Isla mujeres versus Playa del Carmen
 

We are family (all adults)that would like to go to Mexico at the end of May-beginning of June.
We were wondering where to go either Isla Mujeres or Playa del Carmen, but we are open for suggestions. How is the weather this time of the year? Was there damage due to the Hurricane? and which of the places is more authentic (less Touristy)?

Thank You, Dor

just one vote for Playa...I liked Isla for a day trip, to tool around the island on a golf cart and do a little snorkeling, but was so glad we didnt stay overnight. The island didn't feel as friendly to me as the mainland, felt dirtier too.
I know there are tons of Isla lovers out there, and I'm prob. in the minority, but that's just one person's opinion...

Ditto. I like Playa del Carmen very much. Isla Mujeres is great for a day trip and ride the carts. We bought the book traveling for dummies in Cancun and used it every where. The restaurants they suggested were perfect. Lots of European food and very good. We also did a cenotes suggested in the book and it was off the beaten path but one of the best things we did. If your adventurous rent a car, going with the pack is a drag...If you want more info e-mail me at [email protected]. I think the weather is hot..There was some damage but I don't know how much or the many places were damaged.

Another vote for Playa, although it has been a couple of years for me since I was in either place, I loved PDC and the surrounding area. Rent a car and see Tulum and some of the other local sites.

Hmmm. It depends.

I have been to both quite a few times.

Night life - PDC
Quaint - IM
Beach - IM (but PDC's is NICE!)
Shopping - PDC
People watching - PDC
Snorkeling - IM (or a day trip from PDC)
Less touristy - IM

I love them both. When I wanna party, it's PDC. When I want to decompress, it's IM.

Why not go for longer and split up the time? That's what we usually do...

If you settle on IM, check out casa de suenos.

Thank you very much everybody. your responses were helpful. We decided to split the vacation to both places. we are thinking about staying in Hotel Playa la Media Luna in IM. Casa de Suenos looks beautiful but bit expensive (we need 3 rooms). Does anybody have suggestions for a hotel in PDC? in the $100-$200 price range.

Much appreciated, Dorit

Good choice! =D>

On IM, look at Secreto - $$$, Media Luna -$$, Na Balam -$$, Cabanas Maria del Mar - $ - all close to Playa Norte. (I have stayed at all.)

In PDC, look at Playa Maya - $$, Mosquito Blue - $$, Deseo - $$ and Las Palapas - $$$.

All above are in your range pricewise.

What hotels in playa del carmen would you recommedn for a family of four with two sons 19 and 21. we do not want an all inclusive and prefer not to stay in a hoel with 400+ rooms

See post above yours...

Basj, I was just looking into similar for a family of 4 (2 teens). I ended up booking a 3 bedroom Xaman Ha condo. It's on the beach and has a pool with a swim up bar. No restaurant, but PDC is a 5 minute walk. There are other condo options as well, some further from town, some in town and some on the newer developed north end of town. I was specifically looking for something family friendly, very near town with a pool and on the beach. Given all that I narrowed it down to Xaman Ha pretty easily.

Does anybody knows how is "Viva Wyndham Azteca"- all inclusive resort. Is it close to PDC, walking distance?
How is it comparing to "Barcelo Maya Colonial and Tropical Beach"?
Is there other recomended all inclusive?

Lots of thanks, Dor

check out the Villas Sacbe condos. Very nice.
The AI's mentioned above may be ok, but I wouldn't go to them...especially Barcelo.