ASP Trip report....Grab a cup of coffee...it's a looong one

05-03-2005

Hiya guys!

Well we just returned from our week at ASP. Before I get rolling I need to give a disclaimer of sorts. I've read a bunch of negative reviews on places, as I'm sure everyone else has. I't the last thing we want to hear, but we have to realize that everyone has different levels of expectations, standards, likes and dislikes, etc... Me, my wife, and 2 other couples made the trip together. We are all from Southern California, 3 of us have lived in Mexico, and the other 3 have traveled there extensively. We also, being from a HUGE diverse metro area, have been exposed to extensive resturants, Hotels, Cuisines and motiffs. With this being said......please understand that we might be a lot more.....finicky than some. I will try to accentuate the positives, which there where plenty of, but I can not ignore some of the negatives, and remain objective. Please don't Flame me for stating my opinion....it's just that, Mine! Also of some note, we would have probably never booked an AI on our own, we did it because our friends did and we wanted to be with them. I seriously doubt we will ever do another AI. In our PDC future all 6 of us agreed on a villa on the beach in PDC or Half Moon Bay

Arrived ontime to Cancun Airport, from getting off the plane to getting on our Shuttle was 25 mins. Who could ask for better?? I was amazed at how quickly we breezed thru! I was a little nervous seeing we had 6 bags! Yes....I said 6! One dedicated to shoes alone...LOL. We had the Private transfer service from Apple. Originally we had their normal service, but upgraded to the privte for $100 more. Well worth it, and we would gladly do it again just for the convienence of a non-stop transfer.

Arrived at ASP after the 1 hour shuttle ride, to find that they had indeed listened to our groups requests as far as room types and placements. We had asked to be as close to each other as possible, on the Aventura side, King size beds and 2nd or 3rd floors. Our room was 3rd floor, King, with a great veiw of the Pool and Ocean. Our friends rooms were on the 2nd floor, same building, not great veiws

, but not far from us or the pool

. Check in went very smoothly, everyone got settled in and unpacked. We hit the lobby bar at 5pm, where I was hopping to meet up with Gene and Kat (Sundowner). Stoopid me:p couldn't remeber the exact time me and Gene had discussed, and I didn't know what side they were on, Aventura or Spa. So we basically spent an hour or so at both...LOL. Really sorry we didn't hook up Gene, I was looking forward to it.

So! One of our group was in the mood for some sushi......so we rolled off to the Oriental restaurant on the Spa side, Mo Mo No Hannas I believe the name is. First impression, very nice decor and layout.....and my god!!! I can Smoke in a restaurant!!!! So at this point I'm as happy as the preverbial pig in poop. We ordered some spring rolls and sashimi, which were fresh enough....but deffinatly cut by someone who was never trained how to cut. Very thin sliced pieces, and the salmon was, honest to god, smoked! Smoked Sushi????? Not a good sign as we all looked at each other with mounting concearn

So....I asked if we could get basic sushi....Fish over a small bite size ball of rice. They could'nt grasp what I was asking for. Oh well....on to the main course. Plate service, not buffet. I ordered the Sezchwan Shrimp, my compadres ordered a selection of Teriyaki and Sezchwan, chicken, beef and shrimp. I am here to tell you......and mind you all 6 of us agreed....it was the worst Oriental Cuisine I have eaten in my life. Again I might be pickier then most, I was in foodservice for 20 years. It was extremely bland and tasteless. Anyways.....you get the picture.

After din-din we headed for the pool......err 9pm

. We sat there and had some cocktails and enjoyed the great warm breeze. The girls were ready to hit the sack......us boys were ready for a trip to PDC

So off we went!! Nabbed a cab for $12 and headed for 5th! When we got there we ran smack dab into the Tequila Barrel! Awesome little bar! Very warm atmopsphere, fun staff and excellent drinks @ $3.50 a cocktail, compared to the ******s $6.50 a pop....I'll get to that later

Stayed there for a couple hours chatting with the Owner, Link from Texas, really good guy....was pouring us some top shelf tequila shots(3 each!) ...on the house

. After that we walked 5th for awhile then headed back to ASP.

Next morning we hit Mundaca's for Breakfast.......at this point I didn't know what to expect. It was a buffet style breakfast, with 2 grill stations, one for eggs, and the other for French Toast and Pancakes. I'm a pretty simple person for Breakfast in Mexico....Scrambled with Ham, covered in fresh Pico de Gallo, tortillas Harina (flour) and Refrieds. As long as I watched the cook....my eggs were perfect. I had to tell him when to pull them from the grill...they tend to overcook all the eggs if you don't say differently. My wife had french toast and some eggs. Overall the breakfast was good! Once you figured which buffet items suited your tastes...you could build a decent hot, fresh meal. We ended up eating breakfast at Mundacas every day except for the last, we ate at the Oriental rest. Which was basically the same set up for food.

After Breakfast the girls were off to the pool and I was off to Akumal and Half Moon Bay for some snorkeling. Caught a cab down...$15, he dropped me on the middle of the bay coast. Water was as smooth as glass! I was pleasantly surprised! Got in the water with Entilzha's map burned into my brain, and headed out to Turtle City and the Coral Islands. I stayed out for about 3 hours, saw lots of sealife! Saw 3 turtles, a very good sized barricuda, lots of great formations...fish, tons of Urchins and Fans. Over all I wasn't dissapointed. Talked to one guy who had been there all week, he said it was by far the calmest day. Sure enough the wind picked up the next day, and wasn't able to get back out there

It was so calm, we were able to get over the North Wall!! When I got out of the Water I walked south to the North side of the Bay. There I found La Buena Vida Restaraunt and Bar. Very nice place! Had a couple Brews while enjoying the view of the Bay! Had to walk back to Akumal from there....about 15 mins, because of no cabs. Caught a cab once I got to taxi stand in Aukamal and headed back to ASP.

