Siege2L From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 114 posts, RR: 0 Posted (5 years 9 months 5 days 5 hours ago) and read 2469 times:
Buenos dias!!!
Ok, I am only asking this because many, many, many ( did I say many? ) of you seem quite travelled and knowledgeable, so I hope you will all be so very kind to assist me in my travel plans.
I am leaving in November. ( Ok, I want to leave in November, but I could go December. ) My departure airport is LAX. I want to spend a few days in Cancun. I am flying Skyteam, so which of these airlines do you recommend for inflight service to Cancun: NW, CO, DL, AM, AF ( via CDG - kidding lol )
Hotel info??? I do not want the Sunset Blvd pay-by-the-hour special. I am looking for 3 or 4 stars and higher.
What to do??? I want one day to explore the local culture, one day to do nightlife ( party like it's 1999! ), and one day to stay in my comfortable hotel room and receive room service, massage, spa, pool, fitness center ( A MUST! ).
Is there a place that any of you know of where I can do pilates while I am there? ( Yeah, yeah, I am so L.A. with my stupid latte's and cell phones and organic grocery stores )
I could research some of this info online, but pics are not always accurate, and as far as things to do, personal experiences are far better than an internet travel site, in my opinion.
Ptugarin From United States of America, joined Sep 2006, 325 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (5 years 9 months 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 2458 times:
Have you considered AM from TIJ? At least you'll get food and free alcohol in your flights (connecting in MEX). AM is a SkyTeam member just like the airlines you mentioned.
Siege2L From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 114 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (5 years 9 months 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 2450 times:
Quoting Ptugarin (Reply 1): Have you considered AM from TIJ? At least you'll get food and free alcohol in your flights (connecting in MEX). AM is a SkyTeam member just like the airlines you mentioned.
That will lead me to my next question... can I purchase a ticket from the US Aeromexico website for flights within Mexico? I will then have to purchase a ticket on DL from LAX - SAN, so this leads me to how easy is it to transit from SAN to TIJ?
And info on Cancun from your personal experiences that you might recommend?
I spent 5 nights with them at the Cozumel Palace, just before the hurricane hit last month. Their other resorts look good too. It is not 5 star, but it is definitely 4.
FlyingJHawk From United States of America, joined Mar 2007, 85 posts, RR: 3 Reply 5, posted (5 years 9 months 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 2357 times:
About a month ago our family spent a week at the Moon Palace (all inclusive) and it is a great resort for families and those without kids. If you book the hotel from a company that is a member, you get better treatment - seperate check in and an assigned assistant that will arrange tours Chichin Itza, spa treatments, etc.
The new terminal is a breeze to pass customs - just don't get suckered into ground transportation if you already paid for it as part of the all inclusive....although most of the taxi/limo services reps will point you in the right direction if you tell them you already have pre-arranged ground transportation.
Understand however that the Chichin Itza trip is an all day affair. Two hour bus ride, obiligatory stop at a Mayan villiage for Mayan trinkets, blankets, and such. While Chichin Itza is certainly an amazing place, the thing that really bothered me where the thousands of Mayan pedellers selling all sorts of kitschy souveniers - they line pretty much all the main walkways of the ruins. We left around 8am and returned to the hotel around 545pm.
Finally, if a white sandy beach free of see weed is high on your list then this is not the place for you.
JRDC930 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (5 years 9 months 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 2233 times:
Simple, for good service AVOID at all costs any U.S. carrier. AM and MX are 1000 times superior to the U.S. carriers in regards to inflight service, friendliness, food and attitude. They dont charge for booze, and dont treat you like shi**. Food is always good. IFE though, is a bit lacking, though i have not yet been on AM's 737's. Prices is usually quite close to the U.S. carriers as well or even cheaper on occcasion. Go with AM, you wont regret it.
Ayubogg From UK - Scotland, joined Mar 2007, 216 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (5 years 9 months 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 2221 times:
Many things I think I can help you with.
Quoting Siege2L (Reply 2): so this leads me to how easy is it to transit from SAN to TIJ?
Crossing the border by car from the US into Tijuana usually takes up an acceptable ammount of time. Depending on the time of day it can range in between 5 minutes, to 20. Early morning (the latest 09.00) is best in my opinion. From the border to TIJ is a very short distance if memory serves right.
Now, about Cancun, I've been there twice and it's never a dissapointment. The nightlife is the best I've seen really. Hotels are all pretty much great even if it's not a five star/five diamond resort.
