Mayan Palace

DiverGirl · 03-12-2006

Here is a bit of info about the Mayan Palace. We stayed in the Palace hotel suit which has a separate bedroom, living room and a partical kitchen.

The room was well decotated, clean and spacious! It had a dorm size refrigerator, 2 burner electric stove, microwave, all cooking and eating utensiles, coffee pot (bring your coffee) and toaster.

The bathroom was big and had a seperate toliet and powder room. The couches pull out into beds if you need them. We were on the 3rd floor and looked out onto the golf course. We were in a new building north of the lobby.

The grounds are immaculate! Well landscaped and super clean. There is alot of walking from place to place because the resort is so big BUT they do have trams, vans and golf carts at stopping points around the resort. We liked the walks.

The pool is the largest pool I have ever seen! There are several waterfalls and swimup bars.

There are alot of chaise lounge chairs and a few beds covered by a Papala. You have to get up very early to get one of these beds!
I can't say enough about the food! Everything we ate there was presented beautifully and tasted fantastic! The service was exceptional!
The beach was nice to lay out by but there were alot of rocks by the shore and we tried to snorkel but it was too rough. If you walk north up the beach there are better places to snorkel.
We attended the Mexican Fiesta show which included a huge buffet and open bar for 3 hours. The show was nice but the food and drinks were the best! The cost for the show was 48USD per person. The food at the resort was alittle pricey but it was worth it $$.
I have to say we did attend the timeshare presentation which included a big breakfast buffet, $100.00 credit and 15% off drinks, meals and purchase at the boutique. They say its a 90min. presentation (if you say no to the timeshare) we were there 3 hours. We allready own a timeshare so we sold ours and purchased wuth Mayan resorts. We think we made a good desion. We got a few perks.
The only thing about the resort we didn't like is that it was 15mins from Playa Del Carmen. We would take a bus into town (about $5) and a taxi back at night ($20). I'd say we spent the majority of our time in Playa or Puerto Morelos (diving).

I recommend spending a few days in Playa! Go to Babe's Noodle Bar!
And Ula Gula! The food there was super!

Chicago Don's was a place we had to check out because we are from that area! The steak is shipped in from the midwest and was fantastic!
All in all we had a great trip! We really enjoyed our stay at the Mayan Palace!

Sun Worshiper · 03-23-2006

Hey DiverGirl,

We wil be there at the end of June, stayed on Cozumel a few times but wanted to do the mainland at a resort the kids can enjoy. We have a 2 bd rm suite and plan on shopping in Playa to lessen the costs. Heard lots of good about the place and a few bad reviews. When were you there?? Is there enough for the kids to do to keep the kids from getting bored. Plan on getting into Playa at least twice in our week stay.

Any info is helpful

Thanks

SW

mlsbkp · 03-24-2006

We just got back from Mayan Palace on March 4 - it was our second time there, the first being year ago. It is a nice place to stay and seems to have lots of activities for the kids. The pool is hugh and really nice, with great service from the pool bar/restaurant. We only had a room - no kitchen - but we did bring in a disposable cooler for some food and drinks. The major drawbacks are the walking because the resort is so big, and that it is pretty much out to itself so you need a taxi or rental car if you want to go anywhere else. Both times we have rented a car and traveled a lot outside of the resort. We made several grocery/beer runs into Playa - both to Sam's and Wal-Mart - traffic there is terrible. There are taxi's available at the resort most of the time, and if not, you can go to the main entrance and catch a bus. We are planning a trip back next year but will probably stay in Playa del Carmen as we really liked the town. We also will be in the middle of things and won't need a car. Also, plan a trip on the Fat Cat - you will have a blast. Any questions, let me know.

oysterfiend · 03-25-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlsbkp

We just got back from Mayan Palace on March 4 - it was our second time there, the first being year ago. It is a nice place to stay and seems to have lots of activities for the kids. The pool is hugh and really nice, with great service from the pool bar/restaurant. We only had a room - no kitchen - but we did bring in a disposable cooler for some food and drinks. The major drawbacks are the walking because the resort is so big, and that it is pretty much out to itself so you need a taxi or rental car if you want to go anywhere else. Both times we have rented a car and traveled a lot outside of the resort. We made several grocery/beer runs into Playa - both to Sam's and Wal-Mart - traffic there is terrible. There are taxi's available at the resort most of the time, and if not, you can go to the main entrance and catch a bus. We are planning a trip back next year but will probably stay in Playa del Carmen as we really liked the town. We also will be in the middle of things and won't need a car. Also, plan a trip on the Fat Cat - you will have a blast. Any questions, let me know.

