Catalonia Royal Tulum v. Barcelo Tropical- opinions?

simones · 04-21-2007

Hi-
I just booked my plane ticket for a couple weeks from now, and I need help deciding where to stay. I was in town in Nov. and stayed at The Reef Playacar which was nice, but I was very disappointed with the beach. However, I liked that it was a smaller resort, they didn't mow down all the trees to build it, and it was an easy walk into Playa. (I've decided to sacrifice proximity to town this time)
For this trip, my main criteria is finding somewhere with a nice beach where I can swim and take pictures. Lots of good vegetarian food and good strong drinks made with premium liquor would be a nice bonus.
I've read a lot about these two resorts (Catalonia Royal Tulum and Barcelo Tropical/Colonial) and am leaning towards the Catalonia, because it seems to have a better beach and even lists a vegetarian restaurant. (Has anyone eaten there???) I would love to hear any opinions on how these two resorts compare.
Thanks!!!

gunnarsmom · 04-22-2007

Hi Simones...
We've stayed at the Catalonia(Copacabana) twice, and are headed down in May for our 6th stay at the Barcelo. I really don't think you'll be disappointed with either resort. It probably comes down to whether or not you want a larger or smaller property. We loved Catalonia because of it's jungle feel and absolutely gorgeous beach. We keep going back to Barcelo because of it's spacious beach and great snorkeling. I'm not much help on the vegetarian menu question, but I do know that your selection would be much greater at Barcelo because of the number of buffets and Ala Cartes you would have access to. Have a wonderful trip whatever you decide!

Big Fish · 04-22-2007

Never stayed at either place as we dont do AI's but have friends who have and have loved it at both places. What I can comment on is the location of the Catalonia Royal Tulum - which recently (last month) changed its name from the Cococabana. Located on gorgeous Xpu-Ha beach - with Club Maeva Tulum at one end and the deserted Xpu-Ha resort (now empty after being hurricanised) at the northern end. I would think this beach would have a little more to offer (if you get bored at all) as there are 2 or 3 public beach clubs in between that also have a few souvenir shops, and for a change of pace a couple of outstanding beach restaurants. One in particular - Cafe del Mar is right next to Copocabana and is excellent - offers veggie stuff too. A little further north along the beach is an upscale gourmet style restaurant - Al Cielo - very romantic bla bla bla! Havn't eaten there ourselves yet, and v pricey.
I'm sure you won't go wrong with either of your choices!

Edit: Cafe del Mar drinks - NOT shy on alcohol! Lovely fresh juice combos too

simones · 04-22-2007

I really want a nice beach this time, so I'm glad to hear you guys think I'm making a good choice! I'm still leaning towards the Catalonia, and will probably reserve today.
Big Fish- I wish I was brave (?) enough to stay at a non-AI property, but I like the convenience of the AI- esp. having easy access to food. Since I am vegetarian, and kind of picky, finding something to eat can be a major issue in a secluded location. (Buffets are good since I can always find a couple of things to eat.) The prices are so low at these AI's, so I don't feel obligated to eat every meal there- I usually do at least one a day elsewhere. I was looking into some of the non-AI's in Tulum, so maybe I'll get bold and try one next trip. Also, thanks for the tip about Cafe del Mar- I'll definitely check them out!

Luv2Dance · 04-22-2007

They had tons of salad stuff and plenty of fruit as well. Are you a strict vegan or do you eat dairy and fish? Ooops. Sorry I forgot to mention I stayed at the Copa twice.

simones · 04-22-2007

Salad and fruit is always good! I do eat dairy- but no fish.
Do you happen to remember if they have an ATM onsite or nearby? I hate to carry lots of cash if it's not necessary.

Luv2Dance · 04-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by simones

Salad and fruit is always good! I do eat dairy- but no fish.
Do you happen to remember if they have an ATM onsite or nearby? I hate to carry lots of cash if it's not necessary.

