Playa Del Carmen Hotel's and Attractions

What to Pack?

playadelcarmenhotel — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:17:37 +0000

What you are packing depends when you are planning on going, for instance if you travel to Mexico during the winter months approx. (Oct – Mar) you will want to pack a few pairs of pants and a couple light sweaters and maybe one or two heavier ones (if you get cold easily) but don’t forget the sunscreen!

Do not forget to bring a lot of high SPF waterproof sunscreen, the sun is hotter and you will get burned – heat stroke is not fun on your vacation. I recommend bringing Aloe Vera as well (just in case) If you’re a woman (or man) expecting to get your hair braided (which I recommend) bring a spray sunscreen so you wont burn the parts or be forced to wear a hat. You can purchase sunscreen in Mexico but it is highly overpriced. I recommend packing a travel size bottle in you carry-on incase you have to wait by the pool for your room to be ready. (Yup, made that mistake) And just a note to Canadians if you are planning to visit Mexico during the winter months it is not easy finding sunscreen in Canada during January – might want to plan ahead.

Depending on your arrival time and where you are staying your room may not be ready on time; bring a change of shorts and shirt and your bathing suit in your carry-on.

Bring at least two bathing suits, because although it may be hot it’s still not nice putting on a wet bathing suit and they may take a while to dry between dips in the pool because of the humidity.

Bring a couple of nice outfits for formal dinners or hitting the clubs, and a pair of sandles or flip flops, one pair of nice shoes, and your comfiest walking shoes for those long excursions. And don’t forget your plugin for your ipod.

Family Resorts in Playa del Carmen

playadelcarmenhotel — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:56:53 +0000

Iberostar Tucan Resort (5 star all inclusive)

- built around an ecosystem of lush vegetation therefore the resort coexists with the local animals including monkeys, flamingos, iguana, peacocks (because of the jungle environment there are some bugs remember to pack Deet)

- Numerous activites for children including jungle walks, tennis lessons, treasure hunts, arts and crafts, dancing, carnival games, pinatas, etc…

- clean air continued rooms, not well decorated

- uncomfortable beds (can request pillow top from maid service)

- beach is nice, not rocky

- good staff – entertaining and helpful

- Mixed reviews on food but generally positive – have 5 al carte restaurants including Italian, Japanese and Steak, two buffet restaurants, and one grill snacks located on beach

- Have nightly shows for teens

- Lots of sports activities including scuba diving, kayaking, tennis, yoga, archery

- Nearby spa

- A lot of areas do not have air conditioning because of the open concept

My Verdict: Great resort for families with children and young teens (they will love the wildlife and the numerous activities) If you can’t stand the humidity I wouldn’t recommend this resort during the summer months.

Fifth Avenue (Quinto Avenida)

playadelcarmenhotel — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:34:35 +0000

Fifth Avenue is the spot for shopping in Playa Del Carmen, running parrallel to the ocean and closed off to street traffic there isn’t too much you won’t find here. There are all kind of souvenier and trincit shops, jewellery and boutiques selling the latest European trends, authentic and American restaurants, exciting night clubs, arts and crafts galleries, street music and shows. There are flea markets where you can bargain with the locals (which I think is half the fun) or you can grab a Starbucks.

Inexpensive Hotels in Playa Del Carmen

playadelcarmenhotel — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:19:13 +0000

Hotel Alux Playa Del Carmen

- located in downtown Playa, close to beach, 5th avenue and new bus station

- the rooms are clean and have comfortable beds

- they currently do not accept credit cards, therefor arrival times must be confirmed, and reservations are only guaranteed until 6:00 pm unless otherwise confimed

- majority of staff do not speak english

- no internet connections

Prices start at $44 USD for a single and $52 USD for a double

Xcaret

playadelcarmenhotel — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:14:35 +0000

Xcaret – is a beautiful ecological park that is a short 10 minute drive from Playa Del Carmen. The attractions are numerous at Xcaret including a coral reef aquarium, sea turtes, underground rivers which you can swim through, you can take a boat ride on the Paradise River and watch the night show about Mayan history. There are additional options including swimming with the dolphins and snorkeling. You will be hard pressed to visit all the attractions of Xcaret in one day, and the prices are very reasonable at approximately $70 USD.

The History of Playa del Carmen …

playadelcarmenhotel — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:33:23 +0000

Playa del Carmen is named for Our Lady of Mount Carmel (which is the title given to the blessed Virgin Mary) who is the patron saint of Cancun. The first recorded visitors to the beaches of what was at the time known as Xaman-Ha, or “waters of the north” came during the Early Classic Period (a.d. 300-600) of the Mayan civilization. Playa del Carmen was considered a launching point for pilgramiges to Cozumel, which the Myans believed to be the home of Ixchel, the goddess of love, moon, pregnancy and childbirth.

There are plenty of small ruins reminant of the Myans still existant in Playa del Carmen, including Tulum the last Mayan outpost which was believed to be known as Zama (City of the Dawn) but, is now a popular tourist destination.

Playa del Carmen, or Playa as it is informally referred to, is a rapidly growing tourist destination as it combines its’ rich history and quaint reputation as a fishing community with all the modern ammenties and attractions. Playa del Carmen offers the same white sand beaches and turquoise waters without the crowds of Cancun.