Just about to book up holidays for next year but wondered if anyone has been to either Cancun or the Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen area and can offer advise? I'm sure someone on here had a sombrero on in their avatar.
My gut feeling is that Cancun might be a bit wild as we are mid-30's and will have the kids, maybe Playa del Carmen might be better? I think Cancun is popular with the Americans. Looking for a relaxing holiday, but with plenty to do if we want to... rather than a 'tequila filled hazy memory' type holiday.
I fancied Dubia or Egypt but it will be far too hot there during June/July... but that might give you an idea of the sort of thing we were after. Mexico appears to offer pretty good levels of resort on the Carribean coast.. so hopefully a good compromise.
Leaning towards Playa Del Carmen but any feedback gratefully received.
TIA Andy,
Anyone been to Mexico?
Anyone been to Mexico?
I have no signature.
I went to Cancun a couple of years ago.... it's a well thought out purpose built tourist resort.... great buses in and out of the hotel zone into the centre and night time zone etc.
As long as you avoid the American main holidays it isn't too bad iirc. but you will bump into many of them and they insist on talking very loudly all the time for some reason?!? Plus.. it's only wild if you go out for the nightlife! Most of the clubs there charge a hefty cover but then give you loads of drinks cheap/free once you're in and many put on quite a show! .. they just want you to stay there all night basically!
One thing though... most of the beach that I could see had red flags up and strong currents... not ideal for kids to mess about in or adults who weren't strong swimmers!
If you want proper Mexican knowledge though... Uldis is your man
HTH
Dave.
As long as you avoid the American main holidays it isn't too bad iirc. but you will bump into many of them and they insist on talking very loudly all the time for some reason?!? Plus.. it's only wild if you go out for the nightlife! Most of the clubs there charge a hefty cover but then give you loads of drinks cheap/free once you're in and many put on quite a show! .. they just want you to stay there all night basically!
One thing though... most of the beach that I could see had red flags up and strong currents... not ideal for kids to mess about in or adults who weren't strong swimmers!
If you want proper Mexican knowledge though... Uldis is your man
HTH
Dave.
Last edited by DDtB on Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I choose between there and dominican republic last year , ended up going to dominican although my parents have been to cancun many times and love it . Dominican was no bad but apart from in your complex there is sod all to do. I think this is were cancun is different having quite a lively nightlife, which i didnt really fancy to be honest.I am of to florida on 25th cant wait.
Also thinking about Maldives/dubai twin holiday early next year, but after some research have heard mixed reviews bout dubai. Not so sure on it now, though would love to see that palm tree shaped island they have built.Apparently seeing a bugatti veyron is nothing out of the ordinary over there ! dunno how true this is .
Also thinking about Maldives/dubai twin holiday early next year, but after some research have heard mixed reviews bout dubai. Not so sure on it now, though would love to see that palm tree shaped island they have built.Apparently seeing a bugatti veyron is nothing out of the ordinary over there ! dunno how true this is .
I went to Cancun in 2005 with my girlf and we both hated it...... It is stunning - but just too over crowded and expensive - not a lot to do either i thought.... Depends what your tastes are i guess??
Been to Atlantis Paradise Island in Bahamas last 3 years now and its out of this world - 100% recomend it to anyone... Also in Hawaii in March and cant say you can get much better if you dont mind the long flight!!!
Lewis
Been to Atlantis Paradise Island in Bahamas last 3 years now and its out of this world - 100% recomend it to anyone... Also in Hawaii in March and cant say you can get much better if you dont mind the long flight!!!
Lewis
Uldis - thats who's avatar I was thinking of I'm sure.
The nightlife isn't really what we want, but somewhere that we can go for a wander if we are bored in the complex. Cancun is sounding a bit too crowded then... There's a nice Iberostar complex in Playa Del Carmen that is now looking favourite.
The nightlife isn't really what we want, but somewhere that we can go for a wander if we are bored in the complex. Cancun is sounding a bit too crowded then... There's a nice Iberostar complex in Playa Del Carmen that is now looking favourite.
I have no signature.
We were there with the kid's last year. Fantastic, fantastic, superb!!!!!! 
Stayed at Playacar (Playa del Carmen) in the Iberostar Tucan. Playacar is much quieter than Cancun as far as I can gather, plenty to do, loads of trips. Favourites were speed boat & quad biking (flat out on geared quads through the jungle), swimming with dolphins and a visit to an underground cenote where you could dive into the water from 35ft up.
Went with my Father in Law to Chichen Itza to see the Mayan ruins, he's into history and all that. Great place to see, the heat was 45+ inland. Some of the villages you pass through the poverty is quite humbling. saying that the kids all look happy and well fed and most of the shacks have an earth floor but satellite TV!
Mexicans are very friendly and hard working. A tip of a few dollars here and there goes a long way. The hotel we were in was all inclusive food & drinks were again superb including room service and complimentary mini bar.
Playacar is a gated community so you have to pass through security in some areas to get in. The hotels are all along the beach with villas, a golf course and an airfield in land.
If you want nightlife you can head into 5th avenue in Playacar itself I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
I would agree on the previous posts about the Americans, they are loud and just can't have a discreet conversation. Don't know if they are arrogant or just self assured. Apologies to any of our American members
Just saying as seen. Don't let this put you off, just a minor detail!
Book it you won't regret it, If you do, my name is DDtB
Stayed at Playacar (Playa del Carmen) in the Iberostar Tucan. Playacar is much quieter than Cancun as far as I can gather, plenty to do, loads of trips. Favourites were speed boat & quad biking (flat out on geared quads through the jungle), swimming with dolphins and a visit to an underground cenote where you could dive into the water from 35ft up.
Went with my Father in Law to Chichen Itza to see the Mayan ruins, he's into history and all that. Great place to see, the heat was 45+ inland. Some of the villages you pass through the poverty is quite humbling. saying that the kids all look happy and well fed and most of the shacks have an earth floor but satellite TV!
Mexicans are very friendly and hard working. A tip of a few dollars here and there goes a long way. The hotel we were in was all inclusive food & drinks were again superb including room service and complimentary mini bar.
Playacar is a gated community so you have to pass through security in some areas to get in. The hotels are all along the beach with villas, a golf course and an airfield in land.
If you want nightlife you can head into 5th avenue in Playacar itself I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
I would agree on the previous posts about the Americans, they are loud and just can't have a discreet conversation. Don't know if they are arrogant or just self assured. Apologies to any of our American members
Just saying as seen. Don't let this put you off, just a minor detail!Book it you won't regret it, If you do, my name is DDtB
