“Can't Find the Complaints”
We booked our room at the Viva Wyndham Azteca on the recommendation of our realtor. They stay here often. We read some of the reviews and people were complaining about food quality and all kinds of things so here's our experience:
The room was small but who cares? Are you really there for the room? It was clean and it had a bed, a shower, and a toilet. What else do you want? The housekeeping staff did a great job keeping it clean and nice.
The food was buffet food. They're cooking for 340 rooms so don't expect Filet Mignon on the buffet. The theme for the buffet cycles based on the day but there were always hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and a salad bar. The food we had was great and there was plenty of it.
The reservation restaurants were amazingly good, but you have to know how they work. The first day you get there, make your reservations and you will only get a few based on how many days you stay. We stayed for 6 days and got 2 reservations. They don't cost extra so that's why they limit you (we had Filet Mignon at the Italian restaurant).
The staff was friendly and did everything they could to make our stay great. Their "animators" (the ones in charge of activities and such) even ate their meals with the guests if you wanted them too and every night they put on a show with dancing in their theatre.
Honestly, for the price we couldn't be happier and you will be too if you don't go there expecting the Ritz Carlton for the price they charge.
Area recommendations
Personally, I would stay in the Playacar area where the Viva Azteca is located. It is a private development on the south end of town. There are guards at the entrances that check in and out all the traffic and even make the drivers forfeit their licenses until they safely exit the development.
I know some people might like to be closer to the 5th Ave shopping district, but personally, I hate how the shop owners yell and try to get you to come to their stores and it really gets old quick. This is a nice quiet neighborhood and it's a cheap cab ride or 25 minute walk from our hotel to the shopping.
Getting there
Best Day Travel was excellent for getting us to our hotel and back to the airport in a timely manner. We almost rented a car instead but there were way too many bad reviews of rental places to even bother for the price.
Getting around
The cabs in Playa del Carmen are cheap and abundant. Just make sure it's a licensed, union cab before you get in. (They will be displaying their license and have id.) And make sure that you negotiate your price before you take off to avoid surprises later.
