If you want to stay close to vibrant 5th Ave. in the city of Playa del Carmen while on vacation, check out Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen.  This property has fairly recently changed its name twice–Gran Porto became Panama Jacks, and Panama Jacks has now become a Wyndham Alltra property.

Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen is only a couple of blocks to 5th Avenue.  If you know anything about 5th Ave. then you know it is the heart of Playa del Carmen with its many restaurants, bars, entertainment, and shopping opportunities.  This resort is on the small side with only 287 rooms; it is compact so you cannot get lost. It offers 2 pools (both with a swim-up bar), 6 dining opportunities including a pizzeria, plus a “quick bites” area with fruit and pre-packaged snacks to go.  In addition to the two swim-up bars, there is a lobby bar, swing seats beach bar, central palapa-roof pool bar with a great ocean view, and a bar by the sushi restaurant and second pool on the north side of the resort.  There is also a coffee shop for those who must have their cup of java periodically throughout the day and evening. The strengths of this resort include its food options, spacious rooms–many have some sort of an ocean view, and its closeness to Playa del Carmen action.  Its primary weakness is its beach–sargassum tends to gather at this stretch of coastline, while the Cozumel ferry is just steps away which means there is increased traffic in this beach area.  If you decide to stay here and would be doing a lot of excursions, the Standard Room may be your best and most affordable option.  If you are primarily staying put, consider oceanfront rooms with wonderful ocean views.  If you are a Wyndham member (Wyndham Rewards, not a timeshare owner) you can get a cheaper room rate if you book online.

The Wyndham Alltra brand is advertised as an affordable vacation option for everyone–this resort is adults-only, however.  Below I’ve posted a video by Christine Turner who is a Canadian travel agent, she does a very good job explaining the basics of this property.  What do you think? Would you stay here?