My boyfriend (both 21) and I are planning a trip for the end of May to the Mayan Riviera. There is so many choices: where to stay?, all-inclusive?, what to do?, transportation?

He wants to do the all-inclusive. I'm not so sure about it. I hear the food is so-so the drinks can be watered down, and most of the places are too big to walk from you room to the beach.

I liked the idea of staying at a nice beach front property in Playa del Carmen so we can experience the culture as well. I have heard some people in these forums mention a partial AI, but I am not exactly sure what that means...

I am just really not sure what to do here. We could stay in Playa del Carmen with out the AI, stay near PDC with AI and travel to PDC when we want to go out. (I hear they have great restaurants) What have been your experiences at PDC? Or AIs near there?

Also I was thinking of renting a car. That way we could take our time at the ruins with out be rushed along to get back on the bus. What are the pros and cons of this? I did want to go to the Chichen Itza but its so far I would probably take a tour there. But Telum and Xel-Ha and Xcaret I think we could drive to. I have heard abou the busses, Collectivo? Does anyone know anything about these?

Thanks guys! Any info would be greaty appreciated!

If we dont rent a car whats the best way to get back tot he hotel from the air port?

We've been to the Mayan Riviera many times, and never stayed at an AI. In Playa, we much prefer to stay at a small hotel near the beach, and save our money for exploring the many interesting restaurants, clubs, shops, etc, etc scattered throughout this very fun city.
That being said, there are a few very nice looking AI's right in the heart of the city, the Gran Porto Real being the nicest looking. We've wandered into this complex from the beach a few times, and it looks like a fun place to stay, with lots of social activities and a gorgeous pool and beach. However, we just stayed at the Posada Mariposa , a small, pleasant, inexpensive ($80 a night) hotel just 2 1/2 blocks from Mamita's beach, which is on the nicest stretch of beach in Playa. In the evening, we just wander the city and choose a restaurant that strikes our fancy. Just FYI, some of the best places to eat are away from the water, up near the Wal-Mart.
What we usually do is spend 2 nights in Playa, and then stay in either Akumal or Tulum for 4-5 nights to totally relax. I highly recommend renting a car if you are staying for more than a few days - there is sooo much to see and do in the Maya Riviera.
No matter what option you choose, you'll have a great time. Have you been to the locogringo.com website?

How were the beds at the Posada mariposa?

OK I have gotten him to agree to a few nights (4-5)at a nice AI maybe south of PDC.. somewhere in between Xcaret and Tulum, and then (3-4) in Playa del Carmen. Any suggestions on hotel choices for the AI and PDC? I was looking at some small hotels in Playa del Carmen like La Totuga, Luna Blue, Playa Maya, or Hotel Lunata. We don't want a ton of little kids, but its not a huge deal. We definately don't want it to be desolate either. Thanks for your help!

If you want an AI south of PLaya, look into the Catalonia Royal Tulum. It is adults only and is on a grogeous beach.
The locogringo site has some recent reviews and they are all wonderful. It is not a huge reosrt.

Yes be sure to research the AI carefully as some of the places near Playacar (just immediately south of PDC) have still not good beaches, still recovering from hurricane damage and loss of mangroves.

CRT gets generally good reviews as do Palladium and Bahia Principe, agree with checking trip reports on locogringo.

Bmeyer, This brings back memories! My husband(BF at that time) and I took our first trip together to PDC many moons ago. I figured being able to happily spend a week together would be a good indicator of whether we could spend our lives together The Riviera Maya is still one of our favorite places to visit. We always rent a car, which gives flexibility to visit the various sites/ruins and beaches at your own pace. We've never had a problem driving - just obey the posted speeds/regulations (you will feel like you are the only one doing so).

Unfortunately, some rental agencies won't rent to anyone under 24 or 25. If that's the case, and taxis are too expensive, look into taking the collectivos. They are vans acting as a sort of group taxi that travel the coast on 307 (main highway) between Cancun and Tulum, carrying locals and visitors. 307 is generally the main entrance for most AIs and is about a mile from the beach and town center of most towns. Do a search here or on tripadvisor and you should find plenty of info on the collectvos.

