February 2005 Trip Report - Page 2

maestranba · 03-01-2005

Every year we give our son a choice, Disney or Mexico. He's already been to Mexico 4 times (he's 8) and has no desire to go to Disney!!
Thanks for the great report, Silver. We live in Durham, CT...and I, too, wish I were back on the beach like I was last week.
I stayed in Cancun, so I won't post a Trip Report here, unless there's interest?
Nancy
ps> Glad you liked room 2433!!

btodd · 03-02-2005

Nanc, where are you going to post your report??? You can PM me if you would like. We were at the Gala last week too, think we would try a different resort next time.......

ZAEM · 03-02-2005

Thank you for the great and informative trip report.

I have a couple of questions for you or the others that were also there.

You had requested building 2. Did you do this before of after arrival at the resort?

The balconies are they big enough to sit on? Would you recomend a floor preference?

The trampoline you had said $10 for the day? Do they give you a wrist band or something?

The roughness of the water-do you think it's a seasonal, weather related or is it always rough at that point?

We are also a family that gets up early no matter where we are. Did you find that it was necessary to get chairs early?

I like the idea of the drinks being served on the beach. I've never been to a resort where the waiters or waitresses come around to you. Sounds good to me!

btodd · 03-02-2005

Hi, I would be happy to help out..........

I requested a top floor with ocean view, I did this by email before we left, it wasn't honoured but I was able to change rooms the next day. I think the quietest rooms with the best views would be 2429 to 2440 or so. we were able to get 2330 (third floor) and it was fine. After all the commotion, we were rarely in our room, and it really wouldn't have mattered!!!

The balconies have two plastic white patio chairs and a white plastic table, big enough for two people to sit.

We didn't rent the tramp, the water was a little too rough for our seven year old.

I think the water may always be a little rougher in this area, there is no coral reef to protect it. This will be a deciding factor the next time we go........

YES!!! Get your chairs early around the pool, we were there last week, the resort was at capacity and it would have been difficult to get a chair at hte pool after 8:00 or at the beach (with some shade) as well

Hope this helps............have a great time and RELAX!!!!..........

It stinks to be home..............Joan

Silver Starfish · 03-02-2005

I can't answer about the water roughness since this was my first trip. I will tell you that my son and husband got up at 5AM every morning and walked around the resort. I got up at 6am so we are morning people. If you do get up that early head over to the basketball court because each morning they saw a flock of toucans come flying over and roust in the trees to the right of the basketball court. Of course on the day I came along we saw ONE toucan. We all laughed!

Yes, you get a wristband for the trampoline. My son loved it but my husband hated it. Said it was like sitting on a RAFT in a storm. The kids get life jackets, it's optional for adults. You go to the seafari hut to the far right of the beach for trampoline, snorkeling , etc. I wish we could have tried the catamaran lessons because it was one instructor and 3 other people for a total of four in the boat which would be perfect for us. But the weather was too rough for 2 days and it was cancelled.

I emailed Gala with my room request on Monday and we arrived on Sunday. The balcony is small but big enough for 2 chairs and a small table. I thought it was great to sit on for watching the kite boarding and watching evening wildlife. I put my bathingsuit there to dry each night. The cleaning crew cleans the balcony every day, they really work hard. I would definately request a 3rd or 4th floor room. The ground level balconies you just walk onto from the lawn. I guess some people might like that but I wouldn't. I also would not be happy in a hacienda (although I never saw the inside of one.) I really loved building 2 because it was close to the undeveloped side of the beach and I could run up to my room and get my camera if needed.

We reserved our shade cabanas no later than 7am. My husband always laughed at people walking around looking for one when it was 9am or later. Don't reserve a cabana at the FARTHEST end to the right of the beach for two reasons: when beach aerobics starts you might not like the music (I liked it but heard others complaining) #2 if there is a wedding they will move all your stuff to clear the area. We liked the cabanas near the hammocks. Another trick on the towel game is to turn in your towels at the end of the day to the beach towel hut. They will give you your towel cards. Then take the cards and get new towels at the hut near the pool (and building #2) so in the morning you will have fresh towels to put on chairs. Otherwise you have to wait until the towel hut opens or use personal items to reserve chairs. We often left shoes or shirts at the chairs with no problems.

p.s. On the day of departure on the way to the airport a family was contacted via the van driver that they had left $ in the safe. They couldn't remember how much it was and wondered if it was "worth it" to turn around. But they did and they had left $200 in the safe!!! I don't know how you could forget to check the safe or not remember $200 but they did and I was impressed with the honesty of the staff. This story was told to me while I waited in the airport lines to go home. I don't know what resort they stayed at but I hoped they tipped them!

