Just returned from a 10-day honeymoon trip to Playa del Carmen. We stayed at Porto Real. If anyone is looking for info on the area or what to do I?d by happy to share my opinions. In summary Playa del Carmen was a good trip. There?s plenty to do in the area if you need more activity than just relaxing in the resort. We ventured out to two ruins which were great, went on a very fund 4 wheel jungle tour, and loved Xcaret and Xel-ha. We also ventured to Cozumel but weren?t able to snorkel due to very bad weather. We still had plenty of time to relax and enjoy resort activities. Porto Real was a nice enough resort, but I probably would not stay there again. The thing that bothered me about Mexico most was being harassed by the locals to buy things or go into shops ? this was especially rough when walking down 5th avenue. Also, it did rain everyday ? usually for about 20 minutes it then it would stop, but there was at least one day that was a washout. Any questions let me know.

We are looking at the Porto Real in January. Why was it just okay? We are looking for a long beach, hopefully an ocean view room, not many kids, a smaller property and some a la carte restaurant so we don't have to live on buffets all the time. Would the Porto Real meet the grade?

Hi..Any info.comment on the Porto Real would be greatly appreciated.

We stayed at the Porto Real for 10 days during our honeymoon. The staff was friendly, the hotel was clean, and the food was average. The rooms and d&eacute;cor were nice. The “junior suite” term may be misleading, the rooms are standard…only the showers may be a bit more spacious than other comparable hotels.<BR><BR>We had a problem with our room when we arrived and I was very unhappy with the service in resolving the issue. I found that everyone was very nice when there is no problem. When there is a problem it’s handed off and blamed on others, such as the travel agent, rather than fixed. Eventually, we received another room, but I don’t think it was handled well.<BR><BR>The specialty restaurant had limited selection (choice on 3 entrees) which varied nightly. However, you had to dress up and it was very hot without ac that I found is easier to go to the buffet at our leisure.<BR><BR>The pool is nice. The beach is ok, but not the best. If the beach is top priority for you, you probably won’t like this one. You need to get out early to get a lounge chair.<BR><BR>It is close to 5th avenue but I don’t think this area is anything exceptional. It’s difficult to enjoy a walk through when all the locals are harassing you to buy their product, or go to their shop, or eat at their restaurant.<BR><BR>PR is stark with no foliage compared to the hotels in playacar. Also, there is construction in progress on the road leading directly to the hotel.<BR><BR>Note that not all rooms offer a view. Since it is stark, if you don’t have an ocean view you probably have no view. <BR>

I cracked up reading Sue's review - I love the part..."usually blamed on someone like the travel agent"! Boy, as an agent, I can relate! For a truly funny situation, you should have this happen to you at the front desk after you've gone to complain about your sub-standard room (which is not what you booked). As they blame the travel agent, I fix them with a steely glance and say "I AM the travel agent". In Cozumel I once had the mangement show me 4 rooms before I was satisfied. What can I say? It's Mexico!<BR><BR>Melodie

Well, then, where would you suggest for a stay at Playa del Carmen, either Sue, having stayed there for 10 days, or Melodie, as a travel agent. We are a family of 4, incl. 2 daughters, ages 15 and 12. We'd like a very nice hotel, with all the amenities, all inclusive, with a great beach. We want to go in late March 2002. Thanks.

Barbara,<BR>Look at the Gala Resort if you'd like to be able to guarantee an oceanview room. If you don't have to have oceanview, the Iberostar is nice too and has more lush foliage on property! Both are on nice beaches and a long walk or very short cab ride to town.<BR><BR>Regarding a couple things that Sue mentioned; Yes, people are going to try to sell you things and invite you in their stores. These people are poor and they make their money from the tourist but they are usually polite and most will take an assertive "NO" and leave you alone. Don't worry about the rain; Sue went during hurricane season and you will almost surely get rain if you travel then. You can't guarantee the weather of course, but most of the rest of the year isn't bad! Hurricane season runs beginning of June - end of November with July-October almost a sure bet for rain!

we stayed with 3 teenage kids at capitan lafite (sp?) for 5 days 2 years ago and it was great.

