Trip Report 3/31/2007-4/7/2007 - IB* Del Mar

Ranger · 05-01-2007

Trip report 3/31/2007-4/7/2007
This was our first trip to Mexico, Yucatan area. We had a service from home pick up (9:00 AM) and drop us off (10:00 AM) at Logan Airport in Boston right at the door we wanted (by chance). Wait in line about 45 min., but no problem and it was a charter flight with TNT Vacations, so no rush anyway. Bags checked and thru scanner, bite to eat and wait for boarding. Flight was good 3 hrs-48 min. and we exit plane it’s about 90 degrees, get thru customs (two green lights) and find our way to bus. First timer so very intent on paying attention of where to be so I totally missed the beer stand. We are booked at the Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar so there was a bus right to the lobby, get the luggage, tropical drinks served and we check in

(by chance room 2007). I did not really like the location of our room at first, but it turned out convenient and very quiet (bed was hard as a rock). We waited a while for the luggage then called and it came, in the mean time I finished off the beer in the mini bar and called to get it re-stocked. I asked if they would stock it with Sol as I really like this, but a few minutes later a woman arrived with Dos Equis as it turns out that is basically the only beer at the resort (draft at bars bottled in rooms). So I got used them real quick. Got changed and wandered (literally)

around the complex which is quite big and we hadn’t figured out the trolley and layout, which turns out pretty simple by the next day we were ok or I should say I was, my wife was ok with it the first day. Hit the pool, the beach and…THE BAR. Mixed drinks and cerveza flowed freely always in fresh clean glasses, though I found the drinks a little weak just ask and that changes. Tips are not necessary but we did on a regular basis which does gain attention. The managers, bar tenders,

waiters and cleaning staff was very friendly always with “hola”. The food was fine as we always found a good variety some better than others, the specialty restaurants were good but not great the buffets were interesting and tasty. We ate at the Brazilian our second night and it was good, the best part of dinner was meeting Jeff and Jane and by suggesting that we were there as a result of this being my birthday gift “the party started” shots of tequila and a “la coucaratia”(sp.) which was a flaming shot a “Mexican flag” I think, so drink the shot, towel on mouth they shook my head then put ornaments on my head and chest which the entire restaurant seemed to enjoy. The beach was very clean,

nice sand and the color of the water is amazing, first few day there were red flags, but we went in and the water was great. We did find that you need to just past some rocks as they are a bit of a problem with the heavy surf, but in all the beach and water great. There are bars at the beach and a grill shack that opens at lunch with burgers etc. Chairs and palpas need to be reserved early with a towel (pool also) but that was not a problem. The pool was great and we did spend a lot of time there. It was very hot 85-95 f so we spent a lot of time in the pool which has three swim up bars, this was great. The pool itself goes in length probably about 150 yards with a couple air jet areas and a waterfall, the water and pool area was very clean as was the rest of the grounds. The complex has stores for shopping souvenirs, silver, tequila and at the commerce center across the street there was a taco bar that was very good, there was also a hamburger shop but we did not eat there.
The commerce center is where the shuttle bus to Playa Del Carmen is located which was very convenient the ride is 20-30 min., air conditioned and comfortable. The bus drops you off at beginning of town (watch schedule as it’s a little confusing) and picks up at same location. Walking through the streets

is fun and the shop owners work hard to get you to look at their goods, but not hard to walk away with just a “no gracias”. We walked the town a long way on 5th to try to get a feel for the place, which clearly will take more trips there. We found the chocolate store and had shakes and continued on until it became mostly new construction and started back toward the bus stop. Along the way back (HOT) we were persuaded into a nice little restaurant for some Sols and had a very good shrimp cocktail in a big goblet,

the sauce was great. Back to the bus stop 1 ½ hr early, now what! Walk back down to water next door to Senor frogs for margaritas 2-3-4 and go get the bus. Back to the resort and to the pool and pool bar. Wed. night we bought tickets to a TNT night party at Senor Frogs

