Beach conditions Grand Sunset Princess???

lacey230 · 01-27-2008

Hi,
The beach is a real big deal to us, we love to walk on the beach, lay on the beach and swim in the ocean-we spend most of our time at the beach and not so much in the hotel swimming pools.
After reading so many posts, and viewing pictures, about the problems that continue to develop with so many of the beaches at all the hotels around the Iberostar Tucan area we are wondering if the new Grand Sunset Princess is having any beach erosion or washing away of the beach area where they are located?

We are thinking of booking a late May vacation and want to make sure we choose a place that has a nice wide beautiful beach area.

**Shammy** · 01-27-2008

The Grand Sunset is no where near the Playacar area, and is not having any issues with erosion. The erosion problems are concentrated in Playacar. Know that while the beach itself seems to be quite nice at the Princess, there are rocks in the water upon entry and I have heard reports that water shoes would be a good idea. Can't say for sure since I have not been in the ocean there, this is just what I have read.

lacey230 · 01-27-2008

Thank you so much Shammy for your very helpful information, I really appreciate it.

KC Arrowhead · 01-28-2008

lacey,
What Shammy said is correct from everything I have read. Personally have yet to stay at the resort, everything is not so negative for this resort now..

.
As far as the Beach? Not going to be like the resorts further south of PDC. But I think personally the problem with the beach from everything I know and have read is in the Playa Car area

. This is a real nice area just south of Playa Del Carmen. No worry at the Grand Sunset to the north of town. The most awesome beaches for beach lovers however, are located further south of town. Not a lot of people on the beaches and great snorkeling there. The Barcelo's , Catalonia Royal Tulum and any other further south. Just my input here? I booked the Grand Sunset Princess my self.We love a great beach and we booked the resort based on the price.. Think the beach will be fine! Just gave you info about the others just to let you know since you are beach people something to think about if you are considering and not sure??

lacey230 · 02-15-2008

We booked the Grand based on the price also and we got a swim out room because the price seemed right. We figured the beach would be good for us. (We really wish we could go to Iberostar Tucan-that is a resort we always wanted to go to but never have--the beach is an issue so we didn't book there for the May trip) Now that I am reading so many complaints on the beach at Grand Sunset Princess (to much seaweed, brown water, way to many rocks) I am starting to wonder about our decision. We will be using the pools but we also will be using the beach alot and I would be really disappointed if the water is brown with tons of seaweed in the water (I don't mind a few rocks that you can see/walk around-don't mind wearing water shoes really -but I really like the beautiful blue crystal clear waters of the Caribbean and the nice white sand!)

Leslie 2.0 · 02-15-2008

lacey,
We're headed there at the beginning of May and the reviews I've read say that if you walk about a mile up the coastline, you'll find crystal clear waters and NO people. Apparently they're in the process of building a new resort, so there won't be anyone around.

lacey230 · 02-15-2008

Leslie,
Thanks for your quick reply, yes, I read that post as well about the mile walk to a different area. From what I am reading, Sunset Grand has a really large beach area and plenty of beach chairs so it is not crowded with a bunch of people "elbow to elbow" any way-- that is not really the issue for me.
Plus, I don't think I would want to have to walk a mile up the beach to find a "nicer area of water", if I did that, I would not have any beach chairs to lay on, no shade palapias/umbrellas to use, no drinks from the AI bar-that is all stuff that I am paying to use at the particular AI that I stay at. So, I'm not to sure I would want to have to walk a mile away for the nicer water and then have no chairs,no shade if needed, no drinks, etc. etc.
We have everything booked and planned and were so excited because the resort and the pools look spectacular (and we have never been able to stay anywhere as nice as these deluxe swim out rooms sound). We just figured that the beach/water might not be as nice as everyone says the Iberostar Tucan is (well what the Tucan used to be-so sad seeing the pictures-) but if it came in a close second that would be good, we are easy people to please and if we go on a vacation it is always with with a 100% positive attitude. BUT, we have saved for so long to go on this trip & we are definite "beach people" too and now that I read so many people complain about the water clarity/color, seaweed, etc. I'm wondering if I could/should find a place that is around the same price but also sits on a beautiful clear, blue area of beach.

