Barcelo Maya Beach & Caribe question.

[Linnysue]

We are booked for June 10 - 17 at the Grand Princess Riviera, but I just noticed a price reduction for the Barcelo Maya for the same dates. Through reading all the positive comments about this resort, I'm feeling like maybe we should switch. I love the fact that we could snorkel at the Barcelo's beach. Funjet will allow the switch as long as the flights remain the same. There will be a $25 fee to change the reservation.

I'm wondering what a standard room is like at the Barcelo. Does anyone have any standard room photos?

Help me decide!! Should I just stay put at the Grand Princess?

[Shammy]

I haven't been to the Princess but I've stayed at the Barcelo Maya Beach 5 times. While it's not brand new (opened '99)and maybe not as "updated" as the Princess, if it were me, I'd switch (because I have always loved the Barcelo!). I'd also check the price for the Tropical/Colonial, which is an upgrade over the Beach. It might not be too much more but you'll get 2 more ala carte dinners, buffets with A/C, an updated room (this hotel opened 12/05) - just more amenities.






Tropical/Colonial standard room:




There are MANY more photos on the Unofficial Barcelo site too.

[Linnysue]

Shammy, you are a doll to post all these photos! I just checked the funjet website and the Barcelo Colonial would be $20 less than the Grand Princess, but the flights going are not the same. There would be a huge cancellation fee if I changed the flights. I'll keep checking the site to see if the same flights come up. It seems to change every few seconds!!

[jslowrider]

Can't you just keep the same flight and change resorts....we kept the same flight and just changed resorts from the grand sunset princess to sandos playacar through apple seems like you should be able to do the same through funjet.

[Linnysue]

Originally Posted by jslowrider

Can't you just keep the same flight and change resorts....we kept the same flight and just changed resorts from the grand sunset princess to sandos playacar through apple seems like you should be able to do the same through funjet.

I can change the resort as long as the flights are the same, but those flights don't come up for the Barcelo. They may be sold out.

[jslowrider]

sorry I just dont understand....you have a package deal already in place....the air is already factored in.....just change the resort....thats what we did...no problem

[Shammy]

Originally Posted by jslowrider

sorry I just dont understand....you have a package deal already in place....the air is already factored in.....just change the resort....thats what we did...no problem

This is correct...there is no need to change the flights on an existing Funjet package. When I change a hotel for a client, I simply do a "Change component" and select a new hotel, the flights are never touched. If you have an agent, they can do this for you easily, and tell you what the price difference would be. If you are dealing with Funjet, then you'll have to call them and have them work on it over the phone, they have to separate air and land in order for them to know the difference in price - but it can be done as long as there are rooms available.

[rcher54]

Good reason to have a great TA (Hi Shammy!) handle your trip.IMHO

[Linnysue]

Thanks all for setting me straight on this. I think I misunderstood how this all works. I'll have to give Funjet Vacations a call and see what they can do.

[MicheleR]

All I can say is, this is the reason for a travel agent. Good luck!

[Linnysue]

The package for the Barcelo Tropical Colonial is for a standard room that looks pretty small, no sofa, etc. To upgrade to premium club (?) would be $550 and an upgrade for a junior suite would be $1220.00. This would place the price far above what we are paying for the Princess Deluxe Jr. Suite.

I guess I better stick with the Princess this time.

[Linnysue]

More questions:

• If we did go with a standard room, are they in the buildings furthest away from the beach, closer to the lobbies? We would want something closer to the beach. Which building # to ask for then?
• I've been studying more photos of a standard room and it appears that the king size bed rooms do include a sofa, correct?
• Will the standard room have limitations regarding the number of or a la carte restaurants you can eat at?
• Funjet does not seem to specify which side you will be placed on. It's either the colonial or tropical. Any preference for better ocean views?
• Are there any palapas on the beach? If not, is there any shade?

Thanks for all your help. You are all the best here!