which included transportation to and from Playa Del Carmen, Escorts, reserved table and open bar for three hours this was a lot of fun till it caught up with me, let’s just say I put away a lot of tequila!!!!! Thursday hang around and nurse severe hangover. Friday off to Playa Del Carmen for tequila to bring home and some souvenirs, as we got off the bus I asked the driver where Wal-mart was, he handed me a map with our location marked and directed us which way to go. It was a bit of a walk up various streets through some pretty run down spots, but you can hit some pretty seedy streets in Boston and probably less safe. We find Wal-mart and do our shopping, while we are looking I’m trying to find someone that speak English and reads Mexican and I do. He tells me what I’m was trying to figure out and before I knew it he was setting us up to go to a time share to look have lunch, he would buy all the Wal-mart
stuff + and then drive us back to our hotel. My minds eye red flagged this whole situation which became very uncomfortable (I got to 50 years old by listening to myself) I suggest to Cheryl that what if we end up just “going for a ride” as they say in the north end of Boston. As we move through the store I can tell people are keeping an eye on us, we move through the register, pay and out the door. Now the guy we talked to is right there and ready to go, I say “no we are not going to do this” he gave me his ID and a short please, but “no gracias” and off we went. Now I’m loaded down with tequila etc., it’s hot
and we’re walking (but safe). We end up at the restaurant we had shrimp cocktail at cool of with Sols and ask if they have empanadas to which the waiter says “no, but let me ask the cook” he comes back and yes how many. We order and end up with the best thing I ate in Mexico! Back at the hotel pool cool off then get ready for dinner at the Japanese.
The Japanese was good but I really like sashimi and other Japanese delicacies, but this was pretty standard fare. Later we had a nice fun night with Jeff, Jane, Dave, Liz, Kevin, Rosie and some guy from Illinois that some how ended up in the fish pond!! Policia were very nice. Saturday morning breakfast, pack, sit by the pool then check out and wait for bus to airport which the airport and plane trip were uneventful and meet our limo at about 10:45 PM and home by 11:45 PM. We Shall Return!!!!

Ranger · 05-01-2007

I was still putting in pictures, but it stopped accepting them so here are some more: IB Del Mar lobby (doubled up pic)

trishab83 · 05-01-2007

Great report. Very concise and to the the point!
And I even saw mi amigo Junior in your Senor Frog's picture!
Can't wait to see the rest your pictures!

Packers4girl · 05-01-2007

Great report!!!!! I was just looking at some of our pictures from last may when we were at senior frogs!! I had to buy the frame with the pic you no!!!! Keep it coming!

Ranger · 05-01-2007

Can I add pics to the exsiting report or just add pics as we go?

trishab83 · 05-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

Can I add pics to the exsiting report or just add pics as we go?

I'm no pro at posting pics here, but I think the only way you can add pics to the existing report would be to edit the report and add them. But I'm sure we would all be fine with you just posting them as a reply and adding a brief description of each.
I may be wrong on the whole editing thing too, just trying to help.

mlsbkp · 05-01-2007

Great trip report and pictures.

debk · 05-01-2007

You can go back and edit your report - or just keep going and add more info and pictures! Love your reports and pictures!!

Ranger · 05-01-2007

Shuttle that travels about the ground (very helpful). We were actually so tired one night I said to my wife "if trolly will bring us to the room I'll give the guy $5.00, aout one minute later a golf cart and to the room!! ($5.00 tip)

pool bar was very nice (there are 3)

Ranger · 05-01-2007

This is the Japanese at del Mar, food was good but not as interseting as I like and bar at lobby.

Mrsfuzzmo · 05-01-2007

Great report. It's making me hungry!!! Can you tell me the place that you took the photo of the beautiful shrimp cocktail?? That would be my husbands dream!!

aoflaherty · 05-01-2007

Yes, please share the name of the place! Looks like a perfect treat for a walk through town.

Ranger · 05-02-2007

I do not know

the name, but it is on 5th. accross the street there was a small stand selling local honey products and next to it was a designer clothing shop. There were some tables in front then 4 or 5 staairs to the main level. We did look at the name but

now. We had a plate of empanadas there as well that were fantastic. I hope you find it.

schmerl · 05-02-2007

Great pictures. Brought back wonderful memories from my stay at the Del Mar.

Eileencc · 05-02-2007

so far so good Ranger! Keep it coming!