lacey230 · 02-15-2008

KC Arrowhead, Shammy, and Leslie (and others),
I am going to check into Barcelo Topical/Colonial and Catalonia Royal Tulum. I do not know anything at all about either of these places. How far of a drive is it from the Cancun airport? Switching resorts is a hard decision for me, I am not really familiar with AI resorts or Riviera Maya/Cancun etc., I was lucky and excited to get a deluxe junior suite swim up/pool access room at a price within/near my budget at a place that looks like a 5 star resort, and with me never seeing the actual water color and clarity, beach, area etc. at the Grand I'm just a little nervous if I switch resorts just for the water I may be making a mistake. But I was really not expecting to start reading reviews of people that are mentioning about the water, color, clarity, seaweed,e tc. What do you guys SHAMMY, KC Arrowhead, LESLIE think? You guys are much more knowledgeable & experienced with this than I, since this is first AI and first Mexico.

Leslie 2.0 · 02-15-2008

Ooh, I didn't even think about the drinks! ONLY THE MOST IMPORTANT PART! hahah
I hope that you have a great time, wherever you end up.

Brugal · 02-15-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leslie 2.0

Ooh, I didn't even think about the drinks! ONLY THE MOST IMPORTANT PART! hahah
I hope that you have a great time, wherever you end up.

I'm one who loves to walk 5 or 6 miles a day on the beach (one of the reason I love Punta Cana) so going about a mile or so for nicer water won't be an issue. I'll just pack a small soft cooler, fill it with ice and Modelos before we set out and be good to go.

By the way, does anyone know how far you can walk the beach in either direction of the resort? From looking on Google Earth it seemed like you could go a pretty good distance.

lacey230 · 02-15-2008

Boy, I wish I was into walking 5 or 6 miles on the beach each day (that would sure help with all the food and drinks I consume on vacation!!) I guess I am a little lazy, I am good for a tiny morning stroll on the beach, then I love to "park myself" on the beach/lounge chair for the rest of the day or I can always be found floating in the ocean on my raft I always take with me. I always have them inflate the raft for me and use it all week and then I just give it to someone else to use when I leave..

KC Arrowhead · 02-15-2008

Lacey,
Just from my own trips down to the area? The Barcelo or the Catalonia.. All I can give personal advice on. Do not think the Catalonia is most likely to "par" with the Sunset when you compare costs I guess? And pretty sure the Barcelo even the "older side Maya/Beach" would be any cheaper? Both have AMAZING beaches/ water with snorkeling right there! There are other resorts near by but never stayed there. Shammy would be the one to ask for the best advice about a switch to answer questions about comparable price and the standard you want with comparing the Princess to somewhere else. Like awesome beach, great resort, comparible in price to what you booked. Also the resorts I have in mind further south of PDC will take an hour or so drive from Cancun airport. If your on a pkg deal that drops people off from resort to resort you will be last further south

.. hope this helps??

KC

KC Arrowhead · 02-15-2008

Oh left out the resorts further north. The iberostar complex is another option as well Have stayed at them awesome resorts great pools/beach no snorkeling though if thats a factor.. Something to consider if the beach/water is your major doubt? I personally say just go to the Princess and enjoy I have never seen "brown ocean water" anywhere in the Yucatan area that I have been to. Rocks in the ocean? had that at many resorts but to the extent you and I have read about? not so sure

KC

mouse · 02-16-2008

Sonofdob and I will be at the Grand Sunset next Saturday the 23rd for two weeks. I'm not sure how long you can wait to book your trip but we will be posting a full and honest report with photos when we come back home.

smrtypnts · 02-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by lacey230

We booked the Grand based on the price also and we got a swim out room because the price seemed right. We figured the beach would be good for us. (We really wish we could go to Iberostar Tucan-that is a resort we always wanted to go to but never have--the beach is an issue so we didn't book there for the May trip) Now that I am reading so many complaints on the beach at Grand Sunset Princess (to much seaweed, brown water, way to many rocks) I am starting to wonder about our decision. We will be using the pools but we also will be using the beach alot and I would be really disappointed if the water is brown with tons of seaweed in the water (I don't mind a few rocks that you can see/walk around-don't mind wearing water shoes really -but I really like the beautiful blue crystal clear waters of the Caribbean and the nice white sand!)

