RPR or Shangri-La

Mercy · 01-21-2007

So I was all set with the Shangri-La, but then I started reading posts/trip reports about the RPR and started thinking it might be nice to be pampered a bit. Money is not really the issue, here so even if we did go to RPR we would still probably venture into town for nighttime meals. I realize they are two totally different types of resorts... one pretty rustic and the other rather luxurious. I kind of like the look of the Shangri-la so that is not the issue.

Anyway, if you were to pick, which would you choose?

I think I've been reading too long

taln · 01-21-2007

Hi Mercy -
Wow. That is a tough decision. You are right - they are COMPLETELY different resorts with a completely different feel. I stayed at the RPR for a week in November and loved it. Everything about it was fantastic. I walked by the Shangri-la and thought it was adorable, however, none of the luxurious frills that come with the RPR. check out my trip report for some additional pics of the resort itself.
Sorry, not much help here because this is a decision only you'll be able to make.

Goodluck!

cjgans · 01-21-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercy

So I was all set with the Shangri-La, but then I started reading posts/trip reports about the RPR and started thinking it might be nice to be pampered a bit. Money is not really the issue, here so even if we did go to RPR we would still probably venture into town for nighttime meals. I realize they are two totally different types of resorts... one pretty rustic and the other rather luxurious. I kind of like the look of the Shangri-la so that is not the issue.

Anyway, if you were to pick, which would you choose?

I think I've been reading too long

Shangri La, hands down....the beach is THE BEST IMHO!

Mercy · 01-21-2007

Taln & Cjgans... I read both of your trip reports, loved them both!

The beach is the main reason I considered Shangri-La, and the kind of rustic feel.

But I keep looking at RPR and thinking it might be nice to be a bit pampered with someone bringing me drinks, a pretty room, etc. I'm a bit worried about the beach there though, it doesn't look as nice as it does at SL.

The biggest problem is that we don't know when we can go this year, so I haven't booked the trip yet, and the longer I stay on these boards the more confused I get

cuffedlinks · 01-21-2007

Beach at the RPR is plenty good too....lots of beach front, nice beds.
Shangri-La is a different experience and very, very good as well....

IF you're feeling like you want pampering and posh, go for it.

cjgans · 01-21-2007

You just need to commit and quit looking at the boards! It will drive you nuts otherwise! I agree with cuffed....two totally different experiences. You just have to decide which way you want to go! Just make a decision, woman!

As far as beaches go, though, I still like the beach in front of Shangri La best! And, I loved the palapa huts and rustic appeal!

debk · 01-22-2007

We loved the pampering at the RPR and just walked the beach. Nothing better than having ice cold agua and drinks at the ready - and food. I loved eating whenever I got the urge - which is why I came home 7 pounds heavier!
You'll love either!

nicren · 01-22-2007

I just planned a trip to Playa and fully intened to stay at the RPR after checking it out on my last visit and had no intention of even looking at other hotels. I also wanted to be pampered a bit on this trip. I nixed the RPR idea after reading one too many bad reviews on trip advisor about constuction and the hotel not meeting people's expectations in general.
I ended up booking the first 4 nights at the Shangri-La Caribe for that beautiful beach and rustic, laid back atmosphere (and, oh wow, those hamocks) and the last 4 nights at the The Mosquito Beach Hotel in the Ocean Blue suite which looks like my idea of a room that can make me feel seriously pampered. These two hotels couldnt be more different, both the each met a different need, and I am so excited about both. If you can't make up your mind, consider splitting your stay between the two hotels. It's like getting 2 vacations in one!

debk · 01-22-2007

Personally, I avoid Trip Advisor - too many whiners! If you look on this board you'll find many happy RPR campers!

wired529 · 01-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by debk

Personally, I avoid Trip Advisor - too many whiners! If you look on this board you'll find many happy RPR campers!

i have to agree on that one. just got back last night and can say that there is no construction going on there now beyond the normal day to day maintenance. and don't worry about the beach..it is great and there is very little wave erosion compared to other areas we walked through.

nicren · 01-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by debk

Personally, I avoid Trip Advisor - too many whiners! If you look on this board you'll find many happy RPR campers!

You are going to get opinions by people who have actually been to RPR on both trip advisor and playa.info who are far more qualified to talk about RPR than I am. I'm sure both sites have a whiner or two

.
I'm just telling you that some of the things said in those bad reviews helped me make my decision not to stay there, but you have to take any review with a grain of salt. They are just people's opinions. I know that there are plenty of other people that love RPR.

cjgans · 01-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicren

I just planned a trip to Playa and fully intened to stay at the RPR after checking it out on my last visit and had no intention of even looking at other hotels. I also wanted to be pampered a bit on this trip. I nixed the RPR idea after reading one too many bad reviews on trip advisor about constuction and the hotel not meeting people's expectations in general.
I ended up booking the first 4 nights at the Shangri-La Caribe for that beautiful beach and rustic, laid back atmosphere (and, oh wow, those hamocks) and the last 4 nights at the The Mosquito Beach Hotel in the Ocean Blue suite which looks like my idea of a room that can make me feel seriously pampered. These two hotels couldnt be more different, both the each met a different need, and I am so excited about both. If you can't make up your mind, consider splitting your stay between the two hotels. It's like getting 2 vacations in one!

Great idea....then you get the best of both worlds! No more hard decisions!

