DDGTravel

Thank you again for all of these really helpful replies (although I'm now as undecided as ever b/c you all threw very convincing Cozumel arguments into the mix!)

EMD3 - I"ve heard some similar raves about Grand velas. Unfortunately, it's probably about $150/night more than I'd like to spend, as I have two other trips planned for next year - US Northwest pacific coast and China! I know, woe is me. Otherwise I'd be up for the splurge.

Has anyone ever heard of or stayed at Pure Mareazul Riviera Maya? Not too many reviews for it but looks a hotel I'd like, and seems not so pricey (which worries me). Does look a bit far from the action, but I'm assuming I can just take taxis? thoughts?

italy2012

We stay at Aventura Spa Palace on the Riviera Maya. I would agree with all the comments about the food. It is good food but not spectacular. The spa however is spectacular. You can get a taxi from there to Playa Del Carmen or stay at the Palace resort at known as Playacar. Spa is not spectacular but the location is more central for action--adjacent to Calle Cinco (Fifth Avenue) and adjacent to the ferry to Cozumel. There is also a Palace Resorts location in Cozumel. For best rates, I can refer you so you can get the Palace member rates. We will be at Aventura Spa Palace in December.

nanabee

I would not make hotel reservations at Cozumel (unless you plan to make it a trip primarly for diving or snorkeling). If you are at Cancun or PdC then you can take a day trip over to Cozumel.

I would stay at an All-Inclusive or even a local B & B and then check out one or two of the local restaurants in the area that you know are ranked as the best to get the flair of the cooking scene.

legman101

I prefer Riviera Maya. The beach at Maroma Beach is the best I've found in my 3 trips to Cancun. It would also be closer to the ruins at Tulum. I recommend renting a car. The resorts charge a fortune for the excursion to Tulum and I found that you can go on your own and park for @ dollars AND GET IN THE RUINS FOR 5 DOLLARS AS OPPOSED TO PAYING OVER A HUNDRED FOR AN EXCURSION.

emd3

You can not advertise your business here. Your post is going to be removed.

TrvlMaven

Almost as good as an all-inclusive: Playa Escondida in Sayulita, just north of Puerto Vallarta. We spent a week there with a group of friends. The food was so amazing we never went into town for dinner. You've got to love a place where you get up, put on your sunscreen and swimsuit, and never change until you go to bed (we do love sunning/swimming). It is a small, boutique hotel (little cabanas) and a spa on premises. Best bartender in all of Mexico--Jorge makes any hour "hora feliz". Taxi or hike into Sayulita for a real Mexican beach town. We also hired a driver for a tour to the nearby "tequila" distillery and did a sail day trip out of Nuevo Vallarta. Would go back in a heartbeat!