Newbie needs advice - AI vs. smaller hotel

campaholic · 02-26-2008

Hello All
Have been lurking here for a while and have decided to ask for your advice. My wife and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary in April. We have decided to go to the Mayan Riviera and Playa Del Carmen in particular. What we have thought of so far is the Gran Porto Real with side trips to Cozumel and Isla Mujeres and also Xcaret, and of course walking (barhopping) around Playa. We have our eye on a pretty good deal on the GPR but nothing written in stone. There also seems to be a lot of really nice smaller hotels as well. This could also be a possibility. We would really like to hear your thoughts on our original idea as well as any alternate ideas you all may have. Thanks.

Cheers
Dave

rackburt · 02-26-2008

Have you looked at the Shangri La or Playa Maya? Also, I think you should include a trip to Tulum. Ruins are great and the beaches are greater! I happen to be partial to Akumal also. Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful time!

**Bumper** · 02-27-2008

You'll stand a better chance of some good advice if you fill in some blanks. Are you interested in an All Inclusive resort, like the Gran Porto Real, or hotels? How long is your stay, and of that time, how many days would you like to spend on activities and/or tours, as opposed to vegging on the beach? Did you want to go to Cozumel and/or Isla Mujeres as day trips, or for a longer period? What's a "PTG"?

campaholic · 02-27-2008

Hey Bumper
Thanks for your quick reply. We will likely be spending only 7 days. Other activities would only be day trips and I meant GPR (poor typist).Thanks.

Cheers
Dave

Ziggy · 02-27-2008

For our 20th we split the difference and did 4 days at Playa Maya and 4 days at Royal Hideaway. We loved the different types of experiences we had at each.

**Bumper** · 02-27-2008

If you want to go the All Inclusive route, the Gran Porto Real is probably a good choice. It's closer to the action in Playa than most of the AI's. AI's do have advantages. Fewer decisions to make and the booze is in. Personally I'd rather stay in one of the smaller hotels and enjoy the variety of dining experiences the town offers. There's plenty of hotel suggestions available on this site.

Coz is a relatively easy day trip. Ferry over and take a drive around the island. Snorkel if you like. Ferry home. Isla Mujeres is more of a challenge for just a day trip. It can be done, but you have to go like heck. Bus/taxi/colectivo into Cancun, ferry to Isla, rent a golf cart, go like Hell, ferry back to Cancun, bus/taxi/ colectivo to Playa. WHEW!

Xcaret is nothing short of terrific, especially the evening show, but it's a whole day.

Tulum ruins are marvelous, as is the beach there, but it's a whole day if you're going to do both.

The snorkeling at Akumal is terrific, but once again a whole day if you're going to do it right.

What you have to avoid is over committing to a lot of different activities, or you just get burned out and have to develop your pictures when you get home to see what you saw. Back before we had seen and done most of what we want to see and do in the area, we tried to never schedule thing two days in a row. Mind you, we were always staying for a month, so we had the luxury of a lot more time. Just don't over plan.

TnTWalter · 02-27-2008

Nothing to add but wanted to say...
Welcome & Happy 25th!!

SheriC · 02-27-2008

Happy 25th! What better place to celebrate then in paradise.
I agree with bumper....... Tulum is beautiful and a must see. Xcaret is fabulous and the evening show alone is worth the price of admission. I am also partial to the smaller hotels and in particular fell in love with my home away from home (before I moved here) The Tropical Casablanca. Have a great trip!

James A. · 02-27-2008

You are going to get a lot of different, and maybe strong, opinions on this.

Here are my two cents:

I think an AI would be a good choice for your first trip and it being your anniversary. I think that it would provide a good base where you can get a feel of PDC, and still be able to retreat and make very few decisions when you want to.

Julie and I have been to several AI's, ranging from the Reef Club on one extreme, to the Royal Hideaway on the other. We have had an extraordinary time at each and every one of them. We loved the food, loved the pools, and loved the fact that we could wander into town any time we wanted.

We have also stayed at several small hotels in town, and had a tremendous time there, too. It was nice being able to dine on something new for each meal ,and it was fun being in the center of things.

But, again, if it were me, in your shoes, celebrating an anniversary and a first trip to PDC, I would go AI. I would just be able to relax a little bit more.

FWIW, I prefer small hotels over AI's, in general, and Julie is the opposite.

Rissask · 02-27-2008

Yes, Happy 25th Anniversary!

