dsieve

My family (wife and 16 year old daughter) and I are starting to consider a trip for march of 2005. Between my daughters school and my wifes work schedule, Spring Break (the week before Easter) is most the convienent time for us to go. I am interested in staying at an AI resort. When is a good time to book? With all the spring breakers is Cancun a bad idea? We're looking for a destination with both beaches and some shopping/nightlife. And someplace my daughter would be comfortable in (not too quiet). And it would be OK if it cheap :-> Thanks for the replies.

JeanH

If I were you, I'd be looking at the resorts close to Playa del Carmen, either in Playacar, or there is at least one close by to the north. In fact, the Continental Plaza is being renovated, and will be an all-inclusive when it reopens, but I don't know when that is; it's right in town as is the Porto Real.

You couldn't pay me enough to stay in one of the all-inclusives in Cancun around spring break. The higher end non all-inclusive properties, Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott, Le Meridien, would be all right, but otherwise you may find yourself surrounded by drunk college (and highschool) kids.

Before you book, I'd be asking about your chosen property's spring break policy.

Playa del Carmen is a great town, lots of restaurants/bars/shops without the concrete jungle of Cancun.

Jean

sceneisle

If you do opt for Cancun, do some research on the Crown Paradise Resort. Its all-inclusive, kid-friendly, good location & beach and they advertise that they do not allow "spring-breakers". Check the Trip Advisor for reviews on this resort - most are favorable. We're staying at the Golden Crown Paradise (sister resort - adults only) next April.

dsieve

Thanks for the replies. Are the beaches in PDC as good for snorkling as they are in Cancun? If I understand it correctly for a resort in PDC you would still fly into Cancun, and then take a shuttle to your resort, maybe an hour? Any input as to the optimum time to book? Thanks

Ryberg

You're correct on the most typical way to arrive for a stay in Playa, although there are a few people who fly into Cozumel on Continental and then take the ferries over, instead.

You shouldn't delay much if you want to book for spring break in Playa. People are already doing it.

Steve

JeanH

I don't know if there is much snorkeling right off the beach in either Cancun or Playa del Carmen. For that you could look into either Cozumel or Akumal. I don't know much about Akumal, but I'm pretty sure there isn't much of town there, so your daughter might be bored if she's looking for shopping. Jean