Joined the girls at the Pool, and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon drinking mudslides, swimming, meeting great folks....and just relaxing

This a good place to interject my pool notes. I was very impressed with the pool layout on our side. Also, there were lots of folks to meet and interact with. The pool bar and grill were very nice. Great drinks, 2 at a time (they were small) and great burgers. Also, the adult atmosphere was refreshing. Not seeing and hearing the usual poolside antics of the wee ones was nice. There were a few topless gals, including the Mrs. ....albeit briefly and while errrr.."Pina Colada Happy"

Got ready for dinner, figured we would try Mundaca's for dinner, seeing breakfast there was good. Their menu was basically Steaks....plate service, with a few appetizers. Was told the night before by some folks from West Virginia that they had a Authentic Ceaser Salad that couldn't be missed! This goes back to my disclaimer.....everyones tastes and perceptions are different. I ordered a Ceasar and I receved the following.....3 Whole Romaine lettuce leafs.....drowned in some thick kind of ceasar dressing I've never had the pleasure of partaking before, then covered with about a half can of Kraft Parmesean cheese. Hmmmm....not a good sign...again!

Ordered the Tenderloin, received some sort of tenderloin-flank steak cut, half a microwaved Baked potato, and a small portion of steamed veggies. Overall not as bad as the previous night, but still left a lot to be desired. All 6 of us agreed......we were done with dinners at ASP, all inclusive or not.....we wanted, and knew, there was great food out there. So suffice to say...that is the end of my ASP food review. Breakfasts were good.....lunches were good, burgers and afternoon taco buffet at Mundaca's. Dinners were simply...Bad.

The other restaurants, looking at their menus, offered no glimmer of dinner hope for us. One restaraunt...El Grecko I believe? Was closed for the week.

Next day after our Mundaca breakfast we headed down to Xpu-Ha to check out the beach and facility. It was nice....but not our kind of place. Really geared for kids....I would have loved it when I was a kid

The beach downright Stunk...literally...like rotted seaweed. Again....all 6 of us have lived on the beach all of our lives. The water was great though! After about an hour we were ready to head back to ASP. Mrs. Sideways headed for a spa treatment and I headed out to a nearby Cenote. She got the Aromatherapy 80 min message down at one of the bungalows at the lagoon, she absolutely loved it! This from a woman who does...LOTS... of spa stuff.

I went to a Kantun Chi Cenote, about 2 miles south. This is a series of 4 outdoor domed cenotes. The cenotes themselves are not the best, but the jungle trails along with a small mayan ruin make them cool! The big thing here was the underground Cavern. All I can say is WOW! Climbed down a well bout 12 feet, and after a 15 second hike thru a lit tunnel you came into this grand subterranean cavern. Stalagtites, stalagmites, and a 15' deep crystal clear pool that ran the length of the cavern! Was Awesome! Cavern was about 100' x 40' ceiling maybe 10' high. Now the downside was this cost $40, I know there are cheaper caverns and cenotes, but I went on Monday and was there for 3 hours.......and never saw another person

Now.....I had arranged with my Cabbie to pick me up at 2pm.....he never showed. So, I started hoofing it down to the road with one of the guys who worked at Kantun, nice guys there, on the way to the main road I slipped and rolled my ankle. What a bone head!!! It hurt...but I thought "What the hell...Im walking it off" well we got to the road and stopped at a little roadside taqueria for a beer. While enjoying my Modelo Especial I looked down at my ankle and about keeled over....it was swollen to 2 times normal size...we're talking grotesquely huge! I was like....oh shit! there goes my vacation

. We've all done this before....thats why I didn't initially think alot about it. Anyways I was able to walk fairly good..so I flagged down a cab and headed back to ASP to get ready for Festivus at the ******. 8 days later and the ankles still swollen and soar....luckily I was able to function. Thought I was done with snorkeling

but I got an ankle wrap that with my booties was enough to not cause me too much pain kicking

So headed out to PDC.....Had about a dozen tacos at the lil taqueria next to the ******...yummy!!!!! The four of us then went to ****** for Festivus!! I had an awsome time talking to all the folks we have met on these boards...Shammy who was kind enough to take the time and set the event up...thanks Shams! Mr.Shammy and the 2 shammettes, Cerveza Dude, Sarah, Aliciacam, Huey, James, HighlyFab, and those crazy Texans...Paula and Mike.:p If I left anyone out...I beg your forgiveness

All in all...was lots of fun! The wind was deffinatly blowing thru there hard that night, the girls in our group couldn't take it

. Well...that coupled with the price tags on the cocktails, Hell, I won't pay $6.50 here for a rum and coke. Sooo....my 3 compadres left me to brave the wind and pricey drinks alone. After mingling for a hour or so I called it an evening......Great time!!!

Tuesday was comprised of the morning at the pool, and then Off to PDC in the Afternoon and Evening. Was told about a great Taqueria around the corner from the "old" Hagan-Daas so we went to check it out. Fantastic place to eat!! Owned and operated by Jimmy from New York (with a local partner, whose name escapes me at the moment) Anyways the food was outstanding! After luch it was shopping down 5th, and a stop at our watering hole, the Tequila Barrel

. As diverse as we like to think we are...we ended up going back to Jimmy's place for dinner....the food was just too good! When you get there...if you like hot...let Jimmy know and he'll whip you up some fresh Habenero salsa! After dinner it was back to ASP for an early night.

