Porto Playa Condo/Hotel
Property # 10059

I'm not sure if you've been to Playa del Carmen before, so in case you haven't, let me tell you a little more about Playa. My husband, Terry, and I have been going to Playa del Carmen since 1993. We've been to beaches all over the world (Australia, France, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, etc) and Playa is my favorite beach (I am a beach girl). The beaches in Playa are white, soft sand, no rocks and the water is crystal clear. They are very clean beaches and you can see Cozumel on the horizon. You can walk for miles. Playa has a law that no building near the beach can be taller than 4 stories, so you'll not see any tall buildings which is part of Playa's charm. You can walk north on the beach for at least 10 miles (that's as far as we've ever walked). The water is crystal clear, about 78 degrees. There are numerous restaurants right on the beach and lots of places to get chairs, drinks, etc. You can walk south for about 1 mile, but after that, there is not as much beach and the water goes all the way to the buildings. That's where a number of all-inclusives are, so there's not as much to see anyway. On the beach you can do boogie boards, parasailing, wave runners, etc. Snorkeling and deep sea diving and fishing are very popular. If you want to go snorkeling, I'd take the ferry to Cozumel (rated one of the 7 best in the world) and go snorkeling there. You can also take a tour bus or rent a car once in Playa and go south to ancient mayan ruins or a water park that has snorkeling, tubing in an underground river, and swimming with the dolphins. My son and his girlfriend went zip lining in the area and raved about it. We have noodles in the condo for your use in the Gulf and/or the pool. You don't need a car in Playa You only need a car if you want to go off-site for something. Even zip-lining comes and picks you up. Fifth Avenue is about 2 miles long, is pedestrian only, and has open air restaurants and shopping. You can walk up and down and find a place you want to eat dinner or go shopping. Playa is very European - half the tourists are American, the other half are a mix from all over the world: South America, Asia and Europe. It's fun to walk 5th or be eating a meal and hearing all the different accents. I can send you a list of our favorite restaurants if you decide to go. The restaurant in our building, Negrosol, is the best in all of Playa, but it's also the most expensive. We have many other favorite places that have excellent food and the price can vary from $10 (grilled fish fillet with veggies, chips, salsa and a beer) to $25 per person. We end up spending the most at lunch - but we get a chair on the beach, have a few drinks, eat, go for a walk, have a couple of more drinks and then head back home. We have friends who now live down there and they buy all their food, beer and wine at either Wal-Mart or Mega - both are a 6 block walk from the condo. I know how that might sound, but down there both are great stores with the greatest fresh food. We typically walk over there the first day (in the morning before it gets too hot), and buy fresh fruit, wine and snacks. We then have breakfast on our balcony. Before dinner we open up a bottle of wine and have drinks and snacks on the balcony. There's no place like it that we've ever found. We've done all-inclusives and liked them, but prefer this. Everything is in such close proximity that it's similar to an all-inclusve, but with much more variety. You can get more information annd view pictures at http://www.portoplayaplayadelcarmen.com Thanks again

My husband, Terry, and I started going to Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 1993. We fell in love with the place because of the beautiful beaches, quaint town, international crowd along with great food and perfect weather. At most times about half the tourists are American and Canadian, the other half are a mix of European and South American. Playa is much like being on the Riviera in Europe. Lots of places on the beach to spend the day, eat or drink. At night everyone strolls 5th Avenue, more than 2 miles long, pedestrian only and populated with intimate, open-air restaurants and shops, Everything from sushi, to Brazilian and Argentinean, to Italian and French. Oh and some Mexican food, too!

Of our 5 properties (Porto Playa, El Taj Ocean, El Taj Beach, Maya Villa, and Villas Sacbe), Porto Playa

Porto Playa has 21 units, the best pool and sunbathing area, and is most ideal location between the beach and 5th Ave. It tends to be a quieter property with a zen garden filled with tropical plants and pools.

216 is the best 2 bedroom unit available. It has the best views of the grounds and pools, and you can sit on the large, private balcony and enjoy the view and breezes.

There are lots of little extras in this unit. Local colorful wine glasses, tea service, IPod Stereo system (just bring your IPod), flat screen TV's and more.

Partial Ocean View
Pool View
Garden View
Deck or Patio
CD Player
Stereo
Hi-Speed Internet
Cable TV
DVD
Fax
Ceiling Fans
Kids Okay
Golf
Tennis
Spa Services
Concierge
Business Center
Fitness Center
Personal Safe
Room Service
IPad Stereo system in room (bring your IPod)
Wireless Internet works inside and outside on balcony, terrace and poolside
Full Service Front Desk and Concierge
You don't need a car in Playa del Carmen, everyone walks everywhere, but you can rent a car or a car and driver for day-long excursions
Hire a chef for a day!
Numerous spas within 3 block radius, or hire a masseuse for in your room.