Back to the Mayan Palace

Linda · 01-19-2002

Dagan, MarkO, (or anyone who has been there), back to some basic ?? about the new Mayan Palace. Are there areas with shade by the pools at all? My hubbie has had a recent run in with some skin cancer and an umbrella or palm tree is a must. Also, how far would you estimate that it is to walk down the road to catch the bus into PDC? We are walkers so 1/2 mi. is not a problem, we love to catch a bus while in Mexico, it's a great way to meet the people.
Did you find a lot of confusion at the Mayan because it is brand new or did they bring in experienced people to staff the new place? Can you give us a little of the basics about the rooms, can you see the sunset from them or do you have to go down to the beach? Dumb questions, I know but we are finally starting to get excited about this trip. You see about a month ago, we didn't think that we'd be going at all because they only had us reserved for a week and it was supposed to be 2. So we were calling almost every day to get a confirmation on week 2, we finally got it last Mon., unfortunately we have to switch rooms for wk.2, but we'll take it anyway. Now the excitement is beginning to build and we are so anxious to find out everything that we can asap, we leave on 2-8. So, forgive my enthusiasm and overabundance of questions! Thanks!

Katrina G · 01-20-2002

I'm sorry Linda, I have no answers to your questions. But I am visiting the Mayan Palace on Jan 26th and have a couple of questions I would also like to ask.

Many people have mentioned the Iberostar Paraiso resort is a 10 minute walk away. I understand it is an AI. Do they also have an option to pay for meals at the restaurants?

Do the hotel units come with a small bar fridge to store drinks/food? How about hair dryers? And irons?

durangov8 · 01-20-2002

My wife phoned and I can tell you there are definately hair dryers.

As far as eating at the IB-P, I am sure they would never turn down business.

Rick

[ This Message was edited by: durangov8 on 2002-01-20 14:11 ]

Katrina G · 01-20-2002

Rick,

I phoned the Mayan Palace directly and found out: yes, all rooms have hair dryers;no, hotel units do not have bar refridgerators (only fridges are those in kitchenettes in suites; and no, hotel units do not have irons or ironing boards (but the suites do).

I also inquired about the status of the rock removal from the water. The woman at the front desk with whom I spoke told me that the rocks in the water are very large and cannot be removed. She said that you can swim in the water.

By the way, don't I know you from the http://www.mytravelboard.com message boards?

Katrina

durangov8 · 01-20-2002

Hiya ! Yes, that is me from the mytravelboard site (got 2 or 3 names going now....lol)

We opted for a hotel room with the thought that we would try to upgrade if it wasn't sufficient.(Anyone have any tips about doing this in Mexico?) As far a the fridge goes, we bought a nice 24+ can collapsible cooler bag to haul around with us. We like our beer extremely cold as much as possible.

We also broke down and rented a car from Thrifty for 156.00 a week.

Mayan Palace Jan 26th to Feb 2nd. 2002

Rick

P.S. Who needs an iron when you are on vacation? That's a big no-no ! (Hang them up and steam them in the shower if ya want, works every time)

[ This Message was edited by: durangov8 on 2002-01-21 00:18 ]

Linda · 01-21-2002

Thanks Katrina and Rick for the info, one less thing to pack(the hair dryer, not the fridge!). By the way, when you called, did you ask about your exact accomodations (hotel unit or condo) or do you trust what they have told you on the phone in either Houston or Cal? Last year we had confirmation on condo unit for 2 wks. and really had a hassle when we got there, took us a couple of hrs. to straighten it out (and then they still wanted us to change units after week 1!) This was Acapulco, though, hopefully this time will be better. Rick, I know you are leaving soon, if you have time when you return, be sure to post and let us know what you thought and the "inside scoop" on everything. Thanks

p.s. What did you find out about the 3rd party insurance coverage when yoou rented your car?

_________________
Linda

[ This Message was edited by: Linda on 2002-01-21 06:19 ]

[ This Message was edited by: Linda on 2002-01-21 06:20 ]

Dagen · 01-21-2002

Linda,
Sorry it took so long to respond. You asked "Are there areas with shade by the pools at all?" Yes, there is at the beach too, little straw like huts they call "Palapas".
"how far would you estimate that it is to walk down the road to catch the bus into PDC?"
between 1/2 to 1 mile or so. (10-15 min)
Katrina, if you want to swim, you might consider taking some footwear for the water (ie watershoes of some sort) because the rocks are sharp and you could cut yourself if not careful.

