Karen

Hi. My fiancee and I will be travelling to Mexico over the new year and would like some suggestions on where to stay in Mexico City, Merida and Cancun. We are working on a budget of about $80 a night for accommodation. <BR> <BR>I realise that $80 a night can get us something quite comfortable in Merida but may be a problem for Cancun. Would we be better off spending staying a night or 2 in Isla Mujeres instead? <BR> <BR>I've also read a couple of guide books and most of them advise against driving in Mexico. Is it really that unsafe? I would prefer to see the sights free and easy but am inclined to take those 1 day tours if driving is going to be stressful. What are the car hire rates like as well? Thanks

tommy

In Canun check out the Flamingo for a place to stay. I don't think it will run you over $80 a night. Also Isla Mujeres is much cheaper. You can stay there for as cheap as $35 a night. Checkout www.isla-mujeres.net They have a listing of places to stay. Driving is not that bad from around Cancun that I have experienced. The other cities I can't tell you about(haven't been yet). <BR> <BR>Hope this helps <BR> <BR>Tommy <BR>www.geocities.com/travel_with_tommy

texasgirl

Hi, on the driving part _ it's not as bad as the books say. As long as you use good sense and follow the lead of other drivers you will be fine. Oh, and don't drive at night _ really. I presume you're driving in the Yucatan only, and then flying from Cancun to Mexico City. I don't think you'll need a car there, if you are just planning to see the museums and such there. <BR> <BR>As for hotels, i do not have specific advise, but yes, $80 may be difficult in Cancun at that time of year unless you go to one of the smaller hotels in downtown Cancun. I think there is also a Holiday Inn Express that is fairly cheap. <BR> <BR>You will get much more for your money if you go to Isla Mujeres or even Playa del carmen. In fact, if you have a car anyway, my recommendation would be to stay in playa, akumal or tulum and skip Cancun completely. But then, I am not a fan of Cancun.

karen

I would really like to stay by the beach in Cancun and actually my travel agent had suggested Acquamarina Beach Hotel. Tommy, would you know how this compares to the Flamingo you suggested? <BR> <BR>I've been told that Cancun is very touristed (in fact it may be very crowded during the time i'm travelling) but cos it's so commercialised, thought it would be easier for me to find one-day tours to the vicinity from Cancun rather than Playa . <BR> <BR>Would probably still spend a night or two in Isla Mujeres. Any suggestions on lodging there? Thanks again!

lisa

Hi Karen. I am going to Isla Mujeres and Merida later this month with my boyfriend. On Isla Mujeres most of the accommodations are well within your price range. We are staying at the Hotel Media Luna which got lots of good reviews on an Isla Mujeres chat board. I think we're paying $55/night for a room with king bed, air conditioning, balcony, etc., including tax and breakfast. Here is the website: <BR>http://www.akumal.net/im-prop/playa-media-luna.htm <BR> <BR>In Merida we are staying in a historic inn that was highly recommended in Frommer's guidebook and by several friends who have stayed there. It is called Casa Mexilio and I think we're paying $57 per night for one of their "deluxe" air conditioned rooms, including tax and breakfast. The website is http://www.mexicoholiday.com/destinations/mexilio.html <BR> <BR>I will post a trip report when I get back if you want to check and see what we thought of them.

lisa

I forgot you asked about car rental also. I looked into all the major companies, through their websites and the 800 numbers. By far, the best deal was with National Car Rental, renting at the Cancun airport location. Go to www.nationalcar.com or call them at 1-800-CAR-RENT. We are getting a compact car with air conditioning (standard transmission) for about $140 or so per week including all taxes & unlimited mileage. Of course, rates do change so maybe they've gone up since we made our reservation or maybe another company has a better deal, so check around.

d motl

We have an 18 page home grown brouchure on Isla Mujeres that covers all the major hotels and prices. We will e-mail it to you if you request. It also has commentary on Cancun. You would be much happier at the Play Luna Media on IM than at the Aqua Marina. The rates will be higher in Jan as lo season rates halt 12/15. Should still get in for around $80 or $90. Dan and ginny

Karen

Thanks Lisa for the very helpful info. Both hotels you recommended look comfortable. Looking forward to reading your trip report...have a good trip! <BR> <BR>Dan & ginny would like to take a look at your brochure as well. Please send it to the above e-mail address. Thank you. <BR> <BR>

helpful

http://aquamarina.hotels-cancun.com/accommodations.htm

Karen

Hi Dan & Ginny, if you have a bit of problem sending the brohure over - my apologies - my e-mail account should read as [email protected]. <BR> <BR>Left out the "d" in my address... Hope to receive your brochures soon. Thanks! <BR>

Karen

My travel has now offered me lodging at Piramides Cancun instead of the Acquamarina Beach Hotel. Has anybody tried out these hotels or know how they compare?