Yes it's safe. It wouldn't be my first pick as a solo traveler because it takes a bit to get there (most people rent a car in Cancun and drive the 1 hour south, but there are busses and shuttles) and is known as a very quiet spot. I think of it more as where families or couples would go, but maybe I'm wrong about that.

www.logogringo.com website (as already recommended) is the best resource for that area.

I agree it would be safe. It's a family resort and tour operators bring people to swim at the beach as there is a reef right there. Don't know how "quiet" it would be. The hotel is out in the middle of nowhere. I prefer to be closer to 5th Avenue where there is a mulitude of restaurants, bars and shopping. However, if you are looking to stay at your hotel and just enjoy the beach and what they have to offer, it would be a good choice.

I again recommend the Mahekal. It's about a 20 minute walk to 5th Avenue. The hotel has little beach hut accomendations right on the beach and provides 2 meals per day. No TV or phone on the rooms.

http://www.mahekalbeachresort.com/

Also look at: http://www.locogringo.com/dynamic/lodging.cfm?area=Playa del Carmen&type=Hotel/Resort

My wife and I have stayed in Akumal for the past 6 years. It is extremely safe - mostly familes with children and retired couples. Lots of Canadians, South Americans, and Europeans. If you want a moderately priced hotel right on the beach, the Akumal Caribe is a great choice. Not an AI, but there are several restaurants within a few hundred feet. If you want an AI, the Akumal Beach Club seems like a nice place - not an over the top mega resort, but very nice. If you want to socialize a little, several of the beachfront bars do a happy hour - you'll meet some interesting folks!

It's a good choice for a single traveler. Quite safe and as you said quiet and a great beach community. A shuttle would be the easiest way to get back and forth from the airport and there are lots of options for that. It's a little pricey for one person but it's simple, quick and safe.

There are lots of rooms down there and you don't need to stay in an AI, in fact I think there is only one AI, Akumal Beach Resort. So many options to chose for eating and sleeping. To me, AI limits those options but to each their own.

I think you'll have a wonderful time. Snorkeling with the tortugas is amazing!!

I've stayed there many times and last 3 trips have traveled solo, stayed at ABR once and Hotel Akumal Caribe many times, last trip I stayed 3 nights solo at HAC and then moved into a condo in Aventuras Akumal with a friend. I took USA Transfers the last 3 trips but my friend had a car rental and just paid my share, also rented cars in the past from Easyway. Lots of places to stay and eat, a few cute shops, etc. Two dive shops if you need to rent snorkel gear.

If you decide to stay in a condo on adjacent Half Moon Bay, you can look into renting a golf cart. $40 per day I believe.

I was There last year for a week and is was totally safe... but always open your eyes to suspicious things