Current conditions at the Sandos Playacar

[sakatoon]

Sorry to bring up a tired topic.. I'm still making the decision between Sandos Playacar, Barcelo Beach and the Akumal Beach Resort (yes, we know these are quite different from each other, but its the beach quality driving us...). The Sandos was sitting on top until I heard some comments that it may be affected by the erosion (moreso than a month ago).

Anyone know?

Thanks!

[Maasive10]

I would say that all three have great beaches - so now it really depends on the extras you want
ABR - has fantastic beach, with the best snorkeling!!!! The town is small but walkable with some great restaurants. Yal-ku Lagoon is just a few minutes away by car or a good half hour/45 minute walk.The resort however is a three star and this turns some people off - you won't have the marble floors and fountains - but you will have a clean room and a fun staff. The food is average - but you could always eat out with the money you save on going here.
Barcelo is a mega resort (4 in one)- the beach is great - not much snorkelling - lots of A-la-Carte restaurants and buffets. Beautiful decor and lots of amenities.
Sandos Playacar - has a great beach - not sure about the construction that is happening next door - and I believe they are also under renovations at the moment. I have heard they have great food and a wonderful childrens program.
Have fun making your decision - I don't really think you can go wrong with any of them.

[Shammy]

Originally Posted by Maasive10

Barcelo is a mega resort (4 in one)- the beach is great - not much snorkelling - lots of A-la-Carte restaurants and buffets. Beautiful decor and lots of amenities.

Have to correct this statement - the Barcelo is known for it's good snorkelling, and they are the only resort that has it's own pier built out over the water to facilitate an easy water entry specifically FOR snorkeling.

Oh, and there are 5 different sections there now, used to be 4.

[KC Arrowhead]

Maasive10...
You got it all wrong my friend. The Sandos is an OK but overrated resort for the cost! The Barcelo has Excellent snorkeling!! Have you ever stayed at any of these resorts?? I have and can say this with confidence! The Barcelo has one of the best beaches for snorkeling than any other AI in the area in my opinion, The Catalonia Royal Tulum is a close second just because of the beach and no one around unlike the Barcelo. But to give that advice and put the Sandos in there

[osumom]

Just as a side, I haven't read a lot of glowing reports on the Sandos resort - even before the erosion issue. If I were you I would pick the ABR or Barcelo complex - but that's just me.

[btodd]

Barcelo rocks!! Have stayed at the Barcelo twice and the Sandos once ( while it was still the Gala)..............NO comparison IMHO

[sakatoon]

How about the beach tho? As long as the food is pallatable, and I don't have to wait too long for a drink, the beach is all we care about - and perhaps a playground for the little guys.. We've kind of ruled the ABR out simply b/c we might not be able to mix enough variety into a day for our 2.5 year old.. Barcelo and Sandos both have playgrounds to help with that.

[btodd]

Beach at the Barcelo is great, but then again, the Sandos is as well. In my opinion, the Barcelo is just a far better over all package.

[KC Arrowhead]

Originally Posted by sakatoon

How about the beach tho? As long as the food is pallatable, and I don't have to wait too long for a drink, the beach is all we care about - and perhaps a playground for the little guys.. We've kind of ruled the ABR out simply b/c we might not be able to mix enough variety into a day for our 2.5 year old.. Barcelo and Sandos both have playgrounds to help with that.

Ok? Seriously take a look at the Catalonia Royal Tulum. Great play ground with nice kiddie pool right near the main pool.. Awesome beach ( next door to the Barcelo) Do not go to the Sandos!! If you can find the Catalonia cheaper than Barcelo I'd go for it. Other wise take the Barcelo!! Just my opinion, and have been to both resorts.

[btodd]

I so agree with KC, the Royal Tulum or the Barcelo so far superior to the Sandos. With little ones you won't want ot be venturing too far from the resort and you will want the resort to be as comfortable as possible............

[CndnCyndi]

So why are you guys so against the Sandos? I just booked there and have read lots of good things about it on other sites. I will have a good time I can guarantee it.....so you're answer won't stop that, but I'm just curious as to why you guys don't like it.

[Smudger]

We stayed at the Tucan last Sept..our room faced the Sandos...and it was a building site! (didn't bother us mind you) ...but I bet it is great now!...looks like they have been doing a complete refurb job on it...so would be interested to know what it is like now........supposed to be finished for this years season.......2008.....

[norml]

Originally Posted by CndnCyndi

So why are you guys so against the Sandos? I just booked there and have read lots of good things about it on other sites. I will have a good time I can guarantee it.....so you're answer won't stop that, but I'm just curious as to why you guys don't like it.

We stayed there 6 times from April '02 'til December '05 and liked it a lot. Nice size (smaller), great beach. No complaints about staff, accomodations, service, food or drink although it has changed owners since. Just not doing the AI thing any more.

