Mexico Vacation Travels Pictures, Reviews, & Deals » Cancun: Vacations, Hotels, Resorts in Cancun Mexico

Things to know about Cancun: Hotels and Accommodation

Rachel — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:58:37 +0000

Honeymoons and romantic vacations are always the reasons why people come to Cancun. The island is such a conducive place for romance that plenty of wedding destinations and anniversary celebrations take place here.

The hotels even offer packages for such events, and you can pick from a variety of these in many of the hotels in the area. They range from the super luxurious to the most budget-friendly accomodations. There’s also golf resort hotels, nude and adult only hotels and family hotels that are kid and pet friendly.

While still largely a romantic destination, vacationing in Cancun with your kids is definitely still plausible as some hotels, like The Royal Sands, offer packages that include activities that children may also enjoy. There are supervised events offered only for the children and babysitting services are also available.

The Royal Sands is also a fantastic place, if you are a sports enthusiasts, because this hotel is a golf resort. Or you can check out the Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort that comes with the breathtaking view of the Mayan Ruins, as well as a tennis court facility.

Hotels like these organize plenty of activities for their guests, including snorkeling, day trips, and diving trips.

If you’re into budget travels, be aware though that these hotels may be without facilities like a swimming pool or may have no in-house restaurants. Budget hotels are perfect if you’re really just looking for a place to sleep, as you tour the rest of the island in the day. Hotel Tankah and Hotel San Carlos Cancun are just some of the decent budget hotels in the area.

Things to know about Cancun: August

Rachel — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:11:53 +0000

August is the off-season in Cancun, which means that a lot of resorts have deals and special offers you can save on. If you want to visit Mexico with a tight budget, then this would be the ideal month to do it.

You have to contend with rainfall, however, as this is the start of the rainy season. And it’s different here in Mexico as the temperatures are higher at this time of the year. The weather can also get very uncomfortable as it is quite. The rains usually come during the afternoon, which means that you should do your activities outdoor in the early mornings. If you plan on going on a daytour, you may have to have rain gear prepared.

Many visitors, however, seem to not mind the weather, as the beaches are still filled with sunworshippers and swimmers.

Cancun beaches have rows of interesting restaurants that range from the pricey to the super affordable. The beach atmosphere make dining even more enjoyable.

If you come around mid-August, it’s actually the La Fiesta de Playa celebration, featuring concerts and different fun competitions, as well as dance parties. There’s also a special festivity by the lighthouse as Isla Mujares celebrates its Founding Day every August 17th.

The beach can be really crowded with tourists from nearby United States during Labor Day Weekend, and while this is not the holiday Mexico celebrates, it sure feels like there’s a party here in Cancun during those times.

Things to know about Cancun: November

Rachel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:35:05 +0000

Hoards of tourist come to Cancun around November, as this is the best time to be in the island. The rainy season has let up and there are loads of festivals too look forward to like the Day of the Dead.

Although Cancun is a tourist destination all year round, in November, the weather is drier, but the temparature drops slightly with the evenings and mornings a lot more cooler.

The climate remains ideal for sunbathing and swimming, or do different kinds of water sports, or visit landmarks at Isla Mujares or the Chichen Itza. Daytours and walks are perfect for the cool but bright November weather, so make sure to have good, comfortable shoes with you.

November also marks Mexico’s All Saints Day and Day of The Dead celebrations. It’s like Halloween in Mexico, and houses, including people, are decked with colorful decorations to commemorate their deceased loved ones. This is also considered a National holiday, so expect many establishments to be closed as everyone is in the mood for fiesta celebrations.

In the middle of November, there’s the Cancun International Film Festival, which film lovers will appreciate.

Since this month is also the start of the tourist season, it’s best to avail of hotel accommodations early and book ahead. If you’re low on budget and wasn’t able to make advance reservations, though, there are still a few low budget hotels in downtown Cancun. Take note however, that you will have to contend with the lack of facilities (like having a common bathroom for all guests).

Nightlife in Mexico: El Squid Roe

Rachel — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 01:35:06 +0000

El Squid Roe is a busy, busy dance club in Mexico located in the Boulevard Marina, opposite the Plaza Bonita. The place is usually packed with a wild crowd, but the thing to note is that it is filled with people of all ages. People go here to look for clean fun and a place for unwinding.

