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Non-AI recs for Mexico
I'm looking at options for our 10-year anniversary. We'll probably be traveling next February or March, for five nights. We are thinking Mexico because it is pretty inexpensive and fast for us to fly there (from the midwest), and we don't have a long time-frame. Either Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Maya (or surrounding areas) are pretty similar in cost and travel time for us, so I'm not sure I have a preference either way.
Does anyone have a great hotel or even private property to recommend? We like interesting places -- not necessarily big chain highrises or cookie cutter properties. We'd prefer at least a 4-star property. Our priorities are a beachfront location, with ocean view room, and easy access to the beach. Although I like to be on the beach some, a lovely pool area is a must. I'd like a place with a couple of good restaurants on the property, with easy access (preferrably walking distance) to other restuarants. Would love breakfast included, or maybe a room with a small fridge/kitchenette so we could have coffee and a few breakfast items on hand. (I'm not a morning person and would rather not have to go in search of an off-property restaurant for breakfast each day.) I would love poolside and beach service, but that's not required.
I started off looking at AI's, but the expense throws me. When the price difference between a 5-star AI and a 5-star non AI is hundreds of dollars a day, I think my husband and I are not able to eat/drink hundreds of dollars worth per day, so I'm not sure it's worth it. Plus, we would like to venture out and try some local restaurants.
As for budget, I'd like to stay under $2k for hotel stay, so around $400/night or less. Would be willing to spend more for a really amazing property/experience.
I have also searched VRBO for unique private properties, and found some amazing places within our budget, but I'm not sure how I feel about not having the amenities and help of a resort staff to find our way around, find a market for food, etc. If anyone has an experience with staying at a private residence, I'd love to hear about it!
(And if you have a fabulous AI that you can't help recommending, I'd still be open to that!)
Re: Non-AI recs for Mexico
for non-AIs along the riviera maya (from cancun all the way down to belize) you'll want to stay directly IN cancun, playa del carmen, cancun, puerto morelos etc... otherwise there's nothing around most of the resorts. also feb and mar are 2 of the most expensive times to visit. i'm not sure if you'll find a property with all of your wishes for that budget.
but you can surely check and see-check out tripadvisor and price everything out. airfare is up drastically this year.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.
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