AI indecisive: GPR or Ib* Tucan?

sheverlay · 07-01-2006

Hi,
First of all, thanks for providing such a great forum! I've read all through this site and I've found the information provided to be, by far, the most useful. I'm also a TripAdvisor addict, but find the reviews to be frustrating sometimes.
Now to get to the point of this rambling... I've been to PDC twice before, but never stayed in an AI. We are going at the end of July. We decided to go the AI route this time because we are bringing my 11 year-old daughter and figured - as far as food, pool and entertainment go - this would be smarter and easier. Here is my dilemma: Should we opt for a nicer beach far from town (Ib* Tucan) or less of a beach closer to town (GPR)? I've read about both and I just can't decide. The first time I went to PDC, I stayed in a house in Playacar 1 near the gates. The walk into town took about 10 - 15 minutes and was pleasant and mostly shaded, from what I can recall. Ib* is quite a bit further and I concerned about the length and shadiness of the walk into town (I don't want to hear the complaints). I really loved the beach in Playacar, though. It was perfect! The second time, we stayed at the ******. We had a top floor, beach front unit that was wonderful and we were right in town. The beach here was nice, too, but more crowded and with more boats. Although I noticed these things, they really didn't bother me at all. I just love being in PDC! The 2 things that bothered me were the techno music blaring from the bar at the BP and how horribly uncomfortable the bed was (it was a fold-out sofa and you could feel the bar).I've read several reviews and have seen pictures of the beach in front of GPR. Most seem to say it's rather unpleasant, but a few have said it's not that big of a deal.I've also read that you can hear the dreaded techno music from the BP at GPR! (Aaak!) I've read that the beds at Ib* are horribly uncomfortable and the AC doesn't work that well. Has anyone stayed at both? Is one a better AI than the other? Anyone's kids have an opinion? Thanks!

**Shammy** · 07-01-2006

If the decision comes down to GPR and the IB* Tucan, no question - the IB* Tucan wins on all fronts! No doubt about it.

The walk into town isn't that far and a cab will only cost $5.00 if you don't want to walk.

sheverlay · 07-01-2006

Thanks, Shammy! You are so helpful!
So, food service, entertainment... it's all better at Ib*? What are the top 3, in your opinion, that make Ib* superior and the GPR inferior?
Also, would we be fine booking this ourselves or should we book through a TA? Because of the horriible hurricane season last year, I am concerned about trip insurance.
Thanks, again!

**Shammy** · 07-01-2006

GPR is notorious for overbooking. Hasn't been nearly as bad as it was in the past, but it still happens there more than at other resorts.

Beach is better at the Tucan.

Tucan is more family oriented and has a good children's program as well as a great entertainment crew. Since you're traveling with an 11 year, that's pretty important. Plus - she'll LOVE the monkeys and other critters than run around the property!

I don't know about the food and service as I've never stayed at the GPR.

As far as where to book your trip, that's entirely up to you. There are many reasons why I'd suggest that you use a TA, but I'm not in the habit of telling people it's OK to be a "self booker" or I'd be out of bidness right quick.

You can always shop for your best deal online and then check with a TA to see what kind of price he or she could come up with.

Trip insurance is available to the general public from several different sources, you don't need a TA to sell it to you. But remember, if the worst should happen and something goes kooky with your vacation, if you book it yourself, you only have yourself to fix it.

sheverlay · 07-01-2006

Thanks, Shammy!! I really appreciate the great advice. My husband is "certain" we can book this without a problem ( hurricane), so I am going to forward what you said about the TA.

Nerak936 · 07-02-2006

Haven't stayed at the GPR but have stayed 3 times at the Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal which is a wonderful resort. I would doubt that in the heat of late July you'd want to make the walk into Playa, but maybe that's just me.... We always opted for a cab.

As for TA's know REALLY know their stuff and has booked MANY trips for MANY people on this forum (including the one that we're taking at the end of July), you can't go wrong with Shammy. The lady knows her gig and won't steer you wrong.

See that little palm tree at the bottom of her post?? Click on that to check out her website.

sheverlay · 07-03-2006

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Unfortunately, I think we are going to forgo the large resort for a smaller condo. I read some posts on this forum concerning the ecological impacts of the new pier and other unethical information on the Miramar company (owns the GPR and RPR).

I don't feel good about giving my money to companies like that. Reminds me of the Lorax too much. I don't like supporting big box retailers, either. I was thoroughly grossed out when I heard Wal Mart was coming to PDC and worried about the local businesses that would go belly-up because of it.

I'm sure there were a few. Anyway, I don't want to turn this into a hippy rant. I'll save that for another forum.

We are looking at Villa Sacbe as a possibility. I know this section is about the big resorts, but if anyone knows of a smaller condo set-up somewhere that they just love, I would appreciate the info! Thanks!

