Viva Wyndham Maya, not completely impressed

CdnNascarGirl · 01-29-2006

We stayed from January 13-20 2006. We flew in to the airport early evening and from there on it was pretty easy getting our bags and getting to the hotel. We didn't have any problems checking in and our room was neat and clean.

The place was very well taken care of and always clean, one of the nicest places that we saw along the beach. This one had the best bar, pool and beach set up we could see.

We ran into a few problems: on Saturday when we went for our meeting with our Sunquest Rep the people at the desk sent us all over for this meeting, they didn't seem to know where we were to meet him at. We spent about 1/2 hour looking for Hector. There was an office that he had in the building as all vacation reps are in the same office but it seemed that they (front desk) didn't care about the people that booked through a travel agency, they just wanted to either sell time shares or have you book direct with them. It really wasn't worth meeting with him since he didn't have a whole lot to tell us, just wanted to book excursions. After that if we needed to see him it was pretty impossible since he was hardly ever there. We had also filled out a Wyndham By Request membership and got the run around for 3 days of them promissing us we were going to get it but in the end we did not qualify.

Monday when we needed more water, we didn't know that you only get one bottle a day and the water out in the hall that we were supposed to use to refill was broken...for 2 days. I went to the desk and asked for more water and this was when they told me it was only one bottle per day per room. I explained that my husband was sick and needed more water, could not refill at the machine and the person behind the desk was not very happy about giving me another bottle. Some days we did not even get a new bottle of water in our room.

One thing we did not know was that the beds were on cement pads, only a mattress on the cement. We could not figure out why our backs were so sore but after we lifted the blankets we found out that there was not even a boxspring on the cement, just the mattress. We had read reviews that the beds were hard but didn't figure that they would be this hard. Now maybe we should have asked at this point for a room change, our faults for not asking but we didn't want to be known as the complaining couple.

Overall the food and facalities were good and clean. Other than the few problems mentioned we had a good vacation. The staff were fairly friendly and accomodating. The bar staff were great but we found the alcohol to be very watered down. We don't drink very often at all and me being a little over 100lbs. should not be able to drink 9 pina coladas and still be walking and I was and didn't even have a buzz. That's how I know they don't put much in the drinks. You may see them putting it in but I guarantee you it is watered down.

Anyone going there expecting all the perks of a 4 star resort is going to be very dissapointed. It is a 3 star resort, would make 4 stars if they did not try to nickel and dime everything.

What it boils down to is it's a 4 star facility with 3 star customer service. They need to train their desk staff more, I didn't go to the front desk much, just for the water and even then I found them to be very rude.

Our checkout was pretty smooth, no problems there at all. I think if we were to go back we would shop around a little more on where to stay, but all in all I think we would go back to the Viva Maya again but would definitely ask for a real bed this time. We love the area and the shop people are so friendly. We enjoyed going for a walk every night and visiting the shop people.

ZAEM · 01-29-2006

Sorry to here there were some things that didn't impress on the vacation.

We stayed at the Azteca two years ago. The beds were the same there and also at the Gala. Matress on a slab. But we didn't pay to much attention after a long day we were so tired anywhere would have been fine to sleep.

I don't know what you would search under but we had once discussed the Wyndham by request thing. I guess if you don't book through Wyndham that disqualifies you right there. I was under the same impression also--signed up--did the request and then found out right before it wasn't going to matter.

I think we only had one bottle of water per day also. But usually when we approached the maid for anything she was good about getting it. I don't remember a water machine to refill. Might be something I didn't know about.

We fly out of Boston so our tour would be different. I know they have those meetings but we usually don't attend. Only once and it was in DR out rep came looking for us. Let us a nice card with a note and her phone number. We have smal kids so the meetings are just best without us.

Were you able to do any side trips? Any places that you liked to eat or shop?

Amateurbigfoot · 01-29-2006

Thanks for the review CdnNascarGirl. We are staying there from the 7 to the 21st. Will have to check out the beds first thing. Also, will have to stock up on the water as my wife loves water.

CdnNascarGirl · 01-29-2006

I did not want my post to sound like I was complaining abuot Viva Maya, just wanted to point out some things that they could do better, we are paying good money after all. We would go back because it is such a beautiful area but maybe check things out better next time.

Yes we were able to go to Xel-Ha park and it was amazing, however my husband did get sick from eating there. We know it was from there, the chicken...He ate half and when he got to the middle of it, you know it, PINK!! If it had been from anything else I would have been sick as well and I was fine the whole time. He never really missed anything, just had to make sure he wasn't too far from any conviences (if ya know what I mean).