Sukidog · 01-25-2007

Have been to the Royal twice now, and are planning on going again Chrismas and New Year's this year. Being in the hospitality business, we looove being pampered!!! I must say however, I do love the look of the Shangra La.

Mercy · 01-25-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sukidog

Have been to the Royal twice now, and are planning on going again Chrismas and New Year's this year. Being in the hospitality business, we looove being pampered!!! I must say however, I do love the look of the Shangra La.

Ok, well that was NO help!

Seriously, that is precisely my problem, being pampered would be nice, and I've heard so many good reviews of the RPR... but I like the look of the Shangri La!!!

debk · 01-25-2007

Okay, I'm not going to help you either

. I am trying hard to get back to the RPR. We liked the look of the Shangri-La - but I liked being pampered ever so much more! My husband and I went for a walk up past Mamita's and the Shangri-la and returned to the RPR - hot and thirsty. Those wonderful Beach Butler's had ice cold water and cold drinks within minutes!

Now - we did walk 5th and have a few meals and drinks - but we always ended the day at Pelicano's listening to the waves with a fabulous drink and food!!

01-21-2007	#1 (permalink)
Mercy añejo Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Physically Maryland/Mentally the Beach Posts: 1,645	RPR or Shangri-La So I was all set with the Shangri-La, but then I started reading posts/trip reports about the RPR and started thinking it might be nice to be pampered a bit. Money is not really the issue, here so even if we did go to RPR we would still probably venture into town for nighttime meals. I realize they are two totally different types of resorts... one pretty rustic and the other rather luxurious. I kind of like the look of the Shangri-la so that is not the issue. Anyway, if you were to pick, which would you choose? I think I've been reading too long

01-21-2007	#2 (permalink)
taln beachaholic Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 291	Hi Mercy - Wow. That is a tough decision. You are right - they are COMPLETELY different resorts with a completely different feel. I stayed at the RPR for a week in November and loved it. Everything about it was fantastic. I walked by the Shangri-la and thought it was adorable, however, none of the luxurious frills that come with the RPR. check out my trip report for some additional pics of the resort itself. Sorry, not much help here because this is a decision only you'll be able to make. Goodluck!

01-21-2007	#4 (permalink)
Mercy añejo Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Physically Maryland/Mentally the Beach Posts: 1,645	Taln & Cjgans... I read both of your trip reports, loved them both! The beach is the main reason I considered Shangri-La, and the kind of rustic feel. But I keep looking at RPR and thinking it might be nice to be a bit pampered with someone bringing me drinks, a pretty room, etc. I'm a bit worried about the beach there though, it doesn't look as nice as it does at SL. The biggest problem is that we don't know when we can go this year, so I haven't booked the trip yet, and the longer I stay on these boards the more confused I get

01-21-2007	#5 (permalink)
cuffedlinks añejo Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The City of Presidents Posts: 16,003	Beach at the RPR is plenty good too....lots of beach front, nice beds. Shangri-La is a different experience and very, very good as well.... IF you're feeling like you want pampering and posh, go for it.

01-21-2007	#6 (permalink)
cjgans life=playa Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 797	You just need to commit and quit looking at the boards! It will drive you nuts otherwise! I agree with cuffed....two totally different experiences. You just have to decide which way you want to go! Just make a decision, woman! As far as beaches go, though, I still like the beach in front of Shangri La best! And, I loved the palapa huts and rustic appeal!

01-22-2007	#7 (permalink)
debk beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 437	We loved the pampering at the RPR and just walked the beach. Nothing better than having ice cold agua and drinks at the ready - and food. I loved eating whenever I got the urge - which is why I came home 7 pounds heavier! You'll love either!

01-22-2007	#8 (permalink)
nicren into ruins Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 67	I just planned a trip to Playa and fully intened to stay at the RPR after checking it out on my last visit and had no intention of even looking at other hotels. I also wanted to be pampered a bit on this trip. I nixed the RPR idea after reading one too many bad reviews on trip advisor about constuction and the hotel not meeting people's expectations in general. I ended up booking the first 4 nights at the Shangri-La Caribe for that beautiful beach and rustic, laid back atmosphere (and, oh wow, those hamocks) and the last 4 nights at the The Mosquito Beach Hotel in the Ocean Blue suite which looks like my idea of a room that can make me feel seriously pampered. These two hotels couldnt be more different, both the each met a different need, and I am so excited about both. If you can't make up your mind, consider splitting your stay between the two hotels. It's like getting 2 vacations in one!

01-22-2007	#9 (permalink)
debk beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 437	Personally, I avoid Trip Advisor - too many whiners! If you look on this board you'll find many happy RPR campers!

01-25-2007	#13 (permalink)
Sukidog reposado Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 1,384	Have been to the Royal twice now, and are planning on going again Chrismas and New Year's this year. Being in the hospitality business, we looove being pampered!!! I must say however, I do love the look of the Shangra La.

01-25-2007	#15 (permalink)
debk beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 437	Okay, I'm not going to help you either . I am trying hard to get back to the RPR. We liked the look of the Shangri-La - but I liked being pampered ever so much more! My husband and I went for a walk up past Mamita's and the Shangri-la and returned to the RPR - hot and thirsty. Those wonderful Beach Butler's had ice cold water and cold drinks within minutes! Now - we did walk 5th and have a few meals and drinks - but we always ended the day at Pelicano's listening to the waves with a fabulous drink and food!!

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