El Squid Roe has no strict dress code. You can come wearing just shirt and jeans and still be welcomed to the club. You really don’t have to dress up here, as it’s guaranteed by ten in the evening, you’re sure to sweat a lot from dancing. Party goers are even encouraged to go up their tables and groove to the music. However, it’s suggestion not to wear flip flops when you do come to the dance floor. You might lose your footwear in the middle of the night.

The place is a two storey building that has a rustic and nostalgic interiors. The theme is actually quite eclectic. The food is also quite eclectic, with plenty of selections that both tourists and locals love.

Diners actually need not worry about the party atmosphere, unless they come in at about ten in the evening. That’t the time when the party starts. But usually, the El Squid Roe is still quiet in the early parts of the evening.

The dance club has theme nights and contests, which makes going here a lot more interesting. Party usually ends at 4 am and by this time, you surely have exhausted all of your energy dancing and drinking the night away.

Mexico Wedding Venue: The Royal Hotel

Rachel — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:58:02 +0000

The Royal Hotel in Cancun offers a wedding package that would be very hard to say no to. If the couple intends to stay for five nights at the hotel, and book themselves to the Master suite or Presidential suite, and have 20 guests/rooms stay in also, they can hold a wedding for free.

The package is already quite amenable and practical. It includes an on site professional who will oversee the wedding preparations. The ceremony will also be performed or officiated by someone provided by the hotel, (a Christian Minister or Justice). If it’s a really intimate wedding, the hotel can also provide witnesses.

Couples can expect a gazebo or beach front wedding and the hotel will provide the champagne for the wedding toast, as well as the wedding cake.

They will also be delighted to find their wedding suite decorated with rose petals on the night of the wedding, which makes it really conducive for romantic interludes.

For additional requests, guests will only pay minimal fees and the hotel will be able to deliver these. The ballroom may also be used, provided the place hasn’t been booked for other events.

The Royal Hotel is such a magnificent place to have your wedding. The scenery is exceptional and you can either have a grand wedding with all the hoopla, or a relaxed one where the bride can walk barefoot by the beach.

The site is located iin Cancun, at the Yucatan Peninsula, which many say is a paradise.

The hotel also offers excellent service and entertainment, where food and drinks are varied and impressive. Holding your celebration here would be no hassle and you can instantly have the best night of your life.

Where to Eat: Restaurante Natura

Rachel — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:34:54 +0000

Restaurante Natura in Cancun is a restaurant for vegetarians, although non-vegetarians would also love the food being served here. Every dish is prepared with the healthiest ingredients and process, and it is in fact, the only healthy choice restaurant found in this part of the city.

The place offers hearty meals from breakfast to dinner, and also has a wide selection of fresh fruit juices patrons will enjoy drinking.

We mention that this is also ideal for non-vegetarians as they do have hors d’oeuvres, pasta, baguettes, vegetable dishes and salads. Order the camarones caribeños, or shrimp served with rice and placed inside a pineapple dish, topped with special kind of dressing. It’s exotic and different but a really delicious treat. You can also try the grilled cactus fajitas served with guacamole sauce. Your eyes will wonder about the setting but your taste buds will love it.

Most dishes are served with a helping of tortilla chips, pico de gallo and verde sauce with grilled jalapenos. The jalapenos are especially something to rave about.

There is an indoor and outdoor seating in this restaurant. The whole establishment is quite humble and laidback, and you don’t have to dress too much to get inside. It actually has a very relaxing atmosphere, with lovely but simple decor composed of plants and local art works.

Service is also fantastic, quick and efficient. The staff readily assists guests who may be coming to this place for the first time and wouldn’t know what to eat from all the dishes on the menu (and there are plenty choices!).

For budget meals with authentic Mexican flavor, this truly is a must-try in Cancun!

Where to Eat: Beach House

Rachel — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:40:18 +0000

The Beach House has a slightly upscale ambience, that stepping inside the restaurant, you would think the atmosphere isn’t laidback or casual. But that’s the thing about this place. It’s quite upscale but you can sit and enjoy the food, sights and scenery even as you are dressed casually, and laughing out loud over dinner with friends.

The place is shaded and comfortable, with thatched palapa roof and a wonderful terrace that has the ocean for its background. But the interiors all over it will make you feel as if you’re dining in a five star hotel.

The food is also of five-star quality, with a price that’s slightly higher than most restaurants. However, the dishes served are really flavorful, satisfying your gastronomic cravings. The restaurant is managed by a renowed and multi-awarded Chef, which is why when it comes to food, this place tops it. Sample their traditional tacos or quesadillas and take a bit of their Mahi Mahi ceviche, and you’ll understand what we mean.