Dagen

durangov8 · 01-21-2002

This is why we opted for the hotel unit only. Easier to upgrade when you are standing there than to get a refund because the type of unit you booked is not available.

I read somewhere that for TPL you are automatically covered for 350,000. I also know that you can buy something called Extended Party Liabilty or something like that. I will check when I am there. I have also seen countless posts from people in the know and whom I trust, that they have never ever purchased any insurance over and above what is covered on their gold or platinum cards.

I will definately let all know what I can upon return.
T minus 4 sleeps and 1 night flying !

Rick

Katrina G · 01-21-2002

Linda,

No I didn't double-check the type of room. I bought mine through skyauction.com. The Mayan Palace won't have my name until around this Thursday, which is 2 days before I arrive. But I didn't have any trouble when I travelled once before to a vacation I'd bought off that web site.

Katrina

P.S. All I can figure about the woman telling me that there are no rocks in the water (which you can clearly see in the construction photos posted on the web) is maybe it was a language barrier thing.

Munichchick · 01-21-2002

I just called the Iberostar Paraiso directly and here is some info. They are right next to the Mayan Palace and you can buy day and evening passes to the resort. You can not just walk into an AI resort and pay for dinner since they are not set up for this.
The day pass is $50 per person from 9:00 AM to 6:00PM and is all-inclusive. You can not eat dinner with the day pass. The Evening Pass is $35 per person and starts at 6:30 PM until ...? You can get dinner, all you can drink and go to the Disco etc. We have stayed at the Iberostar Quetzal in Playacar as well as the Iberostar Cozumel and these resorts are wonderful. Great Food, Great Drinks, the most beautiful design of buildings, pools and gardens. I think most people would love it there! We will be going for a day pass one day and a evening pass another day for sure. I hear the pool is so large that it takes 15 minutes to swim the whole lenght and the beach is very nice. Since we are also staying in the Hotel Unit without fridge we will go to the grocery store in Playa del Carmen and get a styrofoam ice chest and fill it up with our favorits drinks. Than we just leave it in the room for the next person. We will also bring plastic cups, plates and knifes so we can make a small breakfast with fruit and tasty Mexican Sweetbread to safe a couple $$ some days at least. I wish all of you a wonderful vacation! We can not wait to get there now.

Munichchick · 01-21-2002

In regards to the rocks in the water etc. We always bring our own snorkel gear and as long as you have flippers I am sure you can get into the water. We figure if there are rocks there might be good snorkeling. We will also bring our coral booties which we usually never have to use along the Riviera Maya but this time we might need them.

Dagen · 01-22-2002

If you don't own snorkelling gear of your own, you can rent all the gear from the activites booth on site for 30 pesos. Lifeguard on site also said snorkelling was pretty good, but the water was pretty rough when we were there.

Have a good trip!

Dagen

Lolasse · 01-23-2002

Seems that you need a looot of things to be confortable on holydays....

Anyway, not my business. I am back from PDC and I went diving at the Ibeiro star (without staying in). I must say that it was great. Turttles, barracudas and thousand of fishs and corral!!
The dive boss there is great and very professionnal. His name is Kramer and he has long hairs.
Please if you go there (about 100 feets from the Mayan beach), please say hello to him from Lolasse !! Enjoy your holydays

durangov8 · 01-23-2002

Just what does it all mean? LOL

T minus 2 and 1/2 sleeps.

Rick

Dagen · 01-23-2002

MUST be nice! lol

have a good trip, can't wait to go back myself.

