Post: #101

(12-20-2013 05:31 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  Just hit up 12 st at night on both sides of 5th ave. You'll really enjoy the place. Are you going to be there during BPM Festival (January 3-12)?

My birthday is on Jan 7th and I was in Playa for that this year. It's fucking packed during that time so there should be a lot going on. If you're there during BPM, then all of the action will be on the beach in the day time, especially near Mamitas. Topless chicks galore. Enjoy!

I'll be there for the tail end of BPM. My first few days there will be the last few days of BPM. I didn't realize that. I guess that's why hotels were so full during that time.

Post: #102

Merenguero - make sure to check out the new La Santanera... On 5th & 10th street. They're about to open it up for the busy season and it looks like an awesome setup.

Early evenings you still can't beat Almirante Pech & Diablito Cha Cha Cha.

Also there are 2 bars out the front of the new Santanera aswell for an early drink...check out Ula Gula, and L'ambassade (cheap litros)

Post: #103

(12-20-2013 10:15 PM)gsinplaya Wrote:  Merenguero - make sure to check out the new La Santanera...

Are there going to be two Santaneras now or is the original one being shut down?

Post: #104

(12-20-2013 10:15 PM)gsinplaya Wrote:  Early evenings you still can't beat Almirante Pech & Diablito Cha Cha Cha.

Almirante Pech looks solid from the pictures. Do you recommend sitting on the tables closet to the sidewalk or do you think that it doesn't matter?

Post: #105

(12-20-2013 10:26 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 10:15 PM)gsinplaya Wrote:  Merenguero - make sure to check out the new La Santanera...

Are there going to be two Santaneras now or is the original one being shut down?

The original one is closing after this weekend.

Post: #106

Has anyone been to Bodeguita del Medio? From my research, it seems as though that is the only place in Playa del Carmen which playa latin music and that most of the music there is salsa. Does anyone know?

Post: #107

(12-20-2013 10:33 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 10:15 PM)gsinplaya Wrote:  Early evenings you still can't beat Almirante Pech & Diablito Cha Cha Cha.

Almirante Pech looks solid from the pictures. Do you recommend sitting on the tables closet to the sidewalk or do you think that it doesn't matter?

Doesn't matter too much. I prefer at the bar.

Post: #108

(12-21-2013 01:18 AM)Merenguero Wrote:  Has anyone been to Bodeguita del Medio? From my research, it seems as though that is the only place in Playa del Carmen which playa latin music and that most of the music there is salsa. Does anyone know?

Average spot. I'd avoid it.

You wont find good salsa bars downtown.

Post: #109

What time do bars close in Playa del Carmen and what are the best after hours spots? Are there any bars that are open 24 hours?

Post: #110

(12-22-2013 01:51 AM)Merenguero Wrote:  What time do bars close in Playa del Carmen and what are the best after hours spots? Are there any bars that are open 24 hours?

Santanera stays open latest.. usually until around 7am. Nothing is open 24 hours...so during the day most end up at Mamitas/Kool/Canibal Royal.

Post: #111

What bars/nightclubs are the best during the week? I know Qwest mentioned Rufino on Tuesday because of ladies' night. What other places have ladies' night and on what nights?

Edit:
Unless this information is outdated or put together by someone without first-hand knowledge, it looks like a pretty good breakdown.
http://www.vivagoviva.com/russian/item/170

Post: #112

(12-22-2013 09:09 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  What bars/nightclubs are the best during the week? I know Qwest mentioned Rufino on Tuesday because of ladies' night. What other places have ladies' night and on what nights?

Edit:
Unless this information is outdated or put together by someone without first-hand knowledge, it looks like a pretty good breakdown.
http://www.vivagoviva.com/russian/item/170

If you're there in Jan it will be packed during the week so you'll find the same bars as the weekend are good.

Not sure you'll be thrilled with the ladies night spots from that list.
La Fe, & Segafredo have the best that I know of. Rufino I'm not sure. I dont think you need to go out looking for ladies nights.

