Need Advice: Lodging In Akumal

[graceland]

After spending months reading this forum just to find "my spot" in Tulum, I have decided after reading Doug's report (and several others) that perhaps I should try to spend 2 nights in Akumal for my much loved snorkeling. After all, it is our Xmas present.

So...those of you who are familiar with the area, or may have stayed there, would you mind sharing. It's only us two, so I dont need huge villa, but DO want to see the ocean and sand, so the view is important.

I know it's holiday time, and prices will reflect that (so much for my insistence to DH, that Mexico will be a much more affordable Xmas vacation, haha)--
but as of now I can't do much 'bout that, so I am sucking it up. But I certainly don't want to spend over $250/n or I won't bother. I guess I could always drive in from Tulum but thought a change would also be nice.
All suggestions are much appreciated, as usual.

Gracias,Gracie :beerchug:

[DougSR]

My knowledge is limited but I got to check out the nicest suite that Playa Caribe has to offer and will tell you it is very nice with full kitchen, wonderful view. You awake in the morning, look over the rail and watch the turtles feeding in the water. The pool is very well maintained but a tad small. Check it out and see what you think.

http://www.locogringo.com/akumal/playacaribe.htm?name=Playa%20Caribe (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.locogringo.com %2Fakumal%2Fplayacaribe.htm%3Fname%3DPlaya%2520Car ibe)

Get the one BR if it's just you two. Ooo! I forgot to add to my report that the water is all purified so drink til your hearts content.

I wanted to add, alot depends on whether you want All Inclusive. That seems to be a big player in Alumal.

[PhyllisB]

Hey Gracie, you ought to head over to the locogringo forums -- lots more Akumal experts over there. http://www.locogringo.com/forums

There's a lot of crossover with folks here, but you'll find a lot more info searching the forums there and just reading the trip reports.

[graceland]

Thanks Doug and Phyllis, I will definitely check Playa Caribe out Doug.

Well Phyllis, it may just be "me" but I have a hard time over on Locogringo - maybe I don't catch the "talk" but I can never quite make sense out of most of it. This forum just seems to be more comfortable and I understand what folks are referring to. I don't know why, I am just not comfortable on it.Lots of inside jokes and references that I frankly haven't a clue.
But tonight, I will try again!:cool:

Oh, and I am so not AI; I would rather tote a cooler with take out and drinks and live out of it for a week...AI, just not my style.

I like small accommodations --with views and just the sea, sand and birds (turtles?) whatever. The people don't really interest me as much, though a good bar scene for about an hour will work. people watching!

I'll give it another whirl, and I did do a "search" on Akumal lodigngs, but maybe not complete enough ; so what the heck, I just asked!:confused:

Thanks, I'll keep digging.:crossfingers:

Doug's pics intrigued me; I haven't really focused that much on our upcoming trip, as it is over 6 months away; I just returned from Peru which took months of planning, so now am starting to think about my days and nights. I have about l0 to spend and 7 are in Tulum. Want to work my way back up toward Cancun since it looks like we will have an early flight out, though I haven't booked it yet. Was hoping this gas crisis was a joke. ha;) Perhaps we too wil be riding bikes.

Gracias!
Gracie

[PhyllisB]

I know what you mean about LG. I prefer TI myself, too. But you won't find more Akumal lovers in one place anywhere else... and you can look through the lodging that LG represents too. I like how they divide up their lodgings by type of lodging & location -- makes it easy to compare different places. I'd probably start there - look at the condos/villas/hotels in Akumal - see what catches your fancy - then do a search for that specific spot and see what you see. There are lots of folks there who stay in condos & non-AI spots, too.

But I know Gale & Minnie have also stayed in Akumal, and a few others around here too. I haven't -- feels too much like a planned community to me -- but I have daytripped up there for a visit & enjoyed myself. Different strokes for different folks, right! :D

[PhyllisB]

Oh, and I'd LOVE to see some pics from Peru!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

[graceland]

Phyllis, working on the pics now, though I get very distracted moving over to the forum quite a bit! Putting music to them and will post a link for everyone to see. Quite a place; very magical.