05-01-2007	#1 (permalink)
Ranger reposado Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: 40 miles south east of Boston Posts: 1,482	*Trip Report 3/31/2007-4/7/2007 - IB Del Mar** Trip report 3/31/2007-4/7/2007 This was our first trip to Mexico, Yucatan area. We had a service from home pick up (9:00 AM) and drop us off (10:00 AM) at Logan Airport in Boston right at the door we wanted (by chance). Wait in line about 45 min., but no problem and it was a charter flight with TNT Vacations, so no rush anyway. Bags checked and thru scanner, bite to eat and wait for boarding. Flight was good 3 hrs-48 min. and we exit plane it’s about 90 degrees, get thru customs (two green lights) and find our way to bus. First timer so very intent on paying attention of where to be so I totally missed the beer stand. We are booked at the Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar so there was a bus right to the lobby, get the luggage, tropical drinks served and we check in (by chance room 2007). I did not really like the location of our room at first, but it turned out convenient and very quiet (bed was hard as a rock). We waited a while for the luggage then called and it came, in the mean time I finished off the beer in the mini bar and called to get it re-stocked. I asked if they would stock it with Sol as I really like this, but a few minutes later a woman arrived with Dos Equis as it turns out that is basically the only beer at the resort (draft at bars bottled in rooms). So I got used them real quick. Got changed and wandered (literally) around the complex which is quite big and we hadn’t figured out the trolley and layout, which turns out pretty simple by the next day we were ok or I should say I was, my wife was ok with it the first day. Hit the pool, the beach and…THE BAR. Mixed drinks and cerveza flowed freely always in fresh clean glasses, though I found the drinks a little weak just ask and that changes. Tips are not necessary but we did on a regular basis which does gain attention. The managers, bar tenders, waiters and cleaning staff was very friendly always with “hola”. The food was fine as we always found a good variety some better than others, the specialty restaurants were good but not great the buffets were interesting and tasty. We ate at the Brazilian our second night and it was good, the best part of dinner was meeting Jeff and Jane and by suggesting that we were there as a result of this being my birthday gift “the party started” shots of tequila and a “la coucaratia”(sp.) which was a flaming shot a “Mexican flag” I think, so drink the shot, towel on mouth they shook my head then put ornaments on my head and chest which the entire restaurant seemed to enjoy. The beach was very clean, nice sand and the color of the water is amazing, first few day there were red flags, but we went in and the water was great. We did find that you need to just past some rocks as they are a bit of a problem with the heavy surf, but in all the beach and water great. There are bars at the beach and a grill shack that opens at lunch with burgers etc. Chairs and palpas need to be reserved early with a towel (pool also) but that was not a problem. The pool was great and we did spend a lot of time there. It was very hot 85-95 f so we spent a lot of time in the pool which has three swim up bars, this was great. The pool itself goes in length probably about 150 yards with a couple air jet areas and a waterfall, the water and pool area was very clean as was the rest of the grounds. The complex has stores for shopping souvenirs, silver, tequila and at the commerce center across the street there was a taco bar that was very good, there was also a hamburger shop but we did not eat there. The commerce center is where the shuttle bus to Playa Del Carmen is located which was very convenient the ride is 20-30 min., air conditioned and comfortable. The bus drops you off at beginning of town (watch schedule as it’s a little confusing) and picks up at same location. Walking through the streets is fun and the shop owners work hard to get you to look at their goods, but not hard to walk away with just a “no gracias”. We walked the town a long way on 5th to try to get a feel for the place, which clearly will take more trips there. We found the chocolate store and had shakes and continued on until it became mostly new construction and started back toward the bus stop. Along the way back (HOT) we were persuaded into a nice little restaurant for some Sols and had a very good shrimp cocktail in a big goblet, the sauce was great. Back to the bus stop 1 ½ hr early, now what! Walk back down to water next door to Senor frogs for margaritas 2-3-4 and go get the bus. Back to the resort and to the pool and pool bar. Wed. night we bought tickets to a TNT night party at Senor Frogs which included transportation to and from Playa Del Carmen, Escorts, reserved table and open bar for three hours this was a lot of fun till it caught up with me, let’s just say I put away a lot of tequila!!!!! Thursday hang around and nurse severe hangover. Friday off to Playa Del Carmen for tequila to bring home and some souvenirs, as we got off the bus I asked the driver where Wal-mart was, he handed me a map with our location marked and directed us which way to go. It was a bit of a walk up various streets through some pretty run down spots, but you can hit some pretty seedy streets in Boston and probably less safe. We find Wal-mart and do our shopping, while we are looking I’m trying to find someone that speak English and reads Mexican and I do. He tells me what I’m was trying to figure out and before I knew it he was setting us up to go to a time share to look have lunch, he would buy all the Wal-mart stuff + and then drive us back to our hotel. My minds eye red flagged this whole situation which became very uncomfortable (I got to 50 years old by listening to myself) I suggest to Cheryl that what if we end up just “going for a ride” as they say in the north end of Boston. As we move through the store I can tell people are keeping an eye on us, we move through the register, pay and out the door. Now the guy we talked to is right there and ready to go, I say “no we are not going to do this” he gave me his ID and a short please, but “no gracias” and off we went. Now I’m loaded down with tequila etc., it’s hot and we’re walking (but safe). We end up at the restaurant we had shrimp cocktail at cool of with Sols and ask if they have empanadas to which the waiter says “no, but let me ask the cook” he comes back and yes how many. We order and end up with the best thing I ate in Mexico! Back at the hotel pool cool off then get ready for dinner at the Japanese. The Japanese was good but I really like sashimi and other Japanese delicacies, but this was pretty standard fare. Later we had a nice fun night with Jeff, Jane, Dave, Liz, Kevin, Rosie and some guy from Illinois that some how ended up in the fish pond!! Policia were very nice. Saturday morning breakfast, pack, sit by the pool then check out and wait for bus to airport which the airport and plane trip were uneventful and meet our limo at about 10:45 PM and home by 11:45 PM. We Shall Return!!!!

