Catalonia Riviera Maya - booking w/ kids?

[lindalou]

I will be vacationing (w/ my family - me, hubby, and 2 boys aged 13 and 11) at the Cat in March '08 as part of a wedding. I have never stayed an all-inclusive before. We live in Denver, and I tried to book a package through Frontier airlines, but it would not allow me to put in 4 people (2 worked fine, but when I put in 4, it said the hotel was full???). As the airfare was increasing every day that I waited (spring break, after all), I went ahead and booked the flights without the hotel, so I still need to book the hotel. In poking around on the internet, the Cat website says that kids are $92/day each to stay in our room!! Is this right? Ouch! If this is true, I think that we will book 2 rooms for about $20 more per night.

Also, if anyone has suggestions about the best way to book the room only, I would love the advice. The cheapest option appears to be booking directly from the Cat site, but I don't know if I can trust that. They also refer to a travel agent - perhaps that is a good option? If we get the 2 rooms, we want them next to each other, so how can I request that (and and ocean view)?

I have read many of the posts regarding the Cat, and I have learned a lot from you all. I really appreciate the resort map link.

Thanks in advance,
Linda

[sleeperbee]

We've used Frontier before, no problems or issues whatsoever. In fact, we're using them again in May.
Try Applevacations.com.
Some people around here whine about them, but we've used them twice - including a month ago to CRM (Cat) - with absolutely ZERO problems.

- Remember, when using Frontier you are responsible for finding your own transfers/transportation.
- When using Apple, book a non-stop of private transfer. Unless, that is, you really want to see several other resorts and enjoy a 2-hour or more van ride.
- The suites at CRM will handle a family of 4 perfectly... And with some separation & privacy.

S'Bee

[Shammy]

I vote for using a travel agent! A good agent will search around for the best land only pricing, and they have access to contracted rates offered by various suppliers. Plus, you then have someone representing your booking, and there should be no extra charge paid to the agent for using one. Contracted rates are usually lower than rack rates offered directly by the hotel. Land only rates booked via a tour operator will also include all taxes AND transfers so IMHO, that's the way to go!

[sleeperbee]

Originally Posted by Shammy

I vote for using a travel agent!

Nothing personal against Shammy or Travel Agents, but why mess around communicating back and forth ("Is this good?" / "How about the week before?" / Can you leave three days later?"...) with someone utilizing the same resources that are literally available at you fingertips??? Besides, how many other people is this agent "working" for?

You've figured out how to "play" on Playa.info anf probably several other forums as well. And most likely you did some Christmas shopping on the internet. It's not proverbial rocket science... It's actually alot of fun putting together your own vacations!!!

Actually, the neighboorhood travel agent is going the way of pay phones, snail-mail, and film cameras... Honestly, I do not know a SINGLE PERSON who still uses a live travel agent.


Start by checking some sites like Applavacations, Funjet, Frontier, etc.

Continue what you already doing by asking questions and reading others' opinions on sites such as this.

Check the airline websites for best fares...

Do your own investigating - leave earlier, leave later, stay an extra day, switch resorts mid-trip, avoid long layovers...

Turn off the TV and include the family in searching out the best resorts & comparing amenities and prices on the internet - these sites are all 24/7/365, unlike the 'ol travel agent. My wife and I have alot of fun putting our trips together.

Hey, have fun with it!!! Anticipation is 50% of the excitement!!!

As always, This is simply personal opinions and observations,
S'Bee

[Shammy]

I didn't take it personally because you don't know me or how I operate my business so I know you're not speaking about me personally. I also respect your opinion but in my opinion....that whole mentality is way off base and not applicable to the majority. If it works for you and you enjoy it - fantastic, and of course, there are others who will agree with you. But just because you don't know anyone who uses a "live travel agent" anymore, doesn't mean we (meaning travel agents) are falling by the wayside. There may be fewer brick and morter store-front agencies but the internet based/home based agent is doing a lucrative business and thriving. Fact is there are MANY MANY people who prefer not to take their vacations into their own hands, for whatever reason, and I have a boatload of them to prove it. They prefer to have someone who specializes in their destination of choice handle their plans, answer their questions, be available to them 24/7 (yes, some of us ARE available 24/7!!!) should a problem arise, be their go between when it comes to room requests or any hotel contact issues because some of us have built relationships with the hotel management and staff. Why not have someone do the leg work for you i.e. - "Is this good?" / "How about the week before?" / Can you leave three days later?" and save yourself the time and energy of doing it all yourself? We book Apple and Funjet and many other suppliers the general public may know nothing of, we have access to agent only specials that you might miss. If it doesn't cost you any more money, why not take advantage of some of the perks I just mentioned? Any agent can have you "leave earlier, leave later, stay an extra day, switch resorts mid-trip, avoid long layovers" (and BTW, what makes you think agents book long layovers for clients? )

Again, do what works best for you. If you prefer to handle reservations on your own and are comfortable doing so, great. But if you want someone else to do the legwork for you, and if THAT makes you comfortable, then by all means - use an agent.

Respectively, my dos pesos!

[TAPPY]

I haved used a travel agent for four of my All Inclusive trips (2 of them to the CAT).


MY travel agent has always saved me $$$ over booking it myself (cause I price everything ahead of time via Apple/Funjet etc sites). Sometimes they know of deals that I dont (ie kids stay free at this resort) see on the booking sites.
(twice this has happened)

The only time I dont use an agent is when I am staying in town and not going all inclusive.

Did you check out the price of the Suites at the CAT vs getting two rooms ?? If your kiddos can sleep in the same bed, I would look at getting a suite - they are really nice.