I originally thought day tripping would be the way to get my snorkel fix in; but since I do have the time, I started leaning towards a stay. But, could be the "minimum rule" at Xmas will prohibit me from going anywhere else overnight! I seem to be running into that and unless I wait til last minute to see what is available, I just may daytrip.
I am looking around; LG; Akumal Direct, some other sites on web; there are so many choices but many are already filled. I have my eye on one spot in PM just for one night to get my flight early and may just stay there two nights and do Akumal from Tulum.
Who knows, I think I am still in HIGH AlTITUDE mode from Peru.

Appreciate the input. When I get overwhelmed from all the pics, I switch over to Tulum --haha...so now I am just totally overwhelmed. Time for TIMEOUT.:beerchug:

Maybe I will put DH on the Akumal trip report search. He needs a job to pay for these trips!
thanks again
Gracie

[Gale in KY]

I actually like Half Moon Bay better than I do Akumal's Main Bay when it comes to where to stay..it's just a short walk or ride to the main bay for great snorkeling and Half Moon is pretty decent for snorkeling too...actually better, if you can get past the water entry..it's pretty rocky and has alot more turtle grass. The beach is not nearly as wide as Tulum, but Half Moon is the place to be above the water..go for 2nd floor or even 3rd, you will catch glimpses of rays and turtles out in the bay.

The best part is you don't have to pay "Tulum" prices..you can rent a villa for $250 a night..lol.

Akumal Aventuras is a GREAT stretch of beach, just south of Akumal Bay, great snorkeling here too, and it's very private..no restaurants to speak of here though, it really is a residential area.

Be sure to check out LG, they do have the very best of the best listings for Akumal.

I am only going to list beachfront places, those I like or would like, cause I like to see water too.

On Aventuras..check out U Nah Kin (http://www.locogringo.com/akumal/u_nah_kin.htm?name=U%20Nah%20Kin%20Condominiums) this is where Twirls stayed after I left and she got a rate of $90 a nite.

On Half Moon, I like Vista Del Mar Condos (http://www.akumalinfo.com/condos.htm)
But the very best choice has to be Lg'er Whitney's condo..it's just adorable and very reasonable.
She has a whole picassa album to give you a good look

La Sirena #13 (http://www.akumal-bay.com/)

Be sure to check out Whitney's Casita Dragonfly in Mahahual too..it's on the top of my must stay places!

[DougSR]

I actually like Half Moon Bay better than I do Akumal's Main Bay when it comes to where to stay.

We agree on this part "fo sho"!

By the way Gracie, the Akumal portion of LG bleeds over into all sorts of topics and I understand your delimma over there. Just go, ask you questions and stay on your thread. They gave me great advice.

[DougSR]

Oh gosh! I just saw the prices for Playa Caribe at Christmas. Never mind Gracie...way overpriced.:eek:

[Gale in KY]

First, unless you want to become an LG member..and spend your days wading thru the "hijacks" that go on in just about every thread..lol..not always a bad thing, I have alot of great friends that are LG'ers..but a fact of life..threads take on a life of their own on that message forum..lol..you might want to stick to researching the listings from the homepage and avoid the forums..lmao. That being said, the people on the LG board are very knowledgable about all things Akumal and a great source of information.

Another possiblity that I learned of from them yesterday is the Playa Blanca units...not the condos, but studio type rooms..very inexpensive, just on the northside of Vista Del Mar.

Units #9 and #10 are on the garden side of Playa Blanca, but Unit #10 has "limited seaview"..and both are just a quick walk about the building to the water's edge
This is #9, but check out #10 too..
http://www.akumaldirect.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__16506/page__5/2267/DesktopDefault.aspx

On Akumal Bay, you might want to investigate Hotel Akumal Caribe or the Villas Maya..bungalows that are right behind Lol-ha restaurant.

It's all going to be expensive during the holiday season..ouch.

[graceland]

OUCH is right:mad:
But I chose Xmas and Tulum as our getaway so I am sticking with it..

Gayle, the condos were gorgeous. Now I just want to stay there..

But La Luna is going to be home for 7 nights; I did want a cabanna experience!

Thanks Doug, Gayle and Phyllis for the encouragement. I will try to wade through LG; I found it very difficult and ovewhelming, but that being said, I will just throw my question out there..

Though -youall have given me great direction:wave:

Sierna's two bedroom is $350 a night, but if I could get my brother down for a few nights to share, it could happen. It looked like it was floating on the water! And all the turtle shots - even DH's eyes lit up, and he is not even in on the planning. (He gets excited the day we leave)

Will check out the others and maybe I'll get in my snorkeling. If not, it appears that driving in from Tulum is not too difficult for a day.