05-01-2007	#2 (permalink)
Ranger reposado Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: 40 miles south east of Boston Posts: 1,482	I was still putting in pictures, but it stopped accepting them so here are some more: IB Del Mar lobby (doubled up pic) Last edited by cuffedlinks : 05-01-2007 at 10:57 AM.

05-01-2007	#9 (permalink)
Ranger reposado Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: 40 miles south east of Boston Posts: 1,482	Shuttle that travels about the ground (very helpful). We were actually so tired one night I said to my wife "if trolly will bring us to the room I'll give the guy $5.00, aout one minute later a golf cart and to the room!! ($5.00 tip)pool bar was very nice (there are 3)

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05-01-2007	#3 (permalink)
trishab83 beachaholic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Madison, WI :( Posts: 358	Great report. Very concise and to the the point! And I even saw mi amigo Junior in your Senor Frog's picture! Can't wait to see the rest your pictures!

05-01-2007	#4 (permalink)
Packers4girl way into it Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: South of Wisconsin Posts: 155	Great report!!!!! I was just looking at some of our pictures from last may when we were at senior frogs!! I had to buy the frame with the pic you no!!!! Keep it coming!

05-01-2007	#5 (permalink)
Ranger reposado Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: 40 miles south east of Boston Posts: 1,482	Can I add pics to the exsiting report or just add pics as we go?

05-01-2007	#7 (permalink)
mlsbkp life=playa Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ferrum, Virginia Posts: 971	Great trip report and pictures.

05-01-2007	#8 (permalink)
debk beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 437	You can go back and edit your report - or just keep going and add more info and pictures! Love your reports and pictures!!

05-01-2007	#10 (permalink)
Ranger reposado Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: 40 miles south east of Boston Posts: 1,482	This is the Japanese at del Mar, food was good but not as interseting as I like and bar at lobby.

05-01-2007	#11 (permalink)
Mrsfuzzmo life=playa Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fredonia, WI Posts: 652	Great report. It's making me hungry!!! Can you tell me the place that you took the photo of the beautiful shrimp cocktail?? That would be my husbands dream!!

05-01-2007	#12 (permalink)
aoflaherty way into it Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 201	Yes, please share the name of the place! Looks like a perfect treat for a walk through town.

05-02-2007	#13 (permalink)
Ranger reposado Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: 40 miles south east of Boston Posts: 1,482	I do not know the name, but it is on 5th. accross the street there was a small stand selling local honey products and next to it was a designer clothing shop. There were some tables in front then 4 or 5 staairs to the main level. We did look at the name but now. We had a plate of empanadas there as well that were fantastic. I hope you find it.

05-02-2007	#14 (permalink)
schmerl way into it Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PA Posts: 134	Great pictures. Brought back wonderful memories from my stay at the Del Mar.

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05-02-2007	#15 (permalink)
Eileencc añejo Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: North of Boston, Mass Posts: 4,107	so far so good Ranger! Keep it coming!