Wednesday....tired of taking cabs everywhere!! So I rent a Suburban for the day, $180 divided by the 3 couples...not to bad. Off we go to Tulum in the AM! It's funny that even after looing at all the pics of a place like Tulum....you still don't get it till your there in person. An awesome experience to say the least!! Briefly ran into the Shammy Fam there! Dang Joisey peeps were following us!!:p Everyone says Tulum is hot.....and I agree...it was steamy! I would advise going at 8 when they open, before the heat and the 40 tour busses arrive. After Tulum we piled into the monster burban and hit the road for Tankah Bay and Cenote Manatee.

Stoped at Casa Cenote for some refreshing beverages and eats. Absolutely the best...hands down...chips Ive ever had, they were making them fresh right on the grill, Guac was damn fine also!! Shrimp cocktails were very good also, with chuncks of fresh avocado and cilantro...hmmmm good! I have a question though...Of the 3 places we went too and ordered Shrimp...why do they only seem to get the oversized bay shrimp in the area? Pacific side you get monster prawns! After a leisurely lunch.....it was across the road to Manatee Cenote (thanks James!). Really cool cenote that runs pretty far back through the Mangroves, very clear...deep...and refreshing!! And best of all....FREE!!! The cenote actually empties into the sea infront of the Casa Cenote restaurant via an underground river....neat!! You can see it bubbling up in the sea. After some beach time we packed back into the Big Chevy and hit it to Akumal and HMB La buena Vida Restaurant. Ate some Quesadillas and snacks there while enjoying the veiw of Half Moon Bay. All in all...a very relaxing yet full day!!

05-03-2005

Thursday morn sees the gals heading to the pool while me and Mark head to Yal-Ku. Cabbed it down and paid the $6 dollar fee. Pretty interesting snorkeling, seeing it's a lagoon. Saw more fish there than in HMB. Could actually swim through good size schools! Also saw another big 3+ feet Barracuda! Mark was swimming right by him and didn't see him till I tugged on his fin...

Only stayed about 2 hours.....started to get crowded and stirred up after that

So once again we walked down to La Buena Vida Rest. Had a couple barly pops and called a cab back to ASP. The rest of the day was a semi blur of Mudslides, pool volleyball, naps under the palapa....and meeting new folks

Friday....last full day

Started with a couple hours by the pool before heading to Puerto Aventura for the Swim with the dolphins! What an awesome experience. I've been around them in the ocean all my life....surfing, sailing, the Navy, Merchant Marine......but I've never had the level of appreciation and understanding until this experience. For anyone who thinks of getting on their soapbox and lecturing me about how "Bad" the programs are, feel free to PM me and we will discuss it. Otherwise...I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring it in this thread....I wouldn't do that to your thread

After The Dolphins it was back to ASP for some Spa time! The Mrs. went for her 2nd Aromatherapy while I went for the Hot Stone Massage! I've never had a "Spa" Massage before......they didn't have that kind in the ports of call we hit in the Navy

Man was it COOL!!!! I could do that every day till I get tossed in the ground! Totally relaxing and soothing. The spa facilities were also great!

After the Spa it was back to PDC for one last dinner at Jimmy's place! Phenomenal as usual! Did some shopping around 5th and headed back to ASP to pack

<O:p

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05-03-2005

Saturday saw the fun come to an end....starting with our Private transfer being 20 mins late to get us....not like he had to pick anyone else . The Apple folks weren't very helpful finding out where he was either. What a zoo at Cancun<ST1:p airport!!! Holy Crap! But we got off on time and arrived in LA just fine......home to see our pups!<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shape id=_x0000_i1026 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://playadelcarmeninfo.com/playa-forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\sydowga1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\cli p_image002.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape><O:p

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So to wrap it up heres my take on ASP<O:p

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Food - Breakfast and lunch Good. Dinner's Horrible<O:p</O:p

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Pool- Aventura side was totally rockin!! Never been a vacation by the pool guy. But this pool was chock full of interesting folk!<O:p</O:p

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Spa - Simply Outstanding....don't focus on price...just enjoy it!!!<O:p</O:p

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Rooms - No complaints! Loved the liqour dispensors<v:shape id=_x0000_i1027 style="WIDTH: 14.25pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://playadelcarmeninfo.com/playa-forum/images/smilies/clap.gif" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\sydowga1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\cli p_image003.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>. Never did use the Jacuzzi tub though<v:shape id=_x0000_i1028 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://playadelcarmeninfo.com/playa-forum/images/smilies/eek.gif" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\sydowga1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\cli p_image004.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>. Nice big shower with bench. Veiw was outstanding.<O:p

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Service - Was for the most very good, and when it wasn't it was something that was out of the individuals control.<O:p

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Grounds - Lovely!

Overall a good experience...had loads of fun and met some great people!! Pics will be posted soon! Thanks for bearing with the long winded report

Thanks to everyone who gave me great info prior to the trip! It provided invaluble!!!!!!!!!

<O:p</O:p

05-03-2005

Hi Sideways - - (is your name a reference to the movie??)

Thanks for the great review. We are headed to ASP at end of May. A bit concerned about your comments on the food. I live on the east coast and have traveled to many islands on vacation (Aruba, St. John, Tortola, Maui, Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Turks and Caicos, Cancun - Moon Palace). Being I am from the NJ/NY area I have dined at many fine restaurants - but I sort of know not to except too much from ASP. Though I will say I doubt that the food could be worse than Melia Caribe in Dominican Republic. LOL. My hubby is not as picky as I am - tho he has more limited tastes. Hopefully we will be able to find some food we can tolerate for dinner.