It sounds like you have a lot of activities planned for only a one week trip, you may get there and find time will pass too quickly if you are too busy and for a romantic anniversary you don't want to be overbooked and not relaxed. (I'd skip the Coz trip personally, it's a long day and there is more than enough to see and do around Playa.)

Tulum is a easy trip and you could just take a bus from the station on Fifth Avenue in Playa there and back, an easy morning jaunt. maybe make it a day trip and stop at Akumal on the way back and check it out, snorkel with the turtles.

We like AI and non-AI vacations, they both have their pros and cons. For a big anniversary I would pick a swanky AI though, but that is just me. (And will you be there near Easter? Because Fifth Avenue at Santa Semana is anything but relaxing, and standing in line to get into bars and restaurants may not be too much fun. If so, def an AI.)

edit: James, great minds think alike.

pkfirefighter · 02-27-2008

Ok, I'll bite. Here's my $.02 worth. I am an AI fan. When I get on the airplane, therortically, I have spent all the money I will need to spend. My meals, liquor, transfers, flight, and room are included. I just get off the plane, find the transfer dude and get on the bus/van/car to my resort. Of course they are expenses like tips, tours, and trips in to PDC that cost money if I so choose. Here's my angle, I don't want to have to work on my vacation. I certainly don't want to cook or mix my drinks. I don't want to shell out money and pick a resturant for every meal. I don't want to make decsions really. My wife and I spend numerous hours of our lives discusssing what/where to eat. I am tired of that by vacation time. I get a certain number of premium resturants with my AI trip and I book those upon my arrival. Then my meals are at one of the buffets. No decisions to really make. I eat what I want, she eats what she wanst, and the kids eat what they want. It's just nice to go into autopilot and just let many of decisions to be made by someone else. I don't want to walk down 5th with my wife and kids deciding what and where to eat. Thats too much like home! I know there are lots of people that love that freedom and probably find a little cost savings too, but thats not me. So, you have to decide what level of participation you want to put in. Totally lazy vacation, AI is for you. Want to sight see and have more of an adventure, go the private hotel/resturant route.

James A. · 02-27-2008

Oh, BTW, you should ask Shammy if she would check packages for the Riu Palace. It is super swank and was the best bang for the buck, we thought. If Julie and I were going back without the kids and were looking for luxury, that's where we would head.

HAWKEYE · 02-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkfirefighter

Ok, I'll bite. Here's my $.02 worth. I am an AI fan. When I get on the airplane, therortically, I have spent all the money I will need to spend. My meals, liquor, transfers, flight, and room are included. I just get off the plane, find the transfer dude and get on the bus/van/car to my resort. Of course they are expenses like tips, tours, and trips in to PDC that cost money if I so choose. Here's my angle, I don't want to have to work on my vacation. I certainly don't want to cook or mix my drinks. I don't want to shell out money and pick a resturant for every meal. I don't want to make decsions really. My wife and I spend numerous hours of our lives discusssing what/where to eat. I am tired of that by vacation time. I get a certain number of premium resturants with my AI trip and I book those upon my arrival. Then my meals are at one of the buffets. No decisions to really make. I eat what I want, she eats what she wanst, and the kids eat what they want. It's just nice to go into autopilot and just let many of decisions to be made by someone else. I don't want to walk down 5th with my wife and kids deciding what and where to eat. Thats too much like home! I know there are lots of people that love that freedom and probably find a little cost savings too, but thats not me. So, you have to decide what level of participation you want to put in. Totally lazy vacation, AI is for you. Want to sight see and have more of an adventure, go the private hotel/resturant route.

Very well put.
Can understand that point of view.
Craig.

wiseguy74 · 02-27-2008

Am I the Cheap Pete here? I have a hard time paying for an AI when the only thing you are doing is sleeping there. A trip to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Tulum are most of the day trips. Therefore you will spend money on drinks and food that you already paid for at the resort. I would suggest doing the AI for the first few days to enjoy the beach and relax. Use this time to explore town and find the restuarants you want to eat at. Then stay at a hotel the rest of the time and eat where you want.

Sooner Guy · 02-27-2008

we went in June of 06..man it was a lifetime ago...NEED to go this summer! being a teacher that is the best time..

anyways, I had never been out of the country, spoke no spanish...but we took a chance and rented a condo, with a mini kitchen (which we ended up barely using) and did our own thing for 10 days. LOVED it, and found out we should have done some other things...
I was wanting at least 6 days of beach RR that is why I went...but I could beach out all day...it was fun...wife wouldn't let her hair (top) down at all.....course we are at the end so that's how it goes...but it was paradise!

got to get a steak at HC Monterays (SP?)...Meat Market.....THAT is what ya miss at an AI....

