Please recommend a resort in Cancun for me!

[horner5]

OK, Dis friends, I know I can count on you for good input!

My Mom and I want to take a girls only vacation in February and we're either going to take a 4 night cruise (not sure if that's worth doing for only 4 nights) or a 4 night stay in Cancun.

I've been researching for 2 days....and I am just lost! Have you been to an all-inclusive in Cancun that you'd recommend, or even just a hotel that's not inclusive, but you still kept a food budget in mind. We want to do a trip for about $1000-$1200 each with airfare, and I think that's doable, but I just need advice.

Any tips or suggestions are highly welcome!!!

Thanks in advance!


Amy

 

[Beth76]

I have not been to Cancun yet. I'm going to Playa del Carmen in less than 2 weeks though YAY!!!! Anyhoo, my girlfriends and I are planning a long weekend in Cancun sometime and we are looking at the Ambiance Villas. They have 1,2 and 3 bedroom suites that works out very cheap if you don't mind sharing beds. I've read that it's clean and the beach is great. Just not a lot of perks like the big resorts. But, close to all the restaurants and clubs. Here's a link if you're interested.

 

[Sandy V.]

I highly recommend the Playa Del Carmen area just south of Cancun. Much more relaxed and less "Americanized".

We've stayed at the Iberostar Tucan, the Iberstar Paraiso Del Mar, and the Barcelo Maya. All had their pros and cons, but our clear favorite was the Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar.

The Riviera Maya is wonderful . . . white sand beaches, turquoise water, palm trees . . . ahhh.

Just ask away if you have any questions.

 

[mickeyminnie]

at the iberostar pariso beach or del mar, can't remember, they are sisters. tell me what was good about it, we are going in feb with some college friends

 

[Sandy V.]

The Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar and Beach are "sister" resorts that flank a shared theater, wonderful pool areas, and restaurants.

We loved it because it was absolutely striking architecturally; lots of stone and marble. The service was wonderful. The Iberofriends do a great job all day long of getting people involved.

The pool has to be seen to be believed. It is gorgeous, and huge. It starts with a waterfall at one end and meanders all the way throughout. There are various areas for adults only, for playing volleyball, for just floating. Plus, there are 3 (I think) swim up bars that are a lot of fun.

The coconut ice cream is TO-DIE-FOR, and I'm not a big coconut fan!

Next door is the newest Iberostar resort; the Iberostar Lindo. It's even more upscale with a huge wave pool. If I'm not mistaken, they're building another resort as well.

The resort is spread out, which we liked, but if you have difficulty walking, it might not be the place for you.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I don't have a hotel to recommend - but do want to ask why you chose Cancun. I haven't been to Cancun since 1991 and haven't been back because I couldn't stand how "Americanized" (to quote Sandy V) it was. If you want to experience any type of Mexican culture, Cancun is not the place. Also, keep in mind that Cancun is quite popular for Spring Break, and I sure Colleges start in Feb. I was there during Spring Break (not as a student; but as an old crusty 26 year old, who couldn't believe what the "kids" were doing nowadays) and it wrecked our entire vacation.

 

[Lyn-CA]

DH & I stayed at the J.W. Marriott right there at the Hotel Zone. It was pretty new when we were there in 2003. It was luxurious so if that's what you are looking for, I'd recommend this. We just took the bus into downtown for meals, clubs, shopping, etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[Beth76]

Next door is the newest Iberostar resort; the Iberostar Lindo. It's even more upscale with a huge wave pool. If I'm not mistaken, they're building another resort as well.

Also on the other side of the Lindo is the Maya which is the most of expensive (and newest) of the four of them. They're building a 5th on the other side of the Maya too. I don't know any other info on that. We're staying at the Beach and I've heard so many wonderful things. As long as the weather cooperates, I know we won't be disappointed. I plan on visiting the Tucan/Quetzal while there too.

 

[Sandy V.]

We're staying at the Beach and I've heard so many wonderful things. As long as the weather cooperates, I know we won't be disappointed. I plan on visiting the Tucan/Quetzal while there too.

You won't be disappointed. Have a wonderful time!!

 

[golfgal]

We stayed at the Moon Palace and I wasn't impressed. It was off the strip, which is nice if you want a quite place. Another poster said something about the JW Marriott. THe goal behind that class of Marriott is outstanding service. We stayed at the one in Phoenix and it was OUTSTANDING! If that were an option, I would stay there just on the reputation of the JW's I have been at.

Playa del Carmen is a nice area and less commercial and much less busy then Cancun.

 

[PixieDust32]

In Cancun the Marriott or Ritz Carlton.

But if you want the true Mexican tradition and experience and the most beautiful beaches, I highly recommend PUERTO ESCONDIDO, OAXACA. OMG! There is like going to a lost paradise.

 

[minniemick]

We returned from Mexico on Monday and had a wonderful holiday there. We stayed at Catolina River Maya, there is a buffet restaurant where evey the most fussy eater will find something to eat and three a-la-cart resturants. They have a very good animation team and I have never stayed in such a clean hotel as these, every member of staff went out of their way to be friendly.