small family - where to stay at Playa del Carmen
 

We are two adults and one child aged five, who want to go to Playa del CArmen in feb/march 2006. We have never been before (we are from Denmark), and are a bit confused about where to stay. We see that a lot of the nicest looking places do not allow kids - as Maroma and Ika del Mar... which would be the kind of places we would choose otherwise. We have been looking at Iberostar Tucan, but are concerned about the food - is it good? In general, we are looking for a kid friendly place w. great beach and good food nearby... does anyone know just the place for us?
thank you for helping!

The places you have mentioned are not actually in Playa del Carmen, and you would need a car to get around unless you were interested in taking the bus or taxis everywhere.

If you are interested in staying in town, I would recommend Royal Palms or Villas Sacbe condos or Playa Maya hotel in PDC. They are all very family-friendly and close to everything. These places are all clean and safe, and the condos are quite nice - we just returned a few weeks ago from Royal Palms. Here is the website:

http://www.royalpalmscondos.com/

I would never recommend an AI there as there are so many excellent places to eat and AI food in general is mediocre at best.

There are many smaller, mid priced hotels right in town, and on the beach that seem to attract a lot of Europeans. The Playa Maya, Albatross Royale, Alhambra, and Treetops are all quite nice and right on or very close to the beach. Busy 5th ave with all it's restaurants and shops are just a block away. The larger more 'resorty' hotels are located outside the town center.

Azul Hotel near probably compares more to Maroma and Ikal. Looks like kids are welcome with the playground pictured. You can find good photos and info on locogringo.com

I am seconding Diana ... if you are interested in high quality food, an AI is not necessarily your best bet and some of them are just too big.

Ceiba del Mar is a lovely-looking hotel that serves the All inclusive option, but it is away from the town of Playa, which is fun to walk around. Not sure if kids are allowed, but I think so.

The condo idea, Villas Sacbe or Royal Palms, is also a good one. They are both very nice looking --the Royal Palms the nicest -- and very convenient to the best beach in Playa, Mamitas Beach.

Thank you for your comments!
After reading yours and other comments we have decided against the AI option... but then, the Hotel Azur looks to be just what we were looking for, so we might change our minds again. Pepper131, have you stayed at that place? Users on Tripadvisor give it high marks, also on the food...
Thanks again

katrine -

It does seem to get good marks for food. I haven't stayed here and probably never will because I've heard there is a fair amount of seagrass in the water. My 11 yr old son cannot stand to have anything in the water (seagrass, seaweed, rocks).

Here is some info from a person who stayed at Azul. There is more from her under the trip report section also.

http://www.locogringo.com/forums/tm.asp?m=68534