On to my question - what is a cenote??? I have read about it before - but still not sure? I thought it was a tour operator but now I am unsure.

Thanks!
Beth

TAPPY · 05-03-2005

Great report, loved hearing your take on everything.

05-03-2005

thank you for such a great detailed report. I was worried about the food, guess I'll have to go get big breakfasts and lunches, We really aren't dinner people anyhow. A couple questions, did you snorkel in the lagoon there, if so how was it? Also we would like to take a couple day excursions by ourselves (nixing the tour idea) do you know where to get info on the cenotes, and other stuff to explore. Maybe a good map, or book? sounds like you knew where you were going, and what you were doing pretty well. Thanks again for the report, I've been looking forward to it (seeing as how you are the food guy) and I can't wait to see the pics.

05-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beth66

Hi Sideways - - (is your name a reference to the movie??)

Thanks for the great review. We are headed to ASP at end of May. A bit concerned about your comments on the food. I live on the east coast and have traveled to many islands on vacation (Aruba, St. John, Tortola, Maui, Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Turks and Caicos, Cancun - Moon Palace). Being I am from the NJ/NY area I have dined at many fine restaurants - but I sort of know not to except too much from ASP. Though I will say I doubt that the food could be worse than Melia Caribe in Dominican Republic. LOL. My hubby is not as picky as I am - tho he has more limited tastes. Hopefully we will be able to find some food we can tolerate for dinner.

On to my question - what is a cenote??? I have read about it before - but still not sure? I thought it was a tour operator but now I am unsure.

Thanks!
Beth

Beth...I think some folks might get stuck in the "I already paid for it" rut. Our group was not like that. Once we decided that we were done with the ASP dinners...it was off to greener pastures. There are too many good eating establishments in the area to be sure

A cenote is a sink hole, filled with fresh water. Usually I believe in and around limestone. There are hundreds on the Peninsula.

My name was given to me long ago by caring friends......Who basically said I talked "Sideways" or better yet "Out the side of my neck".....

I don't know what they were trying to say?? Moi? a smart a$$??

Quote:

thank you for such a great detailed report. I was worried about the food, guess I'll have to go get big breakfasts and lunches, We really aren't dinner people anyhow. A couple questions, did you snorkel in the lagoon there, if so how was it? Also we would like to take a couple day excursions by ourselves (nixing the tour idea) do you know where to get info on the cenotes, and other stuff to explore. Maybe a good map, or book? sounds like you knew where you were going, and what you were doing pretty well. Thanks again for the report, I've been looking forward to it (seeing as how you are the food guy) and I can't wait to see the pics.

Thanks Barn. Thats exactly what we did, loaded up on breakfast and lunch, then taco'd out at night. I didn't snorkel the lagoons there, they would be a great swimming hole but for snorkeling? Maybe for the extreme beginner. As far as info...I got 90% of it here from the great folks and past posts. Get Mapchicks maps!! A must have! There is also a post here by Denisea and added onto by James of some great cenotes in the area.

Thanks Tappy!

05-03-2005

Heres the Cenote Thread

http://playa.info/playa-forum/showth...hlight=cenotes

And here's Maps!

http://www.mapchick.com/

05-03-2005

Thanks for the info! I sort of thought it had something to do with water - but had to ask! Another question - so eating offsite didn't get you sick at all correct? Also - besides rum and tequila - what are the other 2 bottles of liquor handing in the room? Any good drink recommondations? I love wine and champagne but hear both are pretty bad at ASP. I would consider going into PDC for it tho!!!! We would clear out the water in our fridge in order to chill some champagne!

Lastly - did you venture to the spa side pool? We are requesting a room in the middle of the resort - so we can go to either pool we prefer. Sounds like the Aventura side is a bit livelier.

Thanks again!

05-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beth66

Thanks for the info! I sort of thought it had something to do with water - but had to ask! Another question - so eating offsite didn't get you sick at all correct? Also - besides rum and tequila - what are the other 2 bottles of liquor handing in the room? Any good drink recommondations? I love wine and champagne but hear both are pretty bad at ASP. I would consider going into PDC for it tho!!!! We would clear out the water in our fridge in order to chill some champagne!

Lastly - did you venture to the spa side pool? We are requesting a room in the middle of the resort - so we can go to either pool we prefer. Sounds like the Aventura side is a bit livelier.

Thanks again!

All the restaurants I went to served bottled water, None of us had any issues. Saw plenty of liquor stores, Im sure you could find some decent Chilean wine. I never went over to the Spa side pool......I enjoyed our pool to much

The dispensers in the room had Light Bacardi, Presidente Brandy, Scotch(cant remember brand), and Cuervo gold. We tried to get them to change 1 bottle for Vodka.....no go

05-03-2005

Thanks for the great review! I found it very informative, and am looking foward to ASP in October. Even though the food is not so great for dinner, you gave us some good ideas on where to go if we dont decide to eat in. Thanks for sharing your insight!

05-04-2005

Great Review........Our friends are getting married at ASP next month but we decided to stay at a smaller hotel instead, Riviera Caribe Maya, mainly cause of price and reviews and we'll be closer to town and different places to eat, but at least we'll get to check it out for the wedding.......

