Mexico Vacation Travels Pictures, Reviews, & Deals » Playa Del Carmen Mexico: Hotels, Resorts, Travel and Vacation Guide in Playa Del Carmen

Mexico Wedding Venue: Riu Palace Hotel

Rachel — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:45:43 +0000

Located in Playa Del Carmen, Riu Palace Hotel offers several wedding packages and anniversary packages for couples who want to have their dream destination wedding in Mexico.Because the hotel is located in a resort complex, it has all the privileges and luxuries you would expect from resort hotel and service here is round the clock.

The hotel is decorated with murals and painted ceilings, and has a distinctively Spanish influence. Riu Palace has its own chapel precisely because a lot of weddings and anniversaries are celebrated her year after year.

For 2012, the hotel offers the following package to couples who would want to get married at the resort. This is complimentary and part of the all-inclusive package, provided that booking is for five or more rooms.

* On-site wedding coordinator
* Decorated area for the ceremony location
* Bridal Bouquet and matching boutonniere
* CD or recorded music during the ceremony
* Semi private dinner for the wedding group at one of our specialty restaurants
* Wedding cake for 10 people
* Sparkling wine for 10 people
* Witnesses, if required
* 10% discount on spa services for the bride and groom
* Special Room Decoration
* Minister or Judge

The marrying couple will only have to pay for legal documentation, which amounts to something like $300. There are also other wedding packages available, which can be inquired from their booking office.

The hotel itself is a fabulous service oriented site, with 400+ rooms and complete amenities for families, couples, business people, or group of friends. There’s also a bar for guests to unwind and relax after the wedding, and a several restaurtants offering a variety of dishes.

If you want to enjoy your wedding in the most memorable way, having a dream destination celebration in this hotel is not a bad idea.

Where To Stay In Mexico: Mosquito Blue Hotel & Spa

Rachel — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:39:04 +0000

Boutique hotels are quite expensive, but the Mosquito Blue Hotel and Spa is one that may fit a regular budget and is really quite affordable than most boutique hotels. The clientele of this establishment caters to the young and the hip, and the since it’s located in a lively beach area at the heart of the Playa’s nightlife hub, it’s definitely one that’s considered a party place.

Mosquito Blue is surrounded by numerous restaurants and cafes, as well as arts and crafts stores and shopping establishments. It is a few steps away from the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean sea, so imagine this place can get a lot crowded during the summer seasons or spring break.

There are 45 rooms to this hotel and it truly stands out from all the other rows of establishments found in the area for its European and contemporary architecture. The hotel is also filled with a young staff, so that it can truly relate to what the guests want and needs.

The main facade of the Mosquito hotel is in striking orange and blue, and the swimming pool is not your typical shape. The spa area is surrounded by tropical plants so that it is more secluded and tranquil, as well as very inviting and welcoming.

The hotel even has an open air library for guests who want to do more than just partying. You can absolutely relax in peace and slightly quiet in this area. But you will also appreciate that when things get really fun and exciting, all you have to do is walk and join the dance party going on at the bar.

The suites are large and elegant but standard rooms are pretty small than what you’d actually expect. But the atmosphere, overall, is sophisticated and exhilirating. The young crowd would truly enjoy it here.

Where to Stay in Mexico: The Villa at Merida

Rachel — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:17:51 +0000

Located in downtown Merida, which is Yucatan Peninsula’s capital, The Villa is actually a restored structure that dates back to the 19th century colonial era. The place is used to be a house of a nobleman and with its restoration, the original ironwork and floor tiles, as well as the high ceilings, have been retained. The rooms in each of this palatial house have high ceilings and all doors are wooden and solid. The interiors come with striking red colors as accent, thus it feels so grand to be in here.

The site has a majestic fountain sitting amidst a lush garden, the inner courtyard, and this is where birds literally come to rest and sing. Imagine sitting at the veranda with that kind of atmosphere. It feels provincial and almost storybook like.

The Villa has its own pool surrounded by palm trees, that you will really feel you’re in some tropical paradise. But the place is actually situated in the middle of a city. Thus, it is accessible to a lot of places to go.

There are only seven rooms to this house, which is great for couples who want to keep their romantic interlude private, or groups who want to be set in a house where comfort and history do come together. Three of these rooms directly open to the courtyard, which is really fantastic and romantic.

There is no restaurant within the establishment but the bar serves light food upon request, and there’s a buffet for dinner. Just don’t expect a lot of food choices. Restaurants outside are accessible via taxi anyway.

Because the place is old, some features and facilities need to be handled with care. The staff of The Villa are very friendly and accommodating anyway, so if there’s anything you need, you can easily ask their assistance.

