The Reef Playacar

My boyfriend and I just returned from 10 days staying at The Reef and we had a great time. Our room was clean and the staff was friendly. The buffet was good and if you couldn't find something you liked -- then you weren't hungry. We ate at the Italian Restaurant only once and the food was good. The atmosphere of the hotel is very nice. The one downside is the construction right next door. Made it hard to take siestas and if you were by the pool it was very loud. I would recommend the Reef to any of my friends....as long as they weren't too picky.

[jx2]

rusch - We stayed there in April 04 - totally agree. We had a nice time, the staff was great, and the food was as good as it get's for a buffet. We enjoyed the palapa bar and playing pool in the evenings. It was a great place to stay. I especially liked the 'jungle' setting in the center of all the buildings! Glad you had a good time!

This is great news! We will be at the Reef in 2 weeks. I have searched for info on this property and everything I have seen is about 50/50 . Do you have any recommendations on room location? You mention the noise from construction while at the pool, is the noise as noticeable while on the beach.

[beanie1004]

Hi! I will be at the reef in July, your review really helped me a lot. But I have one more question, what can you do there in the evening-time ? is there a lot to do, or a special bar where all the guests stay?

Thanks a lot!

TeleBetty ~ (Love the name)

You know it really depends on what your expectations are. I have been many places in the Caribbean and this is about accurate. I thought the rooms were nice enough -- they were plush by any means -- but yet each room had a balcony and the bathroom was good size for an older hotel. They have updated many things....and the staff was really nice. They could have had more help at the pool bar -- but heck -- I get that kind of service here sometimes. Not everything can be perfect! They even had some name brand liquors. Yes, construction was going on RIGHT NEXT DOOR and it was noisy -- but only during the day. They were done by 5:00 --- but they usually started around 8:00 a.m. But by the time you are there -- they may be not so noisy. Who knows. It's Mexico. The location of the property is perfect to walk to Playa Del Carmen. It's like 15 walk. And the property is located in an area called Playacar -- you can walk forever in there -- ride bikes, etc. Not such a busy street. Very neat hotel and one I would recommend.....but again it really depends on your expectations. You will want to get a room closer to the Italian Restaurant. That will put you on the other side from the construction. And as far as hearing it when you are at the beach. You really couldn't hear it --- it was only at the adult pool.

Beanie104~
Yes, the hotel offers things to do at night. However, to be honest, my boyfriend and I didn't stick around for that stuff. We usually went into town for the nightlife. Which, by the way, is abundant. You will not go wrong if you go downtown for nightlife. There are many different things to do. The hotel does have one bar that is open until 2:00 a.m. which we did utilize one nite. And they have two pool tables that are free. So that is fun. Believe me not a pool player at all -- but I'm everything after a few tequilas!!! HA! The place is fun -- the staff strives at trying to make things right. If you haven't been to Playa Del Carmen -- one adventure you should take is Xel-Ha -- especially if you like to swim with the fish (not me! but I still had fun and got into that absolutely beautiful water!)

Have fun!!! And remember -- When in Rome! Best advice I ever got. I got that in Venezula -- and believe me --- it was the truth.

Rusch05,
Thanks for the info. I'm going to be at the Reef next Wednesday for a girls trip. We are not picky about our accomodations, so I think we will have a great time. We got such a good price on the package, we just couldn't pass it up. This is my first time to Playa (been to Tulum and Cozumel a few times) and I'm really looking forward to the trip!
--Danielle

Oh --- you girls will have a good time. The place is not posh -- but it is nice. I didn't see any bugs -- and there was plenty of hot water for showers! The bathroom was equipped with a hairdryer and nice magnifying mirror with plenty of vanity lights.

There is a massage place right by the ocean -- so you might want to check that out after a night on the town. You can walk to town -- but personally --- if it were me and my girlfriends -- I'd split the cab fare. It gets kinda dark in areas. The cab fare to Playa Del Carmen is $4 one way. Which isn't bad --- but it's not that far either.

I would definitely stay there again. The location is perfect and it's not as big as some of the other resorts where you get lost in the crowd. And the people visiting were friendly too for the most part.

[jsotherj]

As far as things to do at night (it has been a year - things change) they had a show that the activities team put on, but no music or anything. There didn't seem to be any organized entertainment but the shows. but we always ended up in the main bar, or going into town- which was a blast! Kinda nice not having alot going on on the property so you are forced to venture out and see pdc! We really enjoyed the Reef! Like you said, not posh, but we weren't looking for posh. Have fun all!!!

Hey rusch05, when did you and your boyfriend stay at the Reef Playacar? When I was there in March I met a couple (boyfriend & girlfriend) from Michigan.

[luckiegirl]

I have a question re Reef Playacar, this is my first AI experience in PDC. If we have prepaid through Funjet, will we need to have a credit card for them to hold for incidental charges? I'd really love to do this trip cash only and not have a credit card there as temptation!

Originally Posted by luckiegirl

I have a question re Reef Playacar, this is my first AI experience in PDC. If we have prepaid through Funjet, will we need to have a credit card for them to hold for incidental charges? I'd really love to do this trip cash only and not have a credit card there as temptation!

We booked through funjet (also prepaid), but still had to give them a credit card for any "extra" charges (damages, etc.). I can see why you wouldn't want to bring your credit card, but some activities require it (like renting a car). A few of us rented scooters in Cozumel, and we each had to have a credit card. I don't know if it is like that everywhere, but be prepared...just in case!!

[dushi]

We stayed at Reef also in April. We love it, 3th time we stayed in this hotel. When we arrived most people welcomed us back. Really nice, feels like coming home.

The construction of the other hotel will take till november this year. They start working around 8 AM till 7 PM. Make sure you get a room at the other side of the hotel. If its not for the noise, then for all the dust!
There's not much to do in the evenings. Mostly we went to Playa for some drinks.

When you go to Reef please give Feliciano at the poolbar a big hello. He's great! And when you want to go diving. Ask for Lucas from the dive shop. Really nice guy who gave us a good discount on our dives and offered his help moving from Holland to PDC this year.

Enjoy!

Originally Posted by luckiegirl

I have a question re Reef Playacar, this is my first AI experience in PDC. If we have prepaid through Funjet, will we need to have a credit card for them to hold for incidental charges? I'd really love to do this trip cash only and not have a credit card there as temptation!

I just got back from the Reef Playacar yesterday and didn't have to give them a credit card. If you choose to use the safe or if you need to call long distance, then you will need to give them one. Have a great trip!

We just got back from the Reef and did not have to leave any credit card either. I would recommend bringing it but just take what you need for money and lock the rest in the safe along with credit cards. Construction was not a problem and it certainly would not wake anyone up who had the ac on. We had a blast!