Going to Cancun... advice?

[ainsane]

I didn't wanna create one on top of the Cuba thread... but hey, someone created a Dominican so I figured why not.

Honestly I'de like some advice. I got all the needed shots so if anyone can recommend anything to do there I'de appreciate it. Oh and sorry for the 3rd thread of the same type.

[ilfsoy]

LOL, maybe I should start a going to bed ...advice? thread.

Anyhow depends what you want to do while you're there. If you're going for the partying than stay on the strip at Cancun. Otherwise check out the Riviera if you're interested in sprawling all-inclusive resorts and a more relaxing mostly beach vacation averaging an hour from Cancun.

[jus]

Well, here's three quick things I remember from Cancun.

1) Bring a few copies of your the travel brochures and all related travel documents for the resort (I presume you're staying at a resort) you're staying at. When we went there, the hotel we were staying at tried to weasel us into a downgraded room. Not anything like in the pictures or described in the brochure. I'm not exaggerating when I say the promised 2 queen sized beds turned into 2 single beds. It was hard to argue with them since they took our travel "vouchers" that had the details of what our room was supposed to have (ie. 2 queen sized beds, ocean view, air conditioning, etc.). If you have copies then you can always point out to the hotel people what you're missing. And, if you have the brochures then you can *show* them what the room is supposed to look like.

2) If you are planning to Scuba or Snorkel, DO NOT GO TO SCUBA CANCUN. DO NOT!! They tried to rip us off big last time we were down. We had pre-booked open-water diver exams, and when we finished they tried to pass off a lower classification of diving license - Sport diver, I think its called. Not only that, but the people there weren't very friendly and their equipment was horrible. My BCD had a problem where there was a slow leak and would constanly fill up with air. I suggest going with Aqua World. Much nicer people and much newer / better equipment.

3) It goes without saying, but only carry what cash you need. Its not so much that you'll be robbed or pickpocketed, but its all about how much people will take you for. You're able to bargain a little bit in the side markets and even to some people who work at the side of the street selling tours and such. If you're flashing big ganster rolls, then of course they're gonna charge you an arm and a leg for everything - they know you have lots of $$! If you only have a small amount of money on you, people aren't as likely to take you for a ride. If you realistically only have $60 US on you and you really really want to go swim with dolphins, then maybe the tour guy will give you a break and only charge you $60 (I'm just making up numbers here, I forget how much they charge). And if you insist of carrying your money around in a roll, put $1's on the outside so that people don't know how much you really have.

That's all I can remember, but I'll post more later if I come up wth anything. Have fun in Cancun! Its a very nice place. Make sure you get a resort that's on the beach and not the Lagoon (I think almost all are on the beach though)...

[trini]

Condoms,Pepto,Gravol!
Stick to everything that the hotel says is free dont purchase any packages or timeshares.
Bargain like there is no tomorrow,dont be afraid to walk away.
Cancun is not for families well mostly people go to drink party and have sex did i mention orgies?
Take the bus 6 cents it either goes up or down so you should'nt get lost.

[ainsane]

Awesome thanks for the posts guys, especially Jus! I'll make sure the resort doesnt screw me and the cash thing too. Thanks!

[ilfsoy]

Jus makes a few good points. I'll repeat an important one, avoid the lagoon side, there's only a few crappy resorts on that side (Cancun stip). Cozumel (nearby island) is the best area if you want to go scuba diving or snorkelling.

[ainsane]

Jus makes a few good points. I'll repeat an important one, avoid the lagoon side, there's only a few crappy resorts on that side (Cancun stip). Cozumel (nearby island) is the best area if you want to go scuba diving or snorkelling.

Thanks man. I'm actually going to Oasis Cancun. I hope its good.

[jus]

Hey, I just remembered something related to my 2nd point. If you're going down there just for your diving exam (ie. from PADI, NAUI, etc.) make sure you bring multiple copies of the documents. It was very very difficult for us to get our *original* documents back from Scuba Cancun. They made every excuse NOT to give them back - "Oh the instructor who has them is on her day off." "Oh, the instructor has them at home. She forgot to bring them to work" "Don't worry, we'll fax them right to your hotel". Can you tell it was a nightmare? It was also a good $300 USD down the drain from them...