[lindalou]

Thanks to all for your helpful advice. I guess that I will try the travel agent, although I will admit that I have never used one before - I'm just so used to the internet and, right or wrong, believe that I am able to get as good a deal as an agent with enough poking around. If I can get the kids to stay free, that is certainly worth it!!

As far as the suite vs. the two rooms. Unfortunately, my kids will not be happy sleeping together. Do any of the suites have 2 doubles in the 'bedroom' or are they all 1 king?

Thanks again,
Linda

[sleeperbee]

Originally Posted by Shammy

I didn't take it personally because you don't know me or how I operate my business so I know you're not speaking about me personally.

Sorry, I didn't know you were a Travel Agent. And I'm positive there are some good ones out there. You sound like you truly aprreciate and care about your customers.

We've just had some "less that desirable" experiences several years back (pre-internet), and subsequently have studied up on things and have become quite adept in putting together our own trips.


For example:

- An agent who blatently put her old favorites on the top of her "To-Do" list ahead of us 30-ish types looking for our 1st Big Vacation. Extended phone calls with her "bigger fish" while WE were seated in her office.

- Another agent who was actually offended that we inquired about a "wilder than usual" resort in Jamaica. "Our clientele is rarely interested in such places. I'm positive you'd prefer a cruise." Other questions about alcoholic beverages were treated with the same disdain.

Um, we live in Utah... Stuff like that really does happen out here!!!

S'Bee

[TAPPY]

Originally Posted by lindalou

Thanks to all for your helpful advice. I guess that I will try the travel agent, although I will admit that I have never used one before - I'm just so used to the internet and, right or wrong, believe that I am able to get as good a deal as an agent with enough poking around. If I can get the kids to stay free, that is certainly worth it!!

As far as the suite vs. the two rooms. Unfortunately, my kids will not be happy sleeping together. Do any of the suites have 2 doubles in the 'bedroom' or are they all 1 king?

Thanks again,
Linda

I think all the suites have a king bed in one room and a sofa bed (sleeps two) in the other room.

[rcher54]

I agree with Shammy. A TA will get the best hotel only deal for you and also represent you. Also agree with Tappy, the suites will be more than adequate for 4 people at the "Cat". I know you will have a great time at our "fave" resort on th RM. Hey your on vacation, enjoy!

[Shammy]

Originally Posted by sleeperbee

Sorry, I didn't know you were a Travel Agent. And I'm positive there are some good ones out there. You sound like you truly aprreciate and care about your customers.

No prob! And yes, I do appreciate and care about my clients - as any good agent should.

Originally Posted by sleeperbee

We've just had some "less that desirable" experiences several years back (pre-internet), and subsequently have studied up on things and have become quite adept in putting together our own trips.

Well, as can be the case with any type of business, there are good apples and bad apples. Having an experience with a bad apple will of course turn you off - understandable. But there are good apples out there, just have to find them!


lindalou, a child over age 12 is considered an adult when it comes to all inclusive resort pricing, so your 13 year old will pay an adult rate. And while some hotels do occasionally run kids free deals, the Cat is not offering kids free in March (unless under age 6) so the younger one will pay a child rate. I don't know when in March you're going or how long you are staying but $92/night for a child is too much to pay (unless it's Easter week, then maybe that's correct). You can request a rollaway bed regardless of room type, so that the kids don't have to sleep in the same bed.

[KC Arrowhead]

Personally my self, My family always uses our trusted travel agent Nancy. We search all of the sites and sometimes have to ask her about certain great deals we have seen. We always wind up with a great price for all of us through her because she finds something airline wise or room catagories something??..And after being stuck in Florida during a hurricane, we were able to call her back here in Kansas City 1 day prior to the hurricane (Charley) and getting us a room inland When none could be found and worked very hard at no cost to us (other than the room) took us out of harms way from a manditory evacuation of the Island.. You can not get that from booking on line!! She even got money back from the Condo for days we were evacuated!! Also I stayed at the Barcelo a few years ago and was at the lobby front desk when I overheard a family checking in that had all of thier travel papers in hand they purchased off the internet, however? The resort did not have anything in thier system and were full?? They were very upset.. Do not know what happened with that, but I will not take that chance.. A Travel Agent for us is the only way to go!! Just thought I would throw that out from personal expierience
KC

[hillari]

Hi,
I'm in the Denver area too, we are going end of March, and we booked our air on mileage, and then used our local travel agent to book at the resort. She booked it through apple, as that was the cheapest. We have two kids 13 and 6. Our six year old was practically free, or 13 was same as an adult. We got the suite.
I think you can get a rollaway, but we will bring an airmattress and our 6 year old has no problem on airmattress if the two of them can't work it out in the same bed.

[lindalou]

Thanks to everyone for your help. I have looked around some more, on the web, called a travel agent, called worryfree vacations, etc. Here are my options (6 nights, 3/31/08 to 4/6/08):

Book on Cat website, 2 regular rooms: $2256 total
Book on Cat website, 1 suite: $2580
Apple vacations, 1 regular room: $2116
WorryFree vacations, 1 regular room: $2293
Travel Agent, 1 regular room: $2415

So, it seems to me that getting 2 regular rooms (we all get a double bed and we have 2 bathrooms, but the room is not as nice as a suite) is the way to go. However, I highly value your opinions, especially those of you who have stayed in both types of rooms, and you all think that we would be happier in a suite. Also, I am reluctant to book from the Cat website because no one else seems to have done this and I just don't trust it. One of the travel agents that I spoke to said that there is plenty of availability, so I have time to sort this out.

Given the price info, do you all still think that we would be happier in one suite vs. 2 regular rooms?

Thanks,
Linda

[hillari]

i would still consider the suite.
look on apple and worry free at their suite price...
suites are big from what i hear, and you get the fridge with drinks and water.
also...it would be a lot cheaper than two rooms.