Other than that we did some shopping in Playa Del Carmen, that was a hoot!! I love jewelry and this is the place to shop in. Got another ring and a bracelet this time. God, I love my rings!!!

We did alot of walking around and if you like birds you have to go about a 20 minute walk down the road towards Playa Del Carmen to Xaman-Ha. It a bird arairy and it has some of the most beautiful birds in there. It cost us $15 each and you can stay in looking at the birds as long as you like. We thought it was worth it, but make sure you bring some water to drink.

We didn't do a whole lot of excursions but what we did do was enough for us, especially with all the walking we did in the evenings. Love the area!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZAEM

Sorry to here there were some things that didn't impress on the vacation.

We stayed at the Azteca two years ago. The beds were the same there and also at the Gala. Matress on a slab. But we didn't pay to much attention after a long day we were so tired anywhere would have been fine to sleep.

I don't know what you would search under but we had once discussed the Wyndham by request thing. I guess if you don't book through Wyndham that disqualifies you right there. I was under the same impression also--signed up--did the request and then found out right before it wasn't going to matter.

I think we only had one bottle of water per day also. But usually when we approached the maid for anything she was good about getting it. I don't remember a water machine to refill. Might be something I didn't know about.

We fly out of Boston so our tour would be different. I know they have those meetings but we usually don't attend. Only once and it was in DR out rep came looking for us. Let us a nice card with a note and her phone number. We have smal kids so the meetings are just best without us.

Were you able to do any side trips? Any places that you liked to eat or shop?

ZAEM · 01-29-2006

I totally understand what you were saying. There's always something each place we go. But by the end the good has out weighed the bad so hopefully it all works out.

Xaman-Ha was a good time. Had the best laugh. My husband got attacked by a huge black bird in there. He didn't think it was to funny-scared the #### right out of him. Was a good laugh when we left though. Kids still mention remember when the bird went after daddy.

I haven't really looked at jewelry yet while there. Maybe this year.

What's the atmosphere of the Maya. Many say it's more laid back than the Azteca. We did go to the Maya one night for supper.

Amateurbigfoot · 01-29-2006

Where did you shop for your rings? My wife is looking for some. She heard there are some great shops with unique items.

Tlyn · 01-29-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZAEM

I What's the atmosphere of the Maya. Many say it's more laid back than the Azteca. We did go to the Maya one night for supper.

We stayed at the Azteca last year for our 10th anniversary. Since we had privileges at the Maya, we ventured over to check it out. We preferred the Maya because it was a livelier atmosphere, plus we liked the pool bar. The Azteca was nice, but a little too laid back for us.

ZAEM · 01-29-2006

Yes thats what I meant. I was backwards. Maya lively--Azteca laid back.

I've had my nose in the books to long today. Can't think straight.

CdnNascarGirl · 01-29-2006

I bought my jewelry at a shop called Aries (something like that), it was a very nice shop with decent prices. I bought a ring and bracelet with carribean stones. The bracelet was around $200 and the ring was $95, these people will deal with you so get ready. I paid $195 for both. I went in with my mind set that I wasn't spending a whole lot and just kept working the guy, I bet he was working me to but I am happy with what I paid and it is real silver also. Most places do have rings in all sizes so don't worry.

I love shopping in these places, always worth it. We went to Cozumel in 2004 on a cruise and I got a tanzonite ring that started at over $600 for $300. Make sure you wear your dealers' hat!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amateurbigfoot

Where did you shop for your rings? My wife is looking for some. She heard there are some great shops with unique items.

Amateurbigfoot · 01-29-2006

Thanks for the advise. My daughter is looking for jewelry as well and she is tight with her money so I am going to sit back and watch the ladies of my life haggle...lol

Puppet · 01-29-2006

Too bad you didn't enjoy your stay. We were there 4 years ago and thought it was pretty good. Beds were hard, but they are like that in most places. We stayed at the IB Tucan/Quetzal last year(about 3 resorts or so south of where you stayed), and really liked it. We are back there again this year with friends. It has always received good reviews, maybe try it next time.

Ali · 01-30-2006

Hi

Sorry to hear things weren't up to scratch, we have so much expectation and hope pinned on our holidays that it's such a disappointment when things aren't right.

I can't understand how you would consider going back to the same hotel though, given that the service is unlikely to change even if you can get a proper bed. There are so many other hotels on the same strip maybe you should give a Riu or an Iberostar a try, they seem to try much harder to keep their customer happy, and I'm certain they wouldn't refuse you extra water!