They didn't have one when I stayed there but they might have put one in since. I'd just go to an ATM in town and get pesos.

They had a nice cheese platter with breads, etc at the buffets. Nice place. I loved walking on the beach in the mornings. Beautiful. Hardly anyone out early. I felt like I had the beach to myself.

badgerfan · 04-24-2007

I just did a little review of the CRT restaurants on my trip report that is happening verrrry slowwwwly. Salad bar at lunch and dinner, fresh fruit at every meal, usually cheese, lots of breads. Chillaquillas (sp?) at breakfast, I am pretty sure they are vegetarian... yummy. Cheese Pizza at lunch, the pizzas were pretty good. Soups were great, but even the ones that didn't have meat or fish seemed to be made with meat or fish stock. Didn't see an ATM, but I wasn't looking. Never been to Barcello so I can't comment on any of those resorts.

racsanone · 04-25-2007

If u end up doing the Catalonia, please post a trip report cause I have done and am doing the barcelo again, but who knows , maybe I'll switch up next time if u can convince me

kwagner99 · 04-25-2007

Barcello doesn't serve premium liquor and wine as part of the All Inclusive package. I was considering them until I found that out. I booked at the Riu Tequilla instead. I stayed at the Riu Yucatan last year, and know for a fact that they serve the good stuff.

simones · 04-25-2007

Badgerfan- I looked at your trip report- sounds very nice and beautiful pictures! (I've made up my mind to stay here!)

I'm trying to book directly with the resort, but have not been able to get through by the time I get off work. Had a friend call yesterday during business hours but he had too much of a language barrier to book for me. I'm waiting to coordinate with a friend who is fluent in Spanish- hopefully they won't sell out in the next couple of days.

badgerfan · 04-26-2007

You may want to try applevacations.com. They will do a hotel only stay. They usually have good prices and are easy to work with. You may also want to rent a car, I wish I would have. Have fun... CRT is a very nice resort.

04-21-2007	#1 (permalink)
simones lost on fifth Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13	Catalonia Royal Tulum v. Barcelo Tropical- opinions? Hi- I just booked my plane ticket for a couple weeks from now, and I need help deciding where to stay. I was in town in Nov. and stayed at The Reef Playacar which was nice, but I was very disappointed with the beach. However, I liked that it was a smaller resort, they didn't mow down all the trees to build it, and it was an easy walk into Playa. (I've decided to sacrifice proximity to town this time) For this trip, my main criteria is finding somewhere with a nice beach where I can swim and take pictures. Lots of good vegetarian food and good strong drinks made with premium liquor would be a nice bonus. I've read a lot about these two resorts (Catalonia Royal Tulum and Barcelo Tropical/Colonial) and am leaning towards the Catalonia, because it seems to have a better beach and even lists a vegetarian restaurant. (Has anyone eaten there???) I would love to hear any opinions on how these two resorts compare. Thanks!!!

04-22-2007	#3 (permalink)
Big Fish life=playa Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 515	Never stayed at either place as we dont do AI's but have friends who have and have loved it at both places. What I can comment on is the location of the Catalonia Royal Tulum - which recently (last month) changed its name from the Cococabana. Located on gorgeous Xpu-Ha beach - with Club Maeva Tulum at one end and the deserted Xpu-Ha resort (now empty after being hurricanised) at the northern end. I would think this beach would have a little more to offer (if you get bored at all) as there are 2 or 3 public beach clubs in between that also have a few souvenir shops, and for a change of pace a couple of outstanding beach restaurants. One in particular - Cafe del Mar is right next to Copocabana and is excellent - offers veggie stuff too. A little further north along the beach is an upscale gourmet style restaurant - Al Cielo - very romantic bla bla bla! Havn't eaten there ourselves yet, and v pricey. I'm sure you won't go wrong with either of your choices! Edit: Cafe del Mar drinks - NOT shy on alcohol! Lovely fresh juice combos too Last edited by Big Fish; 04-22-2007 at 12:45 PM.