Anyway, I'm rambling again... and ranting about how we got ripped off. Don't be afraid of Cancun. Its a very nice place to go. Beaches are very beautiful and spectacular. Also, the city is very modern and up to date - they have a BMW dealership and a Walmart!

[ilfsoy]

Thanks man. I'm actually going to Oasis Cancun. I hope its good.

If i remember correctly it's ok. I think it is one of the noisy spring break hotels. If that's your objective than go for it, you won't see a lot of the hotel anyway. It's on the ocean.

[blizzah]

Thanks man. I'm actually going to Oasis Cancun. I hope its good.

Hey man, I was there in December. Quite nice, but nothing compared to Oasis Grand.

[impostor]

Man, it's hard to believe I haven't been for over 5 years. Most of the tips I used or learned at the time are probably outdated, but you might get some mileage from these:

- BYOB: liquor, beer is cheapest at the supermarket that's about 1 or 2 blocks SW of the touristy market area downtown, and at the Wal-mart Superstore a few minutes drive south of downtown (the only other building I've ever been inside that comes close to Boeing's hangar in Everett for square footage on one level). It's worth the trouble if you're going to consume and/or bring back a lot.

- If you want to see a lot of wild iguanas, on a sunny day they're all over the place at the Mayan ruins near Club Med at the south end of the hotel zone (admission about $3).

- Local buses are very cheap and make an extremely interesting experience. Every driver has their own way of demonstrating their colourful personality and they drive as if they were paid according to the number of times they complete a run during their shift. Just try not to go during afternoon rush hour, it's packed with sweaty locals of both genders who don't believe in splurging on deodorant.

- If you must wear glasses and are jealous of everyone being able to snorkel, or wonder what it would be like to go diving, consider an underwater scooter: http://www.cancunbob.com/bob1.htm . It's pricey but worth the unique opportunity, the video is decent quality visually and production-wise (runs about 20 minutes, everyone makes several appearances) and is ready within hours, and you can see some pretty neat marine life down there.

- Chichen Itza is worth a side trip if you just have to climb a pyramid or want to get up close to some of the ruins. A couple of buildings are behind ropes but from what I understand from friends who've gone since, Tulum is practically completely roped off and not as extensive. If you find the price between tours of these two sites is within $10 US, Chichen's a no-brainer.

On the way back to Cancun our tour bus stopped in a tiny village to do some shopping, there were actually some decent deals to be had. One guy picked up a solid 18 inch machete with a wide, 1/4" blade for $12 US. Of course, that won't fly these days but you get the idea...

- If you get tired of all the people or want to get away for some peace and quiet, go to Isla Mujeres. The slow ferry is about $2 one-way and takes 40 minutes, but you have to first ride a local bus north to Puerto Juarez to reach the ferry dock. The beaches there are as good as any place you'll find in Cancun. Speaking of beaches, take a small clear closeable bottle to bring some sand home in.

- A yarda from Senor Frogs makes a good gag souvenir. If you go during the afternoon and ask nicely, sometimes they'll give you one for free. (I scored two this way! :) ) Be prepared for them to try and sell you one for about $3-4 US though.

[joo]

there's some good forum chatter here:

http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/forums/caribforum.shtml

[revert]

awesome advice on this thread
im thinkin of going to cancun with the guys in august
is august a good time? or is it better to go during the summer months?
which hotels do you guys suggest i should check out?
right now im looking at TuCancun (http://webstar.softvoyage.com/cgi-bin/hotel_desc.cgi?myr&en&http://webstar.softvoyage.com/hotels/CON/TUCA.html)
and
Omni Cancun Hotel (http://travel.wwte1.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=dspv&&itid=&itdx=&itty=new&from=m)

ohh yea is it better to go with all inclusive or anything else?
yea this is our first time travelling out of canada

[peoples_Flip]

My girlfriend went to Cancun back in November and they stayed at the RIU CANCUN a 5 star, all inclusive resort. My girl said she had a great time with her sister and I'm gonna be going there with her in October.

