Riu Playacar

drdayoff · 01-12-2002

We will be heading for the new Riu Playacar in late Feb 2002 We loved the Riu Yucatan when we went four years ago. Not much info out there. We would like to get a map of the resort area as many new hotels have been built in the last couple years.

sherry · 01-21-2002

hey drdayoff-
We are headed to the Playacar this weekend-glad to give a report when we return. We purchased a map called Can Do The Riviera Maya at Barnes and Noble-it has a lot of extra info on PDC, Tulum, Akumal, hotel, bar ane restaurant locations, etc...

Dale · 01-21-2002

The map Sherry is talking about is the Can-Do Map. Go to http://cancunmap.com You can order dirrect online. You will not regret getting a map. They are $6.95 each plus about $1.00 for postage. Maps of Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Cozumel.

drdayoff · 01-24-2002

Looking forward to hearing about the trip to Playacar.

Skimmons · 01-27-2002

Just got home today, what a drag!! We were at the Riu Yucatan for the past 4 days(by the way, don't waste your time with a long weekend, go ahead and do a week, we will next time!!), and I can honestly say we had the trip of a lifetime! The service was tremendous, and the people were so warm and friendly. Spectacular beaches and lush wildlife growth, I felt like Jane when she first came upon Tarzan! We went on the Mayan Adventure and went snorking three different places, the fish were incredible. I rate the Yucatan with the highest of regards, we won't stay anywhere else, we will be back this summer!!

sherry · 02-06-2002

drd-
Just returned from Riu Playacar. The hotel is very pretty-great beach. One problem that is widely known is the mildew smell in the rooms. Many people we spoke to complained of a nasty smell in their room. We experienced this too, but when I called the front desk they just agreed that it stinks and laughed. We found that opening the patio door and turning off A/C decreased smell-unfortunately, the maid always closed door while we were out and the smell returned. Some people insisted on a room change and got rooms that did not smell-go figure. I know you have stayed at other Rius and assume you enjoyed them-we thought the food was lame-bland and repetitive. However, some people thought it was great. The staff was very friendly. We spent very little time at the hotel as we rented a car to see the area. We decided that AIs are not really suited for people who plan to travel a lot. In spite of the so-so accommodations, we had a bitchin' time. Go everywhere-James has great spots to hit. Xcaret is an EXCELLENT "product"! Trip report soon-if I can get it together. Sucks to be back in the snow and cold-Have fun

drdayoff · 02-07-2002

We have heard about the musty smells and never have really had much problems with that although the tropics breed molds(no zero degree temps to zap them) Thanks for your update. We would like to go to the Xcaret. How far was it and how did you get there? We are tired of the tour buses(takes all day) and would rather rent a car...was that a problem?? How much was the Xcaret?
Thanks again
Dr Dave from not so frozen MN

sherry · 02-07-2002

Hey Doc-
Xcaret is only 6 kilometers from Riu-we rented a car on-line from Budget. A bare-bones 4 door sedan (Tsuru) for $120US for three days. You can walk to the Budget (Continental Plaza in downtown PDC). Pay with AMEX and waive their insurance. You should get 10% off the Xcaret admission from Budget. Admission is $45US per person and it is definitely worth it! Get to Xcaret as soon as they open-there's lots to see and do. Bring your own snorkel stuff or rent it there. You can leave for dinner (we did but I wish we hadn't) or pilfer some stuff off the buffet and pack it in a cooler-ALWAYS take the water from your in-room fridge wherever you go! The park is practically deserted prior to the evening show-we wandered around and the kid at the dolphin pen let me pet them-this was a rush!! Don't miss the night show-the Mayan portion and Ballgame are awesome. Take the opportunity to lie in a hammock overlooking the sea-DIVINE. Another day trip I would recommend is Coba-if you haven't done it-you should. The drive is great-the Mayans in the little "towns" are friendly and their handcrafts are cheaper than in tourist areas. Look for crocs in the lake across from Coba entrance-the little kids will point them out. The tallest ruin in the Yucatan is at Coba-it is not for those with a fear of heights as this wuss found out-if you make it to the top the vista is sublime. Hit a cenote on the way back-COOL. Also, Yalku is like something out of a movie. Have a blast and drink some cerveza for me-SOOOOO JEALOUS!!!

