Club El Mandarin?

[KC Arrowhead]

Just curious about any info on this place. We wanted a smaller AI this time and for the price consider this one. Heard about construction in the pool and lobby? Looked for some posts but after a few pages back did'nt see any? Shammy, I know your the expert, and any thing you may pass along will be helpful as well. We are not looking for a Grand AI Something smaller, less crowded ( we have done RIU, IB*Lindo & Quetzal, Barcelo Maya & Bahia)

Thanks KC

[Shammy]

Well, I haven't sent anyone to this resort in quite a few years as it's not one of my favorites (and that's because none of my clients had much that was good to say about it!). The beach is just so so, and basically, it's a 2-3 star property.

If you've stayed at the Riu's, Lindo, Quetzal, Barcelo Maya & Bahia - this hotel will be a big step down from all of them.

However, they are doing MUCHO construction so perhaps some things will improve in time? Can't say for sure. But for the amount of money spent, I feel there are better resorts out there.

This is the info I posted two days ago (in a Secrets thread) about the El Mandarin............


H10 El Mandarin (as it's now known) is indeed open - but there is construction going on.


*Beginning April 24, 2006, there will be construction for a new pool. As per the hotel, disturbances and inconveniences are practically not there. All major construction should finish by July 5, 2006 and the new pool will be ready by approximately the first week of September 2006. Once the new pool is open, the original pool will close and undergo renovations.

*The main lobby is still under construction as well as the central corridor, the terrace area, and the amphitheater. Noise disturbances are strong, but the area is set to be finished and reopened approximately July 5, 2006.

*The hotel is still renovating and upgrading villas, rooms, and handicapped rooms. They are working by blocks and are separated from the occupied buildings in order to not disturb clients with noise. No approximate date of completion is given.

*The new discotheque and convention facilities will be ready and operating approximately June 30, 2006.

*There will be no heavy construction from July 6, 2006 - August 25, 2006.

*Due to the construction, there is aggressive pricing for this hotel at this time.
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[KC Arrowhead]

Thanks Shammy, as always for the insight & quick response..
Yes we have stayed at the Barcelo Maya during construction after Hurricane Emily,
The IB* Lindo during the building of the Maya, Just last week at the Bahia in Punta Cana with construction as well.. ( Never got 1 discount for construction or any added bonus ) nice to see the El Mandarin is considerate enough to pass on savings to thier customers..
We are always drawn back to the Maya side of Mexico though..(Playa)
As stated in original post, we want a smaller AI this time.Nothing grand, just something simple in an AI format. and for the price offered ? WOW ..
We have done many resorts & non AI places.. Can deal with construction here..
Just curious to hear from someone who has actually stayed at this resort lately and give an honest opinion for an AI that is 1/2 the price of ones we have been to before??
I personally have no desire to visit 1 same resort 4 times in 1 year no matter what??. Life is too short, we want to see them all if we can before either our money runs out or we die first??
KC