For culture, Cancun City is okay but it doesn't get any better than Xel-Ha and/or Tulum. They are coastal, pre-hispanic, mayan ruins and you get a chance to explore them freely and swim in some of the most beautiful Caribbean beaches. There are tour buses that take you there and your hotel's reception/concierge can arrange this easily.
With regards to your flights, why not fly AM from LAX to MEX and then to CUN? I would much rather fly MX but if you are limited to SkyTeam then the first would be good.
On a final note, you should try to spend a day spotting in CUN, it has awesome spotting opportunities when it comes to European airlines that arrive there. IMO it's even better than MEX. Not too sure about spotting locations but you get what I'm saying.
Have fun and whatever your choice is you should post a Trip Report.
Fllcontinental From United States of America, joined Jul 2007, 344 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (5 years 9 months 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 2215 times:
I suggest CO through IAH. Houston can be a simple transfer (depending where your planes are located) and you're getting quality service.
Hotels: The Paradisus Riviera Maya is a very nice resort but rather expensive.
Fun: Xel-Ha is a cool nature park but from personal experience, AVOID the lazy river there at all costs as it is not exactly lazy.
Slovacek747 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 13, posted (5 years 9 months 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 2202 times:
I hope you have a good time, but quit being a tool and worrying about stupid organic food, overpriced coffee and cell phones while you are in Mexico. If you are the picky, you my as well just stay in weirdo California. Take CO, excellent service and go down and eat a bunch of good ole' enchiladas, rice, and beans.
We ate in the garden and it was so pretty. You can see pictures on the web site. My husband was wanting to eat lobster and they didn't disappoint him. They served a huge tasty lobster at a very reasonable price.
We also like the Akumal area. There is a beautiful lagoon called Yal Ku nearby. It's crystal clear water so fun for snorkeling.
Another favorite is to take the public ferry to Isla Mujeres and then have one of the locals take you out snorkeling. When you get to the dock just ask around for someone to take you. We usually don't like the touristy atmosphere of the booze party cruises so this has always worked well for us.
The Mexican Yucatan is such a beautiful area, I'm sure you'll have a great trip no matter what you do.
Siege2L From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 114 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (5 years 9 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 2194 times:
Quoting Slovacek747 (Reply 13): I hope you have a good time, but quit being a tool and worrying about stupid organic food, overpriced coffee and cell phones while you are in Mexico. If you are the picky, you my as well just stay in weirdo California. Take CO, excellent service and go down and eat a bunch of good ole' enchiladas, rice, and beans.
lol!!! wierdo California!!! This put a smile on my face Trust me, you live in L.A. long enough, you turn into a health freak because you are constantly surrounded by beautiful people... but yes, enchiladas, flautas, chorizo, etc... definitely on the menu - I love the local flavor!!!
[quote=Lgbga,reply=14]We ate in the garden and it was so pretty. You can see pictures on the web site. My husband was wanting to eat lobster and they didn't disappoint him. They served a huge tasty lobster at a very reasonable price.
We also like the Akumal area. There is a beautiful lagoon called Yal Ku nearby. It's crystal clear water so fun for snorkeling.
Another favorite is to take the public ferry to Isla Mujeres and then have one of the locals take you out snorkeling. When you get to the dock just ask around for someone to take you. We usually don't like the touristy atmosphere of the booze party cruises so this has always worked well for us.
The Mexican Yucatan is such a beautiful area, I'm sure you'll have a great trip no matter what you do.
Thank you for this reply, now I am craving lobster!!! I love water sports, so I appreciate this information.
JRDC930 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (5 years 9 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 2193 times:
Dont take CO, AM and or MX service is much better, besides CO will stick you with a ERJ most likely, and at most a cold sandwich, on AM and MX its always a warm meal an free booze. CO is not that bad but AM and MX are way better.
BWilliams From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 212 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (5 years 9 months 1 day ago) and read 2187 times:
In my experience, flying DL to the Carribean is nice... never flew on the Mexican carriers, so I can't give any comparison there, but if you want to fly a US carrier, DL is the way to go.
As far as hotels, I recommend the Iberostar Playa Paraiso complex in Playa Del Carmen (all-inclusive; stayed in their Maya resort a few years back, and it was fantastic). Avoid the Grand Bahia Principe resort like the plague, though -- customer service is HORRID.
Cancun proper came across as very much of a party city... more drunken idiots in the streets then I cared for, when I was there. You can get a ferry to take you into Cozumel, which I thought was a wonderful city.
