Originally Posted by
eponymous_coward
I’d consider “this isn’t Cancun” to be an actual positive. The Zona Hotelera didn’t really appeal to me. A friend called it “very south Texas full of partying college kids”. But I liked getting out of the city to Isla Mujeres or down the coast for more local feel, which isn’t too hard to do, which seems to be what you’re talking about here?
Exactly. I've spent great times at various eco lodges in the Cayo district, and back in the day Placencia was nice in a crusty way but I think it's been thoroughly gentrified now. The comments upthread about the country lacking American chain hotels makes me think some potential visitors might need to adjust their expectations.