Top Local Tips for Playa Del Carmen

Time Share Operators Don't inadvertenly get led to a time share salesman. On arrival, I had just paid for my taxi fare and someone ushered me to someone who I thought was a dispatcher. He turned out to be an aggressive and surly peddler of a time share for Royal Hotels who simply wouldn't take "no" for an answer. He starts with a free breakfast, and before you know it, a specific time, an agreement to spend 90 minutes there (for their sales pitch), and $20 per head for 'good faith" money which they tell you after 15 minutes. You'll need to duck this people in town on 5th Ave too. This left a very bad taste in my mouth that I still taste.

Buses vs Taxis We took a taxi on arrival, but took the bus back. They take just as long to get into/out of town and to/from the airport, but the bus is more comfortable, and much cheaper; the bus costs $8 per head and the taxi costs $82 plus tip. Of course, the taxi takes you right to/from your destination, and may be more convenient if your destination is not right in town. If you're in town, you're likely to be within 5-10 walking distance to your hotel, and it's worth pulling your bags, especially since 5th Ave is closed to traffic. In hindsight, the taxi ride was a waste of money they could have been spent on a fine dinner for two.

Use the bus! The bus cost us $8/person one-way from Cancun airport. It was comfortable, cool and direct. Don't use the collectivo unless you are immune to motion sickness.

Other names for La Tortuga Hotel & Spa

• la tortuga playa del carmen
• la tortuga
• hotel la tortuga
• Address: 1 Avenida 10 Esq. Calle - Playa Del Carmen - 77710 - Mexico