Playa Del Carmen
Nov 11, 2011, 8:14 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8
Playa Del Carmen
I'm planning a trip to Playa del Carmen. What are your thoughts on all-inclusive? I'm looking to enjoy the beach and relax on this vacation, but also have some good meals..is that possible with an all-inclusive? Or would you suggest finding places around town to eat? Also, hotel/resort recommendations are most welcome 
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for your help!
Nov 11, 2011, 8:28 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SMF
Programs: Hilton Diamond-Marriott Platinum-life
Posts: 1,015
We have stayed there twice both times in all inclusives. The 1st one was nice grounds and able to use three different properties but the food and wine served was so so. The 2nd time different all inclusive better food grounds not as nice. Both times prices were extremely reasonable for a week includings flights from West coast booked through Jen travel. So depends what you want to pay. But both times had a Great time!!
Nov 11, 2011, 2:09 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 13,573
Stayed a little further down the coast, but enjoyed out AI this year. Stayed at a mini resort within a larger resort. There were lots of dining options, but it was hit and miss as to which were good (and the good were pleasant) or not so great (which were edible, but certainly nothing memorable!) A large variety was the key for us, if it was rubbish we could never go back, if it was good we could return! They did have good booze (high end spirits etc).
Nov 11, 2011, 2:39 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Texas (DFW)
Programs: AA Gold 1MM
Posts: 44
We have some very close friends who recently stayed at Grand Velas (which is in that general area). The husband is a gourmand of the highest order, and was naturally hesitant about staying at an AI.
In short, he was uniformly impressed with all the restaurants at Grand Velas. Actually, impressed isn't the right word - he was blown away!
In short, he was uniformly impressed with all the restaurants at Grand Velas. Actually, impressed isn't the right word - he was blown away!
Nov 12, 2011, 12:11 pm
#5
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 26,552
As the OP is not specifically looking for Luxury Hotels, I am moving this thread to the Mexico Forum.
Please follow there...
Thanks..
Obscure2k
Moderator
Luxury Hotels
Please follow there...
Thanks..
Obscure2k
Moderator
Luxury Hotels
Nov 27, 2011, 12:30 am
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
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Posts: 18,686
Personally in Playa del carmen.. I would stay at an all inclusive, but have the flexibility of eating in Playa del Carmen to change up the routine.. Palace resorts looks pretty respectable..
We just stayed at the Fairmont Mayakoba which isn't all inclusive.. but we did have breakfast plan each day.. so pretty nice as the food prices seemed reasonable for supper.. We weren't all that hungry, so we ate breakfast late in the morning, and supper a bit earlier, some snacks in the fridge for the family in case they were hungry.. and seem to do us fine..
We just stayed at the Fairmont Mayakoba which isn't all inclusive.. but we did have breakfast plan each day.. so pretty nice as the food prices seemed reasonable for supper.. We weren't all that hungry, so we ate breakfast late in the morning, and supper a bit earlier, some snacks in the fridge for the family in case they were hungry.. and seem to do us fine..
Dec 14, 2011, 5:25 pm
#8
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
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On a personal note, I have friends & associates that have said they really liked almost all the food while on their all-inclusive trips but then I see what they order when we go out & I know that what they consider really good I'd probably consider meh. (I also think they enjoyed the unlimited drinks the most out of their all-inclusive deal).
Dec 14, 2011, 8:21 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1
Ive been to the Riviera Maya several times and always at AI's. Perhaps its that I enjoy the drinks more than the meals...or perhaps its that when i stay for a week, I get to know other travelers. If I stayed at a hotel and tried many different restaurants, I might not see the same person twice. Also..I get to walk to everything. If you stay at a hotel...you cab it?
As for recommendations, Ive stayed several times at the RIU Palace Mexico..but Im 60 and married. If youre single and 30, you woudnt like it.
As for recommendations, Ive stayed several times at the RIU Palace Mexico..but Im 60 and married. If youre single and 30, you woudnt like it.