HAVE FUN!!!!!

02-26-2008	#1 (permalink)
campaholic sandflea Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: North Bay Ontario Canada Posts: 8	Newbie needs advice - AI vs. smaller hotel Hello All Have been lurking here for a while and have decided to ask for your advice. My wife and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary in April. We have decided to go to the Mayan Riviera and Playa Del Carmen in particular. What we have thought of so far is the Gran Porto Real with side trips to Cozumel and Isla Mujeres and also Xcaret, and of course walking (barhopping) around Playa. We have our eye on a pretty good deal on the GPR but nothing written in stone. There also seems to be a lot of really nice smaller hotels as well. This could also be a possibility. We would really like to hear your thoughts on our original idea as well as any alternate ideas you all may have. Thanks. Cheers Dave Last edited by Susie Q Roo; 02-27-2008 at 06:53 AM. Reason: correct confusing typo

02-27-2008	#10 (permalink)
Rissask Brit basher Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 19,632	Yes, Happy 25th Anniversary! It sounds like you have a lot of activities planned for only a one week trip, you may get there and find time will pass too quickly if you are too busy and for a romantic anniversary you don't want to be overbooked and not relaxed. (I'd skip the Coz trip personally, it's a long day and there is more than enough to see and do around Playa.) Tulum is a easy trip and you could just take a bus from the station on Fifth Avenue in Playa there and back, an easy morning jaunt. maybe make it a day trip and stop at Akumal on the way back and check it out, snorkel with the turtles. We like AI and non-AI vacations, they both have their pros and cons. For a big anniversary I would pick a swanky AI though, but that is just me. (And will you be there near Easter? Because Fifth Avenue at Santa Semana is anything but relaxing, and standing in line to get into bars and restaurants may not be too much fun. If so, def an AI.) edit: James, great minds think alike. Last edited by Rissask; 02-27-2008 at 09:32 AM.

02-27-2008	#14 (permalink)
wiseguy74 way into it Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 115	Am I the Cheap Pete here? I have a hard time paying for an AI when the only thing you are doing is sleeping there. A trip to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Tulum are most of the day trips. Therefore you will spend money on drinks and food that you already paid for at the resort. I would suggest doing the AI for the first few days to enjoy the beach and relax. Use this time to explore town and find the restuarants you want to eat at. Then stay at a hotel the rest of the time and eat where you want. Last edited by wiseguy74; 02-27-2008 at 11:51 AM.

02-26-2008	#2 (permalink)
rackburt into ruins Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Way Down South But Not Far Enough Posts: 79	Have you looked at the Shangri La or Playa Maya? Also, I think you should include a trip to Tulum. Ruins are great and the beaches are greater! I happen to be partial to Akumal also. Happy Anniversary and have a wonderful time!

02-27-2008	#3 (permalink)
Bumper Class Clown Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 9,683	You'll stand a better chance of some good advice if you fill in some blanks. Are you interested in an All Inclusive resort, like the Gran Porto Real, or hotels? How long is your stay, and of that time, how many days would you like to spend on activities and/or tours, as opposed to vegging on the beach? Did you want to go to Cozumel and/or Isla Mujeres as day trips, or for a longer period? What's a "PTG"?

02-27-2008	#4 (permalink)
campaholic sandflea Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: North Bay Ontario Canada Posts: 8	Hey Bumper Thanks for your quick reply. We will likely be spending only 7 days. Other activities would only be day trips and I meant GPR (poor typist).Thanks. Cheers Dave

02-27-2008	#5 (permalink)
Ziggy toe in water Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Steaming Frothy Florida Posts: 51	For our 20th we split the difference and did 4 days at Playa Maya and 4 days at Royal Hideaway. We loved the different types of experiences we had at each.

02-27-2008	#6 (permalink)
Bumper Class Clown Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 9,683	If you want to go the All Inclusive route, the Gran Porto Real is probably a good choice. It's closer to the action in Playa than most of the AI's. AI's do have advantages. Fewer decisions to make and the booze is in. Personally I'd rather stay in one of the smaller hotels and enjoy the variety of dining experiences the town offers. There's plenty of hotel suggestions available on this site. Coz is a relatively easy day trip. Ferry over and take a drive around the island. Snorkel if you like. Ferry home. Isla Mujeres is more of a challenge for just a day trip. It can be done, but you have to go like heck. Bus/taxi/colectivo into Cancun, ferry to Isla, rent a golf cart, go like Hell, ferry back to Cancun, bus/taxi/ colectivo to Playa. WHEW! Xcaret is nothing short of terrific, especially the evening show, but it's a whole day. Tulum ruins are marvelous, as is the beach there, but it's a whole day if you're going to do both. The snorkeling at Akumal is terrific, but once again a whole day if you're going to do it right. What you have to avoid is over committing to a lot of different activities, or you just get burned out and have to develop your pictures when you get home to see what you saw. Back before we had seen and done most of what we want to see and do in the area, we tried to never schedule thing two days in a row. Mind you, we were always staying for a month, so we had the luxury of a lot more time. Just don't over plan.