ZAEM · 03-02-2005

Thank you!

Yes, it does help and I am going to keep those numbers in mind. Will email and then ask when we get there.

Not sure the trampoline will work for us either. My oldest will only be 6. Just afraid of when he sees it.

Did you say if you did any side trips with your seven year old??? Just curious. We try to do one big thing with him on vacation (helicopter, horseback, parasailing) Id like to do Fat Cat. But am totally undecided.

ZAEM · 03-02-2005

Yikes!!!!!! We will definitely check the safe.

Something I saw on another board. Did you travel with travels checks (sp?)? We usually do but I saw that this isn't the way to go anymore.

We do get up early-and we usually bring two towels from home to save the chairs. No one wants our big barney towels!!!

Thank you both (btodd and silver starfish) for all the info. Im sure I'll have more questions in the future.

btodd · 03-02-2005

We didn't do any side trips, it was our kids first winter holiday and I felt that the resort had more than enough to keep us all happy and occupied. We took some money with us ( American funds) We did go to the ATM at the Playacar mall, it is a short walk from the Gala. When we got home my husband was pleased to notice that the exchange rate was better than anything he saw in Mexico, and the was a $2.50 (Canadian) other ATM usage fee........not bad. American dollars were accapted verywhere................Joan

Silver Starfish · 03-02-2005

We decided on one day trip during our trip. We had planned to do the Tulum tour but after getting advice from a great family from NY who had visited the area multiple times they recommended Xcaret. With a 7 year old it would depend on if he is a rugged little guy with high stamina. The place is huge with a lot of walking. Of course you don't have to do it in "Disney mode" like my husband did. When we got to the lagoon, which is lovely, he said, "I don't see the point in this, I could relax or swim at the resort." My son was having a ball floating on the tubes and chasing a fish in and out of a rock so I had planned to just relax there. But my husband felt there was too much to see to relax so off we went. We did relax at lunch and ate at the farthest point of the lagoon which was absolutely lovely. I had chicken casadias and shared a huge pineapple drink with my son. Got some great photos there. If you go, definately go to see the turtles and if you like heights the circular tower gives a wonderful panaromic view. Some people loved the cavern river/cenotes but I thought there would be more current to carry you along faster. It was pretty slow.

There really is so much to choose from even if you just stay at your resort. My husband wanted to go jetskiing and I wanted to do parasailing. The parasailing was a two seater which cost $90 for an hour. We talked to a couple right after they got done and they said it was totally awesome. They did tell us that the boat ride is an hour (they take you out to the boat via jet ski) but there are other couples so you are only in the air for 15 -20 minutes. They said the view was spectacular and they wish they would have taken a waterproof camera. Tim just goes so quickly that you really need more than a week with travel days, excursion days and relaxing days. I'm definately going to book 9 days and do the parasailing next year!!!

03-05-2005

Last Wednesday I got back from a week at Moon Palace Golf Resort and Spa. The first day was a bit frustarting due to 4 different people trying to sell us Time Shares there, but after that was all over with it was a great place. Facilites where excellent, along with many great places to eat and also just a good place to be around. 80% of the room are Ocean View which is nice and there is plenty to do to keep busy. If you golf there is a Jack Nickulas Signature Course loacted 5 miuntes away on a shuttle ride. Green fees are $250 for 18. It's a very nice course, but personally it's not worth the $250. Greens arn't too good also. Overall, it was a great week, even though it rained a few days! Thats okay though, I'm returning to stay at the Iberostar Pariso Lindo very very soon!

03-01-2005	#16 (permalink)
maestranba añejo Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,928	Disney or Mexico... Every year we give our son a choice, Disney or Mexico. He's already been to Mexico 4 times (he's 8) and has no desire to go to Disney!! Thanks for the great report, Silver. We live in Durham, CT...and I, too, wish I were back on the beach like I was last week. I stayed in Cancun, so I won't post a Trip Report here, unless there's interest? Nancy ps> Glad you liked room 2433!!

