jazzbo61

We are planning a trip to Mexico in mid-January. We have two families - 4 adults with 3 kids, ages 15, 12 & 6.

We are not interested in mega-resorts. We loved the Shangri-La Caribe in Playa del Carmen but would like to try something new. We are open to something similar or a rental property. We would like a beachfront location with a pool; we would prefer accommodations less than $3500 per week.

I have looked at the rental sites, but it would be great if anyone has a specific recommendation. It is difficult to tell from the sites what is next door or what the beach is really like.

We are open to locations on either the Caribbean or Pacific side, but we prefer a nice beach (not rocky) and waters that have some waves but not too rough.

Any advice would be appreciated!

virginia

you might look at akumal beach resort. mid-size ai on good beach with swimming and snorkeling. akumal has a few rest/bars, couple shops.
we stayed on tankah bay beach about 10 miles north of tulum, in a house called casa cavu (found on locogringo) 3br/2b. each room has a double or larger bed and one of them has an extra single bed. pool. couple live in on-site casita to care for property, daily maid service and ysidro will cook for you by request. numerous good houses on this beach and the one just north - soliman bay beach. in particular we liked the looks of casa rosa on tankah. 4br3b, pool, palm trees on the beach side, nice bbq area.
on both tankah and soliman the reef is a good distance out so while the water is normally pretty calm there is always a little bit of wave action but usually not enough for boogy boarding.
here's a live cam from lol-ha - a rest. just down the beach from akumal beach resort: http://www.locogringo.com/Upload/akumal-beach-cam.html
and a video of soliman: http://www.locogringo.com/destinatio...iman-ipix.html

Stewbear

Highly recommend this property on the west coast's best place Zihutanejo.
http://www.casa-amarilla-zihua.com/

TC

Several good rentals in Cozumel. Have a look at this web site. At Home Cozumel is a very reputable company.

http://www.cozumel.tc/

Many families rent the property "Villa Maya" (5-6 bedrooms). It is located right next door to the Coral Princess Resort, which offers restaurant, spa, dive shop, car rental, etc. - making for a very convenient holiday. The villa was completely rebuilt after hurricane Wilma and is located on an amazing coral reef for easy snorkeling.

http://www.cozumel.tc/rental-homes-l...illa-maya.html

Debiky

You might consider Puerto Morelos on the Yucatan. It's a small fishing town with awesome beaches. It's less than a half an hour from the Cancun airport. The snorkeling is great and it's very centrally located to explore the area.

It's not too touristy, but there are great restaurants. It's very safe. Our kids will often walk home after dinner while we linger in the square.

Villas Playasol is a great place to stay with a pool. www.playasolcondo.com

jazzbo61

Thanks for the recommendations! We are focusing on Puerto Morelos, PDC or Akumal. Is anyone familiar with the Casa Mullaney or the Natz Ti Ha condos in PDC?