Hello,<BR>Could someone who has been to PDC recently tell me which of these 2 hotels I should choose for a few night's stay?<BR>Most important is ocean view from room/terrace, central location to town but still quiet, and beach bar/restaurant.<BR>Nice pool is a plus but not too important.<BR>Thanks!

Well, I stayed at Playa Maya a few nights so I can tell you that it's VERY convenient to town, right between 6th and 8th if I recall. Access is ON the beach, so no street noise and VERY quiet. It's a very small place, few rooms.<BR>You'd need to get a room on the third floor for good views....but none are great views as the rooms over look the pool and restaurant first, then you can see a little ocean past that, and a bit more ocean and sand if looking left. Also, the terrace for some rooms are too small for two people..barely room for one chair. We upgraded our room to a 'deluxe' so we could have a terrace where two could sit comfortably.<BR>The pool is very, very small. It was a little chilly in November and I would expect it to be quite warm in spring/summer. Did I mention how small it is? But, since it's a small hotel, they would not need too large a pool, but a bit larger would have be nice. We thought the food was quite good, but only ate there for a couple lunches and a breakfast, as it's so close to 5th Ave. for many other choices. The room was nice and clean, service was good, but the best part were the managers, Steve and his wife (I forgot her name) are VERY nice and will bend over backwards to make you happy.<BR>I can't see trying to compare this place to Xaman Ha, as that's a condominium project, isn't it? It will be a much larger property with bigger pool. Not sure if there is a restaurant/bar because it's a condo place so you'd have your own Kitchenette. You'd also probably have more space, such as a separate living area, as opposed to just a 'hotel' room. I could almost bet the views would be better from this condo complex, but not as convenient to town for restaurants, and maybe not a quiet, as it will be larger in number of rooms. That's my take. Hope it helps.

Thank you Ally. (I think you are always backing me up on the anti-dolphin-swim thing <BR>I appreciate your input and I'm sure it wll help me decide.

Ally,<BR><BR>Could you tell me what the beachfront is like? Is it nice, and not too crowded? We have reservations in the family suite for the end of May. Do you happen to know what floor it might be on? I've been so wishy-washy, because there are so many places, I can't seem to make up my mind! Any info you have would be greatly appreciated. We are travelling with 2 teenage girls, think it's a place they would like?? Thanks!

cb,<BR>Honestly, I have no idea what floor the family suite is on but from what I saw, if I HAD to guess, I'd say it's on the first floor.<BR>The beach in front is rather small but we loved it because the restaurant is right there with great beach service. Also, it's not very crowded at all, which is nice. A great spot for watching people go by. There are some rocks directly in front of Playa Maya beach, but only about 20 steps to the right is a perfect sandy entrance.<BR>I think your girls will be quite happy there! The location is SO close to 5th Ave for shopping and such. Also, if they want a wider beach, they can eaisly walk north past the Gala Resort for larger, more quiet beach. (I think it's called the Gala. You can't miss it. It's the big yellow hotel on the point at the north side of town and can eaisly be seen from Playa Maya.

That really helps, thanks so much for your reply! It's really gotten only nice reviews from all I can find, so I'm sure we'll like it. I'm not sure how I ever planned a trip without message boards! Thanks again.