All inclusive resorts

[Wildcatllamas]

After two cruises to Cozumel DH and I decided we want to see more of the Mayan ruins near Cancun. Have been trying to wade through so many sites and information and then this morning I thought - gee check out Cruise Critic. And there lo and behold all the information I needed. I should have thought of you folks earlier. Always good info on cruises and now this - I am so happy.:D

Barb

[noboah]

11 Ladies and myself stayed at the Oasis Viva in October for 5 nights. We had a great time and loved the hotel. The rooms were clean, ocean views from every room. We were upgraded to the Grand Oasis Viva, so I don't know what the "regular" rooms look like. The food was good. We only did the buffet and the little poolside snack bar, great fajitas!!! The beach was clean, beautiful sand, shallow water. We spent much time on the beach in in the pool. Service was wonderful, always something to do, water volley ball, yoga, bingo, name that tune, water aerobics,etc...enough for us, we were looking to relax :) The drinks were great. Some complain that they were watered down, but when you can drink from breakfast (bloody marys and mimosas on the breakfast buffet) until bed, who needs strong drinks!!! As far as I am concerned, thank God they were a little weak, I would have been in bed before sunset ;)

 

I made a trip to Chichen Itza...beautiful, well worth the 2 1/2 - 3 hour ride. Coco Bongos a MUST!!! We also did a day trip to the Isle of Mujeres, spent the day at Garrafon Park...ziplines, snorkeling, lunch, beach and more included. Shopping on the island and near the hotel was typical for Mexico...small shops with much negotiating on prices.

 

My only "complaint" was the air conditioning. There is not AC in the common areas of the hotel, the lobby, the buffet, the elevators and halls. Our room was comfortable, and we got used to the heat...at check in I wasn't sure I was going to survive the heat, considering I had just flew in from Maine and had on jeans...phew ;)

 

I hope some of this helps anyone considering Oasis Viva.

[LadyBerard]

We stayed at the Riu Caribe for 4 nights the 3rd week of Oct. We really enjoyed it, so much, we will probably go back in the fall of 2010. Very good food, excellent service, very nice beach, and enjoyable entertainment. This property is a bus ride away from downtown, but we didn't feel the need to even leave the property for such a short stay. We have been on well over 25 cruises, Premier, Carnival, Disney, RCI, Celebrity, NCL, Princess, and Radisson (now Regent) and I am a person who prefers smaller ships. This was definitely a nice getaway between cruises!

[swom]

Has anyone stayed at Viva Wyndham Maya and can you tell me how you liked it.

My husband won a trip to Mexico and there are several choices for hotels but after reading the posts here, I think we would like to stay in Playa del Carmen.

Any input would be great! Thanks!!!!!

[BSQ]

you may want to check out cc's sister site, Trip Advisor for more detailed information on land vacations in each town. The Playa del Carmen and Cancun forums both are fairly active and have a lot of good overview articles.

[matrixman48]

Hi!

 

Cancun is great if it is your first time in Mexico. It offers lots of nightlife, shopping, and partying. If you are looking for a more relaxed time or something a little more adult for the 30's to 50 somethings, then I would pick Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area. The resorts there are great, most are not more than 10 minutes from the center of town, which by the way offers everything Cancun does, but with more of a Jimmy Buffet style of life. The ferry to Coz is right there, an the snorkeling is fabulous. The Riu resorts are always a good choice. The Iberostar resorts are very good, but more expensive. The Palace resorts are more luxurious, but of course you will pay for it. They also offer tours to the ruins, and exchange priviledges with the other 6 properties in the Mayan riviera, with transportation to boot. If you are considering any particular resort, just ask as I have been to most of them. Also, best time to go and save money is October, early November. Prices are best then.

 

Christine McCabe

Harbor Light Cruises & Travel:)

 

What about le Blanc? I know it's expensive but I will pay more if the food and service are exceptional and the resort is more tranquil/relaxing.

[matrixman48]

How about le Blanc? I know its pricier, but will pay more if the food/service and accomadations are exceptional. Looking for more relaxing and tranquil resort as opposed to party-central.

[gizmo]

Has anyone stayed at Viva Wyndham Maya and can you tell me how you liked it.

My husband won a trip to Mexico and there are several choices for hotels but after reading the posts here, I think we would like to stay in Playa del Carmen.

Any input would be great! Thanks!!!!!

 

I agree with the BSQ. Go to Trip Advisor. There are forums plus lot of reviews on all the hotels and resorts. ;)

[klmorg]

Great thread, as I'm trying to research AI's in the Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen area south of Cancun. I would LOVE to hear any suggestions, feedback, tips or whatever. We've never been to an AI, and became addicted to cruising, but are now ready to go check one out. We'll be a small group, not looking for excursions & such, just relaxing, eating & drinking of course. Nice beach area, pools, etc. Thanks!

