Last minute trip -Barcelo Maya Colonial or IB* Tucan

Conanc · 03-24-2006

Hi -- We are looking for recommendations....

We are traveling with no children -- and are looking for a last minute get away at either Barcelo Maya Colonial or Iberostar Tucan. Which would you stay at and why? Thank you!!

racsanone · 03-24-2006

Am doing the Barcelo soon so no comment on their yet, but I have done the Tucan and it was fabulous...... The Tucan I would and will definetly do again.......

catjammies · 03-24-2006

Tell us what you are looking for/ what features are important.

For example, I would rate the Barcelo beach superior to IB, but IB is much more convinient to PDC if you plan on spending a lot of time in town.

Barcelo would be my choice, but my primary activity is beach chillin.

Conanc · 03-24-2006

I think our primary activity would also be beach chilling. We really just need a vacation at this point. We've stayed at Sandals, stayed at Secrets Capri and Riu Palace in Cancun and loved these properties, but are looking for an less expensive "extra" getaway this time. Problem is...we are spoiled...lol.

We like the idea of four a la cartes at Barcelo Colonial.....how is the food there? We also like children but won't be traveling with any -- seems like the Barcelo has more room to spread out but we always hear such good things about IB* Tucan -- it's in the running.

vhonodel · 03-24-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conanc

I think our primary activity would also be beach chilling. We really just need a vacation at this point. We've stayed at Sandals, stayed at Secrets Capri and Riu Palace in Cancun and loved these properties, but are looking for an less expensive "extra" getaway this time. Problem is...we are spoiled...lol.

We like the idea of four a la cartes at Barcelo Colonial.....how is the food there? We also like children but won't be traveling with any -- seems like the Barcelo has more room to spread out but we always hear such good things about IB* Tucan -- it's in the running.

Been to both, Food is equal in my opinion as far as taste however I had week long indigestion at the Barcelo (I think it's the oil they use). Beach I would'nt say is better at the Barcelo but certainly bigger and less crowded. We like to people watch so the Tucan beach was great. Probably the two most important factors why we like Tucan better is.. the proximity to town because we like the night life in Playa and while yes, you can cab it from the Barcelo, it's expensive and not as convenient. Also, if you are out late the cheap "collectivos" do not run for your return trip home so a cab is a must. Teh other factor for us is I feel the Tucan is so much prettier of a place. The jungle atmosphere is far greater than at the Barcelo and we really really enjoyed watching the howler monkeys right out side our balcony! The Barcelo had little wildlife in comparison, did have some, but not much.

Conanc · 03-24-2006

Are the restaurants and buffet areas air conditioned at the Iberostar Tucan?

**TeeZet** · 03-24-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conanc

Are the restaurants and buffet areas air conditioned at the Iberostar Tucan?

Japanese, Mexican and Italian: yes.
Buffet and 2 Palapa restaurants: no.

vhonodel · 03-24-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeeZet

Japanese, Mexican and Italian: yes.
Buffet and 2 Palapa restaurants: no.

That is correct. We found that an early morning breakfast or a late dinner in the buffet was fine as far as heat goes. I would'nt go to the buffets at lunch or a 5-6pm dinner, way too hot. Actually I take that back. It really depends on when you are going. We have been in Nov/Dec and it is never too hot in the buffet rests. Been in June and it is too hot.

Brent & Kim · 04-02-2006

That is not the first time I have heard about the Barcello and stomach problems. We love the Tucan it's our favorite by far. We always take anti- diarrheal with us, but have not had to use it at the Tucan!! The adult bar at the Tucan ROCKS!!!!! We had tooooo much fun in that pool with others from Chicago land!!!! We can't wait to return......

K and P · 04-03-2006

Hey I have to really watch what I eat, and they only thing that gets me at Barcelo or any resort is the creamy stuff. I just returned from Barcelo ate everything I could get in my mouth except the creamy stuff including the creamy drinks and no problems.
Read enough reviews on any resort and you will find people with tummy problems. Washing hands makes a big difference. Many people handle the food utensels and I think that may be a big probem not the food. Barcelo is very clean. As well as most of the resorts are.

vhonodel · 04-03-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by K and P

Hey I have to really watch what I eat, and they only thing that gets me at Barcelo or any resort is the creamy stuff. I just returned from Barcelo ate everything I could get in my mouth except the creamy stuff including the creamy drinks and no problems.
Read enough reviews on any resort and you will find people with tummy problems. Washing hands makes a big difference. Many people handle the food utensels and I think that may be a big probem not the food. Barcelo is very clean. As well as most of the resorts are.

I think some may have misunderstood what I said regarding the food at Barcelo. While I never said it made me sick in the traditional way, I simply stated that I had constant indigestion. This has nothing to do with contamination or cleanliness but simply (I believe) the type of oil they cook with as it relates to my body specifically. No need to defend the Barcelo!!! It is a beautiful resort with a beautiful beach! I prefer the Tucan because of it's location, wildlife, more tropical feel etc... Just a simple individual preference. As stated previously, both are great I wish this forum could be more about experiences and observations instead of defending ones favorite properties

03-24-2006	#1 (permalink)
Conanc way into it Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 134	*Last minute trip -Barcelo Maya Colonial or IB Tucan** Hi -- We are looking for recommendations.... We are traveling with no children -- and are looking for a last minute get away at either Barcelo Maya Colonial or Iberostar Tucan. Which would you stay at and why? Thank you!!

03-24-2006	#2 (permalink)
racsanone way into it Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: wash d.c. Posts: 215	Am doing the Barcelo soon so no comment on their yet, but I have done the Tucan and it was fabulous...... The Tucan I would and will definetly do again.......

03-24-2006	#3 (permalink)
catjammies beachaholic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 323	Tell us what you are looking for/ what features are important. For example, I would rate the Barcelo beach superior to IB, but IB is much more convinient to PDC if you plan on spending a lot of time in town. Barcelo would be my choice, but my primary activity is beach chillin.

03-24-2006	#4 (permalink)
Conanc way into it Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 134	I think our primary activity would also be beach chilling. We really just need a vacation at this point. We've stayed at Sandals, stayed at Secrets Capri and Riu Palace in Cancun and loved these properties, but are looking for an less expensive "extra" getaway this time. Problem is...we are spoiled...lol. We like the idea of four a la cartes at Barcelo Colonial.....how is the food there? We also like children but won't be traveling with any -- seems like the Barcelo has more room to spread out but we always hear such good things about IB* Tucan -- it's in the running.

03-24-2006	#6 (permalink)
Conanc way into it Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 134	Are the restaurants and buffet areas air conditioned at the Iberostar Tucan?

04-02-2006	#9 (permalink)
Brent & Kim añejo Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Rockford, IL Posts: 4,827	That is not the first time I have heard about the Barcello and stomach problems. We love the Tucan it's our favorite by far. We always take anti- diarrheal with us, but have not had to use it at the Tucan!! The adult bar at the Tucan ROCKS!!!!! We had tooooo much fun in that pool with others from Chicago land!!!! We can't wait to return......

04-03-2006	#10 (permalink)
K and P beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ont, Canada Posts: 343	Hey I have to really watch what I eat, and they only thing that gets me at Barcelo or any resort is the creamy stuff. I just returned from Barcelo ate everything I could get in my mouth except the creamy stuff including the creamy drinks and no problems. Read enough reviews on any resort and you will find people with tummy problems. Washing hands makes a big difference. Many people handle the food utensels and I think that may be a big probem not the food. Barcelo is very clean. As well as most of the resorts are.

register to remove these adverts