We have a hotel room May 27 - 3rd June- do they have coffee makers ?- I understand there are no fridges- We have used timeshare Points with Rci
Are the rooms ok - there is only my husband and I

mlsbkp · 03-26-2006

The rooms are wonderful - lots of granite/tile - really big. No coffee maker unless you are booking a suite. You can walk to the pool restaurant and get coffee. We really like the Mayan Palace - been there for the past 2 years... however, next year we want to venture out on our own into Playa. We really like the town and the atmosphere. Another thing out the Mayan Palace - be prepared to walk - nothing is close. However, I will have to complement the entire staff.. eveyone was super nice and efficient - from the maids to the waiters to the front desk people ...they have a 5 star title and have earned it.

oysterfiend · 03-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlsbkp

The rooms are wonderful - lots of granite/tile - really big. No coffee maker unless you are booking a suite. You can walk to the pool restaurant and get coffee. We really like the Mayan Palace - been there for the past 2 years... however, next year we want to venture out on our own into Playa. We really like the town and the atmosphere. Another thing out the Mayan Palace - be prepared to walk - nothing is close. However, I will have to complement the entire staff.. eveyone was super nice and efficient - from the maids to the waiters to the front desk people ...they have a 5 star title and have earned it.

Thank you.
The walking does not bother us - we are on holiday and need to not completely slow up- the exercise will make us feel better.
I am looking forward to our stay.
We are doing 2 tours with Ana and Jame's Playa Tours- tulum and beyond and Coba while staying at the Mayan Palace.
When we stay at the Gran Melia -Cancun (week earlier)we are doing an overnight tour to Chichen Itza and also Joes Jungle tour.
We are also Staying a week at The reef Club in Cozumel (It is our first week and we are flying direct via Mexico City from L.A- all timeshare points exchange.
We will go into Playa on the bus as with being on holiday there is no rush.
We will taxi in on the days we are doing tours- we don't have hotel pick up but no big deal as the tours are small in numbers and appeal to us

mooski · 03-26-2006

does the mayan offer beach towels.... I am packing and if I dont need to take one I will leave it home!!

oysterfiend · 03-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by mooski

does the mayan offer beach towels.... I am packing and if I dont need to take one I will leave it home!!

Good Question - I always pack a large beach towel for my husband and I but they take up a lot of room - As we will be away 3 1/2 weeks I think I still will

Sun Worshiper · 03-26-2006

Thanks for the info on the Maya Palace... We can't wait!!!!
JUNE CAN'T GET HERE SOON ENOUGH
What is the price for the ferry to Cozumel now a days??? Would like to spend part of a day there on our trip.

DiverGirl · 03-27-2006

There is a coffee maker in the suites but I would bring your coffee, cream and sugar since they only supply 2 days of coffee. There were activities for the kids, movies, games and pool games. We were there March 3-10th. We didn't rent a car since the traffic and the way they drive there is nuts! I would take a cab or the bus into Playa. I brought a towel because we dive away from the resort, but they have towels at the pool. If you shop for food and supplies there is a nice small store in Puerto Morlose North of the resort. You can take a bus to the corner of 307 and take a taxi into town. Be sure to try the resteraunts in Playa like Babe's Noodle Bar and Ula Gula both.

mooski · 04-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sun Worshiper

Hey DiverGirl,

We wil be there at the end of June, stayed on Cozumel a few times but wanted to do the mainland at a resort the kids can enjoy. We have a 2 bd rm suite and plan on shopping in Playa to lessen the costs. Heard lots of good about the place and a few bad reviews. When were you there?? Is there enough for the kids to do to keep the kids from getting bored. Plan on getting into Playa at least twice in our week stay.

Any info is helpful

Thanks

SW

big tip................. I got it from here.... when we checked in we asked for a room close to the pool area, of course with a nice smile... they put us in bldg. # 2 on the ground floor.....PERFECT!!! I didnt even see a shuttle until the day we left because we were on the path side not the shuttle side... I really plan on doing a trip report sooooooooon!! the pool is wonderful, the rooms, we played black jack and roulette at two different casino nights.... you can bid on prizes w/your fake money. kids can play too. the rooms, we had a 2 bedroom , are very roomy. we could have even gone with the one bedroom and put the kids on the pullouts but... 13 and 16, I thought they would enjoy thier own space... man the service... the maids come with so many towels I think they must check them 3 times a day. turn down your beds and leave a chocolate. alot of the people by the pool were talking about pros and cons of buying... I checked some resale sites on line.... man you can catch a steal that way.... people sounded like they where paying 15-18 thousand more then resale.....

