Years ago I often went to Nuevo Larado. There was little danger and the price at the Holiday Inn was half that of on the American side of the border. Fortunately I also speak Spanish due to being raised on the border and have a wonderful Mexican lady as my wife. In the same time period I would drive all over Mexico. Today that would be foolish in the extreme. You can get dead.
In those days were corruption and “la mordita” which translates to the little bite. It actually means a small bribe to make it all good. I could work with that. Today you can get killed. I do not recommend one to go to Mexico nor not. One must know exactly where they are going and the risks. If you do not know this, do not go.
A few years ago we went down to a very exclusive resort some miles South of Cancun. It was a Barcelo Hotel of which I do recommend. Per their advice we took a minibus from the Airport to the Hotel. The minibus was pre-registered with the passengers via reservations. Their was a list of passengers given to the exit point to the Guardia National. Upon arrival at the resort the same list was given to the guards at the entrance to the resort. We were in perfect safety. It is rather sad this is necessary today. I miss the old days.
I used to go to Mexico pretty frequently also (Nogales and Tijuana many times, and many other places once or twice).
I kind of quit after my credit card number get misused there the last time.
The violent crime has gotten much worse in Mexico over the last several years, by objective measures.
Those cartels are in for a big shakeup in President Trump is re-elected - it is already starting to happen, but required a long lead time to prepare.