**Shammy** · 05-04-2005

Greg...err, I mean Forrest... :p

I'm not sure if I burned up too many brain cells on Monday as after all, I actually feel asleep in the cab back to the Bahia when the Festivus was over (and I would NEVER normally do this as I'm scared s**tless of these things

but Mr. Shams was happy not th hear me crying in the back seat and had to stick a mirror under my nose to make sure I was still alive cause the sobbing had ceased), but I SO do not recall seeing you at Tulum on Wednesday!

I DO recall seeing pj4texas and hubby but where the heck do you come in?

My Gawd...I'm losing my marbles....

HEY! I think I just figured out the new tag line I've been trying to come up with......

"Losin her marbles"

I think I may have to think about thinking about this!

05-04-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shammy

Greg...err, I mean Forrest... :p

I'm not sure if I burned up too many brain cells on Monday as after all, I actually feel asleep in the cab back to the Bahia when the Festivus was over (and I would NEVER normally do this as I'm scared s**tless of these things

but Mr. Shams was happy not th hear me crying in the back seat and had to stick a mirror under my nose to make sure I was still alive cause the sobbing had ceased), but I SO do not recall seeing you at Tulum on Wednesday!

I DO recall seeing pj4texas and hubby but where the heck do you come in?

My Gawd...I'm losing my marbles....

HEY! I think I just figured out the new tag line I've been trying to come up with......

"Losin her marbles"

I think I may have to think about thinking about this!

You know.....they say the mind is the first to go....well after the Smoking hot Stripper Bod of course

In your defense, it was a brief encounter...said our hiyas and then were pulled away by our respective groups in diff. directions. We were smack dab in the middle of the compound....funny..I didn't see Paula and Mike there....hmmm

Mc and Tex......If you have any questions, pls don't hesitate to ask. I know I had tons of unanswered little questions.

cmppsp · 05-04-2005

Sideways.........great trip report!!! Where is Jimmy's place located? Is that the real name? What did everyone order that was good?

