Favorite NonAI Hotel in Mayan Riviera?
 

hello
my wife and i are planing a trip in Feb to Mayan Riv. What is your favorite hotel to stay. We wan't something classy, not AI, but also want to get a good deal... any recommendations are appreciated...

Numerous small hotels in Playa-need more information-price range, on or off beach, pool-anything else important or not important.

Good one on the beach, Playa Maya Hotel. Off the beach with a nicer pool, La Tortuga.
NICE on the beach, El Faro, NICE off the beach, Mosquito Blue. Many, Many other choices.

Paraiso de la Bonita
Hotel Deseo
Aventura Spa Palace

How do those mentioned above compare to Shangri-La Caribe? I have heard good things about it...

As for the hotels I mentioned, the difference between them and Shangri La Caribe is location, with all of them being IN town, as opposed to the 'outskirts' of town, and the size. The one's I mentioned are much, much smaller than the Shangri La. Hotel Deseo is also in town and VERY small with only 15 rooms...Paraiso de la Bonita is probably the must elegant and expensive, but is 23 miles from Playa Del Carmen, and Aventura Spa Palace is also VERY large and out a good ways from town. I've heard good things about Shangri La too, but have not stayed there so can't say first hand.

I have stayed at SLC and it is walkable to town -- just about a 10 minute walk down the beach. We really liked the SLC and it was an incredible value. We usually stay at more upscale places (2nd half of the trip went to Royal Hideaway) but I loved the "barefoot" elegance of SLC, the Mexican ambience, the very tropical, escapist feel to it. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price -- breakfast was a great buffet or order off the menu, dinner was mediocre so if you go there, plan to visit some restaurants in town. SLC had once of the best beaches I saw -- better than the Playacar area which was too crowded, and better than the ones right in town which I thought were also too crowded, eroded, and didn't like all the boats pulled right up on the beach (hard to walk the beach). My husband didn't like the lack of A/C, although I liked the ocean breezes and sleeping with all the windows open at night, listening to the ocean. Also, no T.V.'s or phones which some people don't like. A wonderful place for the $$!

Eileen--
Just saw your post--how did you like RH? We just booked our next vacation there for next spring.
Thanks.

We were only able to get a garden level room for ShanriLa Caribe. Any experience with this? We are on a waitlist for penthouse or beachfront but they said the chances are low. Any suggestions about good activities to do while staying at Shanri La Caribe?

Hi..just saw your post regarding RH and even thoughI am not Eileen ,we visited RH the last weekend in May.You will really like it.My fiance and I went for a long weekend and I was a bit reluctant ..I dont typically like all-inclusives.The ocean was phenominal and great to swim in...the beach was great,too. Breakfast at spices was super and service throughout the resort was consistent.Our rooom could have used a bit of an update ,but since Im picky about room quality, one could overlook that comment.We had a fabulous couples massage at the spa and I would do it again in a minute. Overall, great place .In fact, we are talking about a quick beach trip to this area again and even though we would like to try somewhere different....RH is hard to bypass. Have fun and I would be happy to address any questions you might have.

Blair--thanks for your comments. I've been reluctant to try an AI because of food quality, but I've heard raves about the food there. The massage sounds great, can't wait to try it. Was there ever any trouble getting chairs with covers on the beach--i know in some places you have to go out really early because they get snapped up. Thanks again, and happy Thanksgiving!

Not in my experience.We had no trouble getting anything ...beach chairs included.The ocean was so clear and perfect to swim in that we actually spent a lot less time than normal in our beach chairs.The resort was not that crowded when we were there and it was really peaceful.If you have any other questions feel free to ask and Happy thanksgiving to you as well!

What is the cost factor at RH compared to Shangri La Caribe?

I've never stayed at either Royal Hideaway or Shangrila Caribe, but I'm sure that RH is at least twice as much money, if not more. They really aren't very similar properties. RH is one of the finest all inclusive properties in Mexico. Shangrila Caribe just isn't in the same league. That being said, I know I'd be way more comfortable in the latter.

RH was very expensive! We have settled on Shangri La Caribe. Seems great! Unfortunately we only have a garden room (all others taken) but this will save us a bit of money and we don't plan to spend much time in the room anyway...

ttt

Would like to hear more input on non-AI hotels in Playa del Carmen. Beach front is a must.