sknywch · 04-10-2006

The ferry cost on March 25,2006 was $11 us one way.
Enjoy your trip!

bignedmom · 04-16-2006

We are owners at the Grand Mayan Palace. This will be our second trip since purchase last June. We will be there May 26-June2. We were there right after the Hurricane last year in November, and although things were a bit torn up, the service was unbelievable. We took some friends, and had a blast. For anyone who has been here since November- is the restaurant on the beach rebuilt yet? And what is this about "fake money?" They weren't doing that when we were there- and I was a little nervous about this trip because we will be bringing our single daughter and son- 23 and 20- was afraid they might not have much to do.. sounds like they have added some activities though.

mooski · 04-16-2006

we just got home last saturday..... fake money..... they provide the chips for casino nights, no cost to you.... then when its over they trade the chips into play money to bid on prizes.... tip#1 if you plan on getting a prize take one of the first that are offered.... near the end people are bidding high cuz no reason to keep our fake money but you might not be able to compete w/the amounts at the end. like the first prize offered for bid was 2 tix and travel to chichen itza it went for $2000. (remember fake money) but near the end people were bidding 30,000 for a mayan palace t-shirt... I think the fifth of tequila went for 50,000. hahaha
tip#2 take some coffe with you.... we didnt have any in our room.
people around the pool talked alot about what they paid afor their weeks..... very interesting. but on the resale sites it is soooooo doggone much cheaper. how do you fel about that? oh and no the beach rest. is still closed. does anyone know what they are putting in the bldg. that they are working on? it houses the stores and rest. right now.... gosh sometimes that area gave off the most awful sewer smellllll....

03-12-2006	#1 (permalink)
DiverGirl way into it Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morris, IL Posts: 238	Mayan Palace Here is a bit of info about the Mayan Palace. We stayed in the Palace hotel suit which has a separate bedroom, living room and a partical kitchen. The room was well decotated, clean and spacious! It had a dorm size refrigerator, 2 burner electric stove, microwave, all cooking and eating utensiles, coffee pot (bring your coffee) and toaster. The bathroom was big and had a seperate toliet and powder room. The couches pull out into beds if you need them. We were on the 3rd floor and looked out onto the golf course. We were in a new building north of the lobby. The grounds are immaculate! Well landscaped and super clean. There is alot of walking from place to place because the resort is so big BUT they do have trams, vans and golf carts at stopping points around the resort. We liked the walks. The pool is the largest pool I have ever seen! There are several waterfalls and swimup bars. There are alot of chaise lounge chairs and a few beds covered by a Papala. You have to get up very early to get one of these beds! I can't say enough about the food! Everything we ate there was presented beautifully and tasted fantastic! The service was exceptional! The beach was nice to lay out by but there were alot of rocks by the shore and we tried to snorkel but it was too rough. If you walk north up the beach there are better places to snorkel. We attended the Mexican Fiesta show which included a huge buffet and open bar for 3 hours. The show was nice but the food and drinks were the best! The cost for the show was 48USD per person. The food at the resort was alittle pricey but it was worth it $$. I have to say we did attend the timeshare presentation which included a big breakfast buffet, $100.00 credit and 15% off drinks, meals and purchase at the boutique. They say its a 90min. presentation (if you say no to the timeshare) we were there 3 hours. We allready own a timeshare so we sold ours and purchased wuth Mayan resorts. We think we made a good desion. We got a few perks. The only thing about the resort we didn't like is that it was 15mins from Playa Del Carmen. We would take a bus into town (about $5) and a taxi back at night ($20). I'd say we spent the majority of our time in Playa or Puerto Morelos (diving). I recommend spending a few days in Playa! Go to Babe's Noodle Bar! And Ula Gula! The food there was super! Chicago Don's was a place we had to check out because we are from that area! The steak is shipped in from the midwest and was fantastic! All in all we had a great trip! We really enjoyed our stay at the Mayan Palace! __________________ Never say "NEVER" Nothing is Impossible! AKA The Pond Girl Little PeepShow LakeShelbyville Video Wakeboard Video

03-23-2006	#2 (permalink)
Sun Worshiper into ruins Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Grass Valley CA But some day......... Playa Posts: 74	Be there in June Hey DiverGirl, We wil be there at the end of June, stayed on Cozumel a few times but wanted to do the mainland at a resort the kids can enjoy. We have a 2 bd rm suite and plan on shopping in Playa to lessen the costs. Heard lots of good about the place and a few bad reviews. When were you there?? Is there enough for the kids to do to keep the kids from getting bored. Plan on getting into Playa at least twice in our week stay. Any info is helpful Thanks SW

03-26-2006	#9 (permalink)
Sun Worshiper into ruins Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Grass Valley CA But some day......... Playa Posts: 74	Thanks for the info on the Maya Palace... We can't wait!!!! JUNE CAN'T GET HERE SOON ENOUGH What is the price for the ferry to Cozumel now a days??? Would like to spend part of a day there on our trip. Last edited by Sun Worshiper : 03-26-2006 at 11:11 PM.