05-03-2005	#1 (permalink)
Sideways Guest Posts: n/a	ASP Trip report....Grab a cup of coffee...it's a looong one Hiya guys! Well we just returned from our week at ASP. Before I get rolling I need to give a disclaimer of sorts. I've read a bunch of negative reviews on places, as I'm sure everyone else has. I't the last thing we want to hear, but we have to realize that everyone has different levels of expectations, standards, likes and dislikes, etc... Me, my wife, and 2 other couples made the trip together. We are all from Southern California, 3 of us have lived in Mexico, and the other 3 have traveled there extensively. We also, being from a HUGE diverse metro area, have been exposed to extensive resturants, Hotels, Cuisines and motiffs. With this being said......please understand that we might be a lot more.....finicky than some. I will try to accentuate the positives, which there where plenty of, but I can not ignore some of the negatives, and remain objective. Please don't Flame me for stating my opinion....it's just that, Mine! Also of some note, we would have probably never booked an AI on our own, we did it because our friends did and we wanted to be with them. I seriously doubt we will ever do another AI. In our PDC future all 6 of us agreed on a villa on the beach in PDC or Half Moon Bay Arrived ontime to Cancun Airport, from getting off the plane to getting on our Shuttle was 25 mins. Who could ask for better?? I was amazed at how quickly we breezed thru! I was a little nervous seeing we had 6 bags! Yes....I said 6! One dedicated to shoes alone...LOL. We had the Private transfer service from Apple. Originally we had their normal service, but upgraded to the privte for $100 more. Well worth it, and we would gladly do it again just for the convienence of a non-stop transfer. Arrived at ASP after the 1 hour shuttle ride, to find that they had indeed listened to our groups requests as far as room types and placements. We had asked to be as close to each other as possible, on the Aventura side, King size beds and 2nd or 3rd floors. Our room was 3rd floor, King, with a great veiw of the Pool and Ocean. Our friends rooms were on the 2nd floor, same building, not great veiws, but not far from us or the pool . Check in went very smoothly, everyone got settled in and unpacked. We hit the lobby bar at 5pm, where I was hopping to meet up with Gene and Kat (Sundowner). Stoopid me:p couldn't remeber the exact time me and Gene had discussed, and I didn't know what side they were on, Aventura or Spa. So we basically spent an hour or so at both...LOL. Really sorry we didn't hook up Gene, I was looking forward to it. So! One of our group was in the mood for some sushi......so we rolled off to the Oriental restaurant on the Spa side, Mo Mo No Hannas I believe the name is. First impression, very nice decor and layout.....and my god!!! I can Smoke in a restaurant!!!! So at this point I'm as happy as the preverbial pig in poop. We ordered some spring rolls and sashimi, which were fresh enough....but deffinatly cut by someone who was never trained how to cut. Very thin sliced pieces, and the salmon was, honest to god, smoked! Smoked Sushi????? Not a good sign as we all looked at each other with mounting concearn So....I asked if we could get basic sushi....Fish over a small bite size ball of rice. They could'nt grasp what I was asking for. Oh well....on to the main course. Plate service, not buffet. I ordered the Sezchwan Shrimp, my compadres ordered a selection of Teriyaki and Sezchwan, chicken, beef and shrimp. I am here to tell you......and mind you all 6 of us agreed....it was the worst Oriental Cuisine I have eaten in my life. Again I might be pickier then most, I was in foodservice for 20 years. It was extremely bland and tasteless. Anyways.....you get the picture. After din-din we headed for the pool......err 9pm . We sat there and had some cocktails and enjoyed the great warm breeze. The girls were ready to hit the sack......us boys were ready for a trip to PDC So off we went!! Nabbed a cab for $12 and headed for 5th! When we got there we ran smack dab into the Tequila Barrel! Awesome little bar! Very warm atmopsphere, fun staff and excellent drinks @ $3.50 a cocktail, compared to the ****s $6.50 a pop....I'll get to that later Stayed there for a couple hours chatting with the Owner, Link from Texas, really good guy....was pouring us some top shelf tequila shots(3 each!) ...on the house . After that we walked 5th for awhile then headed back to ASP. Next morning we hit Mundaca's for Breakfast.......at this point I didn't know what to expect. It was a buffet style breakfast, with 2 grill stations, one for eggs, and the other for French Toast and Pancakes. I'm a pretty simple person for Breakfast in Mexico....Scrambled with Ham, covered in fresh Pico de Gallo, tortillas Harina (flour) and Refrieds. As long as I watched the cook....my eggs were perfect. I had to tell him when to pull them from the grill...they tend to overcook all the eggs if you don't say differently. My wife had french toast and some eggs. Overall the breakfast was good! Once you figured which buffet items suited your tastes...you could build a decent hot, fresh meal. We ended up eating breakfast at Mundacas every day except for the last, we ate at the Oriental rest. Which was basically the same set up for food. After Breakfast the girls were off to the pool and I was off to Akumal and Half Moon Bay for some snorkeling. Caught a cab down...$15, he dropped me on the middle of the bay coast. Water was as smooth as glass! I was pleasantly surprised! Got in the water with Entilzha's map burned into my brain, and headed out to Turtle City and the Coral Islands. I stayed out for about 3 hours, saw lots of sealife! Saw 3 turtles, a very good sized barricuda, lots of great formations...fish, tons of Urchins and Fans. Over all I wasn't dissapointed. Talked to one guy who had been there all week, he said it was by far the calmest day. Sure enough the wind picked up the next day, and wasn't able to get back out there It was so calm, we were able to get over the North Wall!! When I got out of the Water I walked south to the North side of the Bay. There I found La Buena Vida Restaraunt and Bar. Very nice place! Had a couple Brews while enjoying the view of the Bay! Had to walk back to Akumal from there....about 15 mins, because of no cabs. Caught a cab once I got to taxi stand in Aukamal and headed back to ASP. Joined the girls at the Pool, and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon drinking mudslides, swimming, meeting great folks....and just relaxing This a good place to interject my pool notes. I was very impressed with the pool layout on our side. Also, there were lots of folks to meet and interact with. The pool bar and grill were very nice. Great drinks, 2 at a time (they were small) and great burgers. Also, the adult atmosphere was refreshing. Not seeing and hearing the usual poolside antics of the wee ones was nice. There were a few topless gals, including the Mrs. ....albeit briefly and while errrr.."Pina Colada Happy" Got ready for dinner, figured we would try Mundaca's for dinner, seeing breakfast there was good. Their menu was basically Steaks....plate service, with a few appetizers. Was told the night before by some folks from West Virginia that they had a Authentic Ceaser Salad that couldn't be missed! This goes back to my disclaimer.....everyones tastes and perceptions are different. I ordered a Ceasar and I receved the following.....3 Whole Romaine lettuce leafs.....drowned in some thick kind of ceasar dressing I've never had the pleasure of partaking before, then covered with about a half can of Kraft Parmesean cheese. Hmmmm....not a good sign...again! Ordered the Tenderloin, received some sort of tenderloin-flank steak cut, half a microwaved Baked potato, and a small portion of steamed veggies. Overall not as bad as the previous night, but still left a lot to be desired. All 6 of us agreed......we were done with dinners at ASP, all inclusive or not.....we wanted, and knew, there was great food out there. So suffice to say...that is the end of my ASP food review. Breakfasts were good.....lunches were good, burgers and afternoon taco buffet at Mundaca's. Dinners were simply...Bad. The other restaurants, looking at their menus, offered no glimmer of dinner hope for us. One restaraunt...El Grecko I believe? Was closed for the week. Next day after our Mundaca breakfast we headed down to Xpu-Ha to check out the beach and facility. It was nice....but not our kind of place. Really geared for kids....I would have loved it when I was a kid The beach downright Stunk...literally...like rotted seaweed. Again....all 6 of us have lived on the beach all of our lives. The water was great though! After about an hour we were ready to head back to ASP. Mrs. Sideways headed for a spa treatment and I headed out to a nearby Cenote. She got the Aromatherapy 80 min message down at one of the bungalows at the lagoon, she absolutely loved it! This from a woman who does...LOTS... of spa stuff. I went to a Kantun Chi Cenote, about 2 miles south. This is a series of 4 outdoor domed cenotes. The cenotes themselves are not the best, but the jungle trails along with a small mayan ruin make them cool! The big thing here was the underground Cavern. All I can say is WOW! Climbed down a well bout 12 feet, and after a 15 second hike thru a lit tunnel you came into this grand subterranean cavern. Stalagtites, stalagmites, and a 15' deep crystal clear pool that ran the length of the cavern! Was Awesome! Cavern was about 100' x 40' ceiling maybe 10' high. Now the downside was this cost $40, I know there are cheaper caverns and cenotes, but I went on Monday and was there for 3 hours.......and never saw another person Now.....I had arranged with my Cabbie to pick me up at 2pm.....he never showed. So, I started hoofing it down to the road with one of the guys who worked at Kantun, nice guys there, on the way to the main road I slipped and rolled my ankle. What a bone head!!! It hurt...but I thought "What the hell...Im walking it off" well we got to the road and stopped at a little roadside taqueria for a beer. While enjoying my Modelo Especial I looked down at my ankle and about keeled over....it was swollen to 2 times normal size...we're talking grotesquely huge! I was like....oh shit! there goes my vacation . We've all done this before....thats why I didn't initially think alot about it. Anyways I was able to walk fairly good..so I flagged down a cab and headed back to ASP to get ready for Festivus at the **. 8 days later and the ankles still swollen and soar....luckily I was able to function. Thought I was done with snorkeling but I got an ankle wrap that with my booties was enough to not cause me too much pain kicking So headed out to PDC.....Had about a dozen tacos at the lil taqueria next to the **...yummy!!!!! The four of us then went to **** for Festivus!! I had an awsome time talking to all the folks we have met on these boards...Shammy who was kind enough to take the time and set the event up...thanks Shams! Mr.Shammy and the 2 shammettes, Cerveza Dude, Sarah, Aliciacam, Huey, James, HighlyFab, and those crazy Texans...Paula and Mike.:p If I left anyone out...I beg your forgiveness All in all...was lots of fun! The wind was deffinatly blowing thru there hard that night, the girls in our group couldn't take it. Well...that coupled with the price tags on the cocktails, Hell, I won't pay $6.50 here for a rum and coke. Sooo....my 3 compadres left me to brave the wind and pricey drinks alone. After mingling for a hour or so I called it an evening......Great time!!! Tuesday was comprised of the morning at the pool, and then Off to PDC in the Afternoon and Evening. Was told about a great Taqueria around the corner from the "old" Hagan-Daas so we went to check it out. Fantastic place to eat!! Owned and operated by Jimmy from New York (with a local partner, whose name escapes me at the moment) Anyways the food was outstanding! After luch it was shopping down 5th, and a stop at our watering hole, the Tequila Barrel . As diverse as we like to think we are...we ended up going back to Jimmy's place for dinner....the food was just too good! When you get there...if you like hot...let Jimmy know and he'll whip you up some fresh Habenero salsa! After dinner it was back to ASP for an early night. Wednesday....tired of taking cabs everywhere!! So I rent a Suburban for the day, $180 divided by the 3 couples...not to bad. Off we go to Tulum in the AM! It's funny that even after looing at all the pics of a place like Tulum....you still don't get it till your there in person. An awesome experience to say the least!! Briefly ran into the Shammy Fam there! Dang Joisey peeps were following us!!:p Everyone says Tulum is hot.....and I agree...it was steamy! I would advise going at 8 when they open, before the heat and the 40 tour busses arrive. After Tulum we piled into the monster burban and hit the road for Tankah Bay and Cenote Manatee. Stoped at Casa Cenote for some refreshing beverages and eats. Absolutely the best...hands down...chips Ive ever had, they were making them fresh right on the grill, Guac was damn fine also!! Shrimp cocktails were very good also, with chuncks of fresh avocado and cilantro...hmmmm good! I have a question though...Of the 3 places we went too and ordered Shrimp...why do they only seem to get the oversized bay shrimp in the area? Pacific side you get monster prawns! After a leisurely lunch.....it was across the road to Manatee Cenote (thanks James!). Really cool cenote that runs pretty far back through the Mangroves, very clear...deep...and refreshing!! And best of all....FREE!!! The cenote actually empties into the sea infront of the Casa Cenote restaurant via an underground river....neat!! You can see it bubbling up in the sea. After some beach time we packed back into the Big Chevy and hit it to Akumal and HMB La buena Vida Restaurant. Ate some Quesadillas and snacks there while enjoying the veiw of Half Moon Bay. All in all...a very relaxing yet full day!!

