will be staying at Iberostar Paraiso de Mar in Nov.Would love any info on this resort, daytrips, safety getting around,how's the food, is it difficult not knowing the language? Any tips on must see attractions?
Thanks.

We were at the IB Del Mar last Christmas. We had a great time. The IB Paraiso complex is really four resorts. The Del Mar and the Beach share all facilities. The Lindo and Maya share facilities and guests of those hotels can use all the facilities at the Del Mar and Beach also. Guests of the Del Mar and Beach will not be served food or drinks on the Lindo/ Maya side.
For a seven night stay at the Del Mar you can get three ala carte dinner reservations. MAKE THOSE RESERVATIONS AS SOON AS YOU GET THERE. We enjoyed the Japanese restaurant and the Mediterranean.
They have since opened a gourmet restaurant at the Beach .
The best breakfast buffet is in the main rrestaurant close to the lobby. There is a smaller buffet closer to the beach.
The pool at the Del Mar is fantastic and HUGE. We stayed in building 15 which is half way between the beach and the lobby/restaurant area.
The beach is great. There are rocks in the water directly in front of the Del Mar. Just walk down the beach toward the Lindo and you'll be fine.
Go to the Commercial Center--that is where the disco is. There is also a taco place, a crepe and ice cream place, and a hamburger place there in addition to shops. All the food and drinks there are included at no extra charge.
For tons of great information, go to
http://www.iberostar-board.com/boards/index.php

I am travelling to the area in three days for a week.

I would love to give you info, but could you specify your e-mail. Some sites have messaging service, but I guess not this one.

It is my first visit as well. I can't comment on the resort, but would share other info.

So far, I have come accross information that it is advisable to rent a car as the region is not well serviced by public transport. Many do caution against driving at night because of hazards in the road such as livestock and potholes that could strand you if you hit them. Lighting is also not good on the roads outside the populated areas.

I would bring a translator guidebook just in case. I have called my resort twice and have had communication problems with simple questions. I am trying a crash course in Spanish to get the basics in time.

I was surprised to see that seafood is not as popular as I would think with locals, but it is with tourists. This might not bode well for good quality in some places if the locals don't patronize.

I have seen good reviews for restaurants on the Isla Mujeres.

hi dotgale, check out www.locogringo.com they are a font of info on whats available to do in the area. from horseback or atv tours in the jungle to ruins or a butterfly farm. you can see jaguars in the x-caret marine park. the snorkeling/diving in general is outstanding. you will be able to rent a car whenever you want from your front desk. tulum ruins would be a good excursion or you can go further into the jungle to coba ruins by car or tour. there is a zip line somewhere near playa. you can take a ferry over to cozumel for duty free shopping. lots to pick from... i go on sunday. YEEEHA!

The Iberostar is between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. You can rent a car but if you do please be aware that the driving rules of the road are a bit different in Mexico. I always rent a car but am careful with driving. I do not drive at night if it can be helped but the livestock situation generally does not occur on the highway 307 which is the only highway running down the coast. The public transportation system in Mexico is quite good and inexpensive. There are collectivos that travel down the highway from Cancun and south which are very inexpensive ways to get around - generally a white van which is used by locals and tourists alike. It can get crowded during the times of day when the workers are traveling to and from jobs. There is also a bus system that travels all over Mexico. Taxis are another method of traveling around. The Iberostar has a shuttle that travels to PDC. Unless you plan on going inland to some of the ruins you will most likely stay on the highway which has come a long way in recent years and is two lanes in each direction for the most part. If you travel to other parts of MX than you may have problems with lit roads etc but I doubt you would go there. Be aware that there are not gas stations on every corner as there are here. Pemex is the gov't owned gas station and they are also up and down the highway but not an abundance of them. There is much to see. If it's your first time you may want to take a tour from the Iberostar or one of the tour companies around the region like Alltournative or Playainfo. There's so much to see and do that you couldn't even make a dent in it during a week. Safety as far as going to the small towns on the coast is fine...don't do anything there that you wouldn't do at home. The food in Playa Del Carmen is varied and has many excellent choices from Mexican, Italian, Asian and everything in between. Most people in the resorts and in town speak English and most restaurants take USD or pesos. Pemex does not take USD as far as I know.

Tip - when you're in the Cancun airport. Get your luggage and go straight outside looking for your transfer. Ignore the people behind the counter on your sides - they are trying to sell timeshares! Look straight ahead and keep walking. lol