Hello all, A group of 4 of us will be going to Cancun on April 20. This is the first time for all of us. I'm the kind of person that wants to know everything about where I'm going before I get there. From reading different sites, it seems like there are a million things to do in the area. I have a few questions: 1. What should I expect when we get there (airport)? 2. Where are most of the shops, restaurants and bars? Downtown or hotel zone? 3. Where are some good snorkeling spots? 4. Which is best - touring or going on your own? We usually like to tour on our own. 5. If we decide to rent a car, is it difficult to get around? 6. Are shops & restaurants within walking distance in the hotel zone? By the way, we are staying at the Royal Islander. Any other tips or advice are greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Michelle
No problem...am glad it's the airport, 'cause some peeps make that question for Cancun in general which is impossible! Help for question #1...read this webpage: http://www.cancuncare.com/arriving/arriving.htm There may have been a change or two to what is reflected on that page, but it is basically correct.
1. What should I expect when we get there (airport)? Arrange transportation to the resort ahead of time (Brandt's folks or Thomas More (thru the Royal Resorts or others) This will should get you through the "sharks" and out of the airport quicker. 2. Where are most of the shops, restaurants and bars? Downtown or hotel zone? Most of what you need is in the HZ, but don't be afraid to venture into town (many others will give you good advice here on CC) 3. Where are some good snorkeling spots? Good tours take you down by Club Med 4. Which is best - touring or going on your own? We usually like to tour on our own. For a newbie in Cancun, you can do both but check at the resort for some deals. It also depends on what you want to do! 5. If we decide to rent a car, is it difficult to get around? No real need to rent a car. Plenty of cheap transportation- bus, taxis to get you around. Above all, have fun![/b]
2. You'll find most of the chain restaurants are located in the Hotel Zone. And generally speaking most of the bars, restaurants and shopping in the HZ are more expensive than you would find in the city of Cancun itself. What are your interests in terms of shopping, restaurants and bars?
Shopping - souveneirs mostly Restaurants - we like to try local food. we can go to chains when we're home. Bars - we like anything - depends on the mood (partying or just hanging out having a few beers).
Shopping: for souveniers there appear to be more recommendations for "Market 28", which is a flea market of sorts. Be prepared haggle and to be hassled. Two threads on this particular place: http://www.cancuncare.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25067 http://www.cancuncare.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24432
1. answered by the kind Michael 2. There are plenty of each in both places, just "different". The hotel zone is always going to be more expensive than downtown. For shopping in the hotel zone, you've got the high end malls Plaza La Isla, Plaza Kukulcan and Plaza Caracol. There are a few markets in the hz as well, Plaza Zocalo and Coral Negro. Downtown has it's "American" malls like Plaza las Americas, and Market 28, popular for bartering for silver, handicrafts and souvenirs. There are some fabulous restaurants in the hz, high quality dining like Puerto Madero, Cambalache, Lorenzillo's, Laguna Grill and Captain's Cove. For smaller places that are yum, Fish Fritanga, JC Capitan, and Mocambo come to mind. Downtown you'll find little hole in the wall restaurants everywhere, great tacos! Yaxchilan Avenue is a strip full of bars and restaurants that is popular with the locals and tourists alike. Popular downtown haunts are La Habichuela, La Parilla, Los Arcos, La Taberna or Labna. Most of the popular bars are in the hz's party center, around km 8.5. Big clubs are The City, Coco Bongo, Dady'O, Bulldog and Basic, among others. Smaller places include Corona Bar, Terrasta, Slices, My Place and Congo. Downtown, the action is pretty much centered around Yaxchilan Avenue. 3. The snorkelling in Cancun proper is not that great, head to Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos or Cozumel to do some FABULOUS snorkel trips. You are on one of the greatest reefs in the world, take advantage of it! 4. You can do a combination of self guided or guided tours. Brant offers some great private tours which means you don't have to do the driving but you are not on anyone else's schedule either. If you want to book while you are there, Thomas More is onsite at the Royals and can take care of what you need. 5. Getting around the region is pretty easy, downtown Cancun far more complicated. That said, I don't think renting a car is a necessity here. The bus system and taxi service are both reliable and safe and the most convenient. 6. There's not much within walking distance of the Royal Islander, but everything is a short bus trip away. You can take the shuttle bus from the RI to the Royal Sands which is right next to Plaza Kukulcan, or just use the regular bus system for 6.5 pesos. Easy peasy. I love, love, love the Royal Resorts, I think you will love it. (Hubby works there so our family always stays at one of them, I feel like they are my second home, wish I could live there!) There are several great restaurants right on the Tri Royals "compound", Pacos Tacos, Tradewinds and El Conquistador. We always order the big rib dinner for delivery to the villa, it's awesome and so is their onsite pizza! Nothing like sitting on your balcony eating some scrumptious food that someone else cooked. With the kitchen, you'll want to get some groceries for breakfasts, snacks, beer etc.. You can order online ahead of time and your villa will be stocked when you arrive. The selection in the onsite grocery stores is pretty good, much better than their online menu too and it's pretty reasonably priced.
We have been staying at the Islander every year for several years now. You will love the resort! Great beach! The best advise I could give is to go to the orientation meeting the give every Sunday morning. It is very informative and you will enjoy it. Just at the Royals there is so much to see and do and they will fill you in on that plus all of the tours they offer. After that there is a Welcome Party, don't miss it, it is free rum and beer for an hour, and lots of silly games. It is a chance to let your hair down and get silly, if you want. As far as the tours go there are many to choose from. I really liked the Isla Contoy trip and the Selvatica zipline. We now do most of our tours on our own but sometimes it is nice to just let someone else take care of things. If you have any questions about the Resort or some of the tours they offer I would be glad to help.