[big_duck]

Great thread, as I'm trying to research AI's in the Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen area south of Cancun. I would LOVE to hear any suggestions, feedback, tips or whatever. We've never been to an AI, and became addicted to cruising, but are now ready to go check one out. We'll be a small group, not looking for excursions & such, just relaxing, eating & drinking of course. Nice beach area, pools, etc. Thanks!

 

Just did Grand Sunset Princess (or Riviera Princess same place) and I can highly recommend. Only 2 complaints. Not enough poolside service and the only beer available was Corona.

 

Some pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/dp.spry/Mexico#

[MrCo9]

Great thread, as I'm trying to research AI's in the Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen area south of Cancun. I would LOVE to hear any suggestions, feedback, tips or whatever. We've never been to an AI, and became addicted to cruising, but are now ready to go check one out. We'll be a small group, not looking for excursions & such, just relaxing, eating & drinking of course. Nice beach area, pools, etc. Thanks!

We stay at our timeshare in PDC, it's called Fisherman's Village, it's not a mandatory AI, but they do offer a daily AI package. There is only one restaurant and two bars on the property. When you can get booked into it it's a GREAT place. Less than 300 rooms, decent sized pool area, RIGHT on the water with a nice beach. 10 minute walk or 3 minute taxi ride and you're in the center of PDC. They do offer some activities for the kids, but not all day long like some of the AIs.

 

We have also stayed at the Iberostar Tucan and thought that was a good value. They have lots of activities for the kids, a HUGE pool area, jungle area with birds and other exotic animals and a nice beach.

 

Last year we took a tour of the Playacar Palace and got to stay there for the day. What and INCREDIBLE place. Great food, pool, services, not much of a beach though and when the waves are rough there is no beach at all. We were there on the night they had casino night after the show, I'm a dealer/supervisor in Las Vegas and my wife volunteered me to be the dealer for the night.

 

Hope this helps.

Edited April 15, 2010 by MrCo9

[sdp123078]

Great thread, as I'm trying to research AI's in the Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen area south of Cancun. I would LOVE to hear any suggestions, feedback, tips or whatever. We've never been to an AI, and became addicted to cruising, but are now ready to go check one out. We'll be a small group, not looking for excursions & such, just relaxing, eating & drinking of course. Nice beach area, pools, etc. Thanks!

 

I go to PDC twice a year and have stayed many places. I think the two biggest questions are 1) is staying in PDC important? Can you be outside? (I prefer staying in town because I like to walk around 5th in the evening and taxis add up). Also, do you want adults only or are kids ok? Adults only are generally more expensive. Adults only also tend to generally have better food and alcohol (another reason for the higher price point).

Edited April 15, 2010 by sdp123078

[klmorg]

Just did Grand Sunset Princess (or Riviera Princess same place) and I can highly recommend. Only 2 complaints. Not enough poolside service and the only beer available was Corona.

 

Some pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/dp.spry/Mexico#

 

Thanks Duck!

 

We stay at our timeshare in PDC, it's called Fisherman's Village, it's not a mandatory AI, but they do offer a daily AI package. There is only one restaurant and two bars on the property. When you can get booked into it it's a GREAT place. Less than 300 rooms, decent sized pool area, RIGHT on the water with a nice beach. 10 minute walk or 3 minute taxi ride and you're in the center of PDC. They do offer some activities for the kids, but not all day long like some of the AIs.

 

We have also stayed at the Iberostar Tucan and thought that was a good value. They have lots of activities for the kids, a HUGE pool area, jungle area with birds and other exotic animals and a nice beach.

 

Last year we took a tour of the Playacar Palace and got to stay there for the day. What and INCREDIBLE place. Great food, pool, services, not much of a beach though and when the waves are rough there is no beach at all. We were there on the night they had casino night after the show, I'm a dealer/supervisor in Las Vegas and my wife volunteered me to be the dealer for the night.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks MrCo9 for coming over here & offering some info! The Iberostar(s) and Playacar Palace have caught my eye...

 

Also wonder about Paradisus Riviera Cancun. Looks like it's closer to Cancun, which might be nice as it would be closer to the airport.

 

I go to PDC twice a year and have stayed many places. I think the two biggest questions are 1) is staying in PDC important? Can you be outside? (I prefer staying in town because I like to walk around 5th in the evening and taxis add up). Also, do you want adults only or are kids ok? Adults only are generally more expensive. Adults only also tend to generally have better food and alcohol (another reason for the higher price point).

 

Hey sdp... sounds like you are also a great resource... thanks! Here's the deal...

 

Like I said earlier, we got addicted to crusing and have never been to an AI. But a small group of us would like to check out a decent AI. I have done some research and decided that for us... the Riviera Maya/PDC area would be great. It does NOT have to be in PDC... just thinking an area south of Cancun might be good for us.