Ali

CdnNascarGirl · 01-30-2006

By no means did these things ruin our vacation, just some things that they could improve on.
I would love to stay at the Riu,(one of them) but price prevents it and anyone that is going down in the weeks to come will notice that about a mile down the road on the same side as the Viva they are building a new huge place. That will be the new Riu Palace as we were told and they will be renaming the old Palace. You have to stop and take a good look at this place, it is simply beautifil. Wish I could afford to stay there!!!

If we were to go back to the same place we would know these things for the next time and could work around it. I can buy my own water at the store to avoid that problem, others will just have to iron out as it goes. Not a problem, we've stayed at worse places and this was by far not one of them.

Just warning you all of some of the glitches we encountered. Other than that it is a very beautiful place. Sorry if I sounded B*^$^Y, that was not my intent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali

Hi

Sorry to hear things weren't up to scratch, we have so much expectation and hope pinned on our holidays that it's such a disappointment when things aren't right.

I can't understand how you would consider going back to the same hotel though, given that the service is unlikely to change even if you can get a proper bed. There are so many other hotels on the same strip maybe you should give a Riu or an Iberostar a try, they seem to try much harder to keep their customer happy, and I'm certain they wouldn't refuse you extra water!

Ali

Amateurbigfoot · 01-30-2006

Did not take that way CdnNascarGirl. You were expressing somethings that caused you a bit of grief you did not think would be a problem at the resort.

I believe if you had a terrible experience your review would have been very harsh.

Hopefully next trip will make up for this one.

Thanks for your review again as it gives us a heads up on what to look out for.

Ali · 01-30-2006

No no no, I didn't take it that way either, and actually your post has helped me somewhat as I'm always looking around at prices and noticed it came in a little bit cheaper than the Rius (not them Palaces, we can't go there as my OH won't wear long trousers and proper shirts every night for dinner!!) and looked fine in the brochure etc.

I did wonder what sort of differences there would be to reflect the change in price, and now I know! If there's one thing I can't stand it's lousy service so for me that would be a huge deal. But yes, you are right, if you do go back you'll know how to handle things.

Hope I didn't upset or offend you with my response.

Ali

01-29-2006	#1 (permalink)
CdnNascarGirl lost on fifth Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 18	Viva Wyndham Maya, not completely impressed We stayed from January 13-20 2006. We flew in to the airport early evening and from there on it was pretty easy getting our bags and getting to the hotel. We didn't have any problems checking in and our room was neat and clean. The place was very well taken care of and always clean, one of the nicest places that we saw along the beach. This one had the best bar, pool and beach set up we could see. We ran into a few problems: on Saturday when we went for our meeting with our Sunquest Rep the people at the desk sent us all over for this meeting, they didn't seem to know where we were to meet him at. We spent about 1/2 hour looking for Hector. There was an office that he had in the building as all vacation reps are in the same office but it seemed that they (front desk) didn't care about the people that booked through a travel agency, they just wanted to either sell time shares or have you book direct with them. It really wasn't worth meeting with him since he didn't have a whole lot to tell us, just wanted to book excursions. After that if we needed to see him it was pretty impossible since he was hardly ever there. We had also filled out a Wyndham By Request membership and got the run around for 3 days of them promissing us we were going to get it but in the end we did not qualify. Monday when we needed more water, we didn't know that you only get one bottle a day and the water out in the hall that we were supposed to use to refill was broken...for 2 days. I went to the desk and asked for more water and this was when they told me it was only one bottle per day per room. I explained that my husband was sick and needed more water, could not refill at the machine and the person behind the desk was not very happy about giving me another bottle. Some days we did not even get a new bottle of water in our room. One thing we did not know was that the beds were on cement pads, only a mattress on the cement. We could not figure out why our backs were so sore but after we lifted the blankets we found out that there was not even a boxspring on the cement, just the mattress. We had read reviews that the beds were hard but didn't figure that they would be this hard. Now maybe we should have asked at this point for a room change, our faults for not asking but we didn't want to be known as the complaining couple. Overall the food and facalities were good and clean. Other than the few problems mentioned we had a good vacation. The staff were fairly friendly and accomodating. The bar staff were great but we found the alcohol to be very watered down. We don't drink very often at all and me being a little over 100lbs. should not be able to drink 9 pina coladas and still be walking and I was and didn't even have a buzz. That's how I know they don't put much in the drinks. You may see them putting it in but I guarantee you it is watered down. Anyone going there expecting all the perks of a 4 star resort is going to be very dissapointed. It is a 3 star resort, would make 4 stars if they did not try to nickel and dime everything. What it boils down to is it's a 4 star facility with 3 star customer service. They need to train their desk staff more, I didn't go to the front desk much, just for the water and even then I found them to be very rude. Our checkout was pretty smooth, no problems there at all. I think if we were to go back we would shop around a little more on where to stay, but all in all I think we would go back to the Viva Maya again but would definitely ask for a real bed this time. We love the area and the shop people are so friendly. We enjoyed going for a walk every night and visiting the shop people.