02-27-2008	#7 (permalink)
TnTWalter beachaholic Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 273	Nothing to add but wanted to say... Welcome & Happy 25th!!

02-27-2008	#8 (permalink)
SheriC lost on fifth Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Playa del Carmen Posts: 24	Happy 25th! What better place to celebrate then in paradise. I agree with bumper....... Tulum is beautiful and a must see. Xcaret is fabulous and the evening show alone is worth the price of admission. I am also partial to the smaller hotels and in particular fell in love with my home away from home (before I moved here) The Tropical Casablanca. Have a great trip!

02-27-2008	#9 (permalink)
James A. sandbagger vidiot Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bell Buckle, TN Posts: 2,374	You are going to get a lot of different, and maybe strong, opinions on this. Here are my two cents: I think an AI would be a good choice for your first trip and it being your anniversary. I think that it would provide a good base where you can get a feel of PDC, and still be able to retreat and make very few decisions when you want to. Julie and I have been to several AI's, ranging from the Reef Club on one extreme, to the Royal Hideaway on the other. We have had an extraordinary time at each and every one of them. We loved the food, loved the pools, and loved the fact that we could wander into town any time we wanted. We have also stayed at several small hotels in town, and had a tremendous time there, too. It was nice being able to dine on something new for each meal ,and it was fun being in the center of things. But, again, if it were me, in your shoes, celebrating an anniversary and a first trip to PDC, I would go AI. I would just be able to relax a little bit more. FWIW, I prefer small hotels over AI's, in general, and Julie is the opposite.

02-27-2008	#11 (permalink)
pkfirefighter beachaholic Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 256	Ok, I'll bite. Here's my $.02 worth. I am an AI fan. When I get on the airplane, therortically, I have spent all the money I will need to spend. My meals, liquor, transfers, flight, and room are included. I just get off the plane, find the transfer dude and get on the bus/van/car to my resort. Of course they are expenses like tips, tours, and trips in to PDC that cost money if I so choose. Here's my angle, I don't want to have to work on my vacation. I certainly don't want to cook or mix my drinks. I don't want to shell out money and pick a resturant for every meal. I don't want to make decsions really. My wife and I spend numerous hours of our lives discusssing what/where to eat. I am tired of that by vacation time. I get a certain number of premium resturants with my AI trip and I book those upon my arrival. Then my meals are at one of the buffets. No decisions to really make. I eat what I want, she eats what she wanst, and the kids eat what they want. It's just nice to go into autopilot and just let many of decisions to be made by someone else. I don't want to walk down 5th with my wife and kids deciding what and where to eat. Thats too much like home! I know there are lots of people that love that freedom and probably find a little cost savings too, but thats not me. So, you have to decide what level of participation you want to put in. Totally lazy vacation, AI is for you. Want to sight see and have more of an adventure, go the private hotel/resturant route.

02-27-2008	#12 (permalink)
James A. sandbagger vidiot Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bell Buckle, TN Posts: 2,374	Oh, BTW, you should ask Shammy if she would check packages for the Riu Palace. It is super swank and was the best bang for the buck, we thought. If Julie and I were going back without the kids and were looking for luxury, that's where we would head.

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02-27-2008	#15 (permalink)
Sooner Guy way into it Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mission Ks..outside of Kansas City Posts: 179	we went in June of 06..man it was a lifetime ago...NEED to go this summer! being a teacher that is the best time.. anyways, I had never been out of the country, spoke no spanish...but we took a chance and rented a condo, with a mini kitchen (which we ended up barely using) and did our own thing for 10 days. LOVED it, and found out we should have done some other things... I was wanting at least 6 days of beach RR that is why I went...but I could beach out all day...it was fun...wife wouldn't let her hair (top) down at all.....course we are at the end so that's how it goes...but it was paradise! got to get a steak at HC Monterays (SP?)...Meat Market.....THAT is what ya miss at an AI.... HAVE FUN!!!!!