Enjoy your vacation.

[revert]

My girlfriend went to Cancun back in November and they stayed at the RIU CANCUN a 5 star, all inclusive resort. My girl said she had a great time with her sister and I'm gonna be going there with her in October.

Enjoy your vacation.

how much did she pay? i just found another hotel called Park Royal Piramides Cancun (http://webstar.softvoyage.com/cgi-bin/hotel_desc.cgi?myr&en&http://webstar.softvoyage.com/hotels/SGNen/ApplicationSentry--Comp=300--ProductId=70.html) its only $1169 + taxes all inclusive for a week.
i

[ilfsoy]

The Park Royal is a decent place, not fancy but better than many others in the price range. The RC is pricier, reasonably nice and quite new. Arguably the most impressive hotel on the strip should be beyond the startup pains by now. Should run in the upper teens for a week peak season, might get it for midteens in the late summer, late deals $1000+. August 1 wk is about $200 above PR price.

[babysham]

I'm leaving for Cancun on Saturday with 3 of my friends. We are staying at the Oasis Cancun. From what I've been told, if you are under 25, that is the hotel to stay at. It's all inclusive, 4 star, not the greatest, but has the most amount of younger visitors that are there to party and have a good time.

If that's not your scene, then don't stay at Oasis Cancun. I'm pumped, 2 more days. Can't wait!!!

[impostor]

im thinkin of going to cancun with the guys in august
is august a good time? or is it better to go during the summer months?
...
ohh yea is it better to go with all inclusive or anything else?
The biggest deterrents for me would be 1) it's warm and nice weather at home during this time and 2) it'll be a few weeks into hurricane season (goes from June-November). Cancun's been hit I think twice in the last 3 years.

All inclusive is great if your hotel is rated 4.5 stars or better, just ok if it's 4 stars. Usually it's quite a bit less than buying flight & hotel separately, unless you get a last-minute airfare bargain. If your hotel is 3.5 stars or less you'd be better off eating out and buying provisions in supermarkets (2 large ones downtown plus a Wal-mart Supercentre just south of downtown) IMHO.

[Pavel]

The biggest deterrents for me would be 1) it's warm and nice weather at home during this time and 2) it'll be a few weeks into hurricane season (goes from June-November). Cancun's been hit I think twice in the last 3 years.

Yup, that's always the case in the tropics. I thought the Hurrican season ran until October? Anyhow, if you recall, most of the time Cancun has been spared a lot of damage during this time. Also, one hour it could be raining and the next it's gorgeous and sunny.

Personally, I wouldn't want to go at any time other than the early summer or early fall. I like my ocean water to be warm: 28C or higher. I went one time to Cancun in November....Oh my gosh, never again. The water was so cold. Around 25C. One wouldnt think that three degrees can make that much of a difference. Heck, even the white sand was cold in the shade, despite the fact that temperature is 30C.

If someone doesn't want to party, then Playa Del Carmen is where one should go. It's full of European tourists and much more classier. However, the beds are rock hard there (dunno why), the Jacuzzi's/pools are rarely heated no matter what time of year you go, and the buildings are three storey wood/brick blend.

The rooms are often noisey from your neighbours who get up at 6AM and also from the cleaning staff who moves tables around on the tiled floor. Sound travels far. Speaking of rooms, air conditioning is often an issue. It is usually not cold enough. One time I went, the room was 86F after an hours cooling.

[Pavel]

Thanks man. I'm actually going to Oasis Cancun. I hope its good.


Oasis is a dump. Not so much on the outside but inside. You even have to pay to use a blow dryer. The good thing is that the beach is very nice and you can share, to a limited extent, the Grand Oasis. The food at the Oasis is barely pallatable. But, if you are drunk most of the time, you probably won't be able to tell.

[Pavel]

I'm leaving for Cancun on Saturday with 3 of my friends. We are staying at the Oasis Cancun. From what I've been told, if you are under 25, that is the hotel to stay at. It's all inclusive, 4 star,

Depends on which site you go. It's actually a Mexican 3 star, Canadian 1.7 Star :|

[trini]

Riu Caribe man!

