Info on Real

[Doris]

Anyone been to the new AI call Real? Its on 10th just past contitutiones (sp?) . After returning from our trip to Mississippi (yes, we are moving ) We decided to take a final trip to Playa before the job begins. Anyway, I came across a deal from Orlando, staying at the Real for 7 nights, airport transfers included, for only $598 per person. That includes airfare! Although we are not AI type vactioners we just couldn't pass this up since Airfare alone from Tampa was over $500. So any input you can give me if you've has stayed there would be very helpful.

If it's the one I'm thinking of, the Real Playa del Carmen is owned by the Real Company. They also own Gran Porto Real and the new Royal Porto Real on Constituyentes. The Real Playa used to be the Club Bananas. They are not on the beach, but do have a nice beach club from what I have read. They provide shuttle service to the beach club that is a few blocks away. There are good reviews on Tripadvisor.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...GSSA965711.html

Hey! I tried to reply to your message last week, but something happened on the computer I was using and all was lost... Anyway, I was going on and on about all the WONDERFUL things about Mississippi. I have been in MS for 6 years now, and wouldn't live anywhere else (except Playa, of course). Anyway, to answer your question......

My wife and I and another couple stayed at the Real Playa del Carmen May 5-10 of this year. You don't need to go expecting a typical AI experience...the Royal Porto Real, it is not. HOWEVER, it was more than adequate for our needs. The restaurant is good, bar is good, service is EXCELLENT, and the walk to the beach and town is not far, and actually quite nice. If you prefer taxis, get a set price before you get in a cab, because it shouldn't cost you more than 20 pesos (25 max) to get anywhere in town. Just tell the cab driver what you are going to pay UP FRONT, and all will be okay. It's about a 3 minute cab ride anywhere in town. The beach club is about a 10 minute walk, and very nice. The rooms use window-unit ACs and ceiling fans, but they are nice. We paid about $125 more per person than you've been quoted, and we felt like we got a great deal. GO FOR IT, you will not be disappointed. Just understand that this is not a 5 star hotel. Understand that, and you will have a great time.

Now, back to MS....you have made a great decision to move here. I have lived in CA, TX, NC, SC, VA, DC, AL, GA and TN....I absolutely love MS, and don't plan on living anywhere else (at least in the US). Mississippians are the most loving, accepting people I have ever met, and you will like it here. GOOD LUCK.

PS - MS gets a bad rep from the media and by others....most of it is undeserved. Keep that in mind, and keep an OPEN mind, you will love it here. Send me a PM if you have any specific questions about Jackson...I lived there 2 years, and still have MANY friends there.

TT

[Doris]

Thanks TT for the input about Mississippi as well as your comments on Real. This is our first time in an AI, we normally wouldn't go this direction, however is was cheaper to take the entire package than it was for one airline ticket from Tampa. I figure we will probably eat breakfast at the hotel, maybe some lunch but will probably go out for dinner everynight. Too many good restraunts to visit.
As for Mississippi,you are right it was beautiful. Nothing like I envisioned. We found a great house on the reservoir that we intend to put an offer on. Rick will start his new Job on June 1st and he will just commute until we sell the house. Things happen for a reason and for some reason God picked Jackson Mississippi for our next adventure!
Maybe we can meet up sometime when we move, I'm not sure how far Tupelo is, but we can figure something out.
Thanks again!

Doris - You are planning exactly what we did; eat breakfast at the resort (sometimes lunch) and then eat out on the town for the evening. We got a good deal (though not as good as you!) and we feel like we still came out ahead by eating / drinking at night in PDC. I think you'll have a great experience. Try to find Jorge and Arodi at the resort - they are the Animation team that coordinates all activities at the resort (night) and on the beach (day time). They are wonderful, and tell them you know Denise and Jason from Mississippi; we have hung out w/ Jorge the last two years (He was at GPR last year).

I'm glad to hear you have an open mind about Jackson. I was going to recommend the Reservoir area, but didn't want to in case you found something else! I think you will love that area. Plenty to do out there, and still close to 'town' when you want to be down there. You've made a great decision.

Good luck! Also - Tupelo is about 3 hours away (to the northeast). There are a lot of fun things to do up here, so when you get settled and want to take a tour of your new adopted state, let me know. You can PM me when you get ready, and we'll meet somewhere. Y'all will be shown a great time, I promise! After all, you can't live in MS and NOT tour Elvis' birthplace in Tupelo, MS. Make sure you block out about 4 minutes for this tour, as it's not very big!

Take care.
TT