Layovers in Cancun (first timer)
Replies: 7 - Last Post: Feb 20, 2013 9:21 PM Last Post By: LJRed
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Layovers in Cancun (first timer)
First timer here from U.S. looking at layovers in Cancun area on either end a trip to Havana. After my first overnight in Cancun, any chance I'll get hassled on my way back into the airport through security for my Havana flight? Will I need to show my air ticket (e-confirmation?) along with my passport or passport card? Will they care that I'm a U.S. citizen on his merry way to Havana? Any advise or considerations in this regard?Question 2: First layover is one night, so I'm thinking of something like the Best Western near the airport. Second layover is two nights, so I'm thinking of something in Playa Del Carmen. Thoughts? Recommendations?
Question 3: I'm booking air through CubaJunky and Habana Libre hotel through Cubaism. Cancun air/hotel via Kayak. Sound OK?
Thanks for your help,
Tim
1
They realy dont care that youre american.....and you should be fine...if you first layover in cancun is early enough in the day I wouldnt stay by the airport...id pick a beach hotel or even something in the center of cancun. Ofcourse thats if you arrive early afternoon otherwise bestwestern should be fine
3
If you are short of time, i would still stay in downtown or centro cancun.For yrou 2 night layover, i would def go down to Playa del carmen , and make it a nice little get away.
There are many places to stay here, and catering to all budgets.
Easy to get to and from th airport, with ADO bus, and cheap!
4
On the downstream flight - please understand if you are departing Cancun within 24 hrs of arrival - then you should not be charged Cancun airport departure tax on your outbaound Havana flight. To document this, you will need to retain your boarding pass from your arriving flight from the US.Downtown Cancun for your single overnite is a sound recommendation - personally I stay at the Hotel Plaza Carillo which is a bit more than the lower end budget hotels - but I like the Carillo as a bit quieter since it is side street, and the restaurant there is a good.
The office for the travel agent Divermex (nothing to do with diving) is located two long blocks from downtown, so morning pickup of your ticket and tourist visa is easily done at the Divermex office, and at their office they can accept US credit cards.
With office ticket pickup/pay you can also insure you are not charged the outbound departure tax which is like USD$35
Have a great trip !
5
Thanks for the good feedback. I'm having trouble deciding between Comfort Inn and Hotel Alux by the bus station for my first night. Here's the thing. We're arriving at 9:45pm. I don't know how long it will take to get through customs. The last ADO bus is 11pm. If the flight is delayed then I'm in trouble, right? On the other hand, my flight out the next day leaves at 3:30pm. That's a lot of time at the airport hotel. Not much going on there; I hear there's a Burger Kind next door (ugh). While I'd rather have a potentially better breakfast and more authentic experience downtown maybe it's not worth the hassle considering my late arrival. What do you think?On the Playa del Carmen front (for my return), should I stay closer to the downtown or is it better to stay further afield? Any experience with hotels there?
6
What is your budget for Playa?Lately i have found some great bargains on air bnb for friends and family coming to visit, such as a 3 level one bedroom penthouse with private jacuzzi for $80 US!!
I think as you are here for a short time, i would stay in playa , as opposed to an all inclusive on the highway.
7
I'm a first timer from US to Cuba- planning trip this summer through Cancun. I saw that you planned on booking your flight through Cuba Junky. Did you end up booking your flight ahead of time? If so, did you have any issues using your US Credit Card to book it? Also, we're planning a one nighter in Cancun. How did your hotel work out for you?Thanks!