03-02-2005	#18 (permalink)
ZAEM life=playa Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northern Massachusetts Posts: 660	The Gala Thank you for the great and informative trip report. I have a couple of questions for you or the others that were also there. You had requested building 2. Did you do this before of after arrival at the resort? The balconies are they big enough to sit on? Would you recomend a floor preference? The trampoline you had said $10 for the day? Do they give you a wrist band or something? The roughness of the water-do you think it's a seasonal, weather related or is it always rough at that point? We are also a family that gets up early no matter where we are. Did you find that it was necessary to get chairs early? I like the idea of the drinks being served on the beach. I've never been to a resort where the waiters or waitresses come around to you. Sounds good to me! Last edited by Cutter Family; 03-02-2005 at 10:41 AM.. Reason: typo

03-02-2005	#20 (permalink)
Silver Starfish way into it Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 179	answers I can't answer about the water roughness since this was my first trip. I will tell you that my son and husband got up at 5AM every morning and walked around the resort. I got up at 6am so we are morning people. If you do get up that early head over to the basketball court because each morning they saw a flock of toucans come flying over and roust in the trees to the right of the basketball court. Of course on the day I came along we saw ONE toucan. We all laughed! Yes, you get a wristband for the trampoline. My son loved it but my husband hated it. Said it was like sitting on a RAFT in a storm. The kids get life jackets, it's optional for adults. You go to the seafari hut to the far right of the beach for trampoline, snorkeling , etc. I wish we could have tried the catamaran lessons because it was one instructor and 3 other people for a total of four in the boat which would be perfect for us. But the weather was too rough for 2 days and it was cancelled. I emailed Gala with my room request on Monday and we arrived on Sunday. The balcony is small but big enough for 2 chairs and a small table. I thought it was great to sit on for watching the kite boarding and watching evening wildlife. I put my bathingsuit there to dry each night. The cleaning crew cleans the balcony every day, they really work hard. I would definately request a 3rd or 4th floor room. The ground level balconies you just walk onto from the lawn. I guess some people might like that but I wouldn't. I also would not be happy in a hacienda (although I never saw the inside of one.) I really loved building 2 because it was close to the undeveloped side of the beach and I could run up to my room and get my camera if needed. We reserved our shade cabanas no later than 7am. My husband always laughed at people walking around looking for one when it was 9am or later. Don't reserve a cabana at the FARTHEST end to the right of the beach for two reasons: when beach aerobics starts you might not like the music (I liked it but heard others complaining) #2 if there is a wedding they will move all your stuff to clear the area. We liked the cabanas near the hammocks. Another trick on the towel game is to turn in your towels at the end of the day to the beach towel hut. They will give you your towel cards. Then take the cards and get new towels at the hut near the pool (and building #2) so in the morning you will have fresh towels to put on chairs. Otherwise you have to wait until the towel hut opens or use personal items to reserve chairs. We often left shoes or shirts at the chairs with no problems. p.s. On the day of departure on the way to the airport a family was contacted via the van driver that they had left $ in the safe. They couldn't remember how much it was and wondered if it was "worth it" to turn around. But they did and they had left $200 in the safe!!! I don't know how you could forget to check the safe or not remember $200 but they did and I was impressed with the honesty of the staff. This story was told to me while I waited in the airport lines to go home. I don't know what resort they stayed at but I hoped they tipped them!

03-02-2005	#21 (permalink)
ZAEM life=playa Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northern Massachusetts Posts: 660	Gala Thank you! Yes, it does help and I am going to keep those numbers in mind. Will email and then ask when we get there. Not sure the trampoline will work for us either. My oldest will only be 6. Just afraid of when he sees it. Did you say if you did any side trips with your seven year old??? Just curious. We try to do one big thing with him on vacation (helicopter, horseback, parasailing) Id like to do Fat Cat. But am totally undecided.