drdayoff · 02-10-2002

Thanks sherry for all the info...we thought the xcaret was more $ than $45 each. We heard you need to reserve online before you go if you want to swim with the dolphins, but it was like $90 each. Looking forward to heading out in a couple weeks.

sherry · 02-12-2002

Doc-
It is pretty expensive to swim with the dolphins-the morning we were there, space was still available -but I would book ahead it if it's important to you. I tried to do a trip report, but I messed up something and couldn't post it. If you are travelling with a repressed American girl- I HIGHLY recommend topless sunbathing. You'll never go back! Adios

drdayoff · 02-13-2002

My wife is tanning I think about everything so I don't think she will be too repressed this time. I'll give you my info and report when we get back.
dr dave

cewles · 02-18-2002

Hi,
Been reading tons of info on Riu Playacar not just this site, but others. We are booked at the Playacar in April for two weeks and have stayed at the Riu Tequila, Yucatan and Palace (obviously we love it)as well as the Barcelo Maya. Only question I have, since I know what to expect from Riu resorts, is where on earth did they build the Riu Playacar. When I was at the Tequila it we saw the signs but did not see exactly where it is....can someone help out here? Thanks!!

MM · 02-18-2002

It's between Viva Maya and the Hideway.

Princess · 03-05-2002

Hi there, has anybody been to Playa del carmen lately?? I'm still deciding on what hotel to stay at in Jan 2003!! We're getting married there!! I'm stuck between the Yucatan and the Playacar!! Any info!! Which one did you like better???

Thanks!!

drdayoff · 03-09-2002

We just got back from the Rui Playacar....much more quiet than the yucatan. more english speaking. we loved it!!
dr dave

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01-12-2002	#1 (permalink)
drdayoff sandflea Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7	We will be heading for the new Riu Playacar in late Feb 2002 We loved the Riu Yucatan when we went four years ago. Not much info out there. We would like to get a map of the resort area as many new hotels have been built in the last couple years.

01-21-2002	#2 (permalink)
sherry lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 12	hey drdayoff- We are headed to the Playacar this weekend-glad to give a report when we return. We purchased a map called Can Do The Riviera Maya at Barnes and Noble-it has a lot of extra info on PDC, Tulum, Akumal, hotel, bar ane restaurant locations, etc...

01-21-2002	#3 (permalink)
Dale life=playa Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 643	The map Sherry is talking about is the Can-Do Map. Go to http://cancunmap.com You can order dirrect online. You will not regret getting a map. They are $6.95 each plus about $1.00 for postage. Maps of Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Cozumel.

01-24-2002	#4 (permalink)
drdayoff sandflea Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7	Looking forward to hearing about the trip to Playacar.

01-27-2002	#5 (permalink)
Skimmons sandflea Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Murchison TX Posts: 6	Just got home today, what a drag!! We were at the Riu Yucatan for the past 4 days(by the way, don't waste your time with a long weekend, go ahead and do a week, we will next time!!), and I can honestly say we had the trip of a lifetime! The service was tremendous, and the people were so warm and friendly. Spectacular beaches and lush wildlife growth, I felt like Jane when she first came upon Tarzan! We went on the Mayan Adventure and went snorking three different places, the fish were incredible. I rate the Yucatan with the highest of regards, we won't stay anywhere else, we will be back this summer!!

02-06-2002	#6 (permalink)
sherry lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 12	drd- Just returned from Riu Playacar. The hotel is very pretty-great beach. One problem that is widely known is the mildew smell in the rooms. Many people we spoke to complained of a nasty smell in their room. We experienced this too, but when I called the front desk they just agreed that it stinks and laughed. We found that opening the patio door and turning off A/C decreased smell-unfortunately, the maid always closed door while we were out and the smell returned. Some people insisted on a room change and got rooms that did not smell-go figure. I know you have stayed at other Rius and assume you enjoyed them-we thought the food was lame-bland and repetitive. However, some people thought it was great. The staff was very friendly. We spent very little time at the hotel as we rented a car to see the area. We decided that AIs are not really suited for people who plan to travel a lot. In spite of the so-so accommodations, we had a bitchin' time. Go everywhere-James has great spots to hit. Xcaret is an EXCELLENT "product"! Trip report soon-if I can get it together. Sucks to be back in the snow and cold-Have fun

