home/tours.htm

jette

I agree, Playa would be perfect for you but don't go AI. There are way too many great small hotels/restaurants and beach bars to limit yourself to crappy buffet food.

Playa has a lively night life and you can choose between the big clubs or more intimate small bars with live music.

Planning excursions is easy and there are tons of choices, too many to begin to describe them all.

Depending on your budget, there are some gorgeous ocean front condo's and hotels and for a little less, you can stay a block or 2 off the beach but still an easy walk to the Caribbean shore.

http://www.playa.info/index.html
http://www.locogringo.com/

Either of these 2 sites have a wealth of info and a good place to start reaserchi

jette

ack.....Posted too soon.

I meant to say:

good place to start researching all the opportunities.
Lots of Playa experience here too so let us know if you have any more questions or specifics.

silvermist3

Thanks so much for your help!

Question about finding a great NON AI in Cancun or Playa...

We are looking for hotel that most importantly is:
1. super central, within walking distance to main areas/restaurants/markets
2. Luxury room with ocean views, balcony, and private jacuzzi
3. No fear of bugs in room lol, have heard horror stories in nice hotels

Can you recommend any hotels that are under $300/night that fit these 2 requirements? It doesn't matter if its in Cancun or Playa, large or small...just everything we are encountering has been $600 and up because they are AI's...

We are considering the Ritz Carlton in Cancun--any thoughts? Only problem is no balcony/jacuzzi, so other options are much appreciated!

Little_Man

The Ritz does have balconies -- no jacuzzis, but nice balconies. Consider the club level.