Hi, I just wanted some advice about travelling to Cancun on my own. I am going to do a tour which starts there and wanted to know which hostels/ hotels are best for a) young people and b) single travellers. A place where it's easy to make friends and meet people basically. Is it difficult to be on your own there? I am pretty outgoing and will only be by myeslf for two days before some friends arrive. I will be there in August, which I read is low season. Any advice? Cheers guys!
Single girl in Cancun - don't expect to be alone for 2 days. 2 hours maybe I recommend the Omni since its a friendly place with a fair mix of young/families. Plus you can hang out in the 20 person bar hot tub and you will be safe and sound!
If I read between the lines, when you say hostels/hotels, with all due respect to Drew, I would think you were looking for less expensive places than the Omni, which is deep in the Hotel Zone. The hostels are downtown. Chacmool is popular, and well located, overlooking Parque las Palapas in the heart of downtown. You are one block to Avenida Yaxchilan, which is the #1 party/club street. One block the other way is Av. Tulum, the main downtown street and home of El Padrino's my favorite hangout. Mayan Hostel is smaller, on the same street but not as active as Chacmool. It is a short, but dark walk in the night. Hotel Alux is probably the best bang for your buck for a hotel. One block west of the bus station on Av. Uxmal on the same side of the street. Weary Traveler Hostel, one or two blocks past the Alux, where Yaxchilan meets Uxmal is nice and they have (or had) free breakfasts. I am sure all have websites. My picks would be HOSTEL - Chacmool HOTEL - Alux Good luck, be safe, make good decisions. Tons of places to hang out, eat, drink and party within walking distance.
I have stayed at the Alux several times and agree with TJ on staying there. Last year it was like 28 USD a night. And the Weary Traveler Hostel just down the street seems to be busy with young backpackers, its right next door to my favorite breakfast stop La Tapitio.
Whoops - yea, it does sound like you are looking for something a littel cheaper than the Omni. You may want to try out priceline ff you want to branch out and try something a bit more upscale for a good price. I saw a few people were getting $62/night at the resort class which is a great deal.
I got a message from a Cancun guru on this message board and here is an amazing deal for Dos Playas at about KM 6. $32 USD a night for room only, or $54 a night all inclusive and it is on the beach. I am already booked this year but will for sure be checking this spot out next year. http://www.cancuntravel.com/hotels/cancun/dosplayas/ OOPS EDIT: Just saw you are coming in August, these prices are only through April. Sorry. I would still check it out for your dates in August though.
There is also a Hostal in the Hotel Zone that seems pretty nice, cheap, and around the corner from the Clubs and Bars. Hostal MAYAPAN
Thanks Thanks so much for your advice guys. The hotels actually sound very reasonably priced... I just want somewhere where people are receptive to travellers getting by on their own. If you think of anything else, let me know. Cheers!