mah1980

Hi:

I've used this board in the past to get good info and hope you all can help me with my honeymoon planning.

I think I've settled on Mexico for our 7 night honeymoon. It seems that we would be able to get a lot for our money there, plus, the travel time from New Orleans is a lot less than the places I'm interested in the Caribbean.

Specifically, I really like the looks of Ana y Jose cabanas (we would get one of the beachfront suites) in Tulum for 5 nights, and then the remaining 2 nights somewhere closer to the Cancun airport b/c I don't want to be traveling to the airport in the morning from an hour away, and then on the plane all day.

First, can anyone give me feedback on this plan. Tulum looks interesting because of the rave reviews the beaches get, plus, I think Ana y Jose's would be very authentic while being nice. It would also allow us to get to the Tulum ruins early in the morning as I've read that it gets quite congested (and hot) there in the afternoon. Ana y Jose's spa looks nice, and I think it would be more of a genuine Mexico experience than say an AL.

Second, what do you think about staying at JW Marriott or the Ritz, both in Cancun, for the remaining two nights? Although I wanted to avoid Cancun, it would only be for two nights and we would be lounging on the beach or getting spa treatments. I've been able to find a fantastic rate for JWMarriott ($169/night) and it seems to have as many fans as the Ritz (plus the pool and facilities at the JW look superior). Can anyone advise on this decision.

Thanks again!

Diana

I think you have a very good plan, and it is very easy to get around in that area.

We are going for two weeks in April and are splitting it up: 5 Isla Mujeres, 4 Tulum, 5 Playa del Carmen.

The JW Marriott is one of the 3 nicest hotels in Cancun, and there are some amazing places to eat in town.

That is a SUPER rate, and I think I would snatch it up right away. The only thing I would change if I were you is to go longer if you can!

(Might want to look into Playa del Carmen if you want to be closer to the airport and still have lots of really cool places to eat and shop and party, but not quite as "Americanized" an experience as Cancun.

Congrats!

pepper131

AyJ is the nicest place to stay in Tulum - especially in the suites. You will absolutely love them.

We usually stay in Tulum the entire time, but try to plan our flight in the afternoon so we won't be trashed on the trip home. It's about 2 hours from the airport to Tulum.

Staying in Cancun for the last couple of nights is a good idea - JW rate is great. Keep in mind, (I think) it can take a good 1/2 hour to get to the airport from the hotel zone in Cancun.

Going into Cancun from Tulum can be like culture-shock. Keep in mind that you're going from a peaceful laid-back area to a very populated area.

Little_Man

Sounds like a fantastic idea to me! Plus, I don't think you'll be disappointed by the JW Marriott Beach! Try to get a premium ocean view room!

mah1980

Frankie, Pepper, and Diana: thanks for the feedback concerning my plan.

Approximately how long does it take to get to the Cancun airport from the Playa del Carmen beach area? I have never been to the airport in Cancun having just been to the country via cruise, and my concern is that we have to be at the airport 3 hours prior to our flight.
In your experienced opinion, is it really necessary to be at the Cancun airport 3 hours prior to the flight departure time?

Regarding the overdeveloped nature of Cancun, do you think that will lessen the enjoyability of the 2 days on the beach at the JW Marriott. It is unlikely that we will be leaving the hotel very much for those two days as I have heard that the food at the JW is very good. After all of my concerns are taken into account, is it still advisable to finish up our trip in PDC (taking into account the longer trip to the airport)?

swimmr

Ana y Jose has a nice restaurant with a great view of the ocean. We had lunch there during our visit to Mexico in January. You'll like it.

We spent our final night in Mexico in PDC and drove early in the morning to the Cancun Airport. It was about a 40-45 minute drive. Hardly any traffic on the highway so it was really easy. You might consider staying in PDC rather than Cancun.

Little_Man

I would think 2 hours before take off would be plenty...

PDC is about 45 minutes drive from the airport, the JW Marriott 15 -20 minutes.

I know a lot of people don't like Cancun, I've stayed in both PDC (in a more rustic setting) and then in the relative luxury of the JW Marriott Cancun afterwards, and the Marriott was like heaven! I'm from southern California, so take my advice for what it's worth, but the area of the hotel zone that thehotel is located is pretty to me, and even more scenic once you're on the property...

mah1980

Thanks again for the detailed information. I wish there was a JW Marriott in Playa del Carmen. The only comparable hotel seems to be Royal Hideaway Playacar, and from what I've read the beach in front of the hotel in no longer.

Any suggestions? I think it's unnecessary to have an AL because we'll only be there for two days.