Help! Shangri-La Caribe vs. Las Palapas, vs. an AI - ie. Ree

[JenJen]

I want pool, jacuzzi, and a place to have cocktails and a meal, but plan to explore the region during the day... is an AI a waste, and do you have comments about Shangri-LA vs. Las Palapas, as far as location ammenities? Food? Thanks! Looking to stay this summer, so I imagine AC is something we should look for? A couple... 30 years old.. :smile: Cheers!

[Munichchick]

We are in our 30's and have been going to the PDC area for 9 years now. We have stayed at the Shangri-La Caribe 3 times in the past and love it there. It is a tropical Paradise with lush gardens and white soft sand every where. You will not need shoes at the resort!!! If it would not be so expensive now during high season we would stay there again this March. Las Palapas is very similar and also very nice but the Shangri-La Caribe/Playa has a bit more to offer.Try to get either a single Cabana or an upstairs room with Palapa Roof it makes your room more lofty and gives that special tropical feel. The Breakfast Buffet is super good there and dinners are very good as well. Both Las Palapas and Shangri-La are on a fantastic stretch of beach just a bit north of Playa del Carmen and you can either walk to 5th Avenue (15 minutes) or take a $3-$4 taxi ride. Make sure you have some dinners in town as well Playa has the wonderful super tasty Restaurants and cool Bars. Have fun!

[JenJen]

Thank you so much for such a speedy reply! What great information! Now, since you recommend the Shangri-la, do you suggest the Caribe or Playa (newer) section of the hotel? Does it make a difference? I would definitely want to stay in the cabana like you sugges, or something with the thatched roof... I'm definitely keeping in touch with you for more info as we get closer to our trip! Thanks again! Jennifer

[Munichchick]

Hi JenJen! Both sections are nice. The Playa section and the ocean front cabanas in the Caribe section are more expensive. We had Room 8B before wich is in the Caribe section upstairs and has a beautiful ocean view. We liked that room. Another time we had a single story cabana in the 3rd row with garden view which was nice as well. However, since most rooms don't have AC I recommend getting an ocean view or front room because the breeze is better. The ocean front cabanas in the Caribe section are very nice but the ocean front cabanas in the Playa section look even nicer.
The rooms in the Playa (new) section are maybe a little more luxurios and I think they have AC. But the gardens are more lush and jungly in the Caribe Section. Which month are you going?

[JenJen]

well, we're actually looking at going in June -- so I know it will be HOT and a breeze is probably a necessity! These are all good suggestions.. .thank you! I like the look of lush gardens and definitely want an ocean front -- so it sounds like an ocean front bungalow in the Caribe or Playa is the way to go... Since we're going low season, it's more affordable...

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: JenJen on 2002-02-20 19:37 ]</font>

[Munichchick]

You think you got it Jen! In June you will want ocean front for sure and there is nothing better than hanging in your hammock overlooking the ocean. They always include 2 hammocks per cabana. We definately will stay there again during low season. Have a great vacation.

[Munichchick]

I meant to say "I" think you got it! Oops.
Excuse my English I am just a German living in California.

[Munichchick]

I forgot to mention that the Shangri-La has 2 pools. One in the Caribe section surrounded by the lush garden next to the Bar and one is in the Playa section right by the Ocean and has a jacuzzi. There is a Restaurant with Ocean Views in the Playa section and a very romantic Restaurant back in the Gardens in the Caribe section. They used to have little turtles in the plants there you could feed breakfast. There is another Lunch/Grill Restaurant by the Caribe Pool, a cute little gift store that also has capuccino's and ice cream in the afternoon, a dive center and a great Bar with swings under a large Palapa. There are pool tables, ping pong table and a small library as well. Great place to meet fellow travelers! Gosh I love that place. I wish it wouldn't be $180 for a garden room in March.
The price always includes Breakfast and Dinner but not drinks. But please make sure you also have dinner in town!!!

[JenJen]

Oh my GOSH! It all sounds fabulous...! Okay, one last question: Ocean Front in Caribe or Playa? Is the newer area much nicer? (Playa) or is being near the bar, etc... better? (caribe)

[Munichchick]

Hmm! This is hard to answer but the Ocean Front Cabanas in both sections are very nice.
I did not see the inside of the Playa cabanas but the Caribe Cabanas are nice. None of the rooms at Shangri-La are fancy but comfortable and romantic. No TV, Phone etc. but who needs that with the ocean in front of your nose and the sound of the ocean. Maybe after you make a reservation and when you check in they could show a Cabana in each sections and let you pick one.
June is low season.

[JenJen]

That's a great idea. So, where are you guys from...that you have visited PDC so many times? I have never been to MEXICO! And we live in Los Angeles! The only tropical vacations I've had have been in Bermuda and in the Bahamas. I'm eager to see the Mayan ruins and do some exploring. This website had a great link to an adventure company, that had a great sounding excursion. I hope to check that out.

[JenJen]

Duh - I just saw that you said you lived in CA. Sorry bout that.

Well, another question.. did you book through Turquoise Reef Group, or the hotel directly? Also, did you rent bikes or a car? How did you generally get around? Hopefully, I will stop coming at you with all these questions, once we actually book the reservation... :smile: I will probably make the call tomorrow to book it, but was wondering how you booked.. thanks!

[Munichchick]

No Problem, keep asking questions! We booked through http://www.locogringo.com before and also through http://www.mexicoholiday.com. Both are good company's. We always rent a car for the whole trip and pick up and return at the airport. Avis and Budget are great there. Make the reservation in advance for a better rate. We have a Mini (VWBug)for 7 days this time $145 unlimited miles from Avis. You can also arrange transfers through both company's above and this might be better for you since you never been to Mexico. You will not need a car to get around PDC and you can do tours which you can book at the hotel. Mexico is a wonderful country. I can't believe living in LA you never been. The Riviera Maya is a million times nicer than Tijuana. I think Tijuana just gives Mexico a bad first expressions.