What do you think of the Viva Wyndham Maya?

Hayes · 09-11-2007

We stayed there about 4 yrs ago and loved it although it seemed to be mostly European there. We have been back to the area 4 times and decided to go back this time but reading some real mixed reviews now?

I remember great entertainment and a great beach....with the cheap AI it seems such a great deal.

**Shammy** · 09-11-2007

Well, if you're asking for opinions, mine would be that I'm not a big fan of the Maya. Cheap is always good but in my book, you get what you pay for. Again, my dos pesos!

LndShrk · 09-11-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayes

We stayed there about 4 yrs ago and loved it although it seemed to be mostly European there. We have been back to the area 4 times and decided to go back this time but reading some real mixed reviews now?

I remember great entertainment and a great beach....with the cheap AI it seems such a great deal.

We have also stay at the Viva Maya. I don't believe the term "Cheap" is used correctly here in describing this resort. I beleive the better term would be "economical".
Shammy obviously enjoys smaller non "all-inclusive" locations - which is perfectly fine. I will most likely go this route next time.
Not all travelers are the same. Some want the pampering, some the ease of having a staff to serve & wait on you, others have "family" needs also...
I still recommend the Viva Maya. The service was good, resort was clean, staff - pleasent & professional. There will always be mix-ups and mistakes - it's how the resort/staff react that tells the tale. When the check-in desk realized they had put us into the wrong room - the staff was very professional and apologetic. The only thing I carried to the new room was what I had put into our safe.
If you've been to the Viva Maya & "loved it", been to PDC 4 times and are looking for the same type of treatment (but with a little difference) - why not try the sister resort, Viva Azteca?

Hayes · 09-11-2007

Well actually I already booked it

I truly did love it there except for some rude people (guests) but you can get that anywhere. I liked that we could walk down the beach to the Azteca also. We will be there Nov 9 thru the 17th so I have a while to dream about being there again..lol
I guess I was tryng to hear what the ones who didn't like it had to complain about but it really shouldn't matter I s'pose.

beach babe · 09-11-2007

Viva Maya holds a special place in my heart. I loved it! We stayed there on our very first Riviera Maya vacation in 2003. In my opinion, it was not too big and not too small. The beach is very nice also. We had the chance to stay at the Viva Azteca in 2005. It seems alot smaller and the beach was tiny (as are most of the beaches up that direction because the ocean is reclaiming them!). We did not get to use the facilities at the Maya because this was right after that hurricane came and wiped alot of the resorts out. We were lucky to get the Azteca!

**Shammy** · 09-11-2007

I think the word "cheap" does work, when speaking of money/cost anyway. Fact is, this resort is "cheap" compared to many others. You can substitute affordable, economical or whatever other term you're comfy using - but it all kinda means the same thing. The reason I said "you get what you pay for" is because if you don't pay too much, you usually don't (or shouldn't) expect too much. If you go to the Maya expecting it to be like an Iberostar, or a similar rated AI, you will probably be disappointed. But if you go to the Maya and say "I didn't pay too much for this hotel so I will probably be happy with whatever I find here", then your expectations are in check. If it turns out to be a GREAT trip, then you found yourself a bargain. If it's only a so so trip, you got what you paid for. See where I'm heading here?

One suggestion would be to request a room in the newest building next to the adults only pool. These rooms are updated, have double sinks, mini fridges, a dresser.....just nicer rooms overall.

And while I do enjoy non AI vacations, I also enjoy AI vacations. I also sell them for a living so I'm hardly against recommending AI properties in the general sense of the word. Hayes asked what people "thought of the Viva Maya" and I answered the question truthfully - according to me.

actran · 09-11-2007

My husband sat next to a couple returning from their honeymoon at the VWM our last trip to PDC. They said it was awful - food, drinks, service. They were really disappointed because she said she'd read a lot of reviews and they'd been good. FWIT.

Hayes · 09-11-2007

We are also RCI members and it seems we got some very special perks there because of it. Oh well, I will have a great time no matter what because I just know how to do that!! Hey its the Mayan Riviera, that in itself is awesome to me.

Amateurbigfoot · 09-12-2007

If you have another choice, use it. There is always opinions on everything. I would not stay at this resort as I know now there is much more to choose from. Very little beach, chairs way way to close and some staff very rude to my wife at our stay.
My opinion, spend a couple more bucks and you will have a better time else where.

beachmom · 09-13-2007

I was there in December 06' with my hubby and 2 young kids. It's still mostly European, some American families. Beach at that time was starting to erode and got progressively worse in 07'. Not sure how it is now, try and find some recent pics on this site, there are plenty.
If you are looking for luxury, you won't find it at Viva Maya. However it is a nice, clean, big, resort. We also stayed at the Azteca and personally I prefer it over the Maya. But........it's Playa so enjoy wherever you stay!