[Pavel]

If you are thinking of a Riu (I wouldn't, I stayed at one in Playa Del Carmen) then Riu Cancun or the Riu Palace in Cancun is better. But, the beaches suck in both of those Riu's. Dunno about the Caribe as it was bought by the Riu chain a few years ago.

[trini]

It was caled the grand caribel before and was owned by the same people tey have been trying to consolidate all the riu names globally now and its the one in Cancun i'm reffering to.
Most hotel i have seen in Mexico are real holes but then it's americans they cater to.

[impailer17]

2 words: Crown Paradise (http://crownparadise.com/site/index.php)

Stayed there twice - and will go back many more times...

24 hr bar, 24 hr snack counter (burgers, fries, etc. are great at 4am after coming back from the clubs) and 24 hr room service - all included.

The food and the service are incredible.

[peoples_Flip]

how much did she pay? i just found another hotel called Park Royal Piramides Cancun (http://webstar.softvoyage.com/cgi-bin/hotel_desc.cgi?myr&en&http://webstar.softvoyage.com/hotels/SGNen/ApplicationSentry--Comp=300--ProductId=70.html) its only $1169 + taxes all inclusive for a week.
i
My girl paid $1274 CAD but the RIU Cancun was still being introduced at that time so the price was introductory... it's prolly $1500 CAD now.

[Pavel]

2 words: Crown Paradise (http://crownparadise.com/site/index.php)

I think you mean Golden Crown Paradise. There is also a Crown Paradise. Unless I am mistaken, the Golden Crown Paradise is the old Jack Tarr and it is also Adults Only.

[GemInite]

I went to Cancun 2 years ago and stayed at the Oasis Playa which is a sister resort of the oasis. I paid $100 more for it and it was well worth it because there was less noise and at night I just went out to meet people anyways.

People have not mentioned clubs yet. 3 clubs you must visit are

CoCo Bongo's, Senior Frogs and Fat Tuesdays.

As someone mentioned Cancun shopping is not cheap people would be asking for $10-15 american for a hash bracelet which is nothing special. I bargained them down to like $3.

The big outside mall is really nice to walk around but everything is a rip off, only the flea market and downtown cancun have decent deals.

and like someone said bring LOTS of immodium, sunscreen, alovera that **** is what you'll need the most of and they'll charge you $20 U.S. for each of em

[trini]

All them club fail badly.
They want too much money to go in and drinks are crazy priced even all inclusive drinks.
Best one for me was La Boom.
The servers always try to hustle you for tips as well.
Brace yourself.

[ainsane]

Oasis is a dump. Not so much on the outside but inside. You even have to pay to use a blow dryer. The good thing is that the beach is very nice and you can share, to a limited extent, the Grand Oasis. The food at the Oasis is barely pallatable. But, if you are drunk most of the time, you probably won't be able to tell.

Yeah Oasis wasn't good. On first appearance, it LOOKS nice. But tons of little things that you notice after get annoying. Like constant water on the bathroom floor, the bathtub not draining properly, shower making lots of noise, etc. Oh and we didn't even HAVE a hair dryer in our room. Plus the food was gross. I only ate the food to stay alive... not for pleasure whatsoever. The cake might have been the only decent thing. :P

Here's a pic of the room for anyone who's interested:
http://ainsane.com/rfd/oasis1.jpg


All them club fail badly.
They want too much money to go in and drinks are crazy priced even all inclusive drinks.
Best one for me was La Boom.
The servers always try to hustle you for tips as well.
Brace yourself.

Yeah seriously. They're all $30-40 per night including drinks... but they hide the all-inclusive bars in hard to reach areas. Plus the bartenders hassle you for good tips, saying stuff like 'tip me big now and ill take care of you for the night'.


Also, for cheap gifts.... go to the Walmart :cheesygri I got a bottle of tequilla for 380 pesos there that is aroudn $80 here at the LCBO. ;)

[Pavel]

All them club fail badly.
They want too much money to go in and drinks are crazy priced even all inclusive drinks.
Best one for me was La Boom.
The servers always try to hustle you for tips as well.
Brace yourself.