Or, maybe I will get the condo and just say, Hey yall come visit!:beerchug:

Thanks again; the forum always pulls through! My friends think I am crazy when I tell them about it (they rely way too much on travel brochures) but when I come home with pics, they will be tooo envious. Real people, real adventures...REAL trip reports..love it!

Gracie

[graceland]

Doug,
Just looked at Playa Blanca - good price for high season! I guess I can walk around a building to look at the water to save over $200 a night; more margs all around!:margarita:

Planned my Peru trip this year and last year's Africa through forums; though I will say, Tulum's comes through better than any I have joined.

If anyone is in the area Dec. 21-30 (have to be home for my Lab's (animal, not medical) annual " N-Y eve " birthday party) looks like we have extra floor space!

Mucho Gracias, Gracie

[Linda S.]

Graceland- we just stayed at Playa Blanca #10 a couple of weeks ago- they book thru Akumal Direct. We also had friends stay in #9 back in December. They are both nice, and both have water views. The difference is there is a king bed in #10, and 2 doubles in #9. They are very comfortable and very economical. There are some photos of the views in my trip report (Xamach Dos/Akumal).
Linda

[graceland]

Thanks Linda! I remember reading your trip report, but did not put it in brain storage!
I still blame on this on altitude sickness (worse than any flu I have ever had);)
Wonder how many more years I can do that!

SO glad I will be at "Sea Level" in Tulum/Ackumal/Wherever we end up!
:sun:
Going to re-check the report now..may be the very place I need to be..


Gracias to all,
Gracie

[twirls]

Hi Grace! I'm mostly on LG but I hang out here too! Gale and I stayed in the hotel rooms at Vista del Mar. They have a coffe maker with filters and a safe in some of the rooms! Cute and comfy, decent beds with 3 pillow on each bed! and not too pricey.

Heres a link to my trip report with pics of our room and pics of Playa Caribe condos where other friends stayed. Its pricey!
http://forums.locogringo.com/forums/tm.asp?m=841740

[dionski]

Hi Graceland,

We also stayed at Playa Blanca in April and liked it very much. Half Moon Bay and Akumal are definitely worth a couple days.First floor 2 bedroom, kitchen, ac, tv open slider to beach. It is the unit to the left of the red walkway in one of Linda S photos. less than $200 a night (low season) Could also be one bedroom. There are a bunch of condo buildings in Half Moon Bay. We looked at a few of them, all seemed pretty equal.

Not all units in a place are managed by the same people. This gal Nan at Green Eyes manages units in Playa Blanca, Luna Azul, La Bahia, La Joya, and another I can't remember.

Her contact info Nan Armstrong, email greeneyes56@prodigy.net-mx

Good luck,

d2

[graceland]

Hi Twirls and thanks for the report; you must have gotten Unstuck from the umbrella..You just about cracked me up with that report. Maybe I am missing something not going over to LG!
Anyhew....your time in Tulum and environs looked like one heck of a beach party! :beerchug: Appreciate the advice
and thank you
also Dionski!

I have plenty to mull over; and looks like a few other sites to explore.


Muchas Gracias,
Gracie

I am still laughing at your pics; they well were worth the post:eat-drink:

[midtowngirl]

Definitely check with LG to see what would be available for 2 nights that time of year. You might luck into a condo or casita, but a hotel like Vista Del Mar or Hotel Akumal Caribe may be more likely.

[graceland]

HI MTGirl,
Thanks for the reply. I have joined LG and sent out a few inquiries for a couple days end of Dec. From the response I have received, it seems I just need to sit and wait to see how many people are filling up rooms for the holidays!
Looking for alternatives, just in case!

Gracias, Gracie

[NWCreoleLady]

HI MTGirl,
I have joined LG and sent out a few inquiries for a couple days end of Dec. From the response I have received, it seems I just need to sit and wait to see how many people are filling up rooms for the holidays!
Looking for alternatives, just in case!


Gracie, there are just so many choices aren't there! There's great info on LG and on this board. And yes, it's a short drive to Tulum and don't forget to visit Chemuyil.