02-07-2002	#7 (permalink)
drdayoff sandflea Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7	We have heard about the musty smells and never have really had much problems with that although the tropics breed molds(no zero degree temps to zap them) Thanks for your update. We would like to go to the Xcaret. How far was it and how did you get there? We are tired of the tour buses(takes all day) and would rather rent a car...was that a problem?? How much was the Xcaret? Thanks again Dr Dave from not so frozen MN

02-07-2002	#8 (permalink)
sherry lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 12	Hey Doc- Xcaret is only 6 kilometers from Riu-we rented a car on-line from Budget. A bare-bones 4 door sedan (Tsuru) for $120US for three days. You can walk to the Budget (Continental Plaza in downtown PDC). Pay with AMEX and waive their insurance. You should get 10% off the Xcaret admission from Budget. Admission is $45US per person and it is definitely worth it! Get to Xcaret as soon as they open-there's lots to see and do. Bring your own snorkel stuff or rent it there. You can leave for dinner (we did but I wish we hadn't) or pilfer some stuff off the buffet and pack it in a cooler-ALWAYS take the water from your in-room fridge wherever you go! The park is practically deserted prior to the evening show-we wandered around and the kid at the dolphin pen let me pet them-this was a rush!! Don't miss the night show-the Mayan portion and Ballgame are awesome. Take the opportunity to lie in a hammock overlooking the sea-DIVINE. Another day trip I would recommend is Coba-if you haven't done it-you should. The drive is great-the Mayans in the little "towns" are friendly and their handcrafts are cheaper than in tourist areas. Look for crocs in the lake across from Coba entrance-the little kids will point them out. The tallest ruin in the Yucatan is at Coba-it is not for those with a fear of heights as this wuss found out-if you make it to the top the vista is sublime. Hit a cenote on the way back-COOL. Also, Yalku is like something out of a movie. Have a blast and drink some cerveza for me-SOOOOO JEALOUS!!!

02-10-2002	#9 (permalink)
drdayoff sandflea Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7	Thanks sherry for all the info...we thought the xcaret was more $ than $45 each. We heard you need to reserve online before you go if you want to swim with the dolphins, but it was like $90 each. Looking forward to heading out in a couple weeks.

02-12-2002	#10 (permalink)
sherry lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 12	Doc- It is pretty expensive to swim with the dolphins-the morning we were there, space was still available -but I would book ahead it if it's important to you. I tried to do a trip report, but I messed up something and couldn't post it. If you are travelling with a repressed American girl- I HIGHLY recommend topless sunbathing. You'll never go back! Adios

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02-13-2002	#11 (permalink)
drdayoff sandflea Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7	My wife is tanning I think about everything so I don't think she will be too repressed this time. I'll give you my info and report when we get back. dr dave

02-18-2002	#12 (permalink)
cewles toe in water Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 57	Hi, Been reading tons of info on Riu Playacar not just this site, but others. We are booked at the Playacar in April for two weeks and have stayed at the Riu Tequila, Yucatan and Palace (obviously we love it)as well as the Barcelo Maya. Only question I have, since I know what to expect from Riu resorts, is where on earth did they build the Riu Playacar. When I was at the Tequila it we saw the signs but did not see exactly where it is....can someone help out here? Thanks!!

02-18-2002	#13 (permalink)
MM way into it Join Date: May 2001 Location: Playa del Carmen Posts: 126	It's between Viva Maya and the Hideway.

03-05-2002	#14 (permalink)
Princess sandflea Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 3	Hi there, has anybody been to Playa del carmen lately?? I'm still deciding on what hotel to stay at in Jan 2003!! We're getting married there!! I'm stuck between the Yucatan and the Playacar!! Any info!! Which one did you like better??? Thanks!!

03-09-2002	#15 (permalink)
drdayoff sandflea Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7	We just got back from the Rui Playacar....much more quiet than the yucatan. more english speaking. we loved it!! dr dave