Great info. Has anyone stayed at the Continental Plaza in Playa del Carmen? I'm considering staying there in January.

Hi Sue! <BR>We're headed down that way in January. It doesn't look like you guys went to Chichen Itza, but did you see evidence of tour operators departing from PDC?

Hi you can reply to me direct at [email protected] Is there buses running to the ruins or down the highway to see the sights? How much is the bus or should we rent a car? Thanks alot. Please contact me with any info

We stayed at the Royal Hideaway - very nice property with good beaches. Tour operators in the lobbies had several activities tours, including Chichen Itza. One hint - DO NOT overindulge in liquids, etc. before going, as we went on a small tour van that WOULD NOT stop for bathroom breaks (told no facilities available)- it's a long trip to the interior ruins. In Playa there are also small flights that will take you. As for the insistent shopkeepers, some great bargains can be found if you are willing to barter, especially for cash. I have bargained items for 1/3 of the original price; have also left shops to be called back & accepted my offer. If not interested, just nod, smile & keep walking.

For the family with 2 children you might want to go to the Robinson Club for a week. We were there in May. The food was exceptional, very clean. The service was the best we have ever enjoyed. This resort is run by Germans and refects their attention to detail, food, clean facilities. The pool is huge and the beach was very comfortable altho the snorkeling was a bit disappointing, not many varieties in that area.<BR>For the best beach I would go to Club Oasis in Akumal. It is remote and quiet, the food is fine but not exceptional. If your children are under 12 this is the perfect beach, they also have 3 swimming pools.<BR>Hope this helps you in your search. These are both all inclusive resorts and we go as often as possible to them.<BR>We have found the weather in late April or May to be the very best.

My wife and I and 9 others(including 4 kids) are headed to the Caracol Resort in Playa del Carmen next week. I've wondering which we would be better off visiting; Xel-Ha or Xcaret. We want to snorkel for sure, horsebacck riding,and the kids may do dolphin swims. Has anyone been to both that would like to give me some feedback on their experiences?

Shane,<BR>X-Caret is much larger than Xel-ha, more to do and more of an all day excursions. There is definitely no horseback riding at Xel-ha, not sure about X-Caret. Both have snorkeling. They are both really great, however, so you won't make a wrong choice. As for snorkeling w/dolphins, they keep them pent up in a little area at both places and it is a little depressing and cruel to the animals. If you still want to do it though, you have to sign up very early when you get there, first thing.

Jackie, We stayed at the Continental Plaza Playa del Carmen last year. It is a smaller property, not many children and is not all inclusive. One can walk to eateries and shops. Close to ferry dock.

Our family just returned from Playacar which is a resort community just south of Playa (Playa del Carmen). We stayed at a nice condo across the street from the Reef Club Resort, which had a great beach and very nice staff. We met a lot of really nice people and had a great time. We took a lot of interesting road trips. Our son (6 years old) loved Crococun, a eco-zoo just south of Cancun where you can pet and feed a host of different Yucatecan animals. We did not like Xcaret at all, WAY too crowded, and very confusing to find your way around. The best thing I can say about that place is that the Dolphin Encounter was fascinating. We heard that Xel-Ha might have been more to our liking. We went to the ruins at Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza. Coba is surrounded by jungle has one of the highest pyramids in Mexico and relatively uncrowded (you can rent bikes here), Tulum is on the coast, nice setting, but the ruins are not very impressive. Chichen is great if you get there early (before 9 or 10) but crawling with people later in the day. If anyone wants more info, let me know. Melanie ([email protected])

My sister and I have actually stayed at the all inclusive Reef Club and loved it. Lots of activities, nice staff and the best beach around. Also less crowded as it is on the end of a long row of side by side resorts. Nothing on the other side but a few private homes.

The is horseback riding at Xcaret for an extra fee, about $30-35 last time I was there.<BR>You can also swim the Underground river, swim with Dolphins (extra about $80), see some small Mayan Ruins, snorkle, see the Folkloric Ballet in the evening. See models of all the different Mayan Ruins. A very good Day Trip.