Mayan Palace??

[talton]

I will be traveling to the PDC area in June 2007. We are staying at the Mayan Palace, anyone have anything good or bad to say about this place? It is a time share that my sister bought before she passed away, it is now in the family trust and I will be taking her daughter (my neice) down there to stay a week. I am looking for some tips on the area and things to do. I dont speak any spanish, do I take cash or use the ATM's? I am renting a car to take us around in for the week. I just need to keep a 13 year old busy for a week. I figured I would take her to swim with the dolphins and snorkel. Any help would be great!! It really sucks to be a first timer.....

[mlsbkp]

We have stayed at the Mayan Palace twice - in 2005 & 2006. It is a big resort about 10 miles north of Playa. It is nice and clean - the staff is nice - and it has a great pool. Both times we stayed there we rented a car and had no problems getting around. They have a lot of activities during the day for kids at the resort. Only downside to the Mayan Palace is that it is huge and requires a lot of walking. We made several day trips to Playa, went on the Fat Cat and took a day trip to Akumal to see the turtles. You will not have any problem finding something to do. Enjoy!!

[MattMill]

We stayed last year at the Grand Mayan (My dad gave us his timeshare week). It was very nice but it was really expensive at the resort and activities at the resort seemed expensive as well. We drove into Playa Del Carmen every day for dinner and to hang out. Tulum is an easy drive and would be fun to go to. Xel-ha would also be fun for a 13 year old.
One tip for a first timer. When filling up with gas, tell them exactly how much in pesos you want in gas. Watch them fill up the gas and hand them exact change. Getting gas is the only place I've found for a first timer to get "taken" easily.
I would also buy some groceries or snacks outside the Grand Mayan and store in the fridge (if you have one in the room). It should save you some money.
Also, if you are staying at the Mayan Palace (not Grand Mayan), ask for a room in a building closer to the pool. I think the numbering system goes 1-20ish. The lower the number, the closer you are to the pool and beach. It can be a LONG walk if you are far away.
Have fun.

[talton]

thanks everyone...the tips are going to help ALOT! I kinda figured that the resort would be high priced. I had planned on spending most of our time south around Playa,etc.
Every little bit of information will help....

[mooski]

we stayed at mayan.... I liked it... but DO ask for a room close to the pool... we did and got one in the second bldg.

[cuffedlinks]

When I see mooski I see....

Originally Posted by mooski

[Brent & Kim]

Originally Posted by cuffedlinks

When I see mooski I see....

OMG, thats an utterly terrible attempt at a pun!!!

[mooski]

well my friends ... i am not Mooooo shaped (cuff) and I ski best in the lounge!!! sooooo if you have a pic of a skinnier moo w/a cup of baileys and hot choc with a warm fuzzy hat on... please show it!!! well, not really really skinny..

[bmonty72]

WE LOVED IT!!! You shouldn't need to carry much cash on the resort property. You open an account when you check in and charge everything against that account, when you check out, you settle up the bill. The pools are awesome. Many beach activities and poolside things to do. We played beach volleyball for 2-3 days, all day long. Happy Hour on the beach means two for one drinks, we thought if we ordered two drinks 1 would be free...Not really the case, we were brought 4 drinks (2 ordered & 2 free). We took the cab to Playa 2 nights in a row. We liked it so much, we ended up buying time there at The Mayan palace, not Grand Mayan. If I can remember anymore, i'll post it here.