Where to Stay In Mexico: Hacienda Chichen

Rachel — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:45:46 +0000

The Hacienda Chichen is literally just a few minutes away from the famous Chichen Itza’s Mayan temples. The place is totally surrounded by this wondrous and historical landscape and everywhere in the hacienda ar sculptures and artworks on display, much to the delight of the guests staying here.

The lush gardens that surround the place provides a cool and breezy atmosphere. And even with plenty of guests staying at a time, the area is very peaceful. You would love sitting on the rocking chair or hammock, just to take in all of these wonder and beauty.

The buildings are made with yellow walls and the archways are open, making this a really inviting hotel to be in. There are shaded pathways that bring you to some 28 rooms which are all fully furnished for the guests comfort and pleasure.

The owners of this Hacienda has refurbished the mansion so that it looks up to date, in spite of the fact that it has been sitting here since the 16th century.

Hacienda Chichen offers spa service which we recommend guests take and enjoy because it really is relaxing. Surrounded by lovely trees and birds chirping and humming as you get your massage, there’s no better way to enjoy a vacation like this, away from the stresses of daily activities.

The rooms offer no television or phones, by the way, which is actually okay if you’re here to really enjoy nature and stay away from those things for a while. The children may be bored in the Hacienda, so it’s most ideal for couples or group of friends, rather than families with kids.

Hacienda Chichen is rather far from the shopping centers and restaurants but you can make arrangements with the front desk to assist you if you need to go eleswhere.

Where to Stay in Mexico: Basico

Rachel — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:16:07 +0000

One will find Basico’s structure as one of the most innovative and well-designed buildings in the Playa Del Carmen area. It’s industrial chic inspired and the hotel stands as a fun and playful place to be in. Many supermodels, socialites and celebrities actually love to stay in this hotel when they’re in town.

The swimming pool, for instance, is something to talk about. They are recycled petroleum tanks, would you believe it? And the cabanas are refurbished from old trucks, so that guests can have comfortable seatings to lounge on, as they sip their cocktail or enjoy the view of the Caribbean Sea.

The rooms are also fitted with recycled materials and industrial interior. The beds are elevated and there are lots of storage area in the room. The bathrooms have a semi open plan and the pipings inside the rooms are exposed. In the morning the sun can be glaring as the rooms do not have proper shading or curtains.

Some guests may find all of these features odd and not feel comfortable the first time they step in. But then again, the hotel truly has character and it’s part of the reason why people love staying here.

Basico is a party hotel, where the celebrations end during the wee hours of the morning. This place is not a family place, obviously, but it caters to the young and hip crowd. If you’re here in town for partying and celebration, then you would not have to go far to do that. And even then, other bars and clubs are nearby, so it’s easy to hop from one place to the next.

Since Basico is located in the middle of everything in the Playa, it’s very easy to find lots of activities to do here. Just ask the hotel staff for assistance.

Deseo Hotel

Rachel — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 08:48:27 +0000

This hotel has a minimalist design to it. It’s very modern contemporary, but it’s not lacking in warmth and comfort.

Everything about the Deseo is catered for the young. The staff are all sociable and young as well, and the atmosphere overall is bright and cheerful.

There is a terrace that stands as the main feature of the hotel, and here, guests dance and party away. The terrace overlooks the main street of the Playa. And if you’re standing here, you’d feel as though you’ve stepped into an advertisement for a cocktail drink. The terrace has its own bar and swimming pool…because what party scene would be complete if these aren’t there?

The party at the terrace starts at nine and ends at about two or three in the morning.

At daytime, guests can hangout at the daybeds all around the pool and listen to soft, relaxing music. The beach is just a few blocks away though, so you can conveniently walk there.

Guests love the Deseo because it’s located at a primary site in Playa del Carmen where other restaurants and clubs are. You’d need to find a dining place because Deseo does not have its own restuarant, you would have to dine elseswhere.

The rooms inside are spacious, airy and comfortable. And even if there’s a party happening outside, you won’t be disturbed if you prefer to coop inside the all-white habitue. Besides, guests are also provided with ear plugs, just in case the noise gets too loud.

The perfect place for college kids, young professionals and couples who know how to party, Deseo is alive and bustling with music, drinks and party people…there is never a dull moment!

Playa Del Carmen: Aventura Mexicana

Rachel — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 05:10:29 +0000

The Aventura Mexicana is a budget hotel located very near the Playa Del Carmen beach. It is also very near Pier Navega as well as the Xcaret Eco Theme Park. This site is great for families on vacation to this area, as the hotel is accessible to tourist destinations, and thus it makes it convenient place to stay.

