Mexico Cancun Fiesta Americana Condesa

[macmedia]

Just wanted to follow up on my stay in Cancun...

The room at the Fiesta Americana Condessa was on the first floor. I suppose because I went through Hotwire, the rooms are lower and not as desireable. Partial Ocean view means I can barely see the ocean.

The room itself and room service was nice and I have no complaints. The hotel personnel were definitely very pleasant. I ate at the outside beach restaurant (buffet) and it was pretty good for the money. The inside Italian restaurant was very good and on par with good quality NYC restaurants - a definite recommend. The one big positive about staying at the Condessa was that it was pretty quiet. I was staying there just at the end of Spring break and the other hotels were just brimming with college kids who are obnoxious and centered on drinking as much as they can (that is why you want to avoid all-inclusives for this reason). I'm in my mid 30's and love to party and still relate to college - but I'm here to relax and get "pampered". You won't get any of that at a younger place. My guess is that with the Condessa, they are not all-inclusive and the rates are slightly higher (out of reach) for students. Right next door was the Oasis Beach. I visited the place and it was a madhouse. Definitely great for you college types - avoid like the plaque for myself. Same goes for the Omni - because of the all-inclusive it was super noisy. The Westin which is a VERY long walk from the rest of cancun is quiet but because of the remoteness, I don't recommend. The Hilton is closer up but still far. Public Transportation (buses) run VERY frequently and even if at the Hilton, you can get a ride every 10 min or so.

I ate at a restaurant - 2nd floor at the Forum mall (http://www.grupocambalache.com/cancun1.stm)

It is a definite recommend for anyone staying in Cancun. The prices are up there (around $75/person - with some drinks) but the Argentinian Steakhouse ranks with the best restaurants around. Absolutely superb steaks and service.

I also went to the Crab House where they offered a unlimited seafood "buffet". I don't recommend this. The price was around $48 just for the buffet. They bring food out as a multi-course style. Once you try everything, you have the chance to request more. The dishes were prepared just alright - nothing fancy. The service was great but I don't think it is worth it. You get the feeling they don't want to bring more food out to you even though it is unlimited.

If you have any questions about cancun - just shoot me an IM.