1

Interesting that no one responded here skyno (although i note they did on the Mx Branch). Just goes to show how so much fewer traffic uses that route - at one time was the major one from Mexico (and from US).
Personally I'd just sit in a bar/restaurant at Playa del Carmen and watch the waves whilst having my last good, cheap meal for some time!

2

I will chime in. Although I haven't been to Cancun for a couple of years, I have been there separately on vacation and also while in transit to Cuba the last time. You can choose to stay somewhere downtown which is the cheapest option. The hotel zone is nicer, but more expensive. One way of saving money is by taking the bus from the airport. It runs pretty often and is super cheap, and as someone else posted on a report here a few days ago, the ADO buses in Mexico are much nicer than Viazul in Cuba. I recall someone posting on a separate travel forum a while back that a cab drive from the Cancun airport costs way more than a cab ride from JFK airport into New York City. The cab drivers in Cancun are running a racket.

When in transit, I just walked around downtown and went to Mercado 28. If you are so inclined, the Cancun nightlife is teeming with Cuban clubs. There were 3 very popular Cuban clubs, one is downtown and two are in the hotel zone. I have been to all three, and one of the two in the hotel zone is the best of the three. I think it is called Azucar. The live band is amazing, and the dancers are so good you feel intimidated when you get on the dance floor. Also, the legend of this club has spread to the island. I was asked if I had been there whenever I mentioned to someone in Cuba that I had been to Cancun. I recall the husband at one casa in Santiago was really impressed when he asked and I told him I had been there.

Then again, most Mexican cities have several Cuban clubs, but this one in Cancun in best known IN Cuba.

3

Your first trip to Cuba is very exciting, and the more rested and well-balance you can be on arrival in Cuba arrival that 1st day/night in Cuba, the more smoothly and more dazzling your time in Cuba can be for your whole trip.

I have had trips to Cuba when I have come across the globe in one full run - if you're running a hard run, add the excitement of arrival in Cuba especially that 1st trip - once you are maneuvering in 24hr Cuba. it's dang hard to catch back your wits and your balance.

For that reason, especially for 1st time travelers to Cuba thru Cancun, I personally recommend downtown and take the time available to decompress, graze/hydrate/stretch out so that when you hit Cuba that next day with your natural excitement you are well balanced at the start of your Cuban adventure....

Bus is the fantastic recommendation..

Wazaabi for sushi and Japanese is one of my fav's...misc other stuff like bottled water, sodas, and toiletries at tourist shops are over priced because they are tourist shops. Ask for directions to the super mercado just a few blocks away..

Hotel Rey Caribe is a good score, with their little pool and courtyard..

Depending on how you have made flight arrangement for the Havana segment - downtown airline tickets offices and Divermex office is a short walk at Plaza America.

Have a great trip !