01-29-2006	#2 (permalink)
ZAEM life=playa Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northern Massachusetts Posts: 662	Sorry to here there were some things that didn't impress on the vacation. We stayed at the Azteca two years ago. The beds were the same there and also at the Gala. Matress on a slab. But we didn't pay to much attention after a long day we were so tired anywhere would have been fine to sleep. I don't know what you would search under but we had once discussed the Wyndham by request thing. I guess if you don't book through Wyndham that disqualifies you right there. I was under the same impression also--signed up--did the request and then found out right before it wasn't going to matter. I think we only had one bottle of water per day also. But usually when we approached the maid for anything she was good about getting it. I don't remember a water machine to refill. Might be something I didn't know about. We fly out of Boston so our tour would be different. I know they have those meetings but we usually don't attend. Only once and it was in DR out rep came looking for us. Let us a nice card with a note and her phone number. We have smal kids so the meetings are just best without us. Were you able to do any side trips? Any places that you liked to eat or shop? Last edited by ZAEM; 01-29-2006 at 04:21 PM..

01-29-2006	#3 (permalink)
Amateurbigfoot ruined Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 81	Thanks for the review CdnNascarGirl. We are staying there from the 7 to the 21st. Will have to check out the beds first thing. Also, will have to stock up on the water as my wife loves water.

01-29-2006	#5 (permalink)
ZAEM life=playa Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northern Massachusetts Posts: 662	I totally understand what you were saying. There's always something each place we go. But by the end the good has out weighed the bad so hopefully it all works out. Xaman-Ha was a good time. Had the best laugh. My husband got attacked by a huge black bird in there. He didn't think it was to funny-scared the #### right out of him. Was a good laugh when we left though. Kids still mention remember when the bird went after daddy. I haven't really looked at jewelry yet while there. Maybe this year. What's the atmosphere of the Maya. Many say it's more laid back than the Azteca. We did go to the Maya one night for supper.

01-29-2006	#6 (permalink)
Amateurbigfoot ruined Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 81	Where did you shop for your rings? My wife is looking for some. She heard there are some great shops with unique items.

01-29-2006	#8 (permalink)
ZAEM life=playa Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northern Massachusetts Posts: 662	Yes thats what I meant. I was backwards. Maya lively--Azteca laid back. I've had my nose in the books to long today. Can't think straight.

01-29-2006	#10 (permalink)
Amateurbigfoot ruined Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 81	Thanks for the advise. My daughter is looking for jewelry as well and she is tight with her money so I am going to sit back and watch the ladies of my life haggle...lol

01-29-2006	#11 (permalink)
Puppet very sparkly Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 25	Too bad you didn't enjoy your stay. We were there 4 years ago and thought it was pretty good. Beds were hard, but they are like that in most places. We stayed at the IB Tucan/Quetzal last year(about 3 resorts or so south of where you stayed), and really liked it. We are back there again this year with friends. It has always received good reviews, maybe try it next time.

01-30-2006	#12 (permalink)
Ali life=playa Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 715	Hi Sorry to hear things weren't up to scratch, we have so much expectation and hope pinned on our holidays that it's such a disappointment when things aren't right. I can't understand how you would consider going back to the same hotel though, given that the service is unlikely to change even if you can get a proper bed. There are so many other hotels on the same strip maybe you should give a Riu or an Iberostar a try, they seem to try much harder to keep their customer happy, and I'm certain they wouldn't refuse you extra water! Ali

01-30-2006	#14 (permalink)
Amateurbigfoot ruined Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 81	Did not take that way CdnNascarGirl. You were expressing somethings that caused you a bit of grief you did not think would be a problem at the resort. I believe if you had a terrible experience your review would have been very harsh. Hopefully next trip will make up for this one. Thanks for your review again as it gives us a heads up on what to look out for.

01-30-2006	#15 (permalink)
Ali life=playa Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 715	No no no, I didn't take it that way either, and actually your post has helped me somewhat as I'm always looking around at prices and noticed it came in a little bit cheaper than the Rius (not them Palaces, we can't go there as my OH won't wear long trousers and proper shirts every night for dinner!!) and looked fine in the brochure etc. I did wonder what sort of differences there would be to reflect the change in price, and now I know! If there's one thing I can't stand it's lousy service so for me that would be a huge deal. But yes, you are right, if you do go back you'll know how to handle things. Hope I didn't upset or offend you with my response. Ali

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