Dagen

01-20-2002	#3 (permalink)
durangov8 lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Vancouver, BC Canada Posts: 19	My wife phoned and I can tell you there are definately hair dryers. As far as eating at the IB-P, I am sure they would never turn down business. Rick <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: durangov8 on 2002-01-20 14:11 ]</font>

01-20-2002	#5 (permalink)
durangov8 lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Vancouver, BC Canada Posts: 19	Hiya ! Yes, that is me from the mytravelboard site (got 2 or 3 names going now....lol) We opted for a hotel room with the thought that we would try to upgrade if it wasn't sufficient.(Anyone have any tips about doing this in Mexico?) As far a the fridge goes, we bought a nice 24+ can collapsible cooler bag to haul around with us. We like our beer extremely cold as much as possible. We also broke down and rented a car from Thrifty for 156.00 a week. Mayan Palace Jan 26th to Feb 2nd. 2002 Rick P.S. Who needs an iron when you are on vacation? That's a big no-no ! (Hang them up and steam them in the shower if ya want, works every time) <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: durangov8 on 2002-01-21 00:18 ]</font>

01-21-2002	#6 (permalink)
Linda toe in water Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Oakdale, Mn. Posts: 51	Thanks Katrina and Rick for the info, one less thing to pack(the hair dryer, not the fridge!). By the way, when you called, did you ask about your exact accomodations (hotel unit or condo) or do you trust what they have told you on the phone in either Houston or Cal? Last year we had confirmation on condo unit for 2 wks. and really had a hassle when we got there, took us a couple of hrs. to straighten it out (and then they still wanted us to change units after week 1!) This was Acapulco, though, hopefully this time will be better. Rick, I know you are leaving soon, if you have time when you return, be sure to post and let us know what you thought and the "inside scoop" on everything. Thanks p.s. What did you find out about the 3rd party insurance coverage when yoou rented your car? _________________ Linda <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Linda on 2002-01-21 06:19 ]</font> <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Linda on 2002-01-21 06:20 ]</font>

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01-19-2002	#1 (permalink)
Linda toe in water Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Oakdale, Mn. Posts: 51	Dagan, MarkO, (or anyone who has been there), back to some basic ?? about the new Mayan Palace. Are there areas with shade by the pools at all? My hubbie has had a recent run in with some skin cancer and an umbrella or palm tree is a must. Also, how far would you estimate that it is to walk down the road to catch the bus into PDC? We are walkers so 1/2 mi. is not a problem, we love to catch a bus while in Mexico, it's a great way to meet the people. Did you find a lot of confusion at the Mayan because it is brand new or did they bring in experienced people to staff the new place? Can you give us a little of the basics about the rooms, can you see the sunset from them or do you have to go down to the beach? Dumb questions, I know but we are finally starting to get excited about this trip. You see about a month ago, we didn't think that we'd be going at all because they only had us reserved for a week and it was supposed to be 2. So we were calling almost every day to get a confirmation on week 2, we finally got it last Mon., unfortunately we have to switch rooms for wk.2, but we'll take it anyway. Now the excitement is beginning to build and we are so anxious to find out everything that we can asap, we leave on 2-8. So, forgive my enthusiasm and overabundance of questions! Thanks!

01-20-2002	#2 (permalink)
Katrina G very sparkly Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 34	I'm sorry Linda, I have no answers to your questions. But I am visiting the Mayan Palace on Jan 26th and have a couple of questions I would also like to ask. Many people have mentioned the Iberostar Paraiso resort is a 10 minute walk away. I understand it is an AI. Do they also have an option to pay for meals at the restaurants? Do the hotel units come with a small bar fridge to store drinks/food? How about hair dryers? And irons?

01-20-2002	#4 (permalink)
Katrina G very sparkly Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 34	Rick, I phoned the Mayan Palace directly and found out: yes, all rooms have hair dryers;no, hotel units do not have bar refridgerators (only fridges are those in kitchenettes in suites; and no, hotel units do not have irons or ironing boards (but the suites do). I also inquired about the status of the rock removal from the water. The woman at the front desk with whom I spoke told me that the rocks in the water are very large and cannot be removed. She said that you can swim in the water. By the way, don't I know you from the http://www.mytravelboard.com message boards? Katrina

