liza

Hi,

We're going to be staying at the Omni in Cancun in November.

I think we're more "south of Cancun" types and the things that look interesting to us to do are in that area, so since we don't have a choice in hotel, we're thinking about renting a car. Orbitz shows several options at $150 or so for the week from ACE - has anyone used this company?

We've rented a car and driven in Jamaica so I'm guessing Mexico won't be difficult...can anyone share their experience on car rental and driving conditions in the Yucatan?

Also, if we have a car, is it fairly easy to get to localsy places to eat from the Hotel Zone, say into Cancun itself?

Many thanks....

zootsi

We rented in Playa, got our best price on the web from Alamo. I assume your quote didn't include insurance? We payed about $329 for 5 days with full coverage. From what I've heard, getting full coverage is a wise thing to do in Mexico. Driving in this area was pretty simple, although the 1 & 2/3 lane wide highway took a little getting used to. The narrower right hand lane is for slower traffic like busses, the wider left lane was for the speedier drivers. There was quite a range of speeds that different vehicles travelled at, and the left hand blinker has many different meanings. However all in all driving was fine.

liza

Thanks for the info - i think that quote did not include insurance and from what i've read we will want it.

Do you recall the prices of the toll roads? I'm hearing stuff like $50US???

Diana

Hi Liza,

I have also heard good things about Executive rental. You'll have no problems driving there.

The main road (307) is wide, flat and straight and the drivers pale in comparison to JA's. They drive FAST, but are pretty courteous. I don't know of any toll roads in the area, but I am sure $50 is not right - maybe 50 p. (about $4 and change.)

I think you will really like the areas south of Cancun. We go every year for 2 to 3 weeks.

Check out Puerto Morelos, Akumal, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Be sure to plan to stop at one of the cenotes to swim/snorkel; go to Yalku Lagoon in Akumal - La Buena Vida for lunch; get one of the co-op fishermen to take you snorkeling on the virgin reef at Puerto Morelos - lunch at Pelicano's; go first thing in the morning to the Tulum ruins and then work on your "all over tan" on the stunning Tulum beaches (nearly deserted) - lunch at Zama's or Oscar y Lalo on your way back; plan a day trip to Playa del Carmen's cool and trendy beach for shopping and/or bar-hopping - lunch at Babe's or Hemingway's or La Parilla.

You MUST take the ferry over to Isla Mujeres while you are there. It is the closest place I've found to Negril in Caribbean Mexico with an amazing beach that rivals Seven Mile. Lunch at Sergio's Playa Sol or Sunset Grill on the beach. See if you can locate Maria the pumpkin seed lady. Fresh baked pumpkin seeds fresh from the oven that she squeezes lime juice on - yum! Give me a Dos Equis Lager Especial and conch ceviche and my toes in the sand and I'm in heaven!

I think you're going to be surprised how much you will like the area. It's very bohemian, international, laid back and funky - and the people are so friendly. It will be interesting to hear your impressions when you get back.

RobertSDF

Executive car rental is great (www.executive.com.mx), as far as I am concerned. Just be certain you are fully covered on the insurance. This is very important.
The toll roads are expensive but don't recall the exact numbers. I sometimes find it more interesting to use the other roads and see a bit more of Mexico.
I am also a "south of Cancun" type--I get way south as quickly as possible.

zootsi

We drove 307 from Cancun airport all the way to Tulum - I can't recall any tolls at all.

liza

Thanks all, I appreciate the info. The car bit was beginning to scare me, some sites are quite anti-driving, horror stories of Mexican police looking for bribes and accidents where everyone goes to jail.....

arbegold

You've gotten great advise. Shop around for car rentals. In Jan. we rented from Avis and got a great deal. If you're into ruins the best place is Chichen Itza. That was a "cuota" toll road. It was a pleasant but boring
2 1/2 hour drive, but well worth it. There were no tolls on the roads to Tulum or Coba

liza

OK...next question? AI is offered at this hotel for $75/day/pp.

Do we have inexpensive options in the area for dining other than McDonalds and Subway or similar American chain fast food?

It sounds like hopping a bus into town for real Mexican food that's inexpensive isn't that big a deal...would you agree?

We'll need to be in Cancun for at least 3 days of the 7 (leaving us only 3 to really explore the area to the south with the car). I understand the hotel's restaurants and bars are very expensive, and if we were to stay on-resort all the time we'd do better to take their AI plan, but is getting authentic and cheap Mex food difficult?

Little_Man

It is very easy to hop on a bus and go downtown for some good food!
If you're away from the hotel a lot, not sure if Al is a good deal...
also, hopefully someone who knows the Omni better may have an idea of closer places for a quick bite.

das

There are excellent restaurants in Cancun and they beat the buffets at the all inclusive. Let year we bought a 2 X 1 dining card that saved us a lot. Check it out at http://www.cancun-discounts.com/canc...count-card.htm

Have fun.