Is there a place to stay near 5th Ave., ocean view and as comfortable as the Royal Plaza Del Carmen, that is NOT an All Inclusive? Can you do the Royal Plaza without being AI?

Thank you,
AxelF

Not that I know of. By comfort do you mean all the amenities in and out of the room just without the food/drink?

There are literally dozens of small hotels on the beach, or close by on 5th. They range from simple to luxurious. Check out the Playa Maya and the Alhambra to give you an idea.

Yes, Colokid. Thank you, zootsi. Any ideas?

Also, not to see too snooty, but I prefer to find a hotel that the hot water will last through 2 showers, and the bed is more comfortable than the one at home.

Each of these two suggestions were 3 out of 5 stars in my book. Although I'm sure 8 times out of 10 it's a great place to stay.

No kids, can afford to spend whatever.

Thank you

Trying to find a bed that is more comfortable than home in Mexico is going to be very difficult. Beds are notorious for being hard and it is a common complaint. I've stayed at Playa Maya and enjoyed it very much but it is not the Royal. La Tortuga is off the beach but very nice and the grounds are lovely. Small and walkable to the beach/5th. You cannot do the Royal without the AI part. I can't think of any other hotels that are right on the beach that fit your requirements. Look at this link for a condo that appears to be quite nice. I've seen the outside but not stayed there. http://www.lunaencantadarental.com/

Shangri La Caribe

We stayed at the Hotel Mimi del Mar in their oceanfront room and were very pleased. It is much more simple than it sounds like you are looking for. Not far down the beach we walked past the Luna enCanta. It is really beautiful We met a family staying there who always stay in high end places and loved their condo.

Thank you everyone. Kat, Shangri-La looks nice and I guess we can live without a TV for a week. ;-) Hopefully they have some rooms available in mid June.

someone mentioned mosquitos coming up from the shower drain in their room there? but most reviews were very positive.

Are the showers with fresh water or being close to the ocean a bit salty? I read that on TripAdvisor, but wasn't sure if Shangri-La Caribe.

Can you rent jet skis and the like on this beach?

Do you really have to take cash or travelers cheques to Playa Del Carmen because credit cards are not accepted in quite a few places?

Thank you again everyone. Now if I can just get them to answer the phone. Fast busy signal...no reply to my email reservation request yet.

Unless something has changed in the past year or so, your plastic should be fine. God knows I abused mine in Playa last time we were there and everyone seemed more than happy to take the VISA logo.

Most places, but not all, take plastic in PDC. They all take US dollars in addition to pesos. There are a handful of ATM machines downtown. Once you get away from PDC, plastic is not as often taken - for example most gas stations are cash only. I wouldn't bother with traveler's checks.
We have also found most of the beds in Mexico firmer than average, but we prefer this to a saggy mattress.
If you are getting a fast busy signal, you may be dialing incorrectly.

Yes, my wife did find a different number than was on their web site. I'll try that.

I read on TripAdvisor there is a mosquito problem at Shangri-La and the Iberostar Quetzal, would someone confirm this? They say the mosquitos are vorocious at dusk. Maybe they live in the city? Just checking if repellent is a necessity.

Thank you.

Haven't stayed at Shangri La but walked past it many times. To answer your questions about jet skis, yes, you can rent them on the beach there... You can also rent sail boats, and book a parasailing experience.

I read the Shangri La has been sold to Marriott, but not until Aug or Sept. ?? Check ou the site www.playa.info

You might want to check out the Blue Parrot. It's an awesome bar, but they also have a hotel in a great spot on the beach in town. I've been by it and seen it online and it looks really nice...