ANYONE BEEN TO CANCUN?

[bellavita]

Just that really, we are looking to go in the summer and wondered what we can expect.

TIA

I've been, but just for a few days at the end of a longer trip round Mexico with my family when I was a teenager (not exactly recent!).

My impressions were: very resort-y (compared to the rest of our holiday I guess) and full of large Americans

Sorry, not a great deal of help, but a bump for your thread at least...

Depends on what you are after?

I went years ago when backpacking and agree it was v resort-y and full of large americans. You could have been anywhere in the world.

When we were in the region Playa Del Carmen was beautiful although it was just starting to be developed into a destination. That said - the beach and sea is fantastic - the sand never gets hot and the sea is crystal clear. Lots of rum too!

We are after some sunshine (obviously) a lot of relaxing, but maybe do a few things (not too tasking) and to sample some local food.

We have been to Florida the last three years running and it has been hectic, but fab.

BTW - we are used to large americans now!

You'll be lucky to sample local food in Cancun.
Will you be with or without children?

No, I would avoid Cancun. Fly there but it is so built up, a real eyesore. I don't think you could like it really.

Other places to try: PLaya del Carmen as recommended (also only went years ago) but bound to be nicer still than Cancun.

Island of Cozumel may interest you, or how about Tulum which now has many different types of accommodation on a long beach. I bet there are some other places down the coast between Cancun and Tulum that would suit you too.

The entire Yucatan peninsula (except for Cancun) is beautiful!

have also heard cancun is very resorty, in a bad way
I went to Tulum, and loved it. Lots to do around there, and very small and chilled.

Oh no, does not sound good then does it.

We will be with our two boys who will be 12 and 9.

We have a timeshare in Florida and we were exchanging our home resort for another in the vaction network - this is a brand new resort.

There are many nicer places in Mexico. I loved the West Coast. Even Mexico City is better.

I went to Cancun after backpacking too, so I was shocked my the lack of mexican culture that was there.

If you are after a good climate and lovely beach then you'll probably find it.

Mung - yes, want warm weather, nice beach, although the pools do look really nice where we want to stay. The boys probably want to do a bit of diving, but that's it.

It's many a year since I was in Cancun but I have to agree that it is very resort-y.
It's wall-to-wall 5-star hotels with bars, shops and restaurants crammed between.

That said, if you aren't too bothered about getting a 'flavour' for Mexico then I'm sure you can have a good time there - there would certainly be plenty for the kids to do.

Personally, I'd go for Playa Del Carmen or Cozumel - the diving is better from Cozumel IIRC.

Thanks everyone for your input, if it is Mexico we go to, it will have to be Cancun because that is were the hotel is (well actually an apartment on a complex) but it will be 5 star, so that is a bonus.

have a great time then...sounds like it will be great for you all. I have heard about some great underwater cave dives around that way. You may have to go a little South for them, but I bet they will be great.

I enjoyed Cancun, yes it is resorty (thats cos its a resort ) I mainly enjoyed it because there is so much to do, and the isle majures is beautiful

If you are looking for trad. Mexican culture and sight seeing then its a no

But if you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday with lots of fun things available to do then yes

I think your boys would love it

Thanks VT. I am going to book it tonight. I wish DH had not fannied about too much thinking about it because the flippin flights have gone up another £300!