Looking for a chill, nice hotel on the beach in Yucatan for a week in December. Something relatively affordable but also comfortable. Are there beach stretches or towns that are recommended? Interested in exploring/hiking in the area as well.

Is the water somewhat warm and calm during December?

Thanks

alcielohotel.com super nice

ecotulum.com little cheaper

Cabinas Zazilkin dirt cheap for backpackers.

mid december usually pretty good.

xel-ha.com great fro snorkel

spirit.com cheap flights down

yacatantoday.com good general info site

Uxmal nice ruins pretty close to the coast though

Palenque my personal fav history ruins most impressive.

Hard to get to though... Happpy Planning!

The Yucatan is a big area - everything from the concrete towers of Cancun to the thatched huts of Tulum. It depends on what you are looking for. For nice beach and lots of night life and excitement, it's hard to beat Playa del Carmen. For a quiet vibe, calm water and more of a family atmosphere, Akumal is very nice. For miles of wide, white sand beach and minimal civilization, check out Tulum. Have you been to the locogringo.com website? Tons of information on the whole area.

Isla Mujeres
Akumal
Tulum

Have stayed at both Isla Mujeres and Akumal, stayed in May for about the 8-10th time at Hotel Akumal Caribe then moved into a condo. Have not stayed at Tulum but a friend was staying at Cabanas Tulum and the room looked very nice, had AC in the evening, great beach and the food at the restaurant was very nice.

I'm also going to Yucatan by myself earlier of next year. So once you get back, update us. I want to know if the public transportation is safe and also recommendation of cheap hotels or hostels.

We made 2 trips to the area in 2010, one in June and one in December; our photo collections with blog links and recommendations are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Happy trails!