Trying to plan family Christmas with 3 college students -- is Cozumel or Riviera Maya better - we like beautiful beaches, snorkeling, good food and nightlife (music not shows!). All inclusive hotel choices in Coz are Iberostar or Grand Coz; and in Riv. Maya - new Iberostar Paraiso Lindo, Moon Palace, or Xpu-Ha. What kind of weather can we expect in Dec.? Would greatly appreciate your help and suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Cozumel is very easy to visit, especially if you stay near playa del carmen so you certainly can check out both places if you stay in either. Moon Palace is closest to Cancun but not on the main hotel strip. It's a lovely resort and the food was pretty good for an AI, but the beach is very seaweedy (which may or may not be a concern of yours). I know the location of Xpu Ha (but haven't been, I was up the road at Barcelo). It is about a 15-20 minute can cab ride to Playa Del Carmen. I would imagine your college kids would enjoy being near a town with a little night life. The nearest town to Xpu Ha is Puerto Adventuras which isn't much of a town at all, just kind of a manmade village for tourists. The Iberostar you mention looks lovely, but also is a bit out of the way.

I know this doesn't exactly answer your question, but maybe helps a bit.

We go to Cozumel every winter. It would be my recommendation. I think you will find the snorkeling better there than Riv Maya. The two ALs that you mention are a bit far out of town which I find unhandy, but it depends on your needs. We like to run into town for groceries, email, breakfast or a movie if its raining. There are so many great inexpensive restaurants in San Miguel that I wouldn't recommend an AL unless its a very good deal with your kids. The food gets quite redundent very fast. Its fun going into town in the evening to walk around, have dinner, shop for silver, and just enjoy interaction with locals. I think you will find much more holiday, family spirit in Cozumel than Riv. Maya at Christmas because San Miguel isn't just a tourist locale. It is a beautiful little town where real people live. A condo might be a good alternative to the AL.

It could be a bit rainy in December, but nothing to worry about. It will be the same in either Cozumel or Riv. Maya.

If you have more questions about Cozumel, email me at [email protected]

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately the only non-AIs in Coz my agent can get are Fiesta Americana or Playa Azul -- what do you think of those properties? The AI with 3 big eaters & drinkers (hubby & 2 sons LOL) is quite attractive and Iberostar for the dine around options.

Have you considered any of the AI in Playacar (minutes from downtown PDC)? If your agent has limited resources, maybe you could call another, or try booking yourself. Many people here recommend funjet and apple vacations for online booking.

Are you planning on getting two rooms? Rooms for five are difficult to come by.

If it was me, I'd find an all-inclusive in Playacar. Either a fairly short walk or a five minute cab ride into the town of Playa Del Carmen, which has many great bars and restaurants. The beach is better than Coz. Snorkeling is better on Coz, but the ferry is only 45 minutes. Being on the mainland makes it easier for other sightseeing.

Jean

Thanks! Yes, we're planning on getting two rooms!

Any suggestions for AIs in Playacar?

It may be more economical for you family to stay at an AI if your husband and two sons and big eaters and drinkers. Check out applevacations.com for their rates. They usually have pretty good packages.

In Playacar the popular ones mentioned here are the Iberostar, Gala and Rui (I think they have 2 there now).

I'd recommend the Riu Playacar. It's a beautiful newer AI right on the beach. If you stay here, you can visit the two other Riu Resorts including the Riu Tequila (across the street). The entertainment at most AI resorts is basically shows - some fun, some cheesy. Your best bet for nightlife if you stay at the Playcar is to walk (1/2 hr) or take a cab ($5) to downtown Playa del Carmen. There you'll find plenty of bars, clubs, music, restaurants and nightlife. I loved our trip there last year (stayed at Riu Tequila) and will be returning within a few years!

We stayed at the Continental Plaza last year and enjoyed the beach and the town nearby with good nightlife. This year we are bringing my two brother and mom and her friend and we are staying at Leslies Condos which is part of Xaman Ha Condos it is pretty reasonable, great location and fits all of us with a kitchen if we decide to cook.

In Cozumel, Playa Azul is a lovely property in a good location only about 1 1/2 miles north of town. It would be my choice of the non-AL. The Grand is a new property and really beautiful. What is the "dine around" option?

Try Gran Porto Real in PDC, you can walk into town, it's a favorite and they have many return, happy customers.

Porto Real has a bad reputation for over booking and then sending people to another resort. Even breaking up groups. I wouldn't book it over the holidays when they are so busy.

Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions! Had agent recheck and were able to get a good non-AI rate at El Presidente Cozumel, which I think we'll take as it's only 500 more than Playa Azul which might be a little small with 3 young adults! (The dine-around option allows you to eat at other, affiliated AI resorts.)

Now that we've decided on a hotel, any car rental recommendations? What are your favorite restaurants? Bars? Clubs? Do we need water shoes for snorkeling? THANK, you're all great!

Send me an email with your address and I'll email to you my things to see and do in Cozumel information sheet. Its something I've put together for friends and family who visit with restaurants, shopping, etc.

We rent our car from SMART car rental. They have 1/2 price deals with a coupon from the Internet web site.

You'll like El Presidente. Its nice.

[email protected]

Hello!!!

We are from Mexico and my husband and I just came back from Cancun and Riviera Maya. In Cancun we stayed at Presidente Intercontinental it has a great beach very calm and nice.
In Puerto Aventuras (40 minutes from Cancun) at the Aventura Spa Palace this resort is an all inclusive and it's just for adults. You will have a great time there, a lot of activities, nice food, the best spa in LatinAmerica you should try it!!
good Luck!