The Playa Del Carmen Social Club
South of Cancun, north of Tulum in the heart of the Riviera Maya
Grand Coco Bay??
Hi All,
I am new to this forum and planning our first trip to PdC. I'm having a pretty hard time deciding on where to stay and get the most for our money :-) I was really leaning toward Playa Palms, and still might go that route, as I get up much earlier than my hubby and would love to either hang out in the hammock or sit out on the beach first thing in the mornings without having to do a long trek. I would also really want to explore around, take some day trips and try all of the awesome restaurants and food carts I've been reading about, so I don't want to pay AI prices when we'd probably just eat breakfast there. With that being said, it would be really great to stay somewhere with a great pool area, with a swim up bar. I've been researching some of the lower cost AIs, and came across Grand Coco Bay. I've read tons of reviews and as many forum posts as I could find, and everyone seems to think in is fine for the budget cost. However, when I went to price the hotel on Expedia and other trip planning sites, the budget price they quote is for the European plan, not the AI. When you add in the AI, the cost is about the same (or more) as the RPDC, which seems much nicer and has excellent reviews. All of the reviews for GCB talk about the food and all comment about it being a budget hotel, so it sound slike they are commenting on the AI rooms, not the European plan. Am I missing something?? Any help or input would be much appreciated!
I am new to this forum and planning our first trip to PdC. I'm having a pretty hard time deciding on where to stay and get the most for our money :-) I was really leaning toward Playa Palms, and still might go that route, as I get up much earlier than my hubby and would love to either hang out in the hammock or sit out on the beach first thing in the mornings without having to do a long trek. I would also really want to explore around, take some day trips and try all of the awesome restaurants and food carts I've been reading about, so I don't want to pay AI prices when we'd probably just eat breakfast there. With that being said, it would be really great to stay somewhere with a great pool area, with a swim up bar. I've been researching some of the lower cost AIs, and came across Grand Coco Bay. I've read tons of reviews and as many forum posts as I could find, and everyone seems to think in is fine for the budget cost. However, when I went to price the hotel on Expedia and other trip planning sites, the budget price they quote is for the European plan, not the AI. When you add in the AI, the cost is about the same (or more) as the RPDC, which seems much nicer and has excellent reviews. All of the reviews for GCB talk about the food and all comment about it being a budget hotel, so it sound slike they are commenting on the AI rooms, not the European plan. Am I missing something?? Any help or input would be much appreciated!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Kris Cheney on -
Hey Marla;
Let me start out by saying Playa Palms is a great location, I have stayed there and LOVED IT! The rooms are huge as they are studios and VERY large balconies. Small pool no swimup bar there :(
AS far as AI goes, if you want to be in the heart of town, there are really only 2 on the beach Gran Porto Real (family friendly) and The ROYAL in PDC (adult only). I have been to both as well if you have any questions just let me know. When do you plan to travel down that way? How many are traveling ?
I look forward to hearing back
Kris
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Permalink Reply by Marla Meckes on -
Hi Chris,
Thanks for responding! I think the Playa Palms looks perfect except for the pool...but I keep thinking, who needs a pool with the beach right there?? But I know my husband would prefer a resort and it seems like a fun pool area would be great, too. I've definitely been looking at the Royal, but I really want an unobstructed ocean view and would love to just walk out and be on the beach. And I'm having a hard time with spending so much money on an AI like the Royal when I know we'll want to eat in town most of the time. I've been going back and forth and I'm hoping that as it gets closer, it will be easier to decide! It will just be my husband and me this trip - our first "real" vacation together (without visiting family or just quick weekend get aways). As of now, our planned dates are April 23 - 29, but that is subject to change :-) Thanks for offering to answer my questions - I'll probably be asking lots very soon!
Marla
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