We stayed at Hacienda de las Tortugas and loved it! The sunrises off the balcony in the morning were incredible and both in the early morning and evening we'd watch the turtles bobbing their heads in the bay. Great snorkeling right out front of the condo! That's what I loved about staying on Half Moon Bay. Here's the link -http://www.locogringo.com/akumal/tortuga.htm?name=Hacienda%20de%20las%20Tortugas
It's a very quiet beach (we were there in low season) and I really like Akumal for a small town and the snorkeling is great in Akumal Bay as well! So lots of snorkeling for you! The dive shops there are good too if you need anything, especially Akumal Dive Center.

Next you'll have to check out the restaurant threads for Akumal.....lots of great choices there too.

[graceland]

Hello Creole Lady,
I checked Tortuga and several other lodging options in Akumal; unfortunately I am going in high season and there are requirements at most for at least a week. I am already spending 7 nights in Tulum (a Xmas requirement) so cannot do that elsewhere.
I have found a 3 day spot in Puerto Morelos, which would actually put us closer to our early departure from Cancun. It is Rancho Sakol..has anyone stayed there?
The website looked nice; good trip advisor report; just wonder if anyone has stopped by or stayed to and from Tulum
Thanks again for all the great help!
Gracie

[NWCreoleLady]

Of course high season comes with more restrictions, but if you ever get a chance to return during the first week of November that is a great low season travel time.

We've been to Puerto Morelos for one night and stayed at Ojo de Aguas. I wouldn't recommend this place for more than that. Nice location on the water and clean, but very stark and uncomfortable beds, which we found to be the case in most of your budget lodging. It is a nice little town though......it was my first and very memorable experience in Mexico as we landed at the airport late and drove here for our first night.

[graceland]

Kathy, a new casa, how exciting; you must have really loved your stays there!
We may be scouting about ourselves. We looked over on Baja but way too far to travel (La Paz area)
so with l0 days in Mx at Xmas we will check things out.
Think I have decided on ending in PM - easy to get to airport,turn in car, etc. with an early morning return. Found Rancho Sakol and it looks like that may be the spot for us.
Thanks for all the help again.
Gracie

[midtowngirl]

I've thought of spending a couple days at PM. Let us know how you like it when you do your trip report!!

[NWCreoleLady]

Kathy, a new casa, how exciting; you must have really loved your stays there!
We may be scouting about ourselves. We looked over on Baja but way too far to travel (La Paz area)
so with l0 days in Mx at Xmas we will check things out.
Think I have decided on ending in PM - easy to get to airport,turn in car, etc. with an early morning return. Found Rancho Sakol and it looks like that may be the spot for us.
Thanks for all the help again.
Gracie

Gracie, we are very excited! The timing and the price was so right. We have traveled to the West coast - Puerto Vallarta, La Manzanilla (near Barra de Navidad), Guadalajara and twice to the Yucatan. We did look at LM because it's a bit closer and we have friends there, but we love the Caribbean Sea! I hear there's a new subdivision going in closer to Tulum Pueblo.

I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant in PM where we ate a delicious Yucatecan breakfasts! It was the first place to open up for us earlybirds. Just north of the church on the right side of the road....there's a small hotel there too. Can't seem to find it at the moment. Rancho Sakol looks wonderful!

[AnyMan]

Hi Gracie,

We stayed at Vista del Mar Hotel in May and it was good and economical. The rooms are small but are right on the ocean, have a fridge and coffee maker, and were clean. There is also a c-store on the ground floor that has cold beer and ice cream - very close to the beach.

It is also very close to La Buena Vida for drinks and food. The beach is a little rocky and the pool is really the pool at the dive shop down the beach. Small and not private.

For what it's worth, if we had it to do again, we would stay in Tulum and take a day trip to Akumal - personal preference.

Jack

[graceland]

Anyman, thanks for the info on the hotel; we are staying in Tulum 7 nights so have decided to just go for day trips; but on the return to Cancun we thought we'd spend a couple nights at Rancho Sakol in Puerto Morelos, and were delighted they had room for us (and at a less than 7 night minimum and a great rate compared to Tulum)...will definitely report on return - but it won't be til end of '08!

Creolelady -- Wow --your own "Casa"...would love to hear about the trials and tribulations of building/buying. Have you posted on that yet?

Thanks all for responding to all my ??;
I have had so many yet feel so reassured when I get such great comments.

We are definitely looking forward to our time in Tulum at Xmas. Now, if only air fares would come down!

Gracias, Gracie