04-22-2007	#4 (permalink)
simones lost on fifth Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13	Thanks for the info! I really want a nice beach this time, so I'm glad to hear you guys think I'm making a good choice! I'm still leaning towards the Catalonia, and will probably reserve today. Big Fish- I wish I was brave (?) enough to stay at a non-AI property, but I like the convenience of the AI- esp. having easy access to food. Since I am vegetarian, and kind of picky, finding something to eat can be a major issue in a secluded location. (Buffets are good since I can always find a couple of things to eat.) The prices are so low at these AI's, so I don't feel obligated to eat every meal there- I usually do at least one a day elsewhere. I was looking into some of the non-AI's in Tulum, so maybe I'll get bold and try one next trip. Also, thanks for the tip about Cafe del Mar- I'll definitely check them out!

04-22-2007	#2 (permalink)
gunnarsmom very sparkly Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Enid, Oklahoma Posts: 28	Hi Simones... We've stayed at the Catalonia(Copacabana) twice, and are headed down in May for our 6th stay at the Barcelo. I really don't think you'll be disappointed with either resort. It probably comes down to whether or not you want a larger or smaller property. We loved Catalonia because of it's jungle feel and absolutely gorgeous beach. We keep going back to Barcelo because of it's spacious beach and great snorkeling. I'm not much help on the vegetarian menu question, but I do know that your selection would be much greater at Barcelo because of the number of buffets and Ala Cartes you would have access to. Have a wonderful trip whatever you decide!

04-22-2007	#5 (permalink)
Luv2Dance añejo Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 12,426	They had tons of salad stuff and plenty of fruit as well. Are you a strict vegan or do you eat dairy and fish? Ooops. Sorry I forgot to mention I stayed at the Copa twice.

04-22-2007	#6 (permalink)
simones lost on fifth Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13	Salad and fruit is always good! I do eat dairy- but no fish. Do you happen to remember if they have an ATM onsite or nearby? I hate to carry lots of cash if it's not necessary.

04-24-2007	#8 (permalink)
badgerfan way into it Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Marshall, WI Posts: 144	I just did a little review of the CRT restaurants on my trip report that is happening verrrry slowwwwly. Salad bar at lunch and dinner, fresh fruit at every meal, usually cheese, lots of breads. Chillaquillas (sp?) at breakfast, I am pretty sure they are vegetarian... yummy. Cheese Pizza at lunch, the pizzas were pretty good. Soups were great, but even the ones that didn't have meat or fish seemed to be made with meat or fish stock. Didn't see an ATM, but I wasn't looking. Never been to Barcello so I can't comment on any of those resorts.

04-25-2007	#9 (permalink)
racsanone way into it Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: wash d.c. Posts: 215	If u end up doing the Catalonia, please post a trip report cause I have done and am doing the barcelo again, but who knows , maybe I'll switch up next time if u can convince me

04-25-2007	#10 (permalink)
kwagner99 beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota Posts: 400	Barcello doesn't serve premium liquor and wine as part of the All Inclusive package. I was considering them until I found that out. I booked at the Riu Tequilla instead. I stayed at the Riu Yucatan last year, and know for a fact that they serve the good stuff.

04-25-2007	#11 (permalink)
simones lost on fifth Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13	Badgerfan- I looked at your trip report- sounds very nice and beautiful pictures! (I've made up my mind to stay here!) I'm trying to book directly with the resort, but have not been able to get through by the time I get off work. Had a friend call yesterday during business hours but he had too much of a language barrier to book for me. I'm waiting to coordinate with a friend who is fluent in Spanish- hopefully they won't sell out in the next couple of days.

04-26-2007	#12 (permalink)
badgerfan way into it Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Marshall, WI Posts: 144	You may want to try applevacations.com. They will do a hotel only stay. They usually have good prices and are easy to work with. You may also want to rent a car, I wish I would have. Have fun... CRT is a very nice resort.

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