Any "non-inclusive" resorts in Riviera Maya? Hate my guests paying 200+ pp

[krs182]

Every resort in Playa del Carmen is georgous, but with the way things are right now, I cant imagine making people pay over 200 per person per night. Asking a couple to pay $500 per night seems a lot. Any advice of non-inclusive resorts or ones that are not as expensive for the pp rate? (I'd be willing to pay more if the guests can payu less) ANy advice?

[MarieSam]

If you're looking in Playa del Carmen, I know there have been a couple of brides here that have stayed at the Blue Parrot, which offers different types of lodging, hotel, condos, etc. And I've heard they are great when it comes to weddings! There is also the option of staying at condos/villas -- check out Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts, Rentals: Mexican Caribbean Vacation for a wide range of choices.

 

If you still want the feel of a big resort -- the Grand Mayan or Mayan Palace which shares the same grounds is a gorgeous place along the Riviera Maya. Anyone who stays here will love it! We've been there twice and plan on spending our second week of the wedding there.

 

But again check out locogrino, you will find tons and tons of ideas to choose from!

[JenniferSS]

Riviera Maya can be pretty spread out - you'll want to keep in mind that your guests will need to be close enough to places to dine- as taxi fares can get pretty expensive for 3 meals a day ! Sometimes doing a non AI ends up more expensive in th elong run.

 

Also take into consideration how comfortable your guests may feel walking into a restaurant- will they need to be near more American places to eat or will they be comfortable eating at a more authentic Mexican restarant?

 

There are plenty of AI's that are under $200 a person per night- the Riu's , Iberostars just to name a couple.

 

TA Jennifer

[Destination Scout]

Do you want the big resort feel, a smaller more intimate hotel, or a private home? There are a ton of choices.

[Fahm]

I'm considering these condo hotels for our wedding party: Porto Playa (Porto Playa Condo Hotel - Playa del Carmen Hotels in Mexico with a Unique touch - Beautiful Condominium Rentals in Playa del Carmen - a short block from the beautiful Playa del Carmen Beach)

 

There's also other non-inclusive resorts in the area - La Tortuga, La Petite Lafitte, and if I could afford it, Le Reve looks really nice and private.

[EmeraldPalms]

If you stay right in Playa del Carmen there are plenty of non-inclusive hotels, though I think most are fairly small, I don't know how many guests you'll have. The cost can be quite reasonable, you can find good rooms between 100 and 200 per night, and that is per room rather than per person. There are many restaurants that you can walk around to, and I remember the prices being pretty reasonable (I was there in 2005). Some of them were really tasty, and had great ambience. Look on Trip Advisor to find good hotels. I enjoyed Playa, and it's not at all intimidating, even people who haven't traveled internationally much should feel quite comfortable. The main tourist area is totally walkable, no cab required, and several streets are pedestrian only.

 

I don't think you'd want a non-inclusive resort outside of town, it wouldn't be useful if there was nowhere nearby to eat.

[krs182]

I just want to say thanks for all your replies and I welcome any additionals. I would never have thought to look at some of the links and locations all of you have sent me and they all look sop beautiful. Im so glad all of the people on this site are so helpful, not sure how easy it would be to plan a wedding based off some online pics in another country, so Thanks!!! Fahm, Thanks for sending that link, that place looks amazing, I am very curious if you plan to have your wedding there and about your experience. Please post.

[pdcbride09]

Hi! I just want to say that we originally had booked our wedding w/ Blue Parrot Weddings..which is a great choice..very reasonable. We originally didn't want our guests to pay an arm and a leg to come to our wedding, so originally we were telling all of our guests to stay at La Tortuga. Very reasonable hotel, plus you get breakfast every day included and it's great!!

 

However, at the last minute, after our invitations were sent out! (eek!) we found Sandos Playacar Beach Resort and Spa. It is VERY REASONABLE for an all inclusive. I believe it's $180 a night for 2 people. That of course includes all you can eat and drink and 24 hour room service! So...the difference I believe was $40 a day between the resort and La Tortuga..so we just decided that w/ drinks and food..it would be close to $40 a day staying at La Tortuga. So we decided to do the AI resort..and everyone was all for it! so although we loooooooooooooooooove staying in town, we decided that it would be better that way. Plus to have your wedding at an AI is so much cheaper! We are having a legal ceremony and I believe minus the photographer for 28 people it's only $1800!! so it's a great deal since it is an AI, the meal and drinks are included.

 

We would've loved to have our reception on the beach, but they charge an extra fee for that. We figured we are at an AI so why pay extra for that? we are going to do it at one of their restaurants..and since there is no dancing or partying allowed in the restaurant, we are bringing our guests to the Blue Parrot Beach Club for the after party since we have a deposit w/ them. So we won't lose out on any money!

Good luck on your planning.

 

if you are planning to stay in town..there are a TON of hotels. Go to tripadvisor..and you can see there. They list them all!

[BelaNova]

Hello! My WC has a connection with Porto Playa so I stayed there in February during my site visit (for free!) and absolutely loved it! We have booked 3 rooms there for my fiance and I and our families for the wedding. We booked two of the condos next to each other (units 17 and 20) and are going to host our welcome party on the private adjoining rooftops! They have a great view and it's definitely something different! Porto Playa may not be right for everyone but it had everything we were looking for. It has an amazing in-town location (one block from the beach, one block from 5th Ave) and the condos are gorgeous! We really wanted to be able to have the extra space for our guests to come over and hang out with us. Also, we wanted our guests to make our wedding their own personal vacation, so we are letting everyone stay where they feel most comfortable (i.e. in their budget). The extra space in our condos will serve as a great wedding headquarters!