Playa del Carmen:
–El Oasis downtown (on C 12) is shut.
–Senor Tacombi is gone. (Moved to NYC, in fact!)
–Java Joe’s is shut…or moved…but if it is, I can’t find it.
–Yaxche has moved to Av 5 and C 22.
Cozumel:
–Coffeelia is shut.
Merida:
–Hotels Mucuy and Becil are both a bit shabbier than when I last visited. Well, ‘shabby’ is a little strong for Mucuy. It’s still kept up well, but its housekeeping leaves a tiny bit to be desired. It’s still a good deal, and I stayed there happily for two nights. Becil seriously needs a new coat of paint.
–On the plus side, Hotel Julamis is excellent, and I feel terrible for overlooking them on previous visits. It’s a teeny step up in price from Mucuy, and has nice colonial style and great owners. Roughly in the category of Arecas.
Holbox:
–Ferry price is up to $60.
–Villas Chimay appears to be shut.
–An excellent new hostel, Tribu, is open.
–I really should make it clearer: Holbox is not a place to visit in the off season (mid-September through November). Most things are shut. So don’t go running there now. Wait till December, at least.