07-01-2006	#1 (permalink)
sheverlay lost on fifth Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 15	*AI indecisive: GPR or Ib Tucan?** Hi, First of all, thanks for providing such a great forum! I've read all through this site and I've found the information provided to be, by far, the most useful. I'm also a TripAdvisor addict, but find the reviews to be frustrating sometimes. Now to get to the point of this rambling... I've been to PDC twice before, but never stayed in an AI. We are going at the end of July. We decided to go the AI route this time because we are bringing my 11 year-old daughter and figured - as far as food, pool and entertainment go - this would be smarter and easier. Here is my dilemma: Should we opt for a nicer beach far from town (Ib* Tucan) or less of a beach closer to town (GPR)? I've read about both and I just can't decide. The first time I went to PDC, I stayed in a house in Playacar 1 near the gates. The walk into town took about 10 - 15 minutes and was pleasant and mostly shaded, from what I can recall. Ib* is quite a bit further and I concerned about the length and shadiness of the walk into town (I don't want to hear the complaints). I really loved the beach in Playacar, though. It was perfect! The second time, we stayed at the *****. We had a top floor, beach front unit that was wonderful and we were right in town. The beach here was nice, too, but more crowded and with more boats. Although I noticed these things, they really didn't bother me at all. I just love being in PDC! The 2 things that bothered me were the techno music blaring from the bar at the BP and how horribly uncomfortable the bed was (it was a fold-out sofa and you could feel the bar).I've read several reviews and have seen pictures of the beach in front of GPR. Most seem to say it's rather unpleasant, but a few have said it's not that big of a deal.I've also read that you can hear the dreaded techno music from the BP at GPR! (Aaak!) I've read that the beds at Ib are horribly uncomfortable and the AC doesn't work that well. Has anyone stayed at both? Is one a better AI than the other? Anyone's kids have an opinion? Thanks!

07-01-2006	#2 (permalink)
Shammy Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,495	If the decision comes down to GPR and the IB* Tucan, no question - the IB* Tucan wins on all fronts! No doubt about it. The walk into town isn't that far and a cab will only cost $5.00 if you don't want to walk.

07-01-2006	#3 (permalink)
sheverlay lost on fifth Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 15	Thanks, Shammy! You are so helpful! So, food service, entertainment... it's all better at Ib? What are the top 3, in your opinion, that make Ib superior and the GPR inferior? Also, would we be fine booking this ourselves or should we book through a TA? Because of the horriible hurricane season last year, I am concerned about trip insurance. Thanks, again!

07-01-2006	#4 (permalink)
Shammy Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,495	GPR is notorious for overbooking. Hasn't been nearly as bad as it was in the past, but it still happens there more than at other resorts. Beach is better at the Tucan. Tucan is more family oriented and has a good children's program as well as a great entertainment crew. Since you're traveling with an 11 year, that's pretty important. Plus - she'll LOVE the monkeys and other critters than run around the property! I don't know about the food and service as I've never stayed at the GPR. As far as where to book your trip, that's entirely up to you. There are many reasons why I'd suggest that you use a TA, but I'm not in the habit of telling people it's OK to be a "self booker" or I'd be out of bidness right quick. You can always shop for your best deal online and then check with a TA to see what kind of price he or she could come up with. Trip insurance is available to the general public from several different sources, you don't need a TA to sell it to you. But remember, if the worst should happen and something goes kooky with your vacation, if you book it yourself, you only have yourself to fix it.

07-01-2006	#5 (permalink)
sheverlay lost on fifth Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 15	Thanks, Shammy!! I really appreciate the great advice. My husband is "certain" we can book this without a problem ( hurricane), so I am going to forward what you said about the TA.

07-02-2006	#6 (permalink)
Nerak936 Cat-Lovin Nerak Bead Lady Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 18,638	Haven't stayed at the GPR but have stayed 3 times at the Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal which is a wonderful resort. I would doubt that in the heat of late July you'd want to make the walk into Playa, but maybe that's just me.... We always opted for a cab. As for TA's know REALLY know their stuff and has booked MANY trips for MANY people on this forum (including the one that we're taking at the end of July), you can't go wrong with Shammy. The lady knows her gig and won't steer you wrong. See that little palm tree at the bottom of her post?? Click on that to check out her website.

07-03-2006	#7 (permalink)
sheverlay lost on fifth Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 15	Thanks for the advice, everyone. Unfortunately, I think we are going to forgo the large resort for a smaller condo. I read some posts on this forum concerning the ecological impacts of the new pier and other unethical information on the Miramar company (owns the GPR and RPR). I don't feel good about giving my money to companies like that. Reminds me of the Lorax too much. I don't like supporting big box retailers, either. I was thoroughly grossed out when I heard Wal Mart was coming to PDC and worried about the local businesses that would go belly-up because of it. I'm sure there were a few. Anyway, I don't want to turn this into a hippy rant. I'll save that for another forum. We are looking at Villa Sacbe as a possibility. I know this section is about the big resorts, but if anyone knows of a smaller condo set-up somewhere that they just love, I would appreciate the info! Thanks!

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