My fiance and I are getting married at the El Dorado Seaside Suites about 25 minutes from Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Her parents and sister are going to be staying in Playa del Carmen b/c her sister is 16 and the resort is adults only (but they are allowing her to attend the wedding and dinner... long story, but basically we were originally scheduled to get married at the all ages Azul Fives which was suppose to be opening in DEC 08 but got pushed back to NOV 09 and we were re-accomodated at the EDSS.. given the circumstances they are letting her sister attend the wedding but not stay at the resort). It turns out her parents don't really want to stay at an all inclusive resort on the beach like the EDSS so they are happy to stay in PDC.

Anyway, I was just curious if anyone here has been to PDC, and if so had any hotel suggestions for her family.

Thanks,

I've been there a couple times. I like to dive in Cozumel and the ferry dock is in Playa. It’s a pretty convenient location. Close enough to Cancun for evening ‘activities’, just a hop from Akumal for one of the best snorkeling pools in the world and not much further to Tulum where as far as I’m concerned, has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

I’ve stayed at a couple different places on the beach. Both were nice. The Shangri-La Caribe was my favorite. There’s a great little tequila bar in town that’s a must. I always have breakfast at Café’ Tropical. Eat upstairs. The restaurant was built around a big tree. Plus, they have some nice light meals. You should go to Xcaret. Ya, it’s “touristy” but well worth it. Very cool. You can even swim with Dolphins there, which I’d also recommend doing. Coba is a pretty cool visit too.

cool! thanks for all the info. I figured someone around here could help!

must be one heck of a flight from alaska to Cancun eh?

David,
I have been to the Mayan Riviera twice. Stayed at the Rio Resort (5 star) and another resort which I cannot remember the name of. It was a 4 star at the beginning of the hotel zone. The area in general is very nice. Probably the nicest beaches in Mexico. As Mike mentioned, Cozumel is great for diving and snorkeling etc. Enjoy your trip and congratulations!
Cheers,
Shaun

I went to Cancun years ago and stayed at the Club Med, which has since been remodeled. I was pleasantly surprised w/ the resort.

I would second the recommendations on Coba and Tulum. We visited the pyramids and I was awed. It was years ago when they actually let you climb up. My friend went in December and apparently you can't do that anymore, which in hindsight, is probably better.

The past 2 years we've been going to Ixtapa but the Cancun area/peninsula has more to offer by far.

you can't climb up them? well what is the point in going!?!?! nah... but that is kind of a bummer. Actualyl we do have plans to visit Tulum while we are there.

Here’s a couple pics. Your post made me go down memory lane a bit. It’s bee about four years since I was there last. When I was there, you could climb all over the ruins. I suppose it is a good thing that’s frowned on now though.

Here’s me getting pissed at some damn mariachi’s who refused to leave us alone.



Coba



Tulum



Tulum beach – not a soul in sight….. Heaven.



Playa beach - be forewarned that those boat ropes go up and down with the surf. The combination of the ropes going up and down and topless European hotties in the morning can lead to embarrassing moments if you decide to jog on the beach...ya, happened to me....



My favorite Tequila bar… More than you could imagine here.

Cool! Thanks for the pics.

The resort we are staying at is about 25 minutes from Tulum and 25 minutes from Playa... I am sure we will spend at least one full day at the Ruins/beach at Tulum, and an afternoon of shopping at Playa. My fiance's parents are checking out hotels in playa and I will forward them your suggestion.

Looking forward to our trip and will post pics when we return....

Ohh and that pic of Tulum beach looks BEAUTIFUL

I have stayed at two all inclusive in the Plya area. The Aventura Spa was nice, but the beach is not open to the sea - actually a nice lagoon. Price was good, but the other resort, the Royal Hideaway was first rate and made the Aventura seem second rate. For all the local attractions, the RH was so nice we never wanted to leave the beach. It has its drawbacks, so look into it, but for what I wanted for that week, it was perfect. Great food, perfect service, good big rooms, drinks and food at your finger tips all day long. I think the age cut off is 15 or something like that, but check.

Congratulations David!
i have never been to Mexico but can highly recommend the tropical resort marriage. Every time I see see friends stressing out with their wedding preparations I laugh and think back to my wedding day. Absolutely no planning worries. Ceremony, pictures on the beach, dinner, champagne breakfast, wines, everything, all included and done for us. They even picked us up in our room in a stretch golf cart with a minibar to take us to the ceremony.

It's definitely the way to go!!! Just remember to have a party for your friends and family when you return. If they are like my family/friends they enjoyed being able to share in the social celebration without having to suffer through a day of formalities.

yeah... our immediate families will be there so that will be cool, but we are thinking about having a mexican themed reception when we get back for all friends and family.