gran porto real or not?!?!

My husband and I were at the Gran Porto Real in Novemeber and thought the property was gorgeous and the beach was fantastic...now we are planning on going back in Feb. 2006 with 4 or 5 couples and I hear all these negative reviews. Any other suggestions or are things blown out of proportion?!?

[Quinn]

I just had lunch at La Quinta Pasion and the couple sitting next to us were at the end of a two week vacation. They said it was fair but the wouldnt recommend it to anyone. Im not in the know myself but there you go....

[Big Kahuna]

I've never been there but after some research of my own for our upcoming PDC vacay, I chose other places. It was recommended to me that it was worth considering if you went non-AI by more than one trustworthy person. We are going AI so I opted to go elsewhere. Truthfully I wasn't all impressed with the pictures I was able to find. Just my two pesos.

[Beachnutt719]

We stayed at GPR for a week in August. Had no complaints. Room was clean and comfortable. Staff was great. I can't believe that it would have changed that much in just a few months. Food was good.

Take those negative reviews with a grain of salt. I read quite a few before we went and was kind of disheartened and didn't know what to expect. After arriving I wasn't sure the people who wrote those reviews had even stayed at the same hotel.

If you were happy with it in November I am sure you will be happy again. The thing I liked best about it was the nearness to 5th. Just a short walk.

Unfortunately it seems to have jumped out of our price range for the next trip or we would be there again.

I am hoping things havent changed much...That was the first time to Mexico so I am wondering since I have nothing to compare GPR to that I dont know any better. We loved the beach and the service was great and being close to 5th ave was good I would love any suggestions of other places...Big Kahuna where are you staying??? I sure would hate to let down all the other couples! Thanks!

[cuffedlinks]

She goes SOUTH - BK's last trip was to the El Dorado Seaside Suites (EDSS).

I think VALUE has alot to do with where we have stayed when considering AI's...of course even then - some AI's are so highly priced that even a great value may be out of the range of the budget for that trip...

Frankly - when we've looked at AI lately...we've looked at price because the service and grounds and amenities are becoming SO similar, that really in many cases the only difference has been price. On our last AI trip we looked at the different companies' flight schedule too and gained nearly TWO full days based on arrival and departure for a few dollars difference...

On our last trip - our first NON-AI...we had a fabulous time without worrying about drinking enough and eating enough to get our money's worth. Maybe you all could try that route - make it an adventure among friends?

cuffedlinks...this was also myfirst AI trip, so also didnt have anything to compare that to. I also know drinking on a good beach was up there on priorities, so that is why right away everyone thought AI. None of the other couples have been in this area and I know you cant please everyone but it would be nice to make most of them happy!!! Is there any nice places just south of the ferry...we didnt walk past that area!!!

We stayed at GPR last May. There were 16 couples in our party and everyone
seemed to have a great time. We did'nt hear anyone complain about anything.
The food was good, actually better than I expected and the drinks were good also.
The service was good and the room was very nice.
There is a second pool on the second floor which is a little more private and it has
a swim up bar.
In the nicest dinner resturant on premises some in our group were having the lobster
dinner for a small upcharge. I can tell you the martinis were wonderful.
All in all like I said we were happy with the whole experience.

[Big Kahuna]

This trip for us will be either to the Barcelo or my personal favorite and therefore the likely choice is Iberostar Tucan. We like IBT due to the proximity to 5th, the beach, the bars and mostly the jungle setting. I have only stayed at the EDSS which is SOUTH as cuffed so nicely put it. He is right...I usually do love anything down SOUTH.

We have all discussed at one time or another on this board how difficult it is to be the "planner" for so many. It's a big burden to try and please so many...Where ever you chose they will be in the Riviera Maya so happiness will prevail.

Hey everyone thanks for all the info...I do appreciate it! Cuffedlinks thanks for the info you sent me it will be helpful!!! Someone asked where we are from....central Minnesota!!!! Any other info or suggestions I would love to hear from you!!!! Thanks -Cindy

[cuffedlinks]

Originally Posted by Big Kahuna

This trip for us will be either to the Barcelo or my personal favorite and therefore the likely choice is Iberostar Tucan..... He is right...I usually do love anything down SOUTH.

Have a GREAT time at the Iberostar Tuckus.

by feb. 2006, the construction will be long completed on the new royal porto real. we just returned from an april trip and my only complaint was the construction. we had a great time, and it's in a great location. this resort had the friendliest staff & guests we've ever encountered!

I do have to agree the staff at GPR was exceptionally friendly and helpful!

[calgaryguy]

I think the location of the hotel is second to none in PDC.

[Ivan]

Been there twice. No complaints, we really had a great time. As mentioned most AI's are similiar in their offerings, but I liked GPR's location and ocean front rooms.