Hi,

We are looking to holiday in Mexico in November and Playa del Carmen has been suggested by quite a few friends.

We don't fancy the hectic nightlife of Cancun, but love the look of the beaches and some of the resorts, as well as the Mayan sights and reef.

We have never stayed at an all inclusive resort before and would appreciate any advice - we usually tour round a number of places on holiday but this year just fancy a really relaxing couple of weeks.

Two resorts suggested to us are the Iberostar Paraiso and the Barcelo Maya Beach.

Has anyone been to or heard anything about either one?

Thanks for any help.

Chris

I love the Playa del Carmen area. I confess to not knowing a thing about the all-inclusives, we like to stay at the one of the lovely small hotels in town. Some are right on the beach, others a few blocks away. Lots of great restaurants. If you have two weeks, you also might look into one of the small cabana type accomodations south of the ruins at Tulum. Absolutely stunning beaches, and some nice small hotels.

People do love the all-inclusives in the area, just depends what kind of travel you're interested in.

It seems as though the travel agents around where I live only know about the all-inclusive properties, just wanted to make you aware that there are lots of other options. Jean

I recommend looking at two sites: locogringo.com (which has AIs and smaller hotels throughout the Mayan Riviera) and playadelcarmeninfo.com (focus on smaller hotels in town).
Good luck!

Those are good sources and it's true that there are a lot of good regular hotels. Any reason you are looking to go AI? Since you say you have never done it before...

Steve

Hi Steve,

Just to try really - for once we want to have a really easy holiday - no worrying about where to go for dinner or how much it will cost.

We tend to spend loads of money trying out different places when we go away, which is fun, but haven't had a break for ages so just fancy going somewhere where all the choices are made for us!

Chris

I think if you're 'into' food and value quality meals, you may be disappointed in an all-inclusive. Read the reviews. Most of them say the food is good 'for an all-inclusive'. If food isn't that important a part of your travel, you'll likley think it's ok. Jean

One of the nicest with good reviews is the Royal Hideaway Occidental. Check out tripadvisors.com

Jean - can you name a few non-AI's that are on the beach? All I can find is the Blue Parrot.

Thanks.

Playa Maya
Alhambra
Shangri La
El Faro

Thanks Diana. Any reccommendations?

Hi,

We've stayed at Playa Maya twice in two years and really enjoyed it.

Clean, great service, on a nice stretch of beach and close to everything.

Really super place!

I've also stayed at Playa Maya and loved it. Small place, clean, very freindly staff , nice beach in front and very, very close to many wonderful restautants. I f going back to the area I would not hesitate to stay there again.