ANY CANCUN RECOMMENDATIONS?

[thepiranha]

I'm heading down to Cancun this Spring and would like to get some recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, what to do, etc. We'd prefer to stay in Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, or somewhere else outside of Cancun and we definitely plan to go to Tulum to see the ruins.

[kyshel]

just bits of info:
Playacar is the gated community (hated it!)
PDC is the town and it has gotten so yukky we won't go anymore
(main cruise dock is out of town but they bus in the ship pax and it gets grosser)
You can ferry to Cozumel from PDC.

We loved the Hacienda Tres Rios but that was just a total upscale veg-out.

We've been to Cozumel 2X and lots of AI resort in the Riv Maya.
What do you want to do? AI, beach, small town, rustic, upscale, kids/ teens? adventure?
They have the RM version of canopy tours (far from Central Am type ones)
Gotta be aware of banditos (some are local cops) if you're driving outside the tourist areas.
Akumal/Tulum has better beaches than north--1-2 hours from CUN airport.
Are you taking the kids?

[thepiranha]

Thanks for the info, Kyshel. We're looking for a combination of beach, small town, and exploring. We're bringing two pretty adventurous teenagers who probably don't want to hang out on the beach or by the pool all of the time, although I'm sure they'll want to do some of that since they'll be on break from college. Definitely don't want all-inclusive since we enjoy eating at the palapas on the beach and small restaurants in town. Upscale is good if it's at the right price, but I'm happy as long as our place is clean and reasonably quiet. We might rent a condo. Any info is much appreciated. Thanks.