It's a small town so you'll figure out the best places for you very quickly. Just stick to 12th for the most part, and 10th for santanera.

For me a typical night starts at Almirante pech, next on to Diablito Cha Cha Cha, then Mandala or Palazzo, and then finish the night at Santanera.

In the day I prefer Canibal Royal, but Mamitas and Kool during Jan are both great spots.

Keep an eye out for day events at Mamitas here (well worth checking out when on) -
https://www.facebook.com/MamitasBeachClub

Here's another FB Page for events.
https://www.facebook.com/eventsplaya

Post: #113

Dont over think it Merenguero. You have the blueprint, and as gsinplaya mentioned, PDC is small and you will figure it out quickly. Go, hit the town, and report back to us on your findings.

Post: #114

(12-20-2013 05:34 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 05:31 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  Just hit up 12 st at night on both sides of 5th ave. You'll really enjoy the place. Are you going to be there during BPM Festival (January 3-12)?

My birthday is on Jan 7th and I was in Playa for that this year. It's fucking packed during that time so there should be a lot going on. If you're there during BPM, then all of the action will be on the beach in the day time, especially near Mamitas. Topless chicks galore. Enjoy!

I'll be there for the tail end of BPM. My first few days there will be the last few days of BPM. I didn't realize that. I guess that's why hotels were so full during that time.

About to lock a trip from 16th-20th. Was headed to Belize to flip some stuff but I am having issues down there so going to rent my two cars and sell them at the end of the month.

Was thinking about Cancun but I could imagine how westernized it is. Seems like PDC is the same but I wont mind.

My Belize piece will meet me there but I'll have a night or two free. Hopefully you can drop a January Datasheet before I get there. If you are still there, we should kick it one night.



Dont know what room to book. Any recommendations for a room between 50-80USD? Appreciate the help.

Post: #115

(01-04-2014 11:50 AM)TexasMade Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 05:34 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  

(12-20-2013 05:31 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  Just hit up 12 st at night on both sides of 5th ave. You'll really enjoy the place. Are you going to be there during BPM Festival (January 3-12)?

My birthday is on Jan 7th and I was in Playa for that this year. It's fucking packed during that time so there should be a lot going on. If you're there during BPM, then all of the action will be on the beach in the day time, especially near Mamitas. Topless chicks galore. Enjoy!

I'll be there for the tail end of BPM. My first few days there will be the last few days of BPM. I didn't realize that. I guess that's why hotels were so full during that time.

About to lock a trip from 16th-20th. Was headed to Belize to flip some stuff but I am having issues down there so going to rent my two cars and sell them at the end of the month.

Was thinking about Cancun but I could imagine how westernized it is. Seems like PDC is the same but I wont mind.

My Belize piece will meet me there but I'll have a night or two free. Hopefully you can drop a January Datasheet before I get there. If you are still there, we should kick it one night.



Dont know what room to book. Any recommendations for a room between 50-80USD? Appreciate the help.

Try a place called Hotel One. It looks to be between $60.00 and $70.00 per night. The only disadvantage of One seems to be that it is at least a few blocks from both the beach and La Quinta. I hope to see you there. Right now, I have a serious issue to deal with which could affect my trip. The situation may resolve itself, although not in a favorable way, before I'm scheduled to leave on Friday.

Post: #116

Just arrived to Playa, if someone wants to hang PM me. Will report.

Post: #117

Sent you a PM bars. Likewise if anyone is here and wants to party send me a message

Post: #118

Just came back from Playa, already missing the place. Met hedonist yesterday, solid guy. Will report in detail later.

Post: #119

Ok, trip report before I forget everything.

It was 5 friends, we rented a Penthouse in the corner of 1st avenue and 16th street, really close to the action.