Lgbga From United States of America, joined Aug 2005, 185 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (5 years 9 months 19 hours ago) and read 2179 times:
Quoting BWilliams (Reply 18): Cancun proper came across as very much of a party city... more drunken idiots in the streets then I cared for, when I was there. You can get a ferry to take you into Cozumel, which I thought was a wonderful city.
Since Hurricane Wilma damaged much of this area in 05, the Mexican government put in a lot of money to change the perception of Cancun as a party town. I read an article some where that said they never intended Cancun to have that reputation and were working hard to establish more upscale restaurants and hotels. Most of the hotels have been redone and now will not allow college kids to stay there.
I have not been there since they have done this but I if it works I think its great. This is too pretty of an area for people to stay away just because they think its a "Spring Break" destination. And the people are sooo nice. But then I've never traveled anywhere in Mexico where the people weren't friendly.
Ayubogg From UK - Scotland, joined Mar 2007, 216 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (5 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 2140 times:
If skymiles don't bind you too much I repeat what I said: fly AM or MX!!! My choice would definetely be MX but AM is good also. I find the MX experience on-board to be much more of an authentic Mexican experience. I feel that if the airline is good, wherever you may go, try and fly a national airline. Afterall, airlines are in a way an extension of what the country has to offer (food, entertainment, FA's) and I feel I have stepped into the country the moment I set foot inside the cabin. MX, even during these dire times for aviation has been able to keep a good face upon passengers for a while now.
Where to stay? I've been to the Grand Melia Cancun and it was PERFECT but very pricy. If you want a great hotel of a known name and it being affordable, I also stayed at the Westin Regina and it was also excellent.
Happy travels and I'll keep an eye out for your trip report!
JamesJimlb From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 1023 posts, RR: 2 Reply 21, posted (5 years 8 months 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 2130 times:
Quoting SFOFlyer (Reply 3): As for hotels, if you are looking for an all-inclusive (including alcohol), I would recommend:
I spent 5 nights with them at the Cozumel Palace, just before the hurricane hit last month. Their other resorts look good too. It is not 5 star, but it is definitely 4.
amen. they are very nice! you should just go co san-iah-cun
and another thing to do in cancun is ride with the dolpphins, don't quite remember the name but it is called viva le doplphin or something, it is in a park type place, and there is cave snorkling that i did at the same place, fantastic.
The sky is no longer the limit, but the mere minimum
AlexPorter From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 22, posted (5 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 2107 times:
If your mileage plan is with NW, CO, or DL, I believe you can earn miles on Alaska's nonstop LAX-CUN flight as well. Alaska isn't bad and it is a non-stop which will be convienient.
UPDATE: I actually just ran a Kayak search. I did some arbitrary dates around that time of the year (specifically I did 11/24-12/1) and Aeromexico was both cheapest, and on Saturdays it seems they take a non-stop. So if you're willing to fly on Saturdays, go with AM but don't try to make your way down to TIJ or connect in MEX - just fly non-stop! On those transborder flights AM is better than AS anyway, and you can earn miles on all SkyTeam programs flying on AM. The fare I saw was $310, and even if you go on other Saturdays (maybe they even run it on other days of the week, but nobody mentioned a non-stop yet so I imagine it's just on Saturdays) the flight numbers for your info are 483 LAX-CUN and 480 CUN-LAX, both on 737s.
ANOTHER UPDATE: Okay, even though Kayak was listing them as non-stops, I went to the AM website, which lists them as direct, same-plane service with one stop somewhere. Usually Kayak will tell you if its direct or non-stop, but that didn't happen here. I'd still recommend it though, as one-stop same plane service is still pretty convenient.
Siege2L From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 114 posts, RR: 0 Reply 23, posted (5 years 8 months 3 weeks 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 2092 times:
Quoting Ayubogg (Reply 20): Where to stay? I've been to the Grand Melia Cancun and it was PERFECT but very pricy. If you want a great hotel of a known name and it being affordable, I also stayed at the Westin Regina and it was also excellent.
Very valuable info as I am Starwood Preferred Member... thank you!
Happy travels and I'll keep an eye out for your trip report!
What camera should I purchase for underwater activities??? If you can help me on this one, my TR will be amazing!
AlexPorter, will you be my travel agent??? Thank you so much for taking the extra time to provide me with this info. I am a mileage freak ( no, seriously ) I am a member of Air France Flying Blue, and in addition to earning miles on Skyteam, I can also accrue miles when I fly Alaska Airlines at any published fare. It is more beneficial for me to fly Skyteam so I can earn status miles to maintain my elite status. Again, thank you so much for your time!!!
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