We just got back from a four night stay in Isla Mujeres, Mexico over the Thanksgiving weekend. First time to that island, although we've been to Cancun several times (mostly because we have a friend who lives in Merida). We loved it. Great little island. It's only about 5 miles long. We stayed at Privilege Aluxues hotel on Playa Norte, Beautiful beach. The hotel was very nice, although I do not recommend booking a standard room. We reserved a suite (which was only $40 more than the standard room) but reserved a second room at the standard category for our friends. It was very small, had no balcony and overlooked a side street. I was embarassed because they spent a lot of money on the room. The hotel's website should more accurately describe a standard room. On the other hand, the suite was very spacious and had a separate bedroom and huge balcony overlooking the pool and, in the distance, the ocean. The property itself is very nice. Breakfast was included and it was good - omelette station and all of the usual breakfast buffet options. The hotel is walking distance from the ferry and also walking distance into town. Lots of restaurant options in town - one main street that is pedestrian only with enough restaurants, bars, and shops to keep you busy. The most fun part of the stay was renting a golf cart and exploring the island. Golf carts seem to be the preferred mode of transportation on the island, along with scooters. We rented at a place next to our hotel and for $40 (US) we had use of the cart for about 6 hours. We drove around the island and ended up at Punta Sur, which has some amazing scenery and views. Really stunning. The weather was perfect - partly cloudy each day with highs in low 80s and lows in mid70s.


For us, this was a perfect island for a long weekend.

By the way, if anyone is thinking of a trip to Mexico, this is a great time to go. The Mexican peso exchange rate to US dollar is 20:1. Everything is so cheap now for Americans. Not sure about the impact on all-inclusives, but if you don't go that route, you will find both food and drinks to be incredibly inexpensive with the exchange rate.

tom42, how does one get there? Fly to cancun then bus/ferry?

Nice report with lots of good tips. Sounds like a nice getaway. Glad you enjoyed it, tom

20:1! I think it was 10:1 when I was last there (at least the math was easier ). Is snorkeling decent around there, or did you notice?

Thanks for the report. Not many people report on Isla Mujeres.

Bitter - from the Cancun airport you take a taxi to Puerto Juarez and catch the ferry. The ferry runs very frequently - every thirty minutes and it takes about twenty minutes to cross. Once you arrive on Isla Mujeres there is a taxi stand - although we walked since our hotel was less than a 5 minute walk away.

And yes, 20:1. Last time I was there it was about 12:1.

Glad you had a good trip, tom42! Happy to read your report.

Glad you had a good trip. I'm going to Puerto Vallarta next week, but always need to start planning another trip, so thanks for the report.

Bitter already asked, but I'll ask again. Any good snorkeling?

Regarding the snorkeling- I didn't do any but my understanding is that the snorkeling is pretty good there.

Thanks for the posting.

Glad you had a nice time.

Glad you enjoyed. IM is truly one of my favorite islands.

In regards to snorkeling, IM isn't known for it's snorkeling but it can be done if it's not too windy (the north winds will be coming soon). Also, I'd stick to the west side of the island as the windward side can be down right dangerous. Ask the locals where you can find good snorkeling or head to the mainland or Cozumel to snorkel.