Is Playa Del Carmen a party town?
 

Am thinking of sending my parents to a resort in PDC, but with them being close to 60, am wondering if this is mostly a party place or a nice city to visit and see things outside of the resort too? How far are the ruins, approximately? Thanks.

Depends on the resort; have any in mind?

My husband and I are mid to late 50's and spent a night recently in Playa. I'm sure there are places to party, but there are also wonderful restaurants and quiet bars to have a drink in.

Sorry, we're thinking of Paradisus Riviera. Any comments on the location or resort? I'm hoping they will enjoy it.

Paradisus sounds fine, except for the beach, seaweedy. And it's a bit out on it;s own. Tulum's about 45 minutes away.
If someone was sending me to the area to an all inclusive, I'd rather be closer to Playa, for instance in Playacar.
Playa, or Cancun, for that matter, can either be a party place or a relaxing vacation spot with good restaurants.

I'm taking my parents who are 77 and 82 to PDC for New Year's Eve. They'll be staying at our condo but I have no reservations about them walking around town or going to the beach. There are some spots in PDC that have a younger crowd but there are all ages there. Last trip I saw several people with their oxygen tanks in town. That's why it's such a great place.

Paradisus Riviera is closer to Cancun than PDC. Playacar (footsteps from the town of PDC), is a better location. Most of the resorts there are family friendly, and some are adults only. I'm sure there are places in town with a lively party scene, but it wouldn't be a party scene in the resorts in that area (although most do have discos and c=night clib activities).

PDC/Playacar is about 20 minutes from Tulum.

It can offer you party-type atmosphere in a variety of places, if that's what you're after. It can also offer you quieter, more relaxing places, if that's what you prefer. You don't get the party sort of right there in your face on a regular basis more like, say, Cancun, but you can certainly find it, if you like.

Steve

Thanks to everyone for their input. How is the location of the Royal Hideaway? Any feedback on the resort itself?

Royal Hideaway is in Playacar which is adjacent to PDC. It's a beautiful resort which has just earned the AAA five diamond award. Lucky you if that's where you're staying.

Royal Hideaway is one of the top resorts in the PDC. I would have no problem sending my parents there.

I would recommend getting Laura & Perry's map(s) from www.cancunmap.com I order their news ones every year.

They're just wonderful maps, w/ tons of info on them. They show where all of the hotels are, as well as restaurants, bars, ATMs, banks, taxi rates....

The 'Hotel Locator' on their website is pretty handy too (just a note -- they tend to be a bit behind w/ some of the new/changed hotels on the Hotel Locator section. But, the actual maps that you order have the most current info on them). Also, if you click on the hotel name in that section, they usually have an aerial photo of the property.

Jackie