Riu Yucatan or Barcelo Maya?

momtoccc · 12-29-2005

Hi,

I have comparable quotes for both properties and need to decide between them. We are going in late January. Any recommendations? I've looked through reviews and they seem to be comparable - size of Barcelo kinda scares me though.

Thanks for your help!

Kellye

**Shammy** · 12-29-2005

I'm assuming your comparable quotes are for the original section of the Barcelo, the Barcelo Maya Beach - or was it for the new section, the Barcelo Maya Colonial? If the new section, that would make a difference.

But it really does come down to size. The Barcelo is a bigger property, but in my opinion, with the way it's all laid out, it's not THAT big. You don't have to go from side to side, you can hang out in front of your section of the resort and find a pool, section of beach, lunch restaurant, buffet, ala carte, lobby, etc. The 4 pools are huge and all have swim up bars, there is a children's water park, great evening entertainment, the most awesome secluded beach.
There is good on site snorkeling here as there is an offshore reef.

The Yucatan was renovated this past year, they added a small swim up bar in a new pool. The beach is nice, not nearly as expansive as the Barcelo and you do share this stretch with the other resorts in Playacar. The ocean is the most spectacular color of blue I've ever seen, but no snorkeling as there is no reef in this area. You're closer to town as well, if that means anything to you. Because it's a smaller resort, there are less dining options and bars - but again, it just depends on what you like - smaller or larger. I've been to the Barcelo 5 times, love this resort and wouldn't hesitate to go again, but the fact that the Yucatan is close to town is of particular interest to me personally.

TheBigSmoke · 12-29-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by momtoccc

Hi,

I have comparable quotes for both properties and need to decide between them. We are going in late January. Any recommendations? I've looked through reviews and they seem to be comparable - size of Barcelo kinda scares me though.

Thanks for your help!

Kellye

Isn't that funny, we had the exact same decision to make, although at the time of our booking the Barcelo Maya was about $200.00 cheaper (Tropical Beach - New side). We heard great things about both resorts, but we're beach people and the Barcelo's Beach reputation is really what impressed our final decision; that and as a couple we saved over $400.00. Go with what Shammy said though, she's had a lot of experience in the area ... I just thought it was worth adding my $0.02 as this was, like I said before, the excact comparison we pondered two weeks ago.

What ever you choose, have fun!

RAINDOGG · 12-29-2005

Well we stayed at the Barcelo Maya last year and thought it was o.k. However it was pretty boring. Beach is nice, but water not near as pretty as playacar. Stayed at he RIU Tequila which is across the street from Yucatan and we loved it. You can also go into Playa for about $5. The beach is similar and the water is much more beautiful. You will see considerable more toplessness at the Yucatan. I here the renovations are nice. In fact we booked the Yucatan for April 13-17. Good luck!!!

momtoccc · 12-29-2005

My original quote was for the Caribe/Beach side but I since found an even better deal on the new Colonial/Tropical side so I think that is what we are going to do. I think the bigger beach will be nicer for us. We can always take a taxi into PDC one day if we want.

Thanks for your help!

Kellye

TheBigSmoke · 12-29-2005

What was boring about it?

TheBigSmoke · 12-29-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by momtoccc

My original quote was for the Caribe/Beach side but I since found an even better deal on the new Colonial/Tropical side so I think that is what we are going to do. I think the bigger beach will be nicer for us. We can always take a taxi into PDC one day if we want.

Thanks for your help!

Kellye

That's what we're going to do. I think it's in the neighborhood of 15 bucks or so ... not such a big deal.

**Shammy** · 12-29-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAINDOGG

Well we stayed at the Barcelo Maya last year and thought it was o.k. However it was pretty boring. Beach is nice, but water not near as pretty as playacar. Stayed at he RIU Tequila which is across the street from Yucatan and we loved it. You can also go into Playa for about $5. The beach is similar and the water is much more beautiful. You will see considerable more toplessness at the Yucatan. I here the renovations are nice. In fact we booked the Yucatan for April 13-17. Good luck!!!

Well, I've personally never found the Barcelo to be boring, but I don't require more than a lounge chair, nice beach and a cold drink to occupy me. The water certainly is pretty here as well, clean and clear, just not AS turquoise blue as it is in Playacar.