05-03-2005	#2 (permalink)
Sideways Guest Posts: n/a	pt2 Thursday morn sees the gals heading to the pool while me and Mark head to Yal-Ku. Cabbed it down and paid the $6 dollar fee. Pretty interesting snorkeling, seeing it's a lagoon. Saw more fish there than in HMB. Could actually swim through good size schools! Also saw another big 3+ feet Barracuda! Mark was swimming right by him and didn't see him till I tugged on his fin... Only stayed about 2 hours.....started to get crowded and stirred up after that So once again we walked down to La Buena Vida Rest. Had a couple barly pops and called a cab back to ASP. The rest of the day was a semi blur of Mudslides, pool volleyball, naps under the palapa....and meeting new folks Friday....last full day Started with a couple hours by the pool before heading to Puerto Aventura for the Swim with the dolphins! What an awesome experience. I've been around them in the ocean all my life....surfing, sailing, the Navy, Merchant Marine......but I've never had the level of appreciation and understanding until this experience. For anyone who thinks of getting on their soapbox and lecturing me about how "Bad" the programs are, feel free to PM me and we will discuss it. Otherwise...I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring it in this thread....I wouldn't do that to your thread After The Dolphins it was back to ASP for some Spa time! The Mrs. went for her 2nd Aromatherapy while I went for the Hot Stone Massage! I've never had a "Spa" Massage before......they didn't have that kind in the ports of call we hit in the Navy Man was it COOL!!!! I could do that every day till I get tossed in the ground! Totally relaxing and soothing. The spa facilities were also great! After the Spa it was back to PDC for one last dinner at Jimmy's place! Phenomenal as usual! Did some shopping around 5th and headed back to ASP to pack <O:p <O:p Last edited by Sideways; 05-03-2005 at 05:31 PM..