Friday:
Ate at los aguachiles, excellent food.
Did some shopping at Mega (alcohol and food)
Went out to Mandala, place was packed, we got a table and I approached a table of gringas from Virgina and rejected, they left early (1am).
Approached a mexicana and I lost my frame, she said: buy me a drink and I instantly answered: I'm not in the business of buying girls drinks and she left jaja
At 5am a HORRIBLE mexicana approached me (like a 4), I was as drunk as you could be,she asked me if my butt was real (I squat) I answered: yes, wanna touch? IDK how we ended up in my apartment but she did not pass the boner test, I asked her to blow me and she did it nicely. Then I kicked her out of my place, she was angry and called me a lot of bad adjectives. I did not feel bad.

Saturday:
Spend the day at the beach but the weather was bad, left early to get ready. Went out to Mandala again but it was even more packed, got drunk and did not get anything.

Sunday:
All day at Canibal Beach (RECOMMENDED) food and drinks, met a spanish girl but she worked at night so could not close, then met a married mexican, we connected and then we bounced to la Santanera, we made out but could not close.

Monday:
Met hedonist, new forum member, cool guy, we went to la Mezcaleria to get some drinks and know us (no homo), then bounced to La Vaquita and approached some girls to get ready, a cute waitress gave us her number. Then went to Mandala again (three nights total) we approached a group of girls, I went for a hot one and she introduced me to her midget friend (like 1.50mts) I didn't like it at first but hey, what the hell. My plane was leaving at 7am and its one hour to the airport so I had until 4am. I told her that and we went to the beach and sealed the deal there.

Overall it was a good trip, I think that Playa is getting more popular and is losing a little bit of what it had in the past (2009-2010) but it is still the best place in Mexico. There is not a lot of competition but is more crowded so its a little bit of a numbers game.

Restaurants:
I can't recommend enough "La Pesca", just in front of Mega store. It is not a place with ambience or tourists, just locals eating fish, best grilled fish I've ever had.

Post: #120

Nice report.
Btw bars or any other member that might know, I have a trip booked to playa for the week of july 22-30 I was womdering if anyone knew how it is there during the summer?

I believe it wont be as hyped up as spring break or january when they have their music festival but might still be a good time since its summer and everyonr is on vacation.

Any insights?

Post: #121

I just booked another trip to Playa del Carmen from September 12 to September 16. I plan to relax, scuba dive and party.

September 15 is Mexico's national holiday (Grito de Independencia) so is going to be a great party, I'm still looking at what apartment I'm renting, just one Spanish friend is going with me so if anyone wants to join or hang out PM me.

I cannot tell you how awesome is the grito de Independencia in a Mexican beach, great opportunity.

Post: #122

Would appreciate any leads in apartment rentals.

Post: #123

(07-09-2014 08:25 PM)germanico Wrote:  Would appreciate any leads in apartment rentals.

I have a good one, but it is in Tohuku, basically around 38th Street and 25th Avenue. It's around $100.00 per night or a little less. No problems bringing guests in. If you are interested, P.M. me.

Post: #124

I got a nice spot, and apartment or condo complex that accomodates 4.

Its like 5-10 small blocks from the intersection of 5ta and 12th which is where the main action is at from what Ive read. It is also right next to mamitas beach, 1 block away I would say.

I got it through airbnb and paid $85 per night.

Post: #125

Going to PDC in a few days. Staying Aug 17-31. Should be good fun. If anyone wants to meet up and eat/drink/party together, I'm game. I am pretty social, but I will be rolling dolo so it would be nice to have some "familiar" company from the board.

Still looking at places to stay...

I read a lot about it on the forum and there is plenty of info, but just haven't made up my mind yet, do I wanna be closer to the beach or closer to the nightlife action for easier logistics???
Do I want to be in a quieter part of town to get some rest and sleep in after a night of partying or do I wanna be closer to the action??

I am obviously getting a room/whole apartment through AirBnB. Thought about staying in a hostel for a few nights to get to know some people, but the private rooms are similar price as AirBnB, so why not have more privacy/comfort/etc?

Any suggestions for best places to stay at this time of the year would be appreciated!

I hope August won't be too bad heat wise, I know it can get hot but I just hope it's not a sauna. Anyone been to PDC in August? How bad does it get?

And again, if anyone want's to meet up, PM me