I want to know how you KNOW you have a swim out room. From what I've read, there are something like 320 "pool" rooms, but only 54 are "swim out". When booking, the description says something like, "near pool" or something like that. Because I couldn't be guaranteed a "swim out" room, I opted against the extra money.

01-27-2008	#1 (permalink)
lacey230 lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 12	Beach conditions Grand Sunset Princess??? Hi, The beach is a real big deal to us, we love to walk on the beach, lay on the beach and swim in the ocean-we spend most of our time at the beach and not so much in the hotel swimming pools. After reading so many posts, and viewing pictures, about the problems that continue to develop with so many of the beaches at all the hotels around the Iberostar Tucan area we are wondering if the new Grand Sunset Princess is having any beach erosion or washing away of the beach area where they are located? We are thinking of booking a late May vacation and want to make sure we choose a place that has a nice wide beautiful beach area.

01-28-2008	#4 (permalink)
KC Arrowhead beachaholic Join Date: May 2004 Location: 15 minutes east of Arrowhead stadium Posts: 314	lacey, What Shammy said is correct from everything I have read. Personally have yet to stay at the resort, everything is not so negative for this resort now... As far as the Beach? Not going to be like the resorts further south of PDC. But I think personally the problem with the beach from everything I know and have read is in the Playa Car area . This is a real nice area just south of Playa Del Carmen. No worry at the Grand Sunset to the north of town. The most awesome beaches for beach lovers however, are located further south of town. Not a lot of people on the beaches and great snorkeling there. The Barcelo's , Catalonia Royal Tulum and any other further south. Just my input here? I booked the Grand Sunset Princess my self.We love a great beach and we booked the resort based on the price.. Think the beach will be fine! Just gave you info about the others just to let you know since you are beach people something to think about if you are considering and not sure??

02-15-2008	#12 (permalink)
KC Arrowhead beachaholic Join Date: May 2004 Location: 15 minutes east of Arrowhead stadium Posts: 314	Lacey, Just from my own trips down to the area? The Barcelo or the Catalonia.. All I can give personal advice on. Do not think the Catalonia is most likely to "par" with the Sunset when you compare costs I guess? And pretty sure the Barcelo even the "older side Maya/Beach" would be any cheaper? Both have AMAZING beaches/ water with snorkeling right there! There are other resorts near by but never stayed there. Shammy would be the one to ask for the best advice about a switch to answer questions about comparable price and the standard you want with comparing the Princess to somewhere else. Like awesome beach, great resort, comparible in price to what you booked. Also the resorts I have in mind further south of PDC will take an hour or so drive from Cancun airport. If your on a pkg deal that drops people off from resort to resort you will be last further south.. hope this helps?? KC

01-27-2008	#2 (permalink)
Shammy Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Joisey Shore Posts: 10,502	The Grand Sunset is no where near the Playacar area, and is not having any issues with erosion. The erosion problems are concentrated in Playacar. Know that while the beach itself seems to be quite nice at the Princess, there are rocks in the water upon entry and I have heard reports that water shoes would be a good idea. Can't say for sure since I have not been in the ocean there, this is just what I have read.

01-27-2008	#3 (permalink)
lacey230 lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 12	Thank you so much Shammy for your very helpful information, I really appreciate it.

02-15-2008	#5 (permalink)
lacey230 lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 12	We booked the Grand based on the price also and we got a swim out room because the price seemed right. We figured the beach would be good for us. (We really wish we could go to Iberostar Tucan-that is a resort we always wanted to go to but never have--the beach is an issue so we didn't book there for the May trip) Now that I am reading so many complaints on the beach at Grand Sunset Princess (to much seaweed, brown water, way to many rocks) I am starting to wonder about our decision. We will be using the pools but we also will be using the beach alot and I would be really disappointed if the water is brown with tons of seaweed in the water (I don't mind a few rocks that you can see/walk around-don't mind wearing water shoes really -but I really like the beautiful blue crystal clear waters of the Caribbean and the nice white sand!)