Shammy said it best "you get what you pay for". Also, you will get the perks with the RCI, so enjoy them. As for staff being rude......if you are not rude to people, people will not be rude to you. Some guests treat staff like crap, so kudos to the staff for treating them like crap back! Be nice to everyone, you'll get it right back!

Amateurbigfoot · 09-13-2007

To Beachmom, I take offence to your statement treat people like crap and get it back. My wife is a very loving easy going person and did not deserve to be disrespected because she did not speak spanish. To be called a dumb f###### gringo because she had trouble understanding the staff member is uncalled for.

beachmom · 09-13-2007

Amateur Big Foot, it was not my intention to insult you or your wife. It seems to me that your wife's incident was quite isolated. If not, then many tourists would be treated poorly due to not speaking Spanish.
I use the "do unto others" as a general rule in my life. I teach my children to treat other people with respect. If in return you get disrespect, then you hold your head up high and move on.
I did not insinuate that your wife treated the staff with disrespect. In her case she was not at fault and was treated poorly. I am refering to the many number of times I witnessed guests snap their fingers at the staff, bark at them to clean tables, etc. I apologize if you took my post the wrong way. It was not intended.

Marman · 09-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amateurbigfoot

To Beachmom, I take offence to your statement treat people like crap and get it back. My wife is a very loving easy going person and did not deserve to be disrespected because she did not speak spanish. To be called a dumb f###### gringo because she had trouble understanding the staff member is uncalled for.

I would have punched him in the throat if he talked to my wife like that.

Hayes · 09-13-2007

OK OK...I sure never meant for any of this to happen. I just wanted to hear some personal experiences both good and bad. I don't think anyone meant a personal attack nor do I think anyone should ever be spoken to like amatuers wife. ( I would have punched him myself..lol) PLEASE...I wholeheartedly agree with beachmom on treating everyone with respect and it comes back to you..usually. I have been to Mexico (all over) at least 15 times now and I have never been treated disrespectfully except maybe at a timeshare tour when we didn't buy. I love Mexico and I speak very little Spanish.
I just want to say that out of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Peurto Vallarta, Acapulco, Ensinada, Cancun and Playa Del Carmen...Playa is by far our favorite. We will enjoy our trip again no matter what, maybe I should never have asked.

Amateurbigfoot · 09-13-2007

Beachmom, I just wanted it known that sometimes its the staff not the person .. especially when it comes to my wife who was insulted. Yes I would have punched him but my wife would not let me. She would not let it ruin our vacation as the people we met in PDC out classed the staff at Viva Maya.
As I said in other reviews of Maya, it may have been one or two staff that caused us grief and they are no longer there...one must weigh each opinion or review on their own.
Maya to some is great place to stay .. to us, never again but that is our opinion.
Playa.Info is a great place to meet people, find out about their experiences and hopefully make sure we all have a great experience.

09-11-2007	#1 (permalink)
Hayes lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Moses Lake, Washington Posts: 23	What do you think of the Viva Wyndham Maya? We stayed there about 4 yrs ago and loved it although it seemed to be mostly European there. We have been back to the area 4 times and decided to go back this time but reading some real mixed reviews now? I remember great entertainment and a great beach....with the cheap AI it seems such a great deal.

09-13-2007	#10 (permalink)
beachmom very sparkly Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 32	I was there in December 06' with my hubby and 2 young kids. It's still mostly European, some American families. Beach at that time was starting to erode and got progressively worse in 07'. Not sure how it is now, try and find some recent pics on this site, there are plenty. If you are looking for luxury, you won't find it at Viva Maya. However it is a nice, clean, big, resort. We also stayed at the Azteca and personally I prefer it over the Maya. But........it's Playa so enjoy wherever you stay! Shammy said it best "you get what you pay for". Also, you will get the perks with the RCI, so enjoy them. As for staff being rude......if you are not rude to people, people will not be rude to you. Some guests treat staff like crap, so kudos to the staff for treating them like crap back! Be nice to everyone, you'll get it right back! Last edited by beachmom; 09-13-2007 at 07:12 AM.

09-11-2007	#2 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,522	Well, if you're asking for opinions, mine would be that I'm not a big fan of the Maya. Cheap is always good but in my book, you get what you pay for. Again, my dos pesos!

09-11-2007	#4 (permalink)
Hayes lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Moses Lake, Washington Posts: 23	Well actually I already booked it I truly did love it there except for some rude people (guests) but you can get that anywhere. I liked that we could walk down the beach to the Azteca also. We will be there Nov 9 thru the 17th so I have a while to dream about being there again..lol I guess I was tryng to hear what the ones who didn't like it had to complain about but it really shouldn't matter I s'pose.