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03-24-2006	#3 (permalink)
mlsbkp life=playa Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ferrum, Virginia Posts: 966	We just got back from Mayan Palace on March 4 - it was our second time there, the first being year ago. It is a nice place to stay and seems to have lots of activities for the kids. The pool is hugh and really nice, with great service from the pool bar/restaurant. We only had a room - no kitchen - but we did bring in a disposable cooler for some food and drinks. The major drawbacks are the walking because the resort is so big, and that it is pretty much out to itself so you need a taxi or rental car if you want to go anywhere else. Both times we have rented a car and traveled a lot outside of the resort. We made several grocery/beer runs into Playa - both to Sam's and Wal-Mart - traffic there is terrible. There are taxi's available at the resort most of the time, and if not, you can go to the main entrance and catch a bus. We are planning a trip back next year but will probably stay in Playa del Carmen as we really liked the town. We also will be in the middle of things and won't need a car. Also, plan a trip on the Fat Cat - you will have a blast. Any questions, let me know.

03-26-2006	#5 (permalink)
mlsbkp life=playa Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ferrum, Virginia Posts: 966	The rooms are wonderful - lots of granite/tile - really big. No coffee maker unless you are booking a suite. You can walk to the pool restaurant and get coffee. We really like the Mayan Palace - been there for the past 2 years... however, next year we want to venture out on our own into Playa. We really like the town and the atmosphere. Another thing out the Mayan Palace - be prepared to walk - nothing is close. However, I will have to complement the entire staff.. eveyone was super nice and efficient - from the maids to the waiters to the front desk people ...they have a 5 star title and have earned it.

03-26-2006	#7 (permalink)
mooski beachaholic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: WA Posts: 333	does the mayan offer beach towels.... I am packing and if I dont need to take one I will leave it home!!

03-27-2006	#10 (permalink)
DiverGirl way into it Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morris, IL Posts: 238	There is a coffee maker in the suites but I would bring your coffee, cream and sugar since they only supply 2 days of coffee. There were activities for the kids, movies, games and pool games. We were there March 3-10th. We didn't rent a car since the traffic and the way they drive there is nuts! I would take a cab or the bus into Playa. I brought a towel because we dive away from the resort, but they have towels at the pool. If you shop for food and supplies there is a nice small store in Puerto Morlose North of the resort. You can take a bus to the corner of 307 and take a taxi into town. Be sure to try the resteraunts in Playa like Babe's Noodle Bar and Ula Gula both.

04-10-2006	#12 (permalink)
sknywch toe in water Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: frozen in winnipeg Posts: 41	The ferry cost on March 25,2006 was $11 us one way. Enjoy your trip!

04-16-2006	#13 (permalink)
bignedmom lost on fifth Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: texas Posts: 21	We are owners at the Grand Mayan Palace. This will be our second trip since purchase last June. We will be there May 26-June2. We were there right after the Hurricane last year in November, and although things were a bit torn up, the service was unbelievable. We took some friends, and had a blast. For anyone who has been here since November- is the restaurant on the beach rebuilt yet? And what is this about "fake money?" They weren't doing that when we were there- and I was a little nervous about this trip because we will be bringing our single daughter and son- 23 and 20- was afraid they might not have much to do.. sounds like they have added some activities though.

04-16-2006	#14 (permalink)
mooski beachaholic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: WA Posts: 333	we just got home last saturday..... fake money..... they provide the chips for casino nights, no cost to you.... then when its over they trade the chips into play money to bid on prizes.... tip#1 if you plan on getting a prize take one of the first that are offered.... near the end people are bidding high cuz no reason to keep our fake money but you might not be able to compete w/the amounts at the end. like the first prize offered for bid was 2 tix and travel to chichen itza it went for $2000. (remember fake money) but near the end people were bidding 30,000 for a mayan palace t-shirt... I think the fifth of tequila went for 50,000. hahaha tip#2 take some coffe with you.... we didnt have any in our room. people around the pool talked alot about what they paid afor their weeks..... very interesting. but on the resale sites it is soooooo doggone much cheaper. how do you fel about that? oh and no the beach rest. is still closed. does anyone know what they are putting in the bldg. that they are working on? it houses the stores and rest. right now.... gosh sometimes that area gave off the most awful sewer smellllll....

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