OK, you've convinced me to go...

matthew1811 · 07-05-2006

All right, after reading over this forum for about a month now, you've all convinced me to take a trip to Playa (thanks to Shammy, Tappy, Cuffedlinks, and the rest of you for being so informative). I am going to do AI since it is my first trip down there, and I have a question about which hotel to stay at.

I had narrowed it down to the IB Quetzal or Lindo, but then I realized that I could spend 2 extra days at the same price if I chose the RIU Tequila. My question is this...do I stay at one of the first two places for 7 nights or at the Tequila for 9 nights?

Thank you all so much for your help, and I can't wait for the trip (mid August) so that I can start posting some educated posts on this board too!

**TeeZet** · 07-05-2006

I'd skip Lindo, since it's farthest (sp?) from Playa.
If you don't mind to walk some (to the beach): pick RIU Tequila and the extra days.
If you want to be practically on a beautiful beach: IB* Quetzal/Tucan.

Dallas91 · 07-05-2006

Going AI is cool, but since you are going to be there for 7-9 days, you HAVE to get out at least once or twice to eat some of the great food in Playa. It is really pretty easy to navigate around La Quinta (5th Ave) so be sure to get a little "taste" of the city too.

Enjoy your trip.

newyearmommy · 07-05-2006

If this is your first trip to the Playa area then I would personally recommend you stay ON the beach. I think you will be disappointed at the Tequila and I also think 9 days is actually too long (I know, I know....I'm probably in the minority on that one). The Tucan is great...we've stayed there and really enjoyed it. It's a nice middle-of-the-road property, in a good location, and on a great stretch of beach.

cuffedlinks · 07-05-2006

Actually....I've stayed at resorts that you could say are ON the beach - but the trek TO the beach from our room or from the hotel lobby after doing some morning emails etc I could equate to the trek from the Riu Tequila.

I've stayed at Playacar resorts and the beach is nice if you can see it from your room - many of the Playacar resorts - not all mind you - are set back....so being IN a beach resort in Playacar is cool but being OFF the beach in the Tequila is no deal breaker for me.

IF I could squeeze in a couple to three more days by staying at the Tequila as opposed to the Riu Palace for the same money, I'd do it. The Iberostar properties are quite nice - but the Tequila is pretty nice too and sometimes you can get some very good deals on the Tequila.

I guess I'm saying that in my opinion, flawed no doubt as it is...that if I could stay a week at one of the Iberostars or extra days at the Tequila....I'd stay at the Tequila...I mean it's TWO extra days in Playadise after all. For me, I'd suit up - take my towel, get to the lobby and take the shuttle to the beach (which takes all of about 60 seconds from lobby to drop-off)...

IF you DO decide on the Tequila - take one piece of advice....take a BIG insulated mug or TWO full of a nice adult refreshment, filled at the Tequila lobby bar, to the beach with you. You'll be sharing the LARGE expanse of beach with the Yucatan (newly remodeled) and the Riu Palace next to it. The path from the Tequila to the beach runs between the Palace and Yucatan properties - it's like a golf course cart path. Me, I'd walk it. It's less of a walk than we did at the Grand Palladium each day. NO kidding....

matthew1811 · 07-05-2006

Thanks for the replies...all are of great help to a first timer. I will definitely try out some local cuisine from some places that I've read about on this forum. Still not sure which hotel I will stay at, but it looks like everyone is saying that the Tequila is good enough of a hotel that I shouldn't look at it like a dumpy hotel that I will be settling for...thanks again!

JudyBluEyes · 07-05-2006

I agree with Cuffed, I've stayed at all three of the hotels you mentioned and I'd stay at the Tequila for the extra days...no contest!! Besides it's a fun resort.

Nerak936 · 07-05-2006

While I've stayed 3 times at the Iberostar Quetzal (but we didn't have a room ON the beach), I'd say go with Riu Tequila and get an extra two days. You just have to remember to pack all the crap you want for the beach (or it's a long walk back!) But even if you do forget something and need to go back to the room, hey.... you're in Playa.... you're on vacation.... there's a gorgeous beach there.... and downtown Playa is only a $5 cab ride away!!!

Definitely see downtown Playa during the day AND then again at night. It's magical at night!!!

And if you want to do a tour, the Playa.Info Tulum & Beyond tour. It'll show you the Tulum ruins, a couple of truly awesome cenotes, and a great beach with a wonderful lunch!!

