Little_Man

My family of 4 has vacationed in Cancun, and stayed at the JW Marriott, and just loved it. The beach was awesome, and we really loved going into town, and Isla Mujeres. This year, I'm wondering how we would like staying in Playa del Carmen...
How is the beach in PDC? And how long is the drive from the airport? Also, if I enjoyed a day in Isla, but wouldn't want to stay there, would I like PDC better? Any hotel recommendations? (Not Al). Thanks!!!

Ally

I think you would enjoy PDC. It's sort of a cross between Cancun and Isla. The 'town' itself does not have the huge skyscraper resorts or all the Hard Rock, Planet Hollywood places, and it's certainly not the concrete jungle that Cancun is (although it does have a TGI Fridays) but is certainly more visited than Isla and is of course larger than Isla. The 'megga' AI resorts are a little bit further south, in Playacar, so many come from the resorts into 'town' for shopping and dining, and it also gets visitors from Cozumel and cruise ships. As for the feel of the town, it can seem crowded at times, but it's still quite charming as there are not many hotels over three or 4 stories tall. The beach 'in town' can be a bit crowded with fishing/diving/tour boats tied up, but there are areas where they don't. The beaches in the area are quite lovely, but depending on what hotel you are staying at, you might have to walk to an area that does not have all the boats tied up. It would not be a long walk though in most instances. PDC is about a 30-45 minute ride from the Cancun Airport.
As for hotels, there are so many to choose from! Right on the beach is Hotel Playa Maya. I enjoyed a stay there, lovely owners, nice rooms with A/C and TV, and a good restaurant. Also, the beach directly in front does not have all the boats tied up there. And, it's VERY close to all the restaurants/clubs and shopping on the main avenue, 5th Street. A little further down is El Faro with a bigger pool and lovely grounds, also more expensive. If you don't need to be on the beach, Hotel Tortuga is a nice place, or Mosquito Blue for more $$. Finally, if you like more of a 'Resort' feel without the AI, The Gran Puerto Real has a European Plan. It's on the beach in town, but not a nice swimming beach because of all the boats, but you can walk 5 minutes to either side for nicer beaches. I THINK Hotel Playa Maya might let you use their lounge chairs on the beach if you order some drinks or food.

Little_Man

Thank you Ally. The Playa looks great, but it sure is nice to have some shade and chairs on the beach...

ChristieP

We stayed at the Riu Playacar, and the beach there had plenty of palm trees for shade and chairs. It is an AI resort, and you can use the other Riu resorts in the area, too. We really liked it.

The town of Playa had nice shopping, and it was fun to stroll the streets in the evening. Playacar also has a small shopping area, and it is right across the street from the Riu Playacar.

Ally

Hotel Playa Maya does provide chairs and umbrellas on the beach! So does Gran Puerto Real, but it's not on a very nice section of the beach and the chairs are practically on top of each other so you have to 'love your neighbor'. At Playa Maya, you have room to spread out and the waiters provide beach service right to your lounger!

Little_Man

Now I just have to talk my family into going south of Cancun!!! Thank you very much for your replies.

sunshinelady

We are traveling to Maya Riviera which is south of Cancun in April.It is very close to Playa del Carmen, but I have heard the new area and is quiter for families. We own a timeshare condo there we bought 2 years ago when it was being built. WE have 2 extra weeks to rent if you are interested. It sleeps 8 and is a 2 bedroom with a lockout, meaning it has 2 seperate rooms, one with a hotel side and one is a one bedroom suite with a king bed and 2 double sleepers and full kitchen.It is right on the beach and a 5 star gold crown resort. You can rent it for less than a hotel with owner direct. We rent it for $1200/wk. for the 2 bedroom. For more info. email us at [email protected] I have had the same couple rent it from us every year for the 2 weeks with friends. They haven't contacted me yet so let me know.