But....that's why there are so many resorts to choose from in Riviera Maya - different strokes for different folks!

momtoccc · 12-29-2005

Ha Ha on the topless sunbathing... It won't bother me and the "CCCs" are NOT coming (this is a get-away for me and dh). I've already mentioned to him that we may see topless sunbathing - of course he doesn't mind

Kellye

TheBigSmoke · 12-29-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by momtoccc

Ha Ha on the topless sunbathing... It won't bother me and the "CCCs" are NOT coming (this is a get-away for me and dh). I've already mentioned to him that we may see topless sunbathing - of course he doesn't mind

Kellye

I edited my post ... the reference to toplessness was vague and could have been taken any number of ways ... My response wasn't fair. By the way, my Wife and I are off on the 9th of January ... and I won't mind either

vhonodel · 12-29-2005

[quote=momtoccc]Hi,

I have also been to both. What I like about the Riu's is you have acess to all the other properties, all within walking distance ( except the Palace, you won't be able to use that one). You can also venture off to the Playacar shopping area for something to do as well as walk to town through the Playacar area wich has many beautiful homes to look at and is quite a nice walk. At the Barcelo, I would'nt necessarily say I was bored but rather "confined" it's just alot easier said than done to pick up and jaunt into town for $28 RT each time you feel like getting off property. I also liked the food better at the Riu's but that is just personal taste. Honestly, either will be great I'm just an antsy kind of person (even on vacation)

VacationBount · 12-30-2005

I definately wasn't bored at the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort. I have stayed at one of the nicest hotels in Playacar (Royal Hideaway) but am returning to Barcelo Maya.

The biggest plus for us is snorkeling right at the resort so that we can do it all week long with beach chair breaks. There is no snorkeling (at least close to Royal Hideaway) in Playacar.

We always found something to eat, yes there will be things you don't like but you can just get something else.

Have fun and enjoy - it is a wonderful place.

RAINDOGG · 12-30-2005

Well when I said boring, I guess I should clairfy...It just seemed to me that the people were more friendly and outgoing at the RIU...now that maybe because that just happend to be the type of group that was there at that time. Perhaps last year at the Barcelo we caught a group of people that just wern't that friendly. It just seemed to me that there was more activity at the RIU property. Both were good just like the Playacar area better...

vhonodel · 12-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by VacationBount

I definately wasn't bored at the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort. I have stayed at one of the nicest hotels in Playacar (Royal Hideaway) but am returning to Barcelo Maya.

The biggest plus for us is snorkeling right at the resort so that we can do it all week long with beach chair breaks. There is no snorkeling (at least close to Royal Hideaway) in Playacar.

We always found something to eat, yes there will be things you don't like but you can just get something else.

Have fun and enjoy - it is a wonderful place.

Yes I agree, snorkeling on site is a plus. However, There is'nt alot of variety of fish to see. Mostly grey silver fish. A day or two of seeing these were fine but if you are going to be there for 7-10 days, you will get tired of the same old thing. I think the Barcelo would be great for a short 5 day or less trip. Anything longer and your variety is limited unless you either have a car or intend to spend alot of money on taxis. Of course you can make use of the Collectivos but you still are somewhat limited to their running schedule. If snorkeling is what you are basing your decision on, I would say take a Playa Info tour and get a true snorkeling experience or even the Fat Cat tour has a great opportunity to see some real beautiful fish but to pick your resort only because it offers some snorkeling, I think you could be missing out on other attributes of the palyacar resorts. Oh well, get out the scale

weekapaug74 · 12-30-2005

I was at the Riu Yucatan from December 16 to 21. I have NOT been to the Barcelo Maya but I liked the Riu for several reasons...

1. You are able to use the other nearby Riu properties (with some exceptions).
2. It's a close walk or cab ride to Playa del Carmen and 5th Avenue.
3. The dive operation, ScubaCaribe, is on the Yucatan's beach.
4. Every hotel room had bottles of rum, tequila, vodka, and gin. Our mini fridge was stocked with a dozen bottles of Corona, soda and water.
5. Staff was usually smiling and very accomodating.
6. The Riu Yucatan is great for families, couples, and singles.
7. The breakfast was very good and lunch and dinner were OK.
8. The resort was large but very easy to navigate. We were 2 minutes from the beach and 2 minutes to the main lobby.
9. The beach was perfect white sand.
10. We only paid $75/night (USD) per person! Excellent value.

12-29-2005	#1 (permalink)
momtoccc sandflea Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 9	Riu Yucatan or Barcelo Maya? Hi, I have comparable quotes for both properties and need to decide between them. We are going in late January. Any recommendations? I've looked through reviews and they seem to be comparable - size of Barcelo kinda scares me though. Thanks for your help! Kellye

12-29-2005	#5 (permalink)
momtoccc sandflea Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 9	Thanks! My original quote was for the Caribe/Beach side but I since found an even better deal on the new Colonial/Tropical side so I think that is what we are going to do. I think the bigger beach will be nicer for us. We can always take a taxi into PDC one day if we want. Thanks for your help! Kellye

12-29-2005	#6 (permalink)
TheBigSmoke way into it Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 114	What was boring about it? Last edited by TheBigSmoke : 12-29-2005 at 09:45 PM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

