I’ve been to Playa del Carmen twice and would go back in a heartbeat!

It’s only 45 minutes by bus from the airport and the ADO busline runs you only about7-8 bucks. It will take you to the bus station directly on La Quinta, or Fifth Avenue. Most of Fifth is pedestrian only and it’s very easy to walk to where you’ll be staying, but you can also grab a cheap cab. There are tons of VERY reasonably priced hotels everywhere.

I like Hotel Posada Freud http://www.posadafreud.com/ right on Fifth Ave. There is a little tiny bar right downstairs. The beach is 1 and 1/2 blocks away. There is a little coffee shop right across the Avenue.

Playa (As it’s called) has beautiful powder white beaches, a wonderful mix of people from all over the world, and still has lots of charm. There is a selection of restaurants ranging from Mexican to German, Italian, Thai and more. My favs were El Oasis http://www.playa.info/playa-deals-73.html and Babes Noodles and bar http://www.playa.info/playa-deals-18.html.

There is much to do,if you are inclined to be up and about off the beach chaise… There’s cenotes to snorkel and swim in. There’s Snorkeling at Yal Ku lagoon in Akumal (15 minutes away from Playa) http://www.sunnytripreports.com/playa/featured/yalku.shtml

You can take a trip to Chichen Itza http://www.mysteriousplaces.com/mayan/TourEntrance.html to see the ruins, or travel to Tulum to see the ruins by the beach. http://www.locogringo.com/past_spotlights/aug2002.html

Here are some links on the area for more information:
http://www.mexperience.com/guide/beaches/playadelcarmen.htm

http://www.rivieramaya-today.com/news_reviews.htm

http://playamaniac.com/~playaman/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl

http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-info-trip-planning-menu.html