$1200 for flight and hotel, figure about $300 to $500 extra once we get done there on spending money. College students. Can't afford much more than that.

I wouldn't go. There have been something like 10000 drug related murders in the past year or so. I have Mexican customers who have houses in Mexico and they won't go right now.

Finding lots of all inclusive deals on Expedia for around 700 bucks a person in Playa Del Carmen right now, includes 6 nights and air-fare...

Elgringo, you live in Mexico. Is it pretty safe to go to a resort in Playa Del Carmen this December? I just don't see the U.S. allowing me to travel there if it really is that bad right now. They wouldn't kill an American, we are their custmomers not their competition!

Depends on where you are, who you run into and most importantly how you act. Go low profile and show respect for the locals and the Mexican people are some of the most gracious hosts I have ever met.

In other words do exactly what your folks taught you to do when you are a guest.

Screw the U.S. not allowing you to travel there, the Mexican government themselves will make sure it is safe. Sorry, the love Americans taking vacations down here, understand I would live comfortably with a monthly income of 700.00 (I have more than that so I live luxiouriously). When americans come and you are talking about 6500 pesos after hotel and airfare all inclusive deals, that works out great. The Drug cartels, have I seen them, yes, do I fear them, no. And the police around here have bigger guns, and usually enjoy laughing at the gringos. Just me, would recommend a visit to Mexico for everyone.

I second that recommendation whole heartedly. A beautiful country with a wonderful culture and life-loving people.

OHHHH...and as a side note, if you are not afraid to go to LA, where there are multiple gangs and stand a chance of being hit by crossfire when you are not the intended target, you should have no fear here. There is typically only 1 group that controls everything.

Don't listen to the idiots spouting off about violence and drug cartels. The resort towns are perfectly safe.

I'm not the one worried about it. I have just heard a lot of nay-sayers from this thread. To all of those who were nay-sayers. I leave all of my casino cash and rep points to you guys should anything bad happen :)

Which is a better indicator of a hotel, customer reviews or number of stars?

How does this one look?
http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll...pv/htid=522220

I guess I should throw in one caveat...if you are talking about Northern Mexico (Tijuana and the likes) I have no experience and throw out anything I have said about Mexico (from my understanding it is a completely different area, and you may have some worries).

Depends on who is issuing the stars. Customer reviews are only 100% believable if you know who is giving the reviews.

If you find a hotel you are interested in run it by this board. Betcha someone will know something about it.

Here's an excellent forum for info about Playa del Carmen. I used it for research before our trip. It's got tons of info about all-inclusives, tours, restaurants, night life, etc.

http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-forum/