Mexico beach resorts comparisons
May 25th, 2010, 09:23 AM
#1
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Mexico beach resorts comparisons
Two seniors want to spend a week at one of the beach resorts in Mexico next winter. Can't find comparions on the forums. Want great beach with warm water, pool, restaurants, and (safe) visit to nearby shopping/interesting areas. Are the popular resorts, eg Cozumel, all similar? I've heard the waters off the Pacific side may be colder.
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Thank you
May 25th, 2010, 11:33 AM
#2
The biggest different is which coast you are on. On the Caribbean side (Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, Cozumel) yes you will find more white sand beaches with turquoise water.
The Pacific coast side (Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Zijuatenejo) are more likely to have rougher beaches and ocean. The warmth of the water depends the time of year you visit.
Any of the places mentioned above you will find what you asked about... nice hotels, pools, restaurants, safe environment, wioht shopping and interesting areas nearby.
So no they are not similar (Cozumel or Isla are smallish islands, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan larger cities, Cancun a resort strip more similar to Miami Beach than Mexico) but all of them are very nice and fit what you describe in your post.
The Pacific coast side (Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Zijuatenejo) are more likely to have rougher beaches and ocean. The warmth of the water depends the time of year you visit.
Any of the places mentioned above you will find what you asked about... nice hotels, pools, restaurants, safe environment, wioht shopping and interesting areas nearby.
So no they are not similar (Cozumel or Isla are smallish islands, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan larger cities, Cancun a resort strip more similar to Miami Beach than Mexico) but all of them are very nice and fit what you describe in your post.
May 26th, 2010, 07:10 AM
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The area between Puerto Morelos and Tulum, which includes Playa del Carmen and Akumal is probably what you are looking for. Mile upon mile of beautiful beach, a full range of places to stay from 5* all inclusives, down to small cabanas on the beach, great food, and friendly people. Have you looked at locogringo.com?
May 26th, 2010, 07:13 AM
#4
As far as reading "comparisons" over at the www.tripadvisor.com forums (not the reviews section but the destination discussion forums) there are often threads comparing places. Like Cabo vs Puerto Vallarta, etc. with lots of opinions, descriptions, and suggestions.
May 27th, 2010, 07:13 AM
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We've been to Cancun, Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo, Acapulco, and Hualtuco.
Of the three Cancun probably has the best beaches, if what you're looking for is clear blue water that is easily swimmable. It does have plenty of restaurants and if willing to travel a bit cultural sites like Tulum. But, also likely the least Mexican in terms of culture.
Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo is a very nice area. Swimming however can be a challenge as you can have some extremely rough surf on the main beach areas of Ixtapa. Some great high end resorts such as The Tides and La Casa Que Canta is budget isn't an issue.
Acapulco is bit calmer in terms of surf. Some nice resorts, some cultural options. However, of the places I've mentioned probably the one with the biggest security concern.
Hualtuco isn't as well known by Americans. As with the other Pacific resorts, it isn't going to compare in terms of water quality for swimming to the Gulf of Mexico resorts. But, Hualtuco also has some spectacular deals for really nice, high end hotels. The Camino Real Zaashilla for instance has rates around $300 a night for a one bedroom suite with your own plunge pool. There are a few towns nearby that have some restaurant options and plenty of outdoor activities. The reality we found is that most likely you'll be dining in 0ne of the various hotels nearby. (Which isn't a bad option, btw.)
Of the three Cancun probably has the best beaches, if what you're looking for is clear blue water that is easily swimmable. It does have plenty of restaurants and if willing to travel a bit cultural sites like Tulum. But, also likely the least Mexican in terms of culture.
Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo is a very nice area. Swimming however can be a challenge as you can have some extremely rough surf on the main beach areas of Ixtapa. Some great high end resorts such as The Tides and La Casa Que Canta is budget isn't an issue.
Acapulco is bit calmer in terms of surf. Some nice resorts, some cultural options. However, of the places I've mentioned probably the one with the biggest security concern.
Hualtuco isn't as well known by Americans. As with the other Pacific resorts, it isn't going to compare in terms of water quality for swimming to the Gulf of Mexico resorts. But, Hualtuco also has some spectacular deals for really nice, high end hotels. The Camino Real Zaashilla for instance has rates around $300 a night for a one bedroom suite with your own plunge pool. There are a few towns nearby that have some restaurant options and plenty of outdoor activities. The reality we found is that most likely you'll be dining in 0ne of the various hotels nearby. (Which isn't a bad option, btw.)
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