05-03-2005	#3 (permalink)
Sideways Guest Posts: n/a	pt3 Saturday saw the fun come to an end....starting with our Private transfer being 20 mins late to get us....not like he had to pick anyone else . The Apple folks weren't very helpful finding out where he was either. What a zoo at Cancun<ST1:p airport!!! Holy Crap! But we got off on time and arrived in LA just fine......home to see our pups!<?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shape id=_x0000_i1026 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://playadelcarmeninfo.com/playa-forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\sydowga1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\cli p_image002.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape><O:p <O:p So to wrap it up heres my take on ASP<O:p <O:p Food - Breakfast and lunch Good. Dinner's Horrible<O:p</O:p <O:p Pool- Aventura side was totally rockin!! Never been a vacation by the pool guy. But this pool was chock full of interesting folk!<O:p</O:p <O:p Spa - Simply Outstanding....don't focus on price...just enjoy it!!!<O:p</O:p <O:p Rooms - No complaints! Loved the liqour dispensors<v:shape id=_x0000_i1027 style="WIDTH: 14.25pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://playadelcarmeninfo.com/playa-forum/images/smilies/clap.gif" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\sydowga1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\cli p_image003.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>. Never did use the Jacuzzi tub though<v:shape id=_x0000_i1028 style="WIDTH: 12pt; HEIGHT: 12pt" alt="" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:href="http://playadelcarmeninfo.com/playa-forum/images/smilies/eek.gif" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\sydowga1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\cli p_image004.gif"></v:imagedata></v:shape>. Nice big shower with bench. Veiw was outstanding.<O:p <O:p Service - Was for the most very good, and when it wasn't it was something that was out of the individuals control.<O:p <O:p Grounds - Lovely! Overall a good experience...had loads of fun and met some great people!! Pics will be posted soon! Thanks for bearing with the long winded report Thanks to everyone who gave me great info prior to the trip! It provided invaluble!!!!!!!!! <O:p</O:p Last edited by Sideways; 05-03-2005 at 05:46 PM..

05-03-2005	#8 (permalink)
Sideways Guest Posts: n/a	Heres the Cenote Thread http://playa.info/playa-forum/showth...hlight=cenotes And here's Maps! http://www.mapchick.com/ Last edited by Sideways; 05-03-2005 at 06:36 PM..

05-03-2005	#4 (permalink)
Beth66 Guest Posts: n/a	Hi Sideways - - (is your name a reference to the movie??) Thanks for the great review. We are headed to ASP at end of May. A bit concerned about your comments on the food. I live on the east coast and have traveled to many islands on vacation (Aruba, St. John, Tortola, Maui, Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Turks and Caicos, Cancun - Moon Palace). Being I am from the NJ/NY area I have dined at many fine restaurants - but I sort of know not to except too much from ASP. Though I will say I doubt that the food could be worse than Melia Caribe in Dominican Republic. LOL. My hubby is not as picky as I am - tho he has more limited tastes. Hopefully we will be able to find some food we can tolerate for dinner. On to my question - what is a cenote??? I have read about it before - but still not sure? I thought it was a tour operator but now I am unsure. Thanks! Beth

05-03-2005	#5 (permalink)
TAPPY añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 15,315	Great report, loved hearing your take on everything.

05-03-2005	#6 (permalink)
Barn Guest Posts: n/a	thank you for such a great detailed report. I was worried about the food, guess I'll have to go get big breakfasts and lunches, We really aren't dinner people anyhow. A couple questions, did you snorkel in the lagoon there, if so how was it? Also we would like to take a couple day excursions by ourselves (nixing the tour idea) do you know where to get info on the cenotes, and other stuff to explore. Maybe a good map, or book? sounds like you knew where you were going, and what you were doing pretty well. Thanks again for the report, I've been looking forward to it (seeing as how you are the food guy) and I can't wait to see the pics.

05-03-2005	#9 (permalink)
Beth66 Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks for the info! I sort of thought it had something to do with water - but had to ask! Another question - so eating offsite didn't get you sick at all correct? Also - besides rum and tequila - what are the other 2 bottles of liquor handing in the room? Any good drink recommondations? I love wine and champagne but hear both are pretty bad at ASP. I would consider going into PDC for it tho!!!! We would clear out the water in our fridge in order to chill some champagne! Lastly - did you venture to the spa side pool? We are requesting a room in the middle of the resort - so we can go to either pool we prefer. Sounds like the Aventura side is a bit livelier. Thanks again!

05-03-2005	#11 (permalink)
mclorrie Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks for the great review! I found it very informative, and am looking foward to ASP in October. Even though the food is not so great for dinner, you gave us some good ideas on where to go if we dont decide to eat in. Thanks for sharing your insight!

05-04-2005	#12 (permalink)
Tex84 Guest Posts: n/a	Great Review........Our friends are getting married at ASP next month but we decided to stay at a smaller hotel instead, Riviera Caribe Maya, mainly cause of price and reviews and we'll be closer to town and different places to eat, but at least we'll get to check it out for the wedding.......

05-04-2005	#13 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,993	Greg...err, I mean Forrest... :p I'm not sure if I burned up too many brain cells on Monday as after all, I actually feel asleep in the cab back to the Bahia when the Festivus was over (and I would NEVER normally do this as I'm scared s*tless of these things but Mr. Shams was happy not th hear me crying in the back seat and had to stick a mirror under my nose to make sure I was still alive cause the sobbing had ceased), but I SO do not recall seeing you at Tulum on Wednesday! I DO recall seeing pj4texas and hubby but where the heck do you come in? My Gawd...I'm losing my marbles.... HEY! I think I just figured out the new tag line I've been trying to come up with...... "Losin her marbles"* I think I may have to think about thinking about this!

05-04-2005	#15 (permalink)
cmppsp way into it Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 124	Sideways.........great trip report!!! Where is Jimmy's place located? Is that the real name? What did everyone order that was good?

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