We were scheduled to be in Dallas for an AAU Basketball and the tickets out of Dallas down to Cancun were decent so we decided to book out of DFW instead of flying out of IAH once we got back.
How did we get there?
I actually booked our flights with points from our Chase Sapphire Reserve. RT tickets cost me 15,000 points each. Side note, remember points are worth 1.5 when redeemed through the chase portal. We flew American DFW-CUN (I did not upgrade the seats for this flight) and Spirit (I did upgrade the seats for this flight) on our return. I didn't think it would be a good idea to have my legs crunched up on the 2.5 hour flight to Dallas and then take a 4 hour drive back to Houston on my own. This is where I should note Mr.C didn't make this trip because he lost his passport and couldn't find it as we were heading out to Dallas. So great, unintentionally my first solo trip with the kids.
Shuttle:
Okay, so we do most things last minute and I'm extremely terrible at booking accommodations. Due to me constantly researching, and overthinking every variable. Which was a blessing in disguise for this trip because the place I was originally going to book would not have been a good choice without Mr.C around. So I ended up booking our room the morning of the trip literally while packing our stuff to check out of our hotel in Dallas. What was awesome was that our AirBnB host offered to book our transportation to the condo. I happily accepted. Unfortunately, I'm not sure which company actually picked us up. However, I can say that our driver was outside waiting for us once we arrived. He was awesome enough to let my son control the AUX and ensured we were checked in before leaving.
On the ride from the Condo to the Airport I booked with USA Transfers. Me and Mr.C have used them a couple of times before with no problems. And we had no problems this time either.
On the ride from the Condo to the Airport I booked with USA Transfers. Me and Mr.C have used them a couple of times before with no problems. And we had no problems this time either.
Where did we sleep?
After weeks, days and a ridiculous amount of hours I finally decided on this AirBNB. If you haven't signed up for AirBnB you definitely should beyond places to stay they also have experiences. Feel free to sign up on my link and we'll both get a credit. $20 for me and $40 for you. Click Here to sign up.
So we stayed at Amazing Ocean View 2BR Mamitas Condo/Pool/Wifi/Gym, which is a part of Aldea Thai Luxury Condominiums. We arrived at night and it was beautiful. The Asian influence can clearly be seen the moment you arrive. The Architecture was simply amazing. The check in process was fairly simple. I had to provide a copy of my ID. We were given 2 room keys and wrist bands. There was to be a $10 charge for each lost key card and or wristband. There was also a noise ordinance. If a guest makes a noise complaint against your room after 12am, management will come to your room to confirm. If the complaint is substantiated you will lose electricity and have to pay a $200-$500 fine. So please note this if you plan on partying.
We trek over to our room based on the managers directions and once we enter my son tells me he's not mad anymore that we aren't staying at an all-inclusive. Each bedroom has a 55" flatscreen with Netflix and Prime Video; While the living room has a 65". The Master bedroom has a King size bed and the other bedroom has 2 queens. Both rooms have built in drawers and closets. Both showers have Rainforest shower heads and the usual toiletries. Both bedrooms have independent remote controlled AC and ceiling fans. There are 2 balconies and both beach views.
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need should you decide to cook. There were more towels in the condo then we could possibly use and that was a serious concern of mine. So, it was very nice to not have to worry about that.
Aldea Thai also has a warm pool, a pool bar with food and drinks, a gym and WiFi. and I almost forgot to mention that the place is serviced DAILY!!
Mamitas Beach club was 2 minutes away, so we headed there for some beach time. I paid $50 USD for 3 beach chairs and an umbrella. We also received a $25 food credit which was great because we planned on eating there for breakfast. After paying we received our wrist bands, and chose our spot on the beach. We then left our towels and headed up to the restaurant for breakfast. We kept it pretty simple. Bacon, Eggs and the kids added pancakes. The kids really enjoyed their beachside meal and the view was amazing.
The beach only had a bit of seaweed and Mamitas kept a crew out to ensure the seaweed didn't get out of control which was nice.
However the next day the seaweed was out of control and we chose to go to the pool instead.
After leaving the beach we went to one of the restaurants near the condo and the food was pretty good and the service was impeccable. I spent about $40 USD for a Ribeye, Ceviche, Shrimp Tacos and a burger/fries, drinks and vodka.
