aria

Hi! We're joining a tour for 10 days fr Mexico city to Merida. We have 2 days & 1 night free after the tour. My friend & I want to cap it off by staying at a nice hotel on the last evening before departing at the Cancun Airport. We're thinking Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Isla ...or maybe you have another suggestion? What hotel? Any suggestions on how to perfectly cap off a Mexican visit? thanks!

Diana

Isla and Playa are about the same as far as difficulty/ease of getting to Cancun.

With Isla, you have to deal with the ferry schedules (quick ride over) and with PDC you have to get a taxi, take the bus or a collectivo.

It depends. PDC is MUCH more active and busier than IM, but it is certainly not anywhere near Cancun-busy. It has a fun beach, lots of bars, restaurants and shopping, and a all-ages interntional crowd. Hotels: Playa Maya, Deseo, Mosquito Blue

Isla is very laid back and funky - a perfect place to unwind or decompress. It has the best beach there (imho) in Mexico. There are some shops and good places to eat and some fun beach bars too. Hotels: Na Balam, Media Luna, Cabanas Maria del Mar.

I personally would go with IM. We're headed to PDC, IM and Tulum for two weeks next Saturday.

If you stay in PDC, Chichen Itza, Tulum or Coba ruins would be a good way to end the trip if you have not been.

Little_Man

and I prefer Playa to Isla! (sorry Diana! )
Decide what you like; if you like big fancy resort hotels, Cancun's great -- I love it!

summer04

I would stay in an AI in Playa del Carmen area (lots in Playacar which is right next to PDC). That way, you wouldn't have to worry about finding restaurants and do some shopping in PDC.

dougout

With such a a short time frame, I would just stay in Cancun. Take a quick trip to IM if you like but, otherwise just enjoy the playa! Have fun.

aria

THANKS folks! how far is playa fr the cancun airport?

dougout

45 to 55 minutes.

Len3

If you decide on Cancun - the Marriott Casa Magna is a grand slam!