Hi guys,
We are planning a week long beach getaway at the end of May. We have been to Riviera Maya a couple of times before but not in recent years. With all the violence we hear about in Mexico, how safe is it to travel there? I know that once we are in a resort, it's probably not an issue, but we would not like to stay in Cancun and I remember that in the past we always arrived in the evening and had at least an hour drive down to our resort at night with resorts on one side of the road and wilderness on the other. Is that trip still OK to take? Are there any precautions we should take?
Also, last time we stayed at one of Barcelo Maya (I think Beach) all-inclusive places and it was fine, nice balance of cost and comfort. Is there a nicer all inclusive resort that you can recommend within the same price range or perhaps just a little more expensive but not much more?
Any information on either subject would be much appreciated.
Many thanks in advance!
How safe is Riviera Maya? All inclusive resort recommendation?
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you have seen little to nothing about violence against tourists in the Yucatan, there is no state department advisory re: the yucatan. i have to wonder why you are bringing this up.
Katzgar, I think it is a reasonable question given the news coming in to the US. It is one that is asked here a lot and one my friends asked me when I traveled there.
Ann7544, I felt perfectly safe and I did not stay in an AI but in a condo complex in Playa del Carmen. We walked into town everynight for dinner. You can search here and find many discussions about the safety in Riviera Maya.
We took a van from the airport to our condo so we didn't have any concerns on the drive down.
Birdie. My friends dont ask about safety as they watch the news, different crowds I guess. no need to be afraid of Mexico, driving a car or taking a taxi is perfectly safe
Look into the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo or Maya. That complex is closer to the airport than the Barcelo. Only about a 25 minute ride. Great resort with lots of food choices and activities.
BTW KATZGAR...if you are the same katzgar who posts on TA, people have been looking for you on the Playa forum!!
It's fine, it's safe, no worries about that. Sorry don't know the AI resorts.
Thanks Schmerl but I can only hope enough people remain trained in the fine art of weather forecast reading to carry on without me.
Oh Katzgar....I love your sense of humor...LOL!
Hi,
We stayed at El Dorado Royal Casitas with my wife last year for our 1 year anniversary. It was awesome!!! Food is delicious, drinks are not limited only to house wine/beer, night entertainment was the best. Room service was awesome too. We took a trip to pyramids and our driver said that his primary responsibility to keep us safe. We were safe! Nothing to worry about. We were met at the airport by a private car (big Lincoln car), got to the place in 15 mins, passed security and check points, and then we were in heaven. I really thankfull to the agent I booked with. She actually gave some extra credit to use (spa, dinner on the beach, bottle of wine (like nice nice one) and was really nice. If you want to contact her, here is her email info@denviktravel.com
I've heard that Riu, Sandals and Dreams are very good resort too. My sister stayed at Oasis Viva and liked the affordability of the resort.
Thank you all so much for your prompt and detailed responses, they are very much appreciated!!
There are literally hundreds of AI's in the Maya Riveria, Playa del Carmen and Playa Planacar area. Many are pretty far from 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen if that makes a difference to you.
The RIU's are family friendly budget resorts. Their Palace resorts are nicer and have more amenities, but cost more.
The Dreams resorts are in Cancun.
There is no Sandals resorts in Mexico.
I've stayed at the Oasis Viva, which is in Cancun, before it turned adults only and hated it. It might be better now. The location and beach was good.
If you like the Barcelo, look at the Iberostars. Do you want an adult only or family friendly hotel? My favorite AI in Playa del Carmenis the Royal Playa del Carmen. Within walking distance to 5th Avenue and better food than anything we ever found on 5th Avenue.
We've been going to that area nearly once a year since 2000 with no issues. We went to Cabo San Lucas this past December and had a great time. The food there was wonderful compared to anything we ever got in Playa or the surrounding areas. We will have a hard time ever going back to Playa now.