new hotel (possibly hotels)

[ryberg]

In other hotel-y news, seems like the one that's been under construction (on again, off again) on 8th street behind Playa Maya may finally be nearing its opening. Interestingly, everyone says it's going to be called Illusion but the city's parking sign, of the type that all the hotels on the street have to indicate which spots are reserved for their use (yes, those are officially from the city transit police, folks!), says Hotel Maya Real, and nobody seems to know why. Anyway, they claim they'll be open for the holiday season. This is the place that sits right above Kabuki, about midway between the beach and 5th Ave.

Along with this FWIW comment I throw in that something is obviously under construction on the south side of 6th at the beach, where previously there was a very short-lived chillout-type beach bar at one point and which has otherwise been any empty lot/parking area for some locals up until now.

This is Steve Ryberg, your eye in the sky, reporting.

[Beachnutt719]

What's the news on the opening of the Royal Porto Real (not that I ever plan on staying there)? Just curious. Have not heard anything recently.

[JimmyMN]

Originally Posted by ryberg

Along with this FWIW comment I throw in that something is obviously under construction on the south side of 6th at the beach, where previously there was a very short-lived chillout-type beach bar at one point and which has otherwise been any empty lot/parking area for some locals up until now.

Kind of wished that chillout bar would have gotten more popular. It was a cool stop when making the pilgrimage between ****** and Tutix late at night. The lot is otherwise an eyesore, so whatever ends up there will be an improvement. Keep us posted!

Jimmy

[jeevers]

the chillout bar is turning into condo complex with under unit parking starting at 450000 us according to playa getaway.com
its name is luna encantada

[Beachnutt719]

$450,000? Guess I won't be staying there either.

[beachenit]

That is way out of my league

[StephenB]

Originally Posted by ryberg

In other hotel-y news, seems like the one that's been under construction (on again, off again) on 8th street behind Playa Maya may finally be nearing its opening. Interestingly, everyone says it's going to be called Illusion but the city's parking sign, of the type that all the hotels on the street have to indicate which spots are reserved for their use (yes, those are officially from the city transit police, folks!), says Hotel Maya Real, and nobody seems to know why. Anyway, they claim they'll be open for the holiday season. This is the place that sits right above Kabuki, about midway between the beach and 5th Ave.

Along with this FWIW comment I throw in that something is obviously under construction on the south side of 6th at the beach, where previously there was a very short-lived chillout-type beach bar at one point and which has otherwise been any empty lot/parking area for some locals up until now.

This is Steve Ryberg, your eye in the sky, reporting.

Steve, You're right about Hotel Illusion. The website is HoteIIllusion.com.I couldn't get the site to work today but it worked ok the other day. The Hotel is owned by Al Arci and is being billed as Playas newest botique type hotel. Al has put a lot of work into the place, and there's a rooftop pool with a magnificient view. I think he plans to do part of the Hotel on a time-share type basis, but I could be wrong. Al's a friend, but I've got to tell him I think the pricing needs a little adjusting when I see him He's a hell of a nice guy and I know he shares your passion about treating guests like they are family.
With that kind of attitude he's sure to make a good go of it.

P.S I think I may have screwed up the link. If I find the correct link I'll post it for those who may be interested.

[Babaloo]

close..it's illusionhotel.com...and seems to be a bit pricey

[ryberg]

Well now that is an interesting link! Or I should say, an interesting photo on that link. Or I should say some interesting Photoshop work on that link.

I can imagine that that upstairs area is nice, from what I've seen of it from basically the oppositie perspective, looking at it from atop my own roof with my back to the ocean. Apparently that shot was taking from a raised platform where they have a water tank.

What's interesting however, is how they made our 8-10 big black water tanks all disappear off our roof...

Steve

[DAC]

I guess that's a good example of marketing strategy.

[Susie Q Roo]

Originally Posted by ryberg

Well now that is an interesting link! Or I should say, an interesting photo on that link. Or I should say some interesting Photoshop work on that link.

I can imagine that that upstairs area is nice, from what I've seen of it from basically the oppositie perspective, looking at it from atop my own roof with my back to the ocean. Apparently that shot was taking from a raised platform where they have a water tank.

What's interesting however, is how they made our 8-10 big black water tanks all disappear off our roof...

Steve

Guess that's why they call it the "Illusion," eh?

[heater]

anyone know the latest on the royal porto real? getting married in may and still not sure of they will be open by then.

[charlieiguana]

Always good news to have more competition, especially those hotels that provide discounts for payment in cash.

Okay so the mayor's relatives sell a few less bricks, and there are fewer ugly nets for the rich hotel owner's to enhance their beaches, but cash payment reduces credit card fraud which I experienced first hand in Playa!

Charlie

[Lobo]

I haven't heard much lately about the Royal Porto either, Beachnutt and heater, and believe me, I still scour the net looking for updates all the time, as I have a reservation there for my Honeymoon in April (1st trip to Playa Del Carmen! can't wait!)

One thing I did notice a week or two ago is that Real Resorts did completely redesign their web site and there is a grand opening date shown which has been updated (again) to February 2005. Although that is another "adjustment" it does line up with the other research I've done, including phone calls to the resort directly. The new site does have some updated photos of the rooms too, which might help show why I've been so patient with the updates... That kind of room, with AI service right in town could be just right... I know from reading reports too that construction is still pretty steady each day from early morning til late. I hope that everything gets done soon... I'm sure this board will be the first place the info will appear like when the pools open, the fences come down, etc...

Cheers all...

[ryberg]

Originally Posted by charlieiguana

Always good news to have more competition, especially those hotels that provide discounts for payment in cash.

Okay so the mayor's relatives sell a few less bricks, and there are fewer ugly nets for the rich hotel owner's to enhance their beaches, but cash payment reduces credit card fraud which I experienced first hand in Playa!

Charlie

Well this could be a clever jab at me, given my outspoken position on so-called "cash discounts" in the past (such as that shown here to name just one example), in which case I tip my hat to your subtlety. However with just 4 posts under your belt, it seems not so likely that you'd be up on that position of mine, and anyway, if you were, then you probably would also be up on the number of past threads debunking the common notion that credit card fraud is especially rampant here as opposed to elsewhere.

In any event (after that long-winded reaction), it's worth noting that (1) you may just be replacing one kind of fraud with another, even if you don't see that other type (as per my comments at that link and elsewhere), and (2) lots of folks have had no credit card fraud experiences here, even after a long time of living here, while those same folks have experienced it in the States or elsewhere (such as me). A forum search will confirm that, I think, for what it's worth. Sorry you had that experience, but it's certainly not the rule.

Steve