Playa del Carmen, Mexico (Part 2)

When we travel, we rarely splurge on where we stay. The only exception was when we went to Vietnam and stayed on a fancy boat in Halong Bay: Cruising Down Halong Bay, Vietnam: Our Cruise Boat

My fiancé found a good deal on a hotel in Playa so we jumped at the chance to stay. Because it’s the low season they lowered their prices which we were more than happy to pay!

We stayed at the Occidental Hotel at Xcaret and we really enjoyed it there. The weather was perfect for the two days, and pretty much all we did was relaxed, swam, drank beer and ate food. Also the place is HUGE, with places even off limits only for special members. (They have their own restaurants and pools).  They even have a small shuttle car to bring you from the beach to the main lobby it’s that big!

 

There are monkeys, deer, flamingos and racoons that live in the hotel area and while we were walking back to our hotel building at night we spotted a deer walking among the trees and it was so cool. The buffet breakfast and lunch was also really nice!

Altogether we paid about 80 euro per person per night with food and drink included. So it really was very cheap! I have no idea how much it would be during the high season, and I don’t want to know either! So we were rather sad having to return to our hostel for the next 2 nights.

On our last day we went to Xel-Ha, a nature park where you can do lots of water activites! It was very unique for me, as you’d never find this in Ireland whatsoever. There were cenotes, rivers to swim in, cliffs to jump off, walking trails in the jungle, restaurants to eat at and places to relax. It’s a great place for kids and I’m sure my nephews would love it! Here is the website to check it out: Xel-Ha Park

 

There is a big river where you start at the top and swim down with the current. You can do this by snorkelling or with a floatable chair.  Because the water is mixed with sea water and fresh water, this makes the top of the water cold, but when you put your feet lower  you can feel a current of really warm water! I was shocked when it suddenly got warm around my feet. It was so cool to experience!

After we were swam down the river we got food and walked around the area. We bought a ticket which included food and drink (which also includes alcoholic drinks).

I really enjoyed my time in Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area. It’s much quieter during the low season but I can imagine it could get very busy and noisy in the high season!

It’s nice to have seen a different part of Mexico!

To check out Part 1, click here: Playa del Carmen, Mexico (Part 1)

Where we stayed in Playa Del Carmen: Las Hijas Hostel

We were told by the staff that they were closing and having checked booking.com they have indeed closed, so I won’t write a review for them.

Aisling