12-29-2005	#2 (permalink)
Shammy Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,157	I'm assuming your comparable quotes are for the original section of the Barcelo, the Barcelo Maya Beach - or was it for the new section, the Barcelo Maya Colonial? If the new section, that would make a difference. But it really does come down to size. The Barcelo is a bigger property, but in my opinion, with the way it's all laid out, it's not THAT big. You don't have to go from side to side, you can hang out in front of your section of the resort and find a pool, section of beach, lunch restaurant, buffet, ala carte, lobby, etc. The 4 pools are huge and all have swim up bars, there is a children's water park, great evening entertainment, the most awesome secluded beach. There is good on site snorkeling here as there is an offshore reef. The Yucatan was renovated this past year, they added a small swim up bar in a new pool. The beach is nice, not nearly as expansive as the Barcelo and you do share this stretch with the other resorts in Playacar. The ocean is the most spectacular color of blue I've ever seen, but no snorkeling as there is no reef in this area. You're closer to town as well, if that means anything to you. Because it's a smaller resort, there are less dining options and bars - but again, it just depends on what you like - smaller or larger. I've been to the Barcelo 5 times, love this resort and wouldn't hesitate to go again, but the fact that the Yucatan is close to town is of particular interest to me personally.

12-29-2005	#4 (permalink)
RAINDOGG into ruins Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 74	Well we stayed at the Barcelo Maya last year and thought it was o.k. However it was pretty boring. Beach is nice, but water not near as pretty as playacar. Stayed at he RIU Tequila which is across the street from Yucatan and we loved it. You can also go into Playa for about $5. The beach is similar and the water is much more beautiful. You will see considerable more toplessness at the Yucatan. I here the renovations are nice. In fact we booked the Yucatan for April 13-17. Good luck!!!

12-29-2005	#9 (permalink)
momtoccc sandflea Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 9	Ha Ha on the topless sunbathing... It won't bother me and the "CCCs" are NOT coming (this is a get-away for me and dh). I've already mentioned to him that we may see topless sunbathing - of course he doesn't mind Kellye

12-29-2005	#11 (permalink)
vhonodel way into it Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: S.F. bay area Posts: 156	[quote=momtoccc]Hi, I have also been to both. What I like about the Riu's is you have acess to all the other properties, all within walking distance ( except the Palace, you won't be able to use that one). You can also venture off to the Playacar shopping area for something to do as well as walk to town through the Playacar area wich has many beautiful homes to look at and is quite a nice walk. At the Barcelo, I would'nt necessarily say I was bored but rather "confined" it's just alot easier said than done to pick up and jaunt into town for $28 RT each time you feel like getting off property. I also liked the food better at the Riu's but that is just personal taste. Honestly, either will be great I'm just an antsy kind of person (even on vacation)

12-30-2005	#12 (permalink)
VacationBount very sparkly Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 35	I definately wasn't bored at the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort. I have stayed at one of the nicest hotels in Playacar (Royal Hideaway) but am returning to Barcelo Maya. The biggest plus for us is snorkeling right at the resort so that we can do it all week long with beach chair breaks. There is no snorkeling (at least close to Royal Hideaway) in Playacar. We always found something to eat, yes there will be things you don't like but you can just get something else. Have fun and enjoy - it is a wonderful place.

12-30-2005	#13 (permalink)
RAINDOGG into ruins Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 74	Well when I said boring, I guess I should clairfy...It just seemed to me that the people were more friendly and outgoing at the RIU...now that maybe because that just happend to be the type of group that was there at that time. Perhaps last year at the Barcelo we caught a group of people that just wern't that friendly. It just seemed to me that there was more activity at the RIU property. Both were good just like the Playacar area better...

12-30-2005	#15 (permalink)
weekapaug74 very sparkly Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 39	I was at the Riu Yucatan from December 16 to 21. I have NOT been to the Barcelo Maya but I liked the Riu for several reasons... 1. You are able to use the other nearby Riu properties (with some exceptions). 2. It's a close walk or cab ride to Playa del Carmen and 5th Avenue. 3. The dive operation, ScubaCaribe, is on the Yucatan's beach. 4. Every hotel room had bottles of rum, tequila, vodka, and gin. Our mini fridge was stocked with a dozen bottles of Corona, soda and water. 5. Staff was usually smiling and very accomodating. 6. The Riu Yucatan is great for families, couples, and singles. 7. The breakfast was very good and lunch and dinner were OK. 8. The resort was large but very easy to navigate. We were 2 minutes from the beach and 2 minutes to the main lobby. 9. The beach was perfect white sand. 10. We only paid $75/night (USD) per person! Excellent value.

register to remove these adverts