If you like snorkeling, consider a day trip to Akumal and Yal Ku lagoon. Great beaches and snorkeling (turtles!) about 30 minutes south of PDC. When you go to Tulum, take your swimsuit. It's great to float in the ocean looking up at the ruins.

Enjoy your trip!

Thank you so much! We are so excited!

B, any of the hotels you mentioned in Playa would be wonderful. I've stayed at all except Lunata. That one scares me a little since it's right on 5th and unless you get one of the rooms not facing 5th, I'm afraid might be quite noisy at night. It is beautiful however and if you want to be right on 5th, that's a perfect choice.

Playa Maya is the only one of your choices right on the beach and it's a fabulous choice as is Tortuga with it's amazing pool and grounds.
I liked Luna Blue for the location, on the quieter north end and it's very laid back atmosphere. Keep in mind, it's not for everyone as it has limited amenities. No pool, TV or phone but the bar is a great place visited by lots of repeat visitors and the owners (T&C) are great people.

You'll be delighted by any of the 4 you have mentioned. There are other places I've stayed as well and TONS of places in town I've eaten so let us know if you need more info.

Oh, and have a blast. I KNOW you will.

Oh wow! Thank you so much! If you could recommend some places to eat that would be great or any of the other places you have stayed.

Where to start for food!

Time for Breakfast?: Food carts up by the bus station, BipBip, 100% Natural, Cueva Del Chango or Java Joes.

Lunch on the beach?: Playa Maya (Coconut shrimp), El Pirate, Mamitas or Fusion.

Dinner?: El Asadoro(Argentine steak), Antiga (Italian), Babes,
Carboncitos, el Fagon, HC Monterrey (mex) or Las Brisas or La Pesca for fresh fish.

Those are my "never miss" places. Mostly off 5th, some quite a ways off 5th but walkable and completely safe. As a single woman, I have walked to all of them by myself.


There's just a start. For much more, check here:
http://www.playa.info

Ah this sounds wonderful!

I think we are going to do a few nights in Puerto Aventuras stay at the Catalonia (good deals on orbits right now). Then somehow head up to Playa.

I can rent a car at a few of the rental places because I am 21. I am not sure what the best way is to go from Airport to Puerto Aventuras then to Playa then to Airport again. Does the bus system work well if you need to get to all these places with bags? Also getting to Xcaret and Tulum?

Also if anyone knows of a better All-Inclusive in-between Xcaret and Tulum that would be great!

Regarding the bus:
The cost is 90 pesos or the USD equivalent for the trip in either direction. The bus stop is on 5th Ave and Juarez in Playa. There used to be an additional stop on Constituyentes for those of us at the north end of town but that's now gone. There is storage under the bus for luggage and it is a very nice bus with a/c and movie. It picks up right outside the terminal and is marked ADO. Be sure to get on the one that says Playa del Carmen and not Cancun. From PDC you could take a taxi to Puerto Aventuras. The bus also runs to Tulum but the colectivo system might be a better choice as it runs up and down the highway and is very inexpensive. These are white vans which will pick up on the highway or you can go to the colectivo stand on calle 2 between 15th and 20th avenues in PDC. If you decide to rent a car do a search on driving in Mexico as there are some rules of the road that you will need to know. You can also find that info on playa.info or locogringo.com. I always take pics of the car when I rent it, mark every problem carefully and check for a spare tire. Also make sure the tags have not expired. Take the extra insurance.

We have stayed at the Riu & Grand Palladium in the Mayan Riviera and I thought both were great. Food was a touch better at the Riu, but the Grand Palladium is our favorite.
http://palladiumaddict.net/
This website has a Monday night chat(along w/a wealth of info) with their fans, its a good place for info & to ask questions.

my husband and two sons took a trip to the Mayan Riviera several years ago. They thought that Coba was one of the most interesting sites in the area.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coba