Agreed. Went to Coco Bongo cuz the hotel had a free night. The only way I would buy the booze package there is if I was buying drinks for the girls. La Boom is great, but can be really bad if it's "low season".

I prefer Daddy O's, Fat Tuesday, and I have had heard good things about the Shrimp Bucket. Would checkout Coco Bongo only for the theatrics. Senior Frogs is too small and over-rated. If you go in early June, any club is awesome especially Carlos and Charlies and Pat O'Briens with their Mardi Gras fest. :razz:

Forgot to mention, don't bother with the all-inclusive drinks unless like I said, you are buying booze for the girls. Otherwise, leave your hotel "happy" as you had already paid for it. Perhaps buy one or two beer at the club. So, save your money!

[Krystal PotPourri]

Cancun is AMAZING! I recommend a Kiwi Margarita and fajitas at the El Sombrero restaurant...you might need one of those Imodium things after.

BTW you can try my 5% off coupon PD2241 (the girl said it works until the end of May) www.pharmadirect.ca...bring everything you need from Canada because things there cost a fortune. :-0

[Pavel]

;)
Cancun is AMAZING! I recommend a Kiwi Margarita and fajitas at the El Sombrero restaurant...you might need one of those Imodium things after.

BTW you can try my 5% off coupon PD2241 (the girl said it works until the end of May) www.pharmadirect.ca...bring everything you need from Canada because things there cost a fortune. :-0

What's there to bring? Sunscreen is a must, Maalox, Pepto, or other stomach remedies (maybe). The hotel zone in Cancun is very safe and it is unlikely you will need any of the stomach remedies if you don't party all day and night. If one does need anything, Walmart in downtown Cancun (not to be confused with downtown hotel zone) has everything you need. There are stores in town that have all the necessities that you may require. Only thing is that most hotels serve Pepsi and NO GINGERALE!! :cry:

Personally, why venture out and eat unless absolutely necessary when you already have paid good money for an AI. Remember, Cancun is the Miami of Mexico, only cheaper and IMHO prettier so you won't get old world food in the hotel zone; elsewhere, you take your chances. It's ok to play and drink hard, just don't be STUPID. ;)

[ainsane]

If anyone else goes, you gotta rent one of thsoe dune-buggies and drive on the main street! Its sooo fun! I'm sure they are insanely unsafe though... considering there are no seat belts, the seats move around, and there is no speedo or fuel guage. We ran out of fuel a lot earlier than they said we would... so I had to take a bus back to the guy and he drove back with fuel on his scooter. Freakin idiots.

Also I took a ton of pics while I was there. The second one is to prove that things aren't cheap :) $57 pesos is equal to $6.50 canadian for a Big Mac meal :P

http://ainsane.com/rfd/cancun2.jpg

http://ainsane.com/rfd/cancun3.jpg

[Pavel]

If anyone else goes, you gotta rent one of thsoe dune-buggies and drive on the main street! Its sooo fun! I'm sure they are insanely unsafe though... considering there are no seat belts, the seats move around, and there is no speedo or fuel guage. We ran out of fuel a lot earlier than they said we would... so I had to take a bus back to the guy and he drove back with fuel on his scooter. Freakin idiots.

Also I took a ton of pics while I was there. The second one is to prove that things aren't cheap :) $57 pesos is equal to $6.50 canadian for a Big Mac meal :P

Not good advice. Again, this is Mexico. If u get hurt or injured getting decent medical care quickly is a rarity. Mexico is a quasi-third world country. The drivers and bus drivers can drive like maniacs. There is no need to waste your money on renting a dune buggy. If you want to go see the pyramids or Chichen Itza and you have a large party, rent a newer vehicle with collision coverage.

There is no reason to eat out, as I wrote previously. You pay for an all-inclusive package, so eat at the hotel. There is really no other [good] way to stay in Mexico. If you choose to do excursions, meals are usually included. I think most people would agree, they want a complicated free vacation and being too adventurous always has a price.