Mustang Pete · 07-05-2006

No question about it..... the Tequilla. It is a great resort, much better than most, and you will love it. Garanteed it is far from being a "dump". The grounds, the service, the food, the atmosphere all top notch. It is a short walk down their own private , well groomed, walkway to the best beach in the playa area. Believe me, I am a beach person and i would still pick this resort over many others. Btw You also will have full access to the Riu Yucatan as well.

**Shammy** · 07-05-2006

Guess I'm the minority on this one...I'd take the better hotel on the beach.

While the Tequila is fine, for a first timer, I'd rather get quality over quantity. Just my dos pesos however, you do what you think is best for you.

cuffedlinks · 07-05-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

Guess I'm the minority on this one...I'd take the better hotel on the beach.

While the Tequila is fine, for a first timer, I'd rather get quality over quantity. Just my dos pesos however, you do what you think is best for you.

Well yeah....but you get to go so flippin' often....

I'd go for the extra days if I could.

BTW - my next AI WILL be an Iberostar there in Playacar....

summer05 · 07-05-2006

I was just checking rates on the Riu.com yesterday and you can stay at the Riu Yucatan, which is right on the beach in front of the Tequila for only about $25 more per night. That would be my choice.

Summer

matthew1811 · 07-06-2006

Man, the help just keeps coming. I hate to extend this thread anymore, but I'm getting the vibe that a NON-AI will give my party a more authentic Mexican experience. I think this is what I actually might want, so does anyone have any rules about first timers not doing an AI? If not, I have heard great things about La Tortuga...can this be confirmed?

newyearmommy · 07-06-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

Guess I'm the minority on this one...I'd take the better hotel on the beach.

While the Tequila is fine, for a first timer, I'd rather get quality over quantity. Just my dos pesos however, you do what you think is best for you.

It's you and me, Baby...minority rules.

I think whether or not an AI is best for you depends on you and what you want to do while there. If you are not the type to enjoy staying at the hotel for most meals and if you're not a big drinker, then AI may not be for you. For me....I go to Playa to relax and mainly plant myself on the beach or the pool and that's where I stay. I like to go into town once or twice to shop and have a meal or two but that's it. I also enjoy my margaritas (a lot) and would much prefer to pay one price for them instead of shelling out money each time.

Loree · 07-06-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthew1811

Man, the help just keeps coming. I hate to extend this thread anymore, but I'm getting the vibe that a NON-AI will give my party a more authentic Mexican experience. I think this is what I actually might want, so does anyone have any rules about first timers not doing an AI? If not, I have heard great things about La Tortuga...can this be confirmed?

I would never do an AI simply because if I am out and about and want a meal, I'd feel obligated to go back to the hotel to eat simply because it is already paid for.
I LOVE walking around sampling foods from everywhere all day and night and the drinks as well.
I get a cheap hotel within 2 blocks from the beach and that is where I sleep and shower only. I am busy sunning my buns and exploring the area the rest of the time.
Make sure you walk a few streets away from 5th Avenue to get the real feel of the locals. It is so much fun and the people are so friendly and so helpful.
Whatever you decide, I am sure you will have a blast.
Make sure to post pics and a trip report!

07-05-2006	#1 (permalink)
matthew1811 lost on fifth Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 16	OK, you've convinced me to go... All right, after reading over this forum for about a month now, you've all convinced me to take a trip to Playa (thanks to Shammy, Tappy, Cuffedlinks, and the rest of you for being so informative). I am going to do AI since it is my first trip down there, and I have a question about which hotel to stay at. I had narrowed it down to the IB Quetzal or Lindo, but then I realized that I could spend 2 extra days at the same price if I chose the RIU Tequila. My question is this...do I stay at one of the first two places for 7 nights or at the Tequila for 9 nights? Thank you all so much for your help, and I can't wait for the trip (mid August) so that I can start posting some educated posts on this board too!

07-05-2006	#5 (permalink)
cuffedlinks añejo Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The City of Presidents Posts: 16,003	Actually....I've stayed at resorts that you could say are ON the beach - but the trek TO the beach from our room or from the hotel lobby after doing some morning emails etc I could equate to the trek from the Riu Tequila. I've stayed at Playacar resorts and the beach is nice if you can see it from your room - many of the Playacar resorts - not all mind you - are set back....so being IN a beach resort in Playacar is cool but being OFF the beach in the Tequila is no deal breaker for me. IF I could squeeze in a couple to three more days by staying at the Tequila as opposed to the Riu Palace for the same money, I'd do it. The Iberostar properties are quite nice - but the Tequila is pretty nice too and sometimes you can get some very good deals on the Tequila. I guess I'm saying that in my opinion, flawed no doubt as it is...that if I could stay a week at one of the Iberostars or extra days at the Tequila....I'd stay at the Tequila...I mean it's TWO extra days in Playadise after all. For me, I'd suit up - take my towel, get to the lobby and take the shuttle to the beach (which takes all of about 60 seconds from lobby to drop-off)... IF you DO decide on the Tequila - take one piece of advice....take a BIG insulated mug or TWO full of a nice adult refreshment, filled at the Tequila lobby bar, to the beach with you. You'll be sharing the LARGE expanse of beach with the Yucatan (newly remodeled) and the Riu Palace next to it. The path from the Tequila to the beach runs between the Palace and Yucatan properties - it's like a golf course cart path. Me, I'd walk it. It's less of a walk than we did at the Grand Palladium each day. NO kidding.... Last edited by cuffedlinks; 07-05-2006 at 07:42 PM..

