Tank

Lot's of great input here! I head down at least once a year. I always feel safe there but I don't go out at night and I stay in public areas. I fly into Cancun and immediately shuttle down to Playa Del Carmen. I prefer that area and don't even frequent Cancun anymore.

Cozumel Palace in Cozumel is now my favorite destination and I am off the mainland and never felt insecure as of late. El Presidente and Iberostar on Cozumel are also awesome! For the east I have no hesitation to recommend Cozumel. And even Play del Carmen has automatic weapon armed security because they know that is a cash cow for them.

If you like the Pacific coast then Manzanillo is the place to go. Not well known and out of the way. The Riu is nice there.