AI recommendation in Playa Del Carmen

[Dhboner]

I'm looking at a family vacation (including diving) in the Spring 2013. We will be staying in Playa (more non-diver distractions, proximity to cenotes) and using a dive op in town.

Can anyone recommend an all-inclusive within reasonable distance of Playa. Please don't bother with any lectures slamming AI's that decision has already been made!

Thanks

Bob

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

We like the Riu's in Playa. They have several different price point properties and depending on which one you stay in you can use the other facilites. For instance, the Tequila resort (the name sounds like a drunk fest, but it's not) is across the street from their beach front Yucatan resort and you get full access to the Yucatan beach, restaurants, bars, etc., but pay 1/3 less. The chain is Spanish owned and has some nice European touches to the food and decor. We think it's a pretty good value. They are also in Playacar which is just a short walk north of the ferry pier.

PH

 

[paulw]

Any of the RIU's (we really like Riu Playacar) and Iberostar. For Dive shops my favorite is The Abyss Playa del Carmen Diving with The Abyss Dive Center Dave will take care of you.

 

[Tool Belt]

The Reef, and Tank Ha

 

[Kryssa]

How is the OW diving around Playa? Thinking of doing a family vacation in that area next year with non-divers and I know there is more to see on the mainland than Coz. I don't want to have to deal with the ferry for good diving and I'm not interested in cenotes.

 

[bwetter]

Add me to the + votes for Riu Playacar, if you want a little less expensive look at Allegro/Playacar - but you get what you pay for // for diving check out Beyond Diving for Open water and Cenotes but don't think the open water is going to compare to Cozumel but in the same breath, I go for the bull sharks, cenotes and caves

My wife is a Non-diver and she would rather spend the time in Playacar or on 5th Ave.(short walk- 10-15min) Playa del Carmen then Cozumel

Hope this helps

Bill

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

You might also check this out for some input: All Inclusive / Big Resorts - Playa del Carmen, Mexico forum

PH

 

[paulw]

How is the OW diving around Playa?

That is all according to the dive shop you choose, I have dove with some dive shops (years ago) who take you just off shore or just out of the marina and the diving sucked but there are some good shops that can take you to some really good diving. When we go to Playa I dive with Dave at The Abyss Dive Center Playa del Carmen Diving with The Abyss Dive Center

 

[Dhboner]

You might also check this out for some input: All Inclusive / Big Resorts - Playa del Carmen, Mexico forum

PH

Thanks...that's a really helpful link.

Bob

 

[bigbluemarble]

If you are looking for a smaller, more relaxed all-inclusive, might want to check out Las Palapas or Hotel Mahekal. They are located on the prettiest beach in the northern section of Playa del Carmen. For your wife, 5th Ave is located just outside the resorts so it's easier to go shopping on the 5th than from Playacar.

Diving...I'd go with the Abyss, too. Still operated by the original owner, Dave, and his staff has many years of experience working for him. You'll get a safe experience with knowledgeable guides.

Also be aware that in early spring, it get's pretty windy in Playa and the sea can get rough. The Playacar section of PDC often gets shut down by the harbor master meaning no dive boats can go out of there, while the rest of Playa remains open or "open with precaution" for dive boats. Of course, some days the harbor can be closed for everyone so no one goes out.