02-15-2008	#6 (permalink)
Leslie 2.0 very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 36	lacey, We're headed there at the beginning of May and the reviews I've read say that if you walk about a mile up the coastline, you'll find crystal clear waters and NO people. Apparently they're in the process of building a new resort, so there won't be anyone around.

02-15-2008	#7 (permalink)
lacey230 lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 12	Leslie, Thanks for your quick reply, yes, I read that post as well about the mile walk to a different area. From what I am reading, Sunset Grand has a really large beach area and plenty of beach chairs so it is not crowded with a bunch of people "elbow to elbow" any way-- that is not really the issue for me. Plus, I don't think I would want to have to walk a mile up the beach to find a "nicer area of water", if I did that, I would not have any beach chairs to lay on, no shade palapias/umbrellas to use, no drinks from the AI bar-that is all stuff that I am paying to use at the particular AI that I stay at. So, I'm not to sure I would want to have to walk a mile away for the nicer water and then have no chairs,no shade if needed, no drinks, etc. etc. We have everything booked and planned and were so excited because the resort and the pools look spectacular (and we have never been able to stay anywhere as nice as these deluxe swim out rooms sound). We just figured that the beach/water might not be as nice as everyone says the Iberostar Tucan is (well what the Tucan used to be-so sad seeing the pictures-) but if it came in a close second that would be good, we are easy people to please and if we go on a vacation it is always with with a 100% positive attitude. BUT, we have saved for so long to go on this trip & we are definite "beach people" too and now that I read so many people complain about the water clarity/color, seaweed, etc. I'm wondering if I could/should find a place that is around the same price but also sits on a beautiful clear, blue area of beach.

02-15-2008	#8 (permalink)
lacey230 lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 12	KC Arrowhead, Shammy, and Leslie (and others), I am going to check into Barcelo Topical/Colonial and Catalonia Royal Tulum. I do not know anything at all about either of these places. How far of a drive is it from the Cancun airport? Switching resorts is a hard decision for me, I am not really familiar with AI resorts or Riviera Maya/Cancun etc., I was lucky and excited to get a deluxe junior suite swim up/pool access room at a price within/near my budget at a place that looks like a 5 star resort, and with me never seeing the actual water color and clarity, beach, area etc. at the Grand I'm just a little nervous if I switch resorts just for the water I may be making a mistake. But I was really not expecting to start reading reviews of people that are mentioning about the water, color, clarity, seaweed,e tc. What do you guys SHAMMY, KC Arrowhead, LESLIE think? You guys are much more knowledgeable & experienced with this than I, since this is first AI and first Mexico.

02-15-2008	#9 (permalink)
Leslie 2.0 very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 36	Ooh, I didn't even think about the drinks! ONLY THE MOST IMPORTANT PART! hahah I hope that you have a great time, wherever you end up.

02-15-2008	#11 (permalink)
lacey230 lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 12	Boy, I wish I was into walking 5 or 6 miles on the beach each day (that would sure help with all the food and drinks I consume on vacation!!) I guess I am a little lazy, I am good for a tiny morning stroll on the beach, then I love to "park myself" on the beach/lounge chair for the rest of the day or I can always be found floating in the ocean on my raft I always take with me. I always have them inflate the raft for me and use it all week and then I just give it to someone else to use when I leave..

02-15-2008	#13 (permalink)
KC Arrowhead beachaholic Join Date: May 2004 Location: 15 minutes east of Arrowhead stadium Posts: 314	Oh left out the resorts further north. The iberostar complex is another option as well Have stayed at them awesome resorts great pools/beach no snorkeling though if thats a factor.. Something to consider if the beach/water is your major doubt? I personally say just go to the Princess and enjoy I have never seen "brown ocean water" anywhere in the Yucatan area that I have been to. Rocks in the ocean? had that at many resorts but to the extent you and I have read about? not so sure KC

02-16-2008	#14 (permalink)
mouse ruined Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: White Rock, B.C. Posts: 95	Sonofdob and I will be at the Grand Sunset next Saturday the 23rd for two weeks. I'm not sure how long you can wait to book your trip but we will be posting a full and honest report with photos when we come back home.

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