The place is also perfect for casual drinking with buddies and the Beach House is located with a poolside area, so you can enjoy your food and drinks with families and friends, while taking a dip in the water.

At night, the Beach House would be perfect for romantic dates as the mood lighting is soft and the ambiance is intimate.

Service by the staff is also commendable, and they are quite helpful in giving you choices on what food to try. Overall, this place is perfect for couples, families and friends.

Where to Eat: Silk Asian Bistro

Rachel — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:46:02 +0000

Silk Asian Bistro serves a fusion of Asian food and Mexican food. It would be really interesting to dine here as the staff, including the chefs, prepare the food as if it was a stage performance. There is a Teppanyaki station where they do this, in front of the audience and the experience is like watching a theatrical number in itself. It makes dining here even more impressive and pleasurable.

The restaurant has a really cool avant-garde design and the colors of the interior are modern and rich, they’re quite pleasing to the eyes. Alluring, cutting edge background music is played to complement the setting. Being here makes you feel advertursome and alive, ready to take on what the menu has to offer.

Speaking of which, the restuarant offers a combination of traditional Japanese food like sushi and rolls, but created with a fusion of bolder, more flavorful ingredients like lemon grass, ginger or curry, which you used to hardly find in Japanese cuisine.

Their choices for Teppanyaki is plenty with New York Steak, flank steak, chicken, vegetable, shrimp, lobster or a mix of any o f these.

They also serve Sukiyaki beef, but mostly, the restaurant offers sea food you don’t usually find in “average” Japanese restaurants.

The restuarant follows a strict dress code where diners really come here to impress, on top of enjoying the food. The restaurant requests that guests do not come in their casual shorts and sleeveless.

Staff service is friendly, accommodating, and not to mention entertaining. It may be farfetched to find a good Japanese or Asian restaurant in Mexico, but here it is, ready for you to try it out!

Cancun: The Sun Palace

Rachel — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:59:29 +0000

Located to the southern area of Cancun, The Sun Palace is a private escape that has its own beautiful beach spanning 550 foot. The place is heavenly and it’s perfect for couples on their honeymoon or those on a romantic get away.

The hotel offers 237 deluxe guest rooms, all of which enjoy a view of the Caribbean Sea. However, many visitors suggest upgrading later, so that you can enjoy the place a lot more. The hotel offers a credit system, depending on how long you stay here and what other activities you avail. Booking is usually all-inclusive or by package, hence there are credits.

There is a balcony to some of the rooms, which offers something romantic for many couples. This place, by the way, is a couples-only hotel. It’s expectedly peaceful compared to family friendly hotels.

The place has its own restaurant serving a variety of flavorful food items, so you won’t have to leave the area and drive to another restaurant, if it would be an inconvenience. The hotel has three different kinds of restaurants to choose from, where there’s live music and all kinds of beverages to enjoy.

The hotel’s all inclusive package includes excursions that will take you to some of Cancun’s most exciting tourists spots. Some of the activities you can do include horse-back riding, water sports activities like jet skiing, a trip to Mayan sites and other monumental places in Mexico.

You can arrange for your activities way before your visit, so that when you arrive, everything is set and you’d have a stress-free, funfilled vacation.

Cancun: Interactive Cancun Aquarium

Rachel — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:31:24 +0000

Everyone knows that Cancun Mexico’s premiere resort town. But other than enjoying the waters and the sand, there’s plenty of things to do here. It’s not just all about swimming, being in the water and lounging to get a tan.

If you’re traveling with children, visiting the Interactive Cancun Aquarium is a must. Well, to be honest, even if you’re not with kids, being in this place can be a new discovery and experience for you.

This site is a two-story structure filled with all kinds of sharks and exotic fish. They are safely swimming in their home, which may look a bit threatening to be standing in front of it, but children will quickly forget about this as they see all the colorful fishes swimming. It’s going to be a great learning experience, especially for the young ones.

The children will be allowed to touch some of the fishes, which I think is going to make for such a memorable trip. It’s something they can treasure for the rest of their lives. The tours are guided, so information visitors receive will be valuable. At night, there is a dolphin show that will please not only the young ones, but even the young at heart.

Older kids are allowed to swim with some of the fishes and they can rent out swimming gears if they want to.

The Aquarium opens daily from nine in the morning to six in the evening. The dolphin show starts at six at night daily, however. There is a minimal fee of about $10 to $20, which alredy includes the show.

It takes about three hours or less to visit and experience this place.