Planning a Trip to Cancun

Overpriced knickknacks

Anywhere you shop around Cancun is overpriced. If you head into the flea markets along the hotel zone or to Market 28 downtown you can bargain with the vendors. A lot of the established stores won't bargain with you, for the most part. You'll find a lot of the same stuff from cart to cart, so look around and don't be afraid to walk away. I found this is the best barganing tool. My advice is to set a price in your head as to what the item you want is worth to you and work from there. We were shopping in Market 28 and the guy quoted us 900 pesos ($90 US) for the items we wanted from his stand... we ended up paying only 300 ($30 US) pesos so don't be afraid to bargain! When in doubt threaten to walk away and they'll usually drop the price drastically.

At Least Do This: Shop around and bargain. Figure out how much the item is worth to you and don't be afraid to walk away. Chances are you'll find the same item 2 stalls down. Shop in the open air markets versus the established shops. Alternative: I tried talking to the concierge at our hotel to find an alternative to the more touristy markets. I wanted to find original art by locals and had a hard time. Cancun really caters to the tourists. Try talking to locals to find alternatives, but it's difficult. I would recommend Market 28 downtown vs. the flea markets in the hotel zone if you have the time. But know that even Market 28 is a tourist trap.

Parque Las Palapas

This is the closest we got to really experiencing Mexican culture while in Cancun. Parque Las Palapas is located near La Habichuela. It's a traditional plaza where locals gather to play music, relax, eat and converse. There is a small ferris wheel and carousel for children to ride. Local vendors sell churros and fried bananas. And the best thing is there's rarely a tourist in sight. To get away from it all even if just for a moment take the time to visit this little gem in the heart of downtown Cancun. Website: Downtown Cancun, Near Margaritas 25

Pack Light

Luggage And Bags: Depending on how long you'll be traveling try to bring just enough to carry on the plane. But leave a little room in your bag to bring home souvenirs to your jealous friends you left at home.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: During the day you'll only need sandals or thongs. If you're planning to use the hotel gym, take a jog along the boulevard or hike the ruins then bring along some tennis shoes. At night bring out the dancing shoes... you'll need them!

Toiletries Medical Supplies: Bring extra batteries, pepto bismol, Imodium and tums if you have a weak stomach or fear Montezuma's Revenge. Also bring aspirin to combat those late nights out. When you're there make sure you stop by the supermarket and stock up on bottled water.

Photo Equipment: Bring batteries, film and/or and extra memory card for your camera. It's gorgeous here and you'll want to take plenty of pictures. Also bring an underwater or waterproof camera if you're planning on participating in water sports.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: No need to bring towels, most hotels provide both bath and beach towels. We brought our own snorkel gear - but there wasn't anything to see off our hotel beach. All organized snorkel and dive trips provide your equipment. We brought our own paddle ball set to play on the beach.

Miscellaneous: Bring a bathing suit and sunscreen. Also bring nice clothes to wear out at night. People tend to dress up a little in the evenings in Cancun. And if you're going to the clubs be sure to check out the dress codes first. Website: http://www.cancun.info/CANCUNINFO_ING/_programas/

Presidente InterContinental Cancun Resort : Best Beach in the Hotel Zone

The Hotel Presidente is touted as one of the 5 star resorts in the hotel zone. I would agree that it is a great resort, but I'm not entirely sure I would agree with the 5 star rating. The hotel's architecture is modern, and not particularly beautiful, but the lobby is pretty. The rooms are on the small side, but clean and have a tropical feel, but are a little loud. We had a nice view of the lagoon and were grateful that we were further down the strip than most of the major resorts because we could somewhat hear the clubs at night. If we could hear them I cannot imagine how loud they are if you’re staying at a hotel closer. The hotel has a bus stop right outside, but is also a relatively easy walk to Daddy O’s, Plaza Caracol, Senor Frogs, Carlos and Charlie’s and the Hard Rock Café. There is a little shopping plaza across the street with a few local taco stands, a pharmacy and a supermarket. The staff is nice and helpful. If you use the concierge to book your restaurant reservations she will usually give you a coupon for “welcome drinks” at most places in town.

DO BEWARE the hotel has a strict policy forbidding outside food and drink from entering the building. They do not tell you about this policy upon check in and if they see you bringing in any outside food or beverages they will stop you at the door and confiscate it. We found this out prior to our arrival through customer complaints, and because my friend walked into the lobby with an open can of Coke which they promptly “threw away” for her. My advice is to hide your provisions in your beach bag to get them into the building, as everything is overpriced at the hotel. It was the way we were able to circumvent this annoying rule. Also be aware that they have a $17 a day charge per room for tips and reef preservation, so while you’re at the hotel it’s not necessary to tip.

Overall I enjoyed our stay here. I was annoyed by the no outside food and drink policy but thankfully aware of it so I was able to maneuver around it.

Unique Qualities: The Presidente has two fabulous pools. Have a drink at the pool bar if you get a chance. I must say that in my opinion they also have the best beach in the Hotel Zone. The water is shallow and calm with two designated swimming areas and an area for water sports. You are allowed to swim past the buoys at your own discretion where the water gets deeper, just watch out for waverunners and boats. We saw loads of starfish, but there’s not really much else to see in the water – so you don’t need to bring your snorkel equipment out here. The white sand beach is long and wide. There are hotel employees out on he beach to get and set up your beach chairs and waiters wander to serve drinks and food. And they also organize games of beach volleyball throughout the day. Check out the activities list by the beach concierge (where you can get your fresh beach towels) if you’re interested in doing some yoga or playing some cricket, etc. They also have tennis courts past the upper pool. Don’t forget to check out the resident Iguanas sunning themselves in the makeshift lagoon between the pools.

Prices: US$120-180

Phone: 529988488700

Address: Blvd Kukulcan Km 7 5 77500 Cancun

Directions: On the north end of the Hotel Zone. Website: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hd/cunhc