09-11-2007	#5 (permalink)
beach babe ruined Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 86	Viva Maya holds a special place in my heart. I loved it! We stayed there on our very first Riviera Maya vacation in 2003. In my opinion, it was not too big and not too small. The beach is very nice also. We had the chance to stay at the Viva Azteca in 2005. It seems alot smaller and the beach was tiny (as are most of the beaches up that direction because the ocean is reclaiming them!). We did not get to use the facilities at the Maya because this was right after that hurricane came and wiped alot of the resorts out. We were lucky to get the Azteca!

09-11-2007	#6 (permalink)
Shammy Travel Insurance Tester Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,522	I think the word "cheap" does work, when speaking of money/cost anyway. Fact is, this resort is "cheap" compared to many others. You can substitute affordable, economical or whatever other term you're comfy using - but it all kinda means the same thing. The reason I said "you get what you pay for" is because if you don't pay too much, you usually don't (or shouldn't) expect too much. If you go to the Maya expecting it to be like an Iberostar, or a similar rated AI, you will probably be disappointed. But if you go to the Maya and say "I didn't pay too much for this hotel so I will probably be happy with whatever I find here", then your expectations are in check. If it turns out to be a GREAT trip, then you found yourself a bargain. If it's only a so so trip, you got what you paid for. See where I'm heading here? One suggestion would be to request a room in the newest building next to the adults only pool. These rooms are updated, have double sinks, mini fridges, a dresser.....just nicer rooms overall. And while I do enjoy non AI vacations, I also enjoy AI vacations. I also sell them for a living so I'm hardly against recommending AI properties in the general sense of the word. Hayes asked what people "thought of the Viva Maya" and I answered the question truthfully - according to me.

09-11-2007	#7 (permalink)
actran life=playa Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 876	My husband sat next to a couple returning from their honeymoon at the VWM our last trip to PDC. They said it was awful - food, drinks, service. They were really disappointed because she said she'd read a lot of reviews and they'd been good. FWIT.

09-11-2007	#8 (permalink)
Hayes lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Moses Lake, Washington Posts: 23	We are also RCI members and it seems we got some very special perks there because of it. Oh well, I will have a great time no matter what because I just know how to do that!! Hey its the Mayan Riviera, that in itself is awesome to me.

09-12-2007	#9 (permalink)
Amateurbigfoot into ruins Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 73	If you have another choice, use it. There is always opinions on everything. I would not stay at this resort as I know now there is much more to choose from. Very little beach, chairs way way to close and some staff very rude to my wife at our stay. My opinion, spend a couple more bucks and you will have a better time else where.

09-13-2007	#11 (permalink)
Amateurbigfoot into ruins Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 73	To Beachmom, I take offence to your statement treat people like crap and get it back. My wife is a very loving easy going person and did not deserve to be disrespected because she did not speak spanish. To be called a dumb f###### gringo because she had trouble understanding the staff member is uncalled for.

09-13-2007	#12 (permalink)
beachmom very sparkly Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 32	Amateur Big Foot, it was not my intention to insult you or your wife. It seems to me that your wife's incident was quite isolated. If not, then many tourists would be treated poorly due to not speaking Spanish. I use the "do unto others" as a general rule in my life. I teach my children to treat other people with respect. If in return you get disrespect, then you hold your head up high and move on. I did not insinuate that your wife treated the staff with disrespect. In her case she was not at fault and was treated poorly. I am refering to the many number of times I witnessed guests snap their fingers at the staff, bark at them to clean tables, etc. I apologize if you took my post the wrong way. It was not intended.

09-13-2007	#14 (permalink)
Hayes lost on fifth Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Moses Lake, Washington Posts: 23	OK OK...I sure never meant for any of this to happen. I just wanted to hear some personal experiences both good and bad. I don't think anyone meant a personal attack nor do I think anyone should ever be spoken to like amatuers wife. ( I would have punched him myself..lol) PLEASE...I wholeheartedly agree with beachmom on treating everyone with respect and it comes back to you..usually. I have been to Mexico (all over) at least 15 times now and I have never been treated disrespectfully except maybe at a timeshare tour when we didn't buy. I love Mexico and I speak very little Spanish. I just want to say that out of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Peurto Vallarta, Acapulco, Ensinada, Cancun and Playa Del Carmen...Playa is by far our favorite. We will enjoy our trip again no matter what, maybe I should never have asked.

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09-13-2007	#15 (permalink)
Amateurbigfoot into ruins Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 73	Beachmom, I just wanted it known that sometimes its the staff not the person .. especially when it comes to my wife who was insulted. Yes I would have punched him but my wife would not let me. She would not let it ruin our vacation as the people we met in PDC out classed the staff at Viva Maya. As I said in other reviews of Maya, it may have been one or two staff that caused us grief and they are no longer there...one must weigh each opinion or review on their own. Maya to some is great place to stay .. to us, never again but that is our opinion. Playa.Info is a great place to meet people, find out about their experiences and hopefully make sure we all have a great experience.