[btodd]

Originally Posted by CndnCyndi

So why are you guys so against the Sandos? I just booked there and have read lots of good things about it on other sites. I will have a good time I can guarantee it.....so you're answer won't stop that, but I'm just curious as to why you guys don't like it.

I am certainly not against the Sandos, we really enjoyed the resort and we have sent friends there. We just enjoyed the Barcelo more .............maybe because both times we were at the Barcelo, we didn't have our kids with us!!

[Shammy]

An update on the renovations at Sandos!


RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico (Jan. 16, 2008) – Following a three-month renovation, Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa (www.sandoshotels.com), located in Playacar, Riviera Maya, Mexico, re-opened last month with 460 completely remodeled guestrooms and a revitalized all-inclusive property.

The renovation project included:

- Total overhaul of soft furnishings, ceilings, sliding doors and bathroom fittings in all guest rooms

- The addition of a new Italian restaurant complete with modern kitchen facilities

- New coffee bar, theater, sports bar and an additional bar

- Newly-designed VIP Royal Club rooms

- General “spruce up” of all property features

“We are pleased to re-introduce the restyled Playacar property with enhanced facilities and amenities that are sure to provide the perfect vacation destination for families, couples or singles,” said Jacques DePaep, director of sales and marketing for Sandos Hotels & Resorts.

A short distance from the quaint town of Playa del Carmen and the world-class dive destination Cozumel, the resort rests on a half-mile stretch of soft white sand beach surrounded by the area’s main attractions including the archaeological sites of Tulúm and Cobá and the ecological water parks of Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Situated on the site of ancient Mayan ruins, the renovated property successfully preserves Mayan culture onsite, adding an authentic feel and flavor to the vacation experience.

Sandos Playacar features 460 spacious accommodations, arranged in several three– to four-story buildings that border the main swimming pool area. Rooms are available in four categories – standard, hacienda junior suites, sea-facing suite, and Sandos Royal Club. Each guestroom has a complimentary stocked mini-bar with mineral water, fruit juices, soft drinks and beer.

The Royal Club suites overlook the beach and ocean with a view of Cozumel in the distance. Royal Club guests receive VIP services including private check-in, a welcome fruit basket, bathrobe for each adult, concierge services, guaranteed reservations at all on-site restaurants, nightly turn-down service, pillow menu, use of private beach complete with hammocks and upgraded chaise lounges, and access to the Royal Club Lounge, which serves drinks and canapés daily 7 am – 11 pm.

Hacienda junior suites are housed in ten separate buildings with 15 rooms each, all named after various aspects of the Mayan culture. Perfect for families, these 150 rooms can be adjoined and contain a lounge area, sofa bed and patio or balcony overlooking the gardens.

Sea-facing suites offer a lounge area with double sofa bed, DVD and Play Station (films and video games available in reception), mini-dining room and separate balcony with full sea view.

Standard rooms feature two double beds or one king-size bed, a private marble bathroom, and balcony or terrace with a sea, garden, or pool view.

Dining pleasures abound with five restaurants offering Italian, Mexican, International, and Mediterranean fare, along with a buffet. Three of the specialty restaurants require reservations.

Those seeking daytime excitement can take advantage of the daily activities program, including volleyball, tennis, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, in-pool scuba diving lessons and a video arcade room. The property has four swimming pools, featuring an adult-only pool, and five bars including a sports bar, beach bar and pool bar. Nightly entertainment is provided in a newly finished theater that seats 800 guests.

For extra pampering, the modern Renova spa features 21 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, two Jacuzzis (one hot and one cold), wellness program, thermal circuit, hydrotherapy zone, beauty salon on three levels, eco-massage area in an outdoor palm shelter, and a fully-equipped gym with rooms for spinning, floor Pilates, yoga and aerobics. An extensive menu of massages and body treatments are available. Use of the fitness equipment, sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzis is free to all guests; spa treatments are available at an additional cost.

An all-inclusive Sandos Hotels vacation features: all meals and beverages; sporting activities; use of exercise equipment in the fitness center, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi; daily activities program; supervised “Kids Club” from 10 am to 10 pm (for children ages two – 12 years old) and a “Teen’s Club” from 10 am to 9 pm (for young adults 13 – 17 years old); nightly entertainment and entrance to the disco; and all hotel taxes and service charges.

Additional activities can be arranged for guests including: babysitting, massage and beauty parlor services, golf at the nearby Playacar Golf Course, and other excursions such as deep sea fishing, visits to archaeological sites like Tulum, Cobá, Chichen Itza, Ecological Park Xcaret and Xel-Ha, and scuba diving and snorkeling trips. Prices vary according to activity.

Sandos Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Spain, has three properties on the Riviera Maya, Mexico – Caracol Beach Resort & Spa, Select Club Beach Resort & Spa and Playacar Beach Resort & Spa – and one resort, the Papagayo Arena Beach Resort & Spa in the Canary Islands. Future openings are planned in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.