Taking the Plunge From British Columbia

Cindy1959 · 09-07-2006

Hello All,
This is my first post and my first trip to Mexico. I've been searching all kinds of sights and like this one because there are so many locals using it. We're booked at the Gala Esmeralda and have been having a hard time finding info as it's so new.

Thanks so much to BINDBENDER for providing a local view on the place. Our budget is really 3* but with the great prices couldn't resist this 5* even if it isn't completely finished. After viewing pics of the "SOL" I feel it must be the 5* it is advertised as - it looks absolutely stunning! I would love it if you (or anyone else in Playa that is unbiased) could post more pictures of the Esmeralda's progress.

One thing I've been wondering about. Is there anyone else who goes to Mexico and doesn't drink???? We don't and feel it's a plus - I want to remember every moment of this once in lifetime trip (for us anyway!) I guess that's why the Esmeralda only having one bar open doesn't bother us. Looking forward to hearing from anyone out there on their views!

Kellyk · 09-07-2006

Welcome Cindy! Wow your first post and it's a poll!!

Impressive. Sorry I don't have any answers to your questions and I didn't vote in your poll because I don't ever go AI but I'm sure you'll get many responses from the folks around here who do.

I'd still like to see picks of the place though.

Cindy1959 · 09-07-2006

Yeah, I got the poll alright - just forgot to save my signature after creating it!!

DavidB · 09-09-2006

Welcome, great first post. We've only done all inclusive for a couple of days once in Cancun with the kids. Another reason some people like AI is that they pretty much know thier price for the trip before they get down there.

Cindy1959 · 09-09-2006

Thanks David. Chose an AI because I was too chicken to be on our own in a new country. Emailed Luna Blue for availability but opted for AI instead. I'm already mentally planning our next trip and it probably won't be an AI. I was worried about food and from what I read here, most of the problems come from the AIs not locally. I think I'll be hitting the buffet's as soon as the food comes out and trying local restaurants.

The one price for all is good having never been there and not understanding the exchange rates etc.

I like the quote on your signature however if I were to drink I'd be in the first group of problem drinkers - and that's not a pretty sight! Cheers to all of you who can do it

Cindy1959 · 09-09-2006

How long do I stay a sandflea??

DavidB · 09-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cindy1959

How long do I stay a sandflea??

It goes by your post count. I think it takes about 50 post to move up. Nothing wrong with going AI for your first trip. Just make sure you come into town a couple times to check it out. Have breakfast at your AI then take a bus or taxi into Playa. Plan on spending the day in town. Take a walk down 5th and check out the shops and some of the hotels you've been reading about. Playa is very easy to walk from one end to the other. When you get to the North End stop and say Hi to Tony and Cheri at the Luna Blue. Then walk back on the beach. Have lunch at the ****** or our favorite El Pirata. Finnish walk on beach. By this time you'll be familar with the layout of town. Now you can head back to you AI or stay and have dinner at one of the great reasturants in town.

Cindy1959 · 09-09-2006

That sounds absolutely heavenly! Have to go back to work on Monday but having spent part of my holiday with you guys makes me want to quit and come down now! Thanks for the itinerary David - I will definately be spending time in Playa.

DavidB · 09-09-2006

So when are you going to be there? Sorry didn't see your count down. Watching football.

View Poll Results: Do you like an all inclusive best for its
services	0	0%
all inclusive food	2	50.00%
all inclusive alcohol	2	50.00%
Voters: 4. You may not vote on this poll

09-07-2006	#1 (permalink)
Cindy1959 lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Prince George, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 10	Taking the Plunge From British Columbia Hello All, This is my first post and my first trip to Mexico. I've been searching all kinds of sights and like this one because there are so many locals using it. We're booked at the Gala Esmeralda and have been having a hard time finding info as it's so new. Thanks so much to BINDBENDER for providing a local view on the place. Our budget is really 3* but with the great prices couldn't resist this 5* even if it isn't completely finished. After viewing pics of the "SOL" I feel it must be the 5* it is advertised as - it looks absolutely stunning! I would love it if you (or anyone else in Playa that is unbiased) could post more pictures of the Esmeralda's progress. One thing I've been wondering about. Is there anyone else who goes to Mexico and doesn't drink???? We don't and feel it's a plus - I want to remember every moment of this once in lifetime trip (for us anyway!) I guess that's why the Esmeralda only having one bar open doesn't bother us. Looking forward to hearing from anyone out there on their views! Last edited by Cindy1959 : 09-07-2006 at 03:05 PM.

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09-07-2006	#2 (permalink)
Kellyk añejo Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dallas,TX Posts: 5,602	Welcome Cindy! Wow your first post and it's a poll!! Impressive. Sorry I don't have any answers to your questions and I didn't vote in your poll because I don't ever go AI but I'm sure you'll get many responses from the folks around here who do. I'd still like to see picks of the place though.

09-07-2006	#3 (permalink)
Cindy1959 lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Prince George, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 10	Yeah, I got the poll alright - just forgot to save my signature after creating it!!

09-09-2006	#4 (permalink)
DavidB añejo Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Mid Mich Posts: 2,755	Welcome, great first post. We've only done all inclusive for a couple of days once in Cancun with the kids. Another reason some people like AI is that they pretty much know thier price for the trip before they get down there.

09-09-2006	#5 (permalink)
Cindy1959 lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Prince George, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 10	Thanks David. Chose an AI because I was too chicken to be on our own in a new country. Emailed Luna Blue for availability but opted for AI instead. I'm already mentally planning our next trip and it probably won't be an AI. I was worried about food and from what I read here, most of the problems come from the AIs not locally. I think I'll be hitting the buffet's as soon as the food comes out and trying local restaurants. The one price for all is good having never been there and not understanding the exchange rates etc. I like the quote on your signature however if I were to drink I'd be in the first group of problem drinkers - and that's not a pretty sight! Cheers to all of you who can do it

09-09-2006	#6 (permalink)
Cindy1959 lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Prince George, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 10	How long do I stay a sandflea??

09-09-2006	#8 (permalink)
Cindy1959 lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Prince George, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 10	That sounds absolutely heavenly! Have to go back to work on Monday but having spent part of my holiday with you guys makes me want to quit and come down now! Thanks for the itinerary David - I will definately be spending time in Playa.

09-09-2006	#9 (permalink)
DavidB añejo Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Mid Mich Posts: 2,755	So when are you going to be there? Sorry didn't see your count down. Watching football.

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