Newbie...trying to figure out where to stay! Help?

[marigold]

Hello all!
My husband and I will be taking our first-ever trip to the Yucatan this upcoming May. We decided to do the all-inclusive thing for relaxation and convenience, but right now I'm going a bit batty trying to research and decide where we should book! I just want us to enjoy our trip; we're not terribly picky, but I do like to make plans based on good research.
Here are the important factors:
1) Price: we are both (broke) grad students, so looking to keep price down if possible. Hoping to stay under $1800 (not including flight) for our 8 night (May 27-June 4) trip (just the two of us)
2) Beach: we definitely want a great beach, bonus if there's great snorkeling as well. We were getting interested in the Riu Tequila/Yucatan, but after seeing the sad state of the beach, I'm thinking we'll go elsewhere...perhaps south to Akumal or the Barcelos?
3) Room: doesn't need to be fancy schmancy, but definitely clean and comfortable. Balcony with a nice view would be good, but not a deal-breaker. We haven't been spoiled with real luxury yet, so it probably won't take a whole lot to impress us room-wise
4) Food: must be decent, doesn't have to be haute cuisine. I'm willing to accept somewhat lower quality food if the price is lower, since that would allow us to spend more exploring the local restaurants in Tulum and PDC.
5) Beverages: I don't have to have top shelf, but I don't want nameless sludge either. Oh, and a swim up bar would be cool.
5) Feel of the resort: We aren't that into crazy nightlife (hence our staying on the Riviera and not in Cancun)...having some stuff going on at night would be fun, but we don't have to have a bumping-till-2am kinda club either. Mostly, we're into rest and relaxation, and exploring our new surroundings.

I'd be very grateful if any of you folks with knowledge of the resorts could give me guidance or recommendations. From the research I've done so far, I like the looks of Akumal Beach Resort and the Barcelos, maybe Barcelo Caribe Beach? However, on the ABR website it looks like there may only be availability in their superior rooms for the first three nights of our stay...and I would prefer a superior room there since it's not that much more and has a better view.
Thanks in advance guys!

[marigold]

I'm liking the looks of the Barcelos more and more....perhaps this is the place? One more question....I have found deals for the Beach/Caribe side for around $1600, and around $1800 for the Colonial/Tropical side...is the C/T side worth the extra?

[monte]

Sorry I can't give you any advice, as I've never stayed in an AI Try doing a search on this forum. I know alot of people have posted trip reports about such things. Good luck and whatever you decide have a GREAT trip

[marigold]

Thanks, Monte! Searching the forums is exactly what I've been doing since I posted this thread, and I think I answered my own question....think we're gonna have to stay at the Barcelo.
Still having to decide between which Barcelo...I guess that mostly depends on what kind of a deal we could get. Perhaps I should PM Shammy, because in searching the forums I also learned that she is apparently awesome at finding great deals!

[queencityfan]

Hi Marigold,

Do contact Shammy if you have not already done so. I stayed at the Beach side last year and had a great trip. Super beach, snorkeling right from the beach.

[Phil in Ottawa]

The Barceló will meet all your requirements.

Visit the Unofficial Barcelo Maya website for answers to all your questions, photos, and more.

We are heading back for our 4th Barceló vacation in April.

[marigold]

Thanks, queencityfan and Phil! Question for both of you...when you were on the Beach side, did you find yourself wishing you had spent the little extra to stay on the Colonial/Tropical side?
Phil, I discovered your photo albums last night...what beautiful photography! I really enjoyed looking at your pictures. You're a talented photographer.
I spent a lot of time last night checking out the unofficial site...wealth of information there. Confirmed for me that the Barcelo is the place for us...now I just have to decide which Barcelo.
And I did PM Shammy last night, and got a reply from her very quickly! She's great!

[marigold]

The fabulous Shammy came through with a super fast quote for us, and now we're down to deciding between Barcelo Beach/Caribe and Tropical/Colonial. The price differential is $265 more (total) for Tropical/Colonial...
Any votes either way from past visitors?

[gkjellsen]

I think the Riu Playacar fits everything you're looking for. we were there in November and just loved everything about it.

[queencityfan]

Originally Posted by marigold

Thanks, queencityfan and Phil! Question for both of you...when you were on the Beach side, did you find yourself wishing you had spent the little extra to stay on the Colonial/Tropical side?
Phil, I discovered your photo albums last night...what beautiful photography! I really enjoyed looking at your pictures. You're a talented photographer.
I spent a lot of time last night checking out the unofficial site...wealth of information there. Confirmed for me that the Barcelo is the place for us...now I just have to decide which Barcelo.
And I did PM Shammy last night, and got a reply from her very quickly! She's great!

Ok, we stayed on the beach side and Shammy requested us a room in the bldg closest to the beach, we got it and it was great. We were close enough to the pool to use our own bathroom.

We went in November so it was not too hot in the open air buffets and we felt that 3 ala carte choices for our week was plenty as opposed to whatever you get on the other side. The beach bars and beach buffets are open in all four resorts to everyone as is the Marina bar that serves the best burger I have ever had in Mexico.

I would be tempted to use that extra money for a trip or two into Playa and dinner at a nice place and maybe book direct transportation too.

That said, I would only upgrade if we were going during the June to October very hot and humid season in order to have airconditioning at the buffets.

Just my dos pesos.

[marigold]

Thanks for the input, queencityfan! We have come to a decision...since it's our first time to playa and we're celebrating 2 special occasions (my graduation from medical school AND our second anniversary) we're gonna go a little more luxurious and do the Tropical/Colonial. I drooled on my keyboard earlier reading the menus at the a la carte restaurants. Plus, we'll be going right at the beginning of the hot/humid season, so the AC in the buffets will be nice. BUT, it's good to know that the Beach/Caribe side is nice as well in case we ever want to do a more budget-conscious trip during the cooler season!!
And Shammy has been so wonderful and quickly responsive in helping me so far! Major props to her.

[marigold]

Now I need one of these countdown tickers...

[JWK]

You'll be happy with the Colonial/Tropical. It's clean and fits all your needs and the airconditioned buffets are a definate plus. Plus, there is snorkeling right off the beach. We stayed there last Summer and had the most relaxing vacation ever, and that's with kids.
We are trying the Barcelo Palace this year and looking forward to seeing how it compares to the Iberostar Lindo where we've stayed 2 times before the Barcelo.

[GreatLakes]

Do the Colonial or Tropical. You will love it! However, you MUST take a day and go to Akumal to snorkel, and Tulum to visit the ruins. Also hit 5th Ave for anevening. Those are 3 musts IMO for first time visitors.

Have a great vacation.

[marigold]

Ohhh yes, we'll definitely be going down to Akumal and Tulum, and also into Playa to explore! Thanks for the suggestions!
JWK, I hope you guys enjoy the Palace! I'm sure you will, it looks lovely. I will look forward to hearing about it!