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12/24/2003 Archived Entry: "Playa del Carmen"
This is it, I think I'm forever healed of my initial infatuation with Cancun! Undoubtedly, the beach is a jewel and the infinite palette of turquoise colours of the ocean is still as fascinating as ever. However, I'm growing a solid disgust for the restaurants in this resort. From La Dolce Vita, to the Blue Bayou, including Cenaccolo, the Laguna Grill, the Cambalache, Savio's and many more, they all share the same traits: unimaginative, over-priced food accompanied with poor service. No exception, your only right in Cancun is to spend over Pesos $300 per person for dinner and eat tasteless food in dull conditions - or break your eardrums at some of the party places like Senor Frogs.
In 10 days my best meal by far has been a delicious dinner at The Glass Bar in Playa del Carmen. Their parmesan salad with honey sauce was thoroughly original and simply exquisite. All the courses in my dinner were of similar high quality and backed by a solid and efficient service. The cuisine team from Italy makes all the difference and will not disappoint you. Highly recommended! Interestingly, the restaurant belongs to the Mosquito Blue, a charming and rather luxurious boutique hotel conveniently located in the touristic center of Playa del Carmen.
Most hotels in Playa del Carmen seem to fall either in the "backpacker's den" or the "all-inclusive paradise" category, with several stunning examples in nearby Playacar area. An good example of fair-priced medium range hotel is La Tortuga. If you come off-season to Playa del Carmen, your best bet could be to simply wander down Avenida Quinta and visit one of the numerous travel agencies who could show you all the various options available. One such agencies is Small Hotels Playacar which handles a directory of a dozen small hotels.
Besides a more laid-back atmosphere than Cancun and better restaurants, Playa del Carmen is also close to the diving reefs of Cozumel and only one hour by bus (Pesos $32 one-way) from Cancun, if you really need that injection of packaged fun.
Replies: 1 Comment
Sad...
Posted by Bodhi Evans @ 08/16/2004 09:07 AM MEX
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