01-21-2002	#7 (permalink)
Dagen toe in water Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 40	Linda, Sorry it took so long to respond. You asked "Are there areas with shade by the pools at all?" Yes, there is at the beach too, little straw like huts they call "Palapas". "how far would you estimate that it is to walk down the road to catch the bus into PDC?" between 1/2 to 1 mile or so. (10-15 min) Katrina, if you want to swim, you might consider taking some footwear for the water (ie watershoes of some sort) because the rocks are sharp and you could cut yourself if not careful. Dagen

01-21-2002	#8 (permalink)
durangov8 lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Vancouver, BC Canada Posts: 19	This is why we opted for the hotel unit only. Easier to upgrade when you are standing there than to get a refund because the type of unit you booked is not available. I read somewhere that for TPL you are automatically covered for 350,000. I also know that you can buy something called Extended Party Liabilty or something like that. I will check when I am there. I have also seen countless posts from people in the know and whom I trust, that they have never ever purchased any insurance over and above what is covered on their gold or platinum cards. I will definately let all know what I can upon return. T minus 4 sleeps and 1 night flying ! Rick

01-21-2002	#9 (permalink)
Katrina G very sparkly Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 34	Linda, No I didn't double-check the type of room. I bought mine through skyauction.com. The Mayan Palace won't have my name until around this Thursday, which is 2 days before I arrive. But I didn't have any trouble when I travelled once before to a vacation I'd bought off that web site. Katrina P.S. All I can figure about the woman telling me that there are no rocks in the water (which you can clearly see in the construction photos posted on the web) is maybe it was a language barrier thing.

01-21-2002	#10 (permalink)
Munichchick life=playa Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Corona, California Posts: 855	I just called the Iberostar Paraiso directly and here is some info. They are right next to the Mayan Palace and you can buy day and evening passes to the resort. You can not just walk into an AI resort and pay for dinner since they are not set up for this. The day pass is $50 per person from 9:00 AM to 6:00PM and is all-inclusive. You can not eat dinner with the day pass. The Evening Pass is $35 per person and starts at 6:30 PM until ...? You can get dinner, all you can drink and go to the Disco etc. We have stayed at the Iberostar Quetzal in Playacar as well as the Iberostar Cozumel and these resorts are wonderful. Great Food, Great Drinks, the most beautiful design of buildings, pools and gardens. I think most people would love it there! We will be going for a day pass one day and a evening pass another day for sure. I hear the pool is so large that it takes 15 minutes to swim the whole lenght and the beach is very nice. Since we are also staying in the Hotel Unit without fridge we will go to the grocery store in Playa del Carmen and get a styrofoam ice chest and fill it up with our favorits drinks. Than we just leave it in the room for the next person. We will also bring plastic cups, plates and knifes so we can make a small breakfast with fruit and tasty Mexican Sweetbread to safe a couple $$ some days at least. I wish all of you a wonderful vacation! We can not wait to get there now.

01-21-2002	#11 (permalink)
Munichchick life=playa Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Corona, California Posts: 855	In regards to the rocks in the water etc. We always bring our own snorkel gear and as long as you have flippers I am sure you can get into the water. We figure if there are rocks there might be good snorkeling. We will also bring our coral booties which we usually never have to use along the Riviera Maya but this time we might need them.

01-22-2002	#12 (permalink)
Dagen toe in water Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 40	If you don't own snorkelling gear of your own, you can rent all the gear from the activites booth on site for 30 pesos. Lifeguard on site also said snorkelling was pretty good, but the water was pretty rough when we were there. Have a good trip! Dagen

01-23-2002	#13 (permalink)
Lolasse sandflea Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 7	Seems that you need a looot of things to be confortable on holydays.... Anyway, not my business. I am back from PDC and I went diving at the Ibeiro star (without staying in). I must say that it was great. Turttles, barracudas and thousand of fishs and corral!! The dive boss there is great and very professionnal. His name is Kramer and he has long hairs. Please if you go there (about 100 feets from the Mayan beach), please say hello to him from Lolasse !! Enjoy your holydays

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01-23-2002	#14 (permalink)
durangov8 lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Vancouver, BC Canada Posts: 19	Just what does it all mean? LOL T minus 2 and 1/2 sleeps. Rick

01-23-2002	#15 (permalink)
Dagen toe in water Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Posts: 40	MUST be nice! lol have a good trip, can't wait to go back myself. Dagen