Playa del Carmen Travel Forum

We're planning a warm weather trip this March (I know - it's almost March!). My wife and I would like to stay in a resonably priced "boutique" hotel (if there is such a thing) with access to great local restaurants, shops and beautiful beaches. We are not crazy about the "all inclusive" venues or destinations where we're confined to the resort. We are considering Playa but are open to other destinations that offer great weather, beautiful beaches and great culinary options. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated?

There are a number of boutique hotels to choose form. The ones on Fifth Avenue that back onto the beach are usually more expensive. Try the Casa de las Flores, hotelcasadelflores dot com and see what you think. It is within walking distance to everything.

Alux (pronounced aloosh) is a restaurant in a cenote or natural cavern, taxi drivers know it, very unusual and beautiful.

Playa appeals to lots of different interests, beautiful beaches, cheap and easy day trips to Cancun, Cozumel, Mayan ruins at Tulum and great water parks, and more.

BTW, There are some great all inclusives in Playacar, a 10-20 minute walk or $5USD from downtown Playa and are anything but confining, have a great time.

I have seen Playa and it is a "little Cancun".
Not for me.
We went to Puerto Morelos last December and we loved. Boutique hotels $60 for two people if booked on the internet (less if you just show up and pick your hotel), fantastic restaurants (local and european, like french and italian), nice safe beach with fantastic marine park just 100 yards from your blanket. Local people that will call you by your name just after 2 days. Just fantastic, safe little town where after 2 days you feel like you are at home and you start looking at realstate listings.
See my Puerto Morelos pages for tips and many pictures.