Day 2 we walked over to 5th avenue to do some sight seeing. There were a few malls, a Senor frog, the Frida Kahlo Museum, a ridiculous amount of restaurants, little shops and an aquarium. Note if you offered tequila respectfully decline and you will be left alone. This is just a way for shop keepers to get you into their shops. Also be weary of those saying that they were your waiter last night chances are they weren't . They know all of the wristbands and can tie you to a particular resort.
I told the kids they had to choose an activity and they chose to go to the Aquarium. It was $15 USD each. There were 3 stories and each story had something different.
My daughter wanted to try the fish pedicure and we were on vacation so I obliged. And I went ahead and did it as well. It felt kind of weird, it tickled more than anything. She enjoyed it and I guess that's all that matters. It's not something that I feel the need to do again.
So we stayed at Amazing Ocean View 2BR Mamitas Condo/Pool/Wifi/Gym, which is a part of Aldea Thai Luxury Condominiums. We arrived at night and it was beautiful. The Asian influence can clearly be seen the moment you arrive. The Architecture was simply amazing. The check in process was fairly simple. I had to provide a copy of my ID. We were given 2 room keys and wrist bands. There was to be a $10 charge for each lost key card and or wristband. There was also a noise ordinance. If a guest makes a noise complaint against your room after 12am, management will come to your room to confirm. If the complaint is substantiated you will lose electricity and have to pay a $200-$500 fine. So please note this if you plan on partying.
We trek over to our room based on the managers directions and once we enter my son tells me he's not mad anymore that we aren't staying at an all-inclusive. Each bedroom has a 55" flatscreen with Netflix and Prime Video; While the living room has a 65". The Master bedroom has a King size bed and the other bedroom has 2 queens. Both rooms have built in drawers and closets. Both showers have Rainforest shower heads and the usual toiletries. Both bedrooms have independent remote controlled AC and ceiling fans. There are 2 balconies and both beach views.The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need should you decide to cook. There were more towels in the condo then we could possibly use and that was a serious concern of mine. So, it was very nice to not have to worry about that.
Aldea Thai also has a warm pool, a pool bar with food and drinks, a gym and WiFi. and I almost forgot to mention that the place is serviced DAILY!!
Convenience:
OMG, this place was SUPER convenient and we had quick/fast/easy access to both the beach (Down the stairs and in 2 minutes you're on the beach) and the famous 5th ave (About a 5 minute walk). Which was very important to Mr.C with his family in a foreign country without him. There were literally like 5 restaurants right downstairs. Including a pizza place and a subway. There is also a convenience store and a pharmacy right downstairs. Between the two we were able to get quite a few of the things that we needed. From pool floats and antibiotics, to my daily coffee.
What we did:
The beach only had a bit of seaweed and Mamitas kept a crew out to ensure the seaweed didn't get out of control which was nice.
However the next day the seaweed was out of control and we chose to go to the pool instead.After leaving the beach we went to one of the restaurants near the condo and the food was pretty good and the service was impeccable. I spent about $40 USD for a Ribeye, Ceviche, Shrimp Tacos and a burger/fries, drinks and vodka.
Day 2 we walked over to 5th avenue to do some sight seeing. There were a few malls, a Senor frog, the Frida Kahlo Museum, a ridiculous amount of restaurants, little shops and an aquarium. Note if you offered tequila respectfully decline and you will be left alone. This is just a way for shop keepers to get you into their shops. Also be weary of those saying that they were your waiter last night chances are they weren't . They know all of the wristbands and can tie you to a particular resort.
I told the kids they had to choose an activity and they chose to go to the Aquarium. It was $15 USD each. There were 3 stories and each story had something different.
My daughter wanted to try the fish pedicure and we were on vacation so I obliged. And I went ahead and did it as well. It felt kind of weird, it tickled more than anything. She enjoyed it and I guess that's all that matters. It's not something that I feel the need to do again.
For our last dinner in Playa Del Carmen we dined at the Blue Lobster. Our glasses never went empty, and service was prompt. When you purchase lobsters they literally bring out a tray with lobsters ranging from the low end to 5 pound lobsters. You are able to select the size of your lobster, as well as the way it is prepared. The butter is bland and unflavored; but you can ask for a lime. Add salt, pepper and a lime and you should be good to go.
When we left the restaurant we were back in the vibrant nightlife of 5th avenue. There was breakdancing, magicians and movie characters. The strip was very much alive and we felt completely safe.
The next morning we woke up and said Bye to Playa Del Carmen.
0 Comments