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Ask Locals Anything in Cancun!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Cancun for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in Cancun
RIU restaurants?
Going to Riu palace soon in Cancun and I’m sifting through a lot trying to absorb all the info about it, are the buffets the only food options in the all inclusive part of the resort? I know the Kulin… more
Honestly, the RIU resorts in Cancun have their own restaurants, so it depends which resort you're talking about. Check the resort's website for specific restaurant details. They're usually pretty upfront about it.
Returning to the Hotel Zone from Isla Mujeres
Getting a van from Iberostar to the Ultramar ferry in the morning is easy, but how do I get back to my hotel at night? It'll be dark, and I want to avoid getting stranded. What's the simplest way bac… more
Taxis are readily available at the Ultramar ferry terminal in Cancun. Just flag one down when you arrive. Tell the driver "Iberostar Selection" – they'll know where it is. It's a straightforward trip, and shouldn't be a problem, even at night. You could also use a ride-hailing app like Uber or Didi if you prefer.
Cancun Day Trip Ideas
Seeking scenic, less-touristy nature excursions near Cancun for a couple's day trip. Considering cenotes and Isla Mujeres, but open to other suggestions. Chichen Itza is already ruled out.
Consider exploring Rio Lagartos. It's a bit further than Isla Mujeres, but the flamingo spotting alone is worth the trip. You can combine it with a visit to Las Coloradas, the pink salt flats. It's a less crowded alternative to the typical cenote experience, offering a different kind of beautiful scenery. Just be sure to book a tour in advance to ensure transportation and maybe a guide.
New Year's Eve plans in [City Name]
Three German guys looking for a less pricey alternative to Coco Bongo for a NYE party. Any recommendations for good bars or clubs?
Check out Mandala. It's got a great atmosphere, usually less chaotic than Coco Bongo on NYE, and the drinks are reasonably priced compared to some of the other bigger spots. Might be worth looking into their NYE packages in advance though.
Cancun Hotel Choice for Anniversary
Celebrating our 20th anniversary in Cancun for Valentine's Day. We're considering Le Blanc Spa Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, or Iberostar Coral. Flights and a 7-night stay at Hard Rock or Ib… more
For a 20th anniversary, the extra £3500 for Le Blanc might be worth it if luxury and pampering are your priorities. Hard Rock and Iberostar are solid choices, offering good value for money, but Le Blanc is a different level entirely – it's all-inclusive and adults-only. Consider what's more important: a slightly more hassle-free, intensely luxurious experience, or having more spending money for excursions and exploring Cancun. If you're planning on spending a lot of time in the hotel, Le Blanc wins. If you want to actively explore Cancun beyond the resort, the extra cost might feel less justified.
That's a really helpful breakdown! We're leaning towards more relaxation this time around, so the pampering aspect of Le Blanc is appealing. The all-inclusive is also a big plus – less to think about is always nice on an anniversary trip. Thanks for the perspective on potentially sacrificing excursions for that extra level of luxury; that's something we hadn't fully considered. We'll weigh the pros and cons of exploring vs. chilling out.
Birthday surprises at RPP?
Planning a small, sweet birthday celebration for my sister and three friends at the Royal Playa del Carmen resort in early January. Looking for affordable, special options besides long boat tours or… more
Check with the concierge at Royal Playa del Carmen. They often have connections with local vendors for things like room decorations and can probably arrange a shorter, less expensive spa treatment than booking independently. They might even have some surprise packages already designed for smaller groups. It's worth a shot!
Cancun Family Resort Recommendations
We're planning a mid-March trip to Cancun with our 3 and 6 year olds (flying from central Texas). Looking for all-inclusive resort recommendations with strong family-friendly amenities, safety featur… more
We loved Hyatt Ziva Cancun a few years back. The kids' club was excellent, kept our little ones entertained for hours, and the food was surprisingly diverse and kid-friendly (even my picky eater found stuff he liked!). It's a bit pricey, but the convenience of all-inclusive and having everything on-site was worth it for us, especially with young kids. Just be prepared for a lively atmosphere – it's definitely geared toward families, so expect some noise.
Do employees pool tips?
We're in Cancun at an all-inclusive resort and have several hundred USD (in pesos) for tips. We want to be fair and give equal amounts to everyone who serves us, but are unsure if staff share tips or… more
It depends entirely on the resort and their policies. Some resorts have a tip pooling system, others don't. You could discreetly ask your main server or bartender if they pool tips – a simple "Do you guys share tips?" works. If they say yes, give a larger amount to that person. Otherwise, distribute evenly among those who served you well.
That's really helpful, thanks! I hadn't thought about asking the server directly – feels a little awkward, but it's definitely the most straightforward way to find out. I appreciate the tip about giving more to one person if they pool; makes it much fairer.
Getting from Isla Mujeres to Cancun Airport
We were scammed by a transportation company at Cancun airport, overcharged for a ride to Isla Mujeres, and now fear encountering them again when we pick up our rental car. What's the cheapest and saf… more
Ferry to Cancun's downtown, then the ADO bus to the airport. It's a bit more time-consuming, but significantly cheaper and safer than any airport taxi or pre-booked transfer. You'll avoid the sharks that way.
That's great advice! I hadn't considered the ADO bus – I was leaning towards a pre-booked transfer, mainly for convenience. The "shark" comment made me chuckle, though – I'll definitely weigh the cost/time vs. potential for overcharging/unnecessary risks. Thanks!
Cancun All-Inclusives: Top Picks?
What's the best all-inclusive resort in Cancun?
Depends heavily on your budget and what you're looking for in a vacation. For luxury, the Nizuc Resort & Spa is consistently highly rated. If you're after something a bit more lively with lots of activities, consider Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun. For a more laid-back, family-friendly option, Secrets The Vine Cancun might be a good fit. Really, TripAdvisor or a dedicated travel site is your best bet for comparing amenities and prices to find the perfect match.
That's great advice, thanks! I hadn't considered the Live Aqua – the lively atmosphere sounds appealing. I'll definitely check out TripAdvisor and compare those three; good starting point. Appreciate the specific recommendations!
Holbox Conditions
Considering a short trip to Holbox Island, but concerned about recent rain and potential flooding. Has it been significantly impacted by the recent downpours?
I was just there last week. There was some rain, sure, but nothing catastrophic. A few streets had some puddles, but it wasn't flooded. The island's pretty resilient to rain, honestly. You should be fine, just pack a light raincoat, maybe some waterproof sandals if you're really worried.
That's reassuring, thanks! Good to know about the puddles – I'll definitely pack those sandals then. Appreciate the heads-up on the rain.
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