Questions about Sandos Playacar Resort

[New Mom in TX]

Heard lots of good things about this resort. But I have a few questions if anyone can help.
1. How long does it take from the Cancun airport to the resort? Is the transpotation smooth?
2. Any one had problem to get a crib for baby at the resort?
3. Is the hotel located in a safe neighborhood?
4. How's the food there? Is there anything for an one-year-old?
Thanks a lot!

[norml]

1. Assuming your transportation is provided in a package about and hour to an hour and a half once the bus is under way depending on if you're dropped off first or last. Less than an hour if you do a private transfer. Yes, fairly smooth.

2. No personal experience but I'm sure they will provide a crib. Ask your TA to set it up assuming you're using one.

3. Definately

4. Good. Yes.

[Shammy]

Originally Posted by New Mom in TX

Heard lots of good things about this resort. But I have a few questions if anyone can help.
1. How long does it take from the Cancun airport to the resort?

About an hour, give or take, and as long as you're not making stops at other resorts.

Originally Posted by New Mom in TX

Is the transpotation smooth?

Ummm, depends on what you're riding in! Van/bus/car - I would say yes. Motorcycle/scooter - not so much!

Originally Posted by New Mom in TX

2. Any one had problem to get a crib for baby at the resort?

This is done by request only, they won't guarantee that one will be available at the time you check in though. Request it and ask again at check in. They will bring one to the room if there is one available (and there should be), it won't be in the room waiting for you.

Originally Posted by New Mom in TX

3. Is the hotel located in a safe neighborhood?

Playacar is very safe, but like any place new you travel to - always be aware of your surroundings.

Originally Posted by New Mom in TX

4. How's the food there? Is there anything for an one-year-old?

Food is open to personal interpretation. What one person loves, someone else hates. Hard to answer that questions really. I would think you could find things for a one year old, but that depends on what that 1 year old eats I suppose. If not, I suggest you bring whatever baby food he or she might usually eat, or take a ride to Mega or Wal Mart and buy it there.

[New Mom in TX]

Thanks!! So if I go with all-inclusive package, will the transportation be a bus that has lots of stops? I thought it was a shuttle directly from the airport to the hotel.
Also, do you know how long it takes from the airport to Gran Caribe Cancun (it is in Cancun)? Thank you!

[Shammy]

Originally Posted by New Mom in TX

Thanks!! So if I go with all-inclusive package, will the transportation be a bus that has lots of stops? I thought it was a shuttle directly from the airport to the hotel.

It depends on what you have booked. If you are with a tour operator and have the usual standard transfers included, you'll make stops. If you have booked a private transfer, then you won't make stops. You can sometimes upgrade to non stop or private with your tour operator. It really depends on where/with whom you booked your trip.

[New Mom in TX]

Thank you! If I call a cab, how much it's gonna cost?

[Shammy]

From the airport to Sandos? Well, it's $85 one way into Playa so I assume it'll be even more into Playacar. It's less on the way back to the airport. The round trip ride would cost as much as if not more than a private transfer service - not to mention the fact that you'll have to lug your suitcases and a baby and arrange for a cab once you arrive in Cancun. Wayyy too much drama. If you don't already have transfers, do yourself a big favor and pre-arrange a private transfer or upgrade your existing ride.

[Los Sigmanes]

Just wanted to mention that 'All-Inclusive' hotel does not mean your ride to and from airport is paid for. Just food and drinks are included in hotel price. Your airport transfers are extra and you definitely want to pre-book with a reputable shuttle company when travelling with babies:

• They are waiting with a sign with your name on it when you arrive. No waiting can be a huge plus when you have a fussy child. You just load up and go.
• Shuttles booked at the airport will wait until they have a full load of passengers before they leave the airport. You will also have to wait while the shuttle stops at the other passengers' hotels.
• Cabs from the airport to PDC are very expensive, and may have limited cargo area (if not a mini-van).

[TexasTim]

Transfer are usually booked with trip. Check your internary. If not you can purchase at the airport but I suggest to add them now. The trip on the transfer is interesting and comfortable. The Rep usually talks and answer questions on the way over a pa system. I stayed nextdoor to your hotel back in Apirl. I felt it to be very safe. I did question the safety of the beaches for small kids. The whales (SANDBAGS) near your resort can be deadly.

[130taKen120]

Originally Posted by New Mom in TX

Heard lots of good things about this resort. But I have a few questions if anyone can help.
1. How long does it take from the Cancun airport to the resort? Is the transpotation smooth?
2. Any one had problem to get a crib for baby at the resort?
3. Is the hotel located in a safe neighborhood?
4. How's the food there? Is there anything for an one-year-old?
Thanks a lot!

Hi NewMom: Here's my 2 pesos:

1) Took us an hour, but the van made 3 stops on the way. We didn't have a 1 year old so that may factor in.

2) I believe they are available - I would email/call ahead and ask for one to be reserved to your room.

3) Playacar 2 is quite safe as it is a gated community. Never saw nor had any issues, not to say they wouldn't happen but that was our experience.

4) Food was good to great. I imagine that your 1 year old is eating solids so there is plenty of variety to choose from at each meal. Even of you want just pasta, cereals, toast/bread products, fresh fruit, juices, etc... there is plenty.

First page of our trip report I listed the top 10 things that we found helpful! Hope this helps!