The hotel has its own restaurant and poolside bar and lounge. If you’d like to hang out or enjoy yourselves in the water after excursions and trips in those historical sites, then you can do this here. Guests receives complimentary breakfast treats, while others can also enjoy its health and spa club. The spa club, by the way, offers 24/hour service. You can get a massage or a facial and other beauty service at your time convenience.

Aventura Mexicana is a 3-Star hotel, but it may also house conferences and business meetings, as it has ample function rooms with fax and internet access. Other company events or even weddings may also be held here. The place is clean, well-taken cared of, but definitely affordable.

Rooms are not what you’d expect. They actually are very simple but classic. There are 48 rooms in total, each come with its own fax machine and safety deposit box. The rooms also have balconies, a nice feature to have if you prefer to enjoy a view of the city. Rooms also come with wirelet internet access, which is complimentary just like its toiletries. Guests will sleep in premium beds with soft bedding, and can enjoy in-room massages if they so requests.

This is a non-smoking facility and it’s a safe, family-friendly and budget-friendly place. Book your accommodations in advance to avoid any confusion or delay and inconveniences when you get here.

Playa Del Carmen: Enjoying the Daytrips

Rachel — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:24:23 +0000

You’ll truly get to vacation mode as soon as you reach the beaches of Playa Del Carmen. You will want nothing more but to relax and enjoy the water, or soak in the sun and indulge in the simple pleasures like eating local food, having a beer and feeling the breeze by the beach. That’s what most people do when they visit the Playa, which has some of the beautiful beaches in the world.

But other than that, you can also take the daytrips and visit all these wonderful sites:

The Maya Ruins – Everyone who has been to the Playa should never fail to check out the legendary Maya ruins. There are some structures inside the town, but daytrip tours will bring you to other sites that I trust will take your breath away. The popular ones are the Chichén Itzá, Cobá or the Tulum.

Cenotes – Visitors get a special treat when they join trips that bring them to these amazing natural structures called the cenotes or sinkhole, which is found deep in the caves. These are actually limestone formation. The trip is in itself educational as well as outstanding. If you’re with children, this is definitely a must see. You won’t see anything quite like this from Mother Nature.

Cozumel – The biggest island in Mexico, Cozumel is right across Playa del Carmen and is a tiny waterhole with lots of restaurants and shops for tourists. You can spend a day here by just enjoying the sights and scenery, as well as the food and its people. But what the island really offers best is a site for snorkeling and diving, which lovers of the water will surely welcome.

What to do in Playa Del Carmen: Go to Rancho Baaxa

Rachel — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:51:22 +0000

Rancho Baaxa is located on the outskirts of Playa Del Carmen, to the north near the Maroma Beach. If you plan on going to this part of Mexico looking for something different to do than going to the beach, the ranch offers riding tours which can accommodate small groups or about 6 riders per group.

This activity is a perfect day trip to spend with families, friends and loved-ones and no doubt, those who love horses would enjoy this one of kind adventure.

Guides are there to assist you all the way, with the trip commencing within the jungle and then taking you to the shorelines where you can end the ride with a drinks and treats, before heading back to the ranch again.

Older kids will find this activity pleasurable and will surely have an appreciation for animals and the outdoors.

To be able to book a ride though, you have to say whether or not you have a riding experience, or anyone in your group does so that the people arranging the tour can match you with other riders or participants, with your own capable trainor. You don’t have to worry about missing out even if you don’t have any riding experience as there is a tour that’s tailored for every type of skill.

The rides only take place three times a day, as the horse also need their rest and are properly taken care of. On Sundays, the ranch is closed as this is the time for the horse to take their full day rest.

Most of those I know who have experienced this have nothing but positive feedback for this place.

A Day in Playa Del Carmen: Visit The Island of Cozumel

Rachel — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 09:13:14 +0000

The Island of Cozumel isn’t exactly in Playa Del Carmen, but it’s just right across it, rechable by boat and it’s a perfect place to spend a lovely day. It’s considered as the biggest island in Mexico but the town is still quite laidback. Unlike the main downtown part of Playa though, there are little establishments. Though there are some good restaurants and a few souvenir stores for tourists.

Cruises make a stop here at daytime, so guests can eat, thus you would have to expect prices to be a little bit higher. Food is catered for its many visitors, thus the choices are actually very Western and Americanized. Surprisingly, there’s little Mexican food in Cozumel.

It is, however, a wonderful diving destination and beach spot, which is why, despite the lack of food choices, visitors still come here to enjoy the water, check out the reefs or dive and snorkel.

There may be some ruins you can explore, but not a lot compared to other places in Mexico. At best really, your visit here in the island should be capped by swimming and enjoying the pristine waters and discovering its marine life.

For after all, most people do come to these islands for the sand and surf, and this place is no doubt, one of the best!