andrews98682

To me, it's an easy call -- Playa over Cancun any day. Cancun is basically Vegas by the sea (minus casinos), a town that was built to be a resort and feels more like it's part of the U.S. than Mexico. Playa is a real town, sort of like Mexico's answer to South Beach in that it has a trendy vibe. But you feel like you're in a foreign country if you're from the U.S. The beach is great and the town is lively, with street performers at night that the 2-year-old will probably enjoy. It's short drive to Tulum, Xel-Ha, X-Caret, Akumal, Puerto Morelos and an easy ferry ride to Cozumel.
One thing: Prices in Playa seemed to be higher than I remember in Puerto Vallarta (which might also be a good option for you) and Cancun, more in the New York range.

goodfellasNYC

I am going solo to Mexico for memorial weekend and debating between Cancun and PDC. I am 32 y.o single male looking for combo of good partying, food,culture and meet friendly locals/tourists (since will be by myself all the time)

Any suggestions would be helpful ?

thanks

MFNYC

Goodfella, consider a hotel in Playa Del Carmen, there are many right off of 5th av (main drag) and on the beach. Cancun may be for a younger party crowd (more of a college scene). PDC has many good restaurants, and a lively night life. It's also near many sights (Tulum, Coba), with easy transportation via Collectivos (public van service).

Little_Man

Seems like I'm the only one who ever puts in a good word for Cancun. I've gone twice before and am so excited to be going back to Cancun this summer. The first time I ever saw the beach there, I was in awe. Couldnt stop drinking in the beauty of the water.

I have also stayed in Playa and love it, too. Its just that I don't like the hotel options there as well as in Cancun. We stayed in a condo there, which was nice, but I missed the luxury hotel experience.

Playa's beach is not as nice, water not quite as pretty. I didn't like the beach experience at Mamitas: packed in like sardines, and the water was too calm. And as a 40 something American woman I was surprised to find that I felt a little uncomfortable around all the topless women! Not that there's anything wrong at all with it, just my native New England modesty~!

In sum, Playa is the more interesting town; Cancun is the better resort. Depends on what you want. This year I'm looking forward to the Cancun Ritz Carlton. Will rent a car and spend a day in Playa and drive down to Tulum, which has the most incredible beach I've ever had the pleasure to see.

Either way, the whole area is my favorite to go...

tatarin77

I agree with Little_Man. I have been to both Playa and Cancun and while I agree that Playa has more of a mexican feel Cancun's beaches are by far better. I have been all around Carribean and the beaches In Cancun are as beautiful as some of the best ones in the Carribean. I'm talking pool clear and aquamarine water with super clean and powder like sand. Also the resorts in Cancun are amazing. If you want luxury and exceptional beach then Cancun is your choice. I recommend Ritz Carlton - has the best stretch of sand and clear aquamarine water. Fiesta Americana Coral Reef is nice too but the beach is not as nice. These are 5 star non-inclusive resorts which is how we like it. I'm not a fan of all inclusive mediocre food when there are so many options all around.

Plus Cancun is 15 minutes from the airport whereas Playa is an hour. People are complaining about Cancun either 1. stayed at crappy AI resort 2. stayed in the wrong area of Cancun. Only Ocean side of Cancun has the best beaches with the aquamarine water I mentioned. The rest of the area has crappy beaches as it's looking at the lagoon. If you look at the map of cancun hotel zone is like a shape of number 7. The best beaches are along the leg of number 7 - right in the middle. The head of 7 has crappy beaches.

Bitter

If you decide on PDC, it seems to me to be a bit of a waste to stay in a all inclusive, b/c there are so many good places to eat there.

tom42

If I was staying at an all-inclusive, I'd be less concerned about location (Playa vs. Cancun) and more concerned about the facilities, rooms, dining options and beach at the resort.

Bitter

excellent point, tom42.

Elainee

We have stayed in them all...Cancun, Akumal, Tulum. All good! Even stayed at Marriott, JP and Ritz C. Hotels in Cancun very nice, great beach, just like staying in Miami but better beaches. No surprises, very easy with baby, excellent ac and services.
Next week we are staying in ai Tulum. That is good also. But check to be sure resort has crib, high chair, ac, maybe someone to watch child while you have "date night" dinner, food child will eat, place to buy diapers, etc. Plus safe baby water area!!! or maybe you are still into bucket of sea water for kid to splash.

tom42

A lot of people make the comparison of Cancun to Miami Beach. I get it but I actually prefer Miami Beach over Cancun. I think Miami Beach has more character than Cancun. That being said, I've been to Cancun a number of times, mostly as a convenient middle ground to meet a friend who lives in Merida. I may be going back this summer but am looking into PDC, Isla Mujeres or Playa Morelos.

andrews98682

Actually, I thought Playa had more of a South Beach feel than Cancun.