03-02-2005	#22 (permalink)
ZAEM life=playa Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northern Massachusetts Posts: 660	Gala Yikes!!!!!! We will definitely check the safe. Something I saw on another board. Did you travel with travels checks (sp?)? We usually do but I saw that this isn't the way to go anymore. We do get up early-and we usually bring two towels from home to save the chairs. No one wants our big barney towels!!! Thank you both (btodd and silver starfish) for all the info. Im sure I'll have more questions in the future.

03-02-2005	#17 (permalink)
btodd reposado Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Posts: 1,357	Nanc, where are you going to post your report??? You can PM me if you would like. We were at the Gala last week too, think we would try a different resort next time.......

03-02-2005	#19 (permalink)
btodd reposado Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Posts: 1,357	Hi, I would be happy to help out.......... I requested a top floor with ocean view, I did this by email before we left, it wasn't honoured but I was able to change rooms the next day. I think the quietest rooms with the best views would be 2429 to 2440 or so. we were able to get 2330 (third floor) and it was fine. After all the commotion, we were rarely in our room, and it really wouldn't have mattered!!! The balconies have two plastic white patio chairs and a white plastic table, big enough for two people to sit. We didn't rent the tramp, the water was a little too rough for our seven year old. I think the water may always be a little rougher in this area, there is no coral reef to protect it. This will be a deciding factor the next time we go........ YES!!! Get your chairs early around the pool, we were there last week, the resort was at capacity and it would have been difficult to get a chair at hte pool after 8:00 or at the beach (with some shade) as well Hope this helps............have a great time and RELAX!!!!.......... It stinks to be home..............Joan

03-02-2005	#23 (permalink)
btodd reposado Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Posts: 1,357	We didn't do any side trips, it was our kids first winter holiday and I felt that the resort had more than enough to keep us all happy and occupied. We took some money with us ( American funds) We did go to the ATM at the Playacar mall, it is a short walk from the Gala. When we got home my husband was pleased to notice that the exchange rate was better than anything he saw in Mexico, and the was a $2.50 (Canadian) other ATM usage fee........not bad. American dollars were accapted verywhere................Joan

03-02-2005	#24 (permalink)
Silver Starfish way into it Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 179	7 year old We decided on one day trip during our trip. We had planned to do the Tulum tour but after getting advice from a great family from NY who had visited the area multiple times they recommended Xcaret. With a 7 year old it would depend on if he is a rugged little guy with high stamina. The place is huge with a lot of walking. Of course you don't have to do it in "Disney mode" like my husband did. When we got to the lagoon, which is lovely, he said, "I don't see the point in this, I could relax or swim at the resort." My son was having a ball floating on the tubes and chasing a fish in and out of a rock so I had planned to just relax there. But my husband felt there was too much to see to relax so off we went. We did relax at lunch and ate at the farthest point of the lagoon which was absolutely lovely. I had chicken casadias and shared a huge pineapple drink with my son. Got some great photos there. If you go, definately go to see the turtles and if you like heights the circular tower gives a wonderful panaromic view. Some people loved the cavern river/cenotes but I thought there would be more current to carry you along faster. It was pretty slow. There really is so much to choose from even if you just stay at your resort. My husband wanted to go jetskiing and I wanted to do parasailing. The parasailing was a two seater which cost $90 for an hour. We talked to a couple right after they got done and they said it was totally awesome. They did tell us that the boat ride is an hour (they take you out to the boat via jet ski) but there are other couples so you are only in the air for 15 -20 minutes. They said the view was spectacular and they wish they would have taken a waterproof camera. Tim just goes so quickly that you really need more than a week with travel days, excursion days and relaxing days. I'm definately going to book 9 days and do the parasailing next year!!!

03-05-2005	#25 (permalink)
mexico4life Guest Posts: n/a	Last Wednesday I got back from a week at Moon Palace Golf Resort and Spa. The first day was a bit frustarting due to 4 different people trying to sell us Time Shares there, but after that was all over with it was a great place. Facilites where excellent, along with many great places to eat and also just a good place to be around. 80% of the room are Ocean View which is nice and there is plenty to do to keep busy. If you golf there is a Jack Nickulas Signature Course loacted 5 miuntes away on a shuttle ride. Green fees are $250 for 18. It's a very nice course, but personally it's not worth the $250. Greens arn't too good also. Overall, it was a great week, even though it rained a few days! Thats okay though, I'm returning to stay at the Iberostar Pariso Lindo very very soon!

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