 

We are all in the mid 40's- early 50's, mostly couples. We like to party. There would be no kids. We mainly want to chill on the beach and/or pool, so those are important to us, along with good drink service. Probably won't do any excursions, but not sure yet. Will probably spend about 5 days/nights there. Also looking for something middle of the road as far as price... not on the highest end, but not anywhere near the lowest either. I think in most instances, you do get what you pay for. So as you can see, I've done some research, but am trying to soak in as much info as I can about AI's and in this particular area.

 

Thanks everyone for any and all help you can provide!!! :)

[sdp123078]

You may want to look into the Paraiso Beach Iberostar resorts. There are five different Iberostar resorts all on the same complex with a commercial center with shops in the middle. There are different levels in the resorts, each a little higher up then the other. I stayed at Iberostar Paraiso del Mar in 2006 (the lowest level one) and it was a blast. The Iberostar Maya, which is a higher level, looks very nice, too.

 

I've also stayed at Catalonia Royal Tulum, which is closer to Tulum. This resort is adults only, but very reasonably priced. There's a great pool and the beach is one of the best I've seen at a resort in the area. It's a smaller resort, so it didn't seem very crowded.

 

I've stayed at Gran Porto Real and Royal PDC several times, both sister resorts in PDC. Royal is rather expensive, but definitely worth it. Gran Porto is a mid level resort, small, but the beach is not that great and has a lot of traffic on it due to being in town.

 

I've also stayed at some botique hotels in town, but that's not what you're looking for... I do think you should look into the Iberostar resorts or Catalonia Royal Tulum. I have also heard great things about the RIU resorts in Playacar (a 5 minute taxi ride from PDC).

[welove2cruisedou]

Going to the Gran Caribe Real in December. Can anyone give me a review of what they thought of this hotel. Are the drinks weak or do they make them strong? Are the rooms really outdated or just average? How was the food? Lastly what kinda entertainment is at the resort and how far to Coco Bongo's or any of those kinda places.

[BSQ]

Going to the Gran Caribe Real in December. Can anyone give me a review of what they thought of this hotel. Are the drinks weak or do they make them strong? Are the rooms really outdated or just average? How was the food? Lastly what kinda entertainment is at the resort and how far to Coco Bongo's or any of those kinda places.

 

I can't answer your questions about the resort, but the Party Zone is less than a mile down the road ... on the same side of the street.

[grellis]

Dreams....great location, food, drinks, FUN...and the kids loved it more than Disney World!:)

[janina]

Just curious if anyone can give me some names of nice all inclusive resorts in Cancun. Thanks

We love the Riu Palace Riviera Mayan down in Playa del Carmen. You stay there and can enjoy the amenities and food at their other four resorts. It has a wonderful beach and within walking to town. Make sure you research the beach at any resort you chose, some are brown sand and full of coral, where you must wear swimshoes. We stayed at Sandals which was nice but the beach was not good.

[eastexascruiser]

Going to the Gran Caribe Real in December. Can anyone give me a review of what they thought of this hotel. Are the drinks weak or do they make them strong? Are the rooms really outdated or just average? How was the food? Lastly what kinda entertainment is at the resort and how far to Coco Bongo's or any of those kinda places.

 

Loved, Loved it!! DS got married there in November. The beach area is gorgeous. Main pool is on the small side. Food & drinks did not disappoint. We never ate in the specialty restaurants rather opted for the buffet areas.

 

We had been to the Grand Palladium a fews years ago and loved that resort as well. We enjoyed the variety at the Palladium but the intimacy of the Gran Carib Real.

 

The hotel is in walking distance of some shopping areas & there is also a bus that stops right in front of the hotel if Coco Bonga is not within walking distance.

 

There is not much night life at the hotel. The live entertainment ended around 10pm. You could enjoy that then head to the bars. Enjoy your trip!!

[spyder209]

We are just back from the Aventura Spa Palace just south of cancun in Riviera Maya. It was our second time there and it is fantastic. They have a fabulous spa and our now giving $1500 vacation money to spend on tours or spa. I highly recommend it!

[starlitz]

Just left Grand Caribe and it was wonderful.

[Stevanb]

Just curious if anyone can give me some names of nice all inclusive resorts in Cancun. Thanks

 

We go every year BUT only to adult only resorts. and we stay away from the larger ones

 

Am Resorts their Secrets Brand, Excellence Resorts, Karisma Resorts

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

In Cancun thay are very $$$$$

[Stevanb]

In Cancun thay are very $$$$$

 

Do you mean a day pass or weekly

[tgLoves2Cruise]

I was at Moon Palace last year for a destination wedding I had a great time service was good we got points with the purchace of my room so I was able to get a free manicure and pedicure with my points lots of great resturants and a jacuzzi in the room. You are picked up from the airport and taken back to the airport so you never have to leave the resort.