I was in Playa del Carmen for the 2006 holidays and here are a few observations, which I hope will help anyone planning a trip to PDC:
FOOD: The prices are very reasonable for food. Chicago, Brunos, Sur and La DeVino were our best meals. Babes Noodles is over rated- as is Limones and La Parilla.
SHOPPING: Fifth Avenue is fun and happening, but wears old after a few visits. There are hundreds of stores which have the same tourist stuff. Look around and always negotiate a better price. They love to bargain and expect to do so.
If you need anything go to Wal-Mart. From food to beach chairs-they have everything you have forgotten.
BEACH: The water is not like the typical Carribean as in Cayman, Anquilla etc. It's lovely but not calm or see to the bottom beautiful.
HOTELS: I stayed in a villa on the beach, but explored the resorts. If you have any specific questions, please ask and I will fill you in with details.

Did you use the collectivos? My husband is reluctant to use them but I have being crammed on a tour bus with 50 other people, getting off and not being able to hear the tour guide.

Sorry that should read hate being crammed...

I've used the colectivos several times. You may well end up being crammed with Mexican workers, depending on the time of day. Despite the sometimes cramped conditions, it's a great way to get around the coast of the Yucatan.

Hi what villa did you rent? Anything you recommend? I was considering a villa in Playacar but wasn't sure the distance to all the action on Fifth Ave....

Just to clarify Kath, the collectivos are not tour vans. They are the primary transportation up and down the coast generally used by the locals but very cheap, reliable and easy to use for tourists. There is no tour guide. You simply tell the driver where you want him to stop as you get on and then flag one down for the return trip. These vans run pretty much all day.
The ADO bus terminal also has regular bus routes up and down the coast for slightly more $$. These are regularly scheduled bus routes so fewer departure and arrival times and they don't provide quite the flexibility if you simply want to play your day trips by the set of your pants. They are, however, not crowded and a little more "lux".

Thanks Jette. I want to avoid that 60 people around a tour guide yelling at them experience. Catching the collectivo to our destination (Tulum or a cenote)seems straight forward but getting home is what has my husband balking at the idea.He is worried that we will be stranded there.

I used to rent a cab & driver at 1/2 day rates. I've been going to the area for almost 30 years. for the adventurist it has changed for the worst. For those that just want a carefree all inclusive vacation. The area is great. BS

allenson: my family of four, kids ages 5 and 8, are planning a trip to PDC in the next few months.
Are there any hotels that you would recommend for a family?
Is the water too rough for kids..in your opinion, of course?
Off the beach snorkeling is our top priority!!
Thanks,
Val

Hi all-

I rented a villa though vacationrentals.com. They list all of the houses in Playacar Phase One, which are all lovely and luxurious homes on or a few steps from the beach and a 10 minute walk to the heart of 5th Avenue. Playacar Phase One is a gated community in the heart of PDR. Great for families and most of the houses have swimming pools.

To Snorkel Family: We too are a water oriented family. Playa del Carmen is not for that. Most everyone takes the ferry (30 minutes) from PDR to Cozemal where the water is better for children for it's clarity and calmness.

Taking the collectivos is a nightmare. Hot and crowded. Better to take a mini-tour or best is to
negotiate a flat rate with a taxi. We found this the best way to get around. Less than $30 round trip to Tulum. We had the driver stop a couple of times on the way. It's a great way to go. We chatted with a couple of taxi drivers that line up on 5th Avenue. We found quite a few that jumped at the chance to make side trips for very little money. Also- Cancun Limo is fantastic to hire an Econovan with a driver for the day. That can accomodate a couple of families-for about $70 round trip to Tulum.
Also- the roads are quite good in the coast. Car rentals are plentiful and inexpensive.

For Hotels- They are mostly large all inclusives on the coast. We explored quite a few and liked the ambiance of Essencia (sp?) It was a lovely spot for families- but not too huge.

allenson: thanks for the reply. For a water oriented family, if not PDC, where do you suggest staying that has excellent snorkeling right in front???
Val

We also spent the holiday week in PDC. We rented a Condo and loved it. The ocean was actually very calm for several days. So calm that my kids couldn't use their boogies boards (which we pruchased for all of 50 cents at Chedrui store (sp?)). The last couple of days it became very rough, so it really can go either way.

As far as snorkelling, years ago we stayed at Barcelo and it had a fabulous beach, with a pier on one of the far ends which did have decent snorkelling. From what I've read, there is good beach snorkelling in Akumel and Cozumel.

ANd Allen is right about bargaining. Those little tourist shops jack up the price quite a bit. I found that if you go in the nicer stores, to the south of the ferry pier in the little mall type shopping area, they don't bargain, but their prices are already reasonable.

We will be going in June, Cancun or Playa del Carmen, and my boys want to stay at an AI on the beach. My husband and I stayed at Moon Palace before, loved it, but not a very good beach! Any good AI in PDC?