07-05-2006	#2 (permalink)
TeeZet Non-aggressive Dutch dude Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Uithoorn, The Netherlands Posts: 7,773	I'd skip Lindo, since it's farthest (sp?) from Playa. If you don't mind to walk some (to the beach): pick RIU Tequila and the extra days. If you want to be practically on a beautiful beach: IB* Quetzal/Tucan.

07-05-2006	#3 (permalink)
Dallas91 añejo Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In my own little world most of the time LOL Posts: 1,931	Going AI is cool, but since you are going to be there for 7-9 days, you HAVE to get out at least once or twice to eat some of the great food in Playa. It is really pretty easy to navigate around La Quinta (5th Ave) so be sure to get a little "taste" of the city too. Enjoy your trip.

07-05-2006	#4 (permalink)
newyearmommy sandflea Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 5	If this is your first trip to the Playa area then I would personally recommend you stay ON the beach. I think you will be disappointed at the Tequila and I also think 9 days is actually too long (I know, I know....I'm probably in the minority on that one). The Tucan is great...we've stayed there and really enjoyed it. It's a nice middle-of-the-road property, in a good location, and on a great stretch of beach.

07-05-2006	#6 (permalink)
matthew1811 lost on fifth Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 16	Thanks for the replies...all are of great help to a first timer. I will definitely try out some local cuisine from some places that I've read about on this forum. Still not sure which hotel I will stay at, but it looks like everyone is saying that the Tequila is good enough of a hotel that I shouldn't look at it like a dumpy hotel that I will be settling for...thanks again!

07-05-2006	#7 (permalink)
JudyBluEyes añejo Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Playa Del Carmen Posts: 4,646	I agree with Cuffed, I've stayed at all three of the hotels you mentioned and I'd stay at the Tequila for the extra days...no contest!! Besides it's a fun resort.

07-05-2006	#8 (permalink)
Nerak936 añejo Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 18,764	While I've stayed 3 times at the Iberostar Quetzal (but we didn't have a room ON the beach), I'd say go with Riu Tequila and get an extra two days. You just have to remember to pack all the crap you want for the beach (or it's a long walk back!) But even if you do forget something and need to go back to the room, hey.... you're in Playa.... you're on vacation.... there's a gorgeous beach there.... and downtown Playa is only a $5 cab ride away!!! Definitely see downtown Playa during the day AND then again at night. It's magical at night!!! And if you want to do a tour, the Playa.Info Tulum & Beyond tour. It'll show you the Tulum ruins, a couple of truly awesome cenotes, and a great beach with a wonderful lunch!!

07-05-2006	#9 (permalink)
Mustang Pete lost on fifth Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 18	No question about it..... the Tequilla. It is a great resort, much better than most, and you will love it. Garanteed it is far from being a "dump". The grounds, the service, the food, the atmosphere all top notch. It is a short walk down their own private , well groomed, walkway to the best beach in the playa area. Believe me, I am a beach person and i would still pick this resort over many others. Btw You also will have full access to the Riu Yucatan as well.

07-05-2006	#10 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,901	Guess I'm the minority on this one...I'd take the better hotel on the beach. While the Tequila is fine, for a first timer, I'd rather get quality over quantity. Just my dos pesos however, you do what you think is best for you.

07-05-2006	#12 (permalink)
summer05 beachaholic Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 289	I was just checking rates on the Riu.com yesterday and you can stay at the Riu Yucatan, which is right on the beach in front of the Tequila for only about $25 more per night. That would be my choice. Summer

07-06-2006	#13 (permalink)
matthew1811 lost on fifth Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 16	Man, the help just keeps coming. I hate to extend this thread anymore, but I'm getting the vibe that a NON-AI will give my party a more authentic Mexican experience. I think this is what I actually might want, so does anyone have any rules about first timers not doing an AI? If not, I have heard great things about La Tortuga...can this be confirmed?

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