Trip Report/Aventura Mexican

[ZsaZsa]

Day 1
Arrived at Ohare airport early trying to see if we could get on the earlier Mexicana flight out. We could, for $475 more plus the change fees. Um, that didn’t happen. Left on time with our scheduled flight, arriving in Cancun around 2:15.

Greyline was our transfer (booked with Orbitz). No problems.

Aventura Mexicana – check in was quick and easy. We were taken to our room (205). It was better than I had expected. It was a King Deluxe, but was surprised to find it was a small “suite”. Patio doors opened to a nice living room/sitting area with a couch and table, microwave, jug of water, and a TV. Further on was a closet area with safe. Off to the right was our bedroom w/King bed. The bathroom was medium size and perfect. The walls did not go up to the ceiling as some others had complained about, but it was no problem for us. Only shampoo and soap was supplied, I was hoping for some lotion, too. We even had robes in our room (no slippers). Overall, we were very pleased with the room, grounds, and hotel in general.

We enjoyed our first dinner at Hemmingways. Although, not impressed with the service one bit, the food was good. Waiter felt he needed a 20% tip, even tho his service was sub par.

We turned in early that first night. The heat and long day of travel just wore us out.

Day 2
Woke up early (8am) so that we could meet with our Greyline/Mayaland tour rep to arrange for our return transfer. We waited and waited, but they never showed up. The hotel said they would call for us the day before to confirm. At this point, I was a bit worried about our transfer and Greyline.

A beautifully sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. We headed to Kool beach club. Our hotel discount didn’t work as we had chosen padded chairs. The discount, we were told at Kool, was only for the plastic chairs in the back rows. Chair rental was $70 pesos each. The water was gorgeous, drink service quick and friendly. We also enjoyed some chicken nachos. All excellent!

Back to the hotel to cool off in the air conditioning and later with a dip in the pool. Cool enough to be refreshing but not too cold.

Dinner tonight would be at La Parilla. We had been to the one in Cancun and figured we’d give this one a try. They served the stiffest pina colada I’ve ever had! We were not disappointed at all.

Off to the Beer Bucket to check out the 1st Anniversary party. A nice crowd. We were able to meet Big Al and enjoy a few beers. On to a few others stops for a drink or so. We also decided to check out the Coco Bongo in town and were pleased. Nice crowd, good show, etc.

Day 3
Slept in (beer will do that to you). Enjoyed a very nice lunch at Quinta Passion. Our waiter was very good, and the food was as well. This was one of our best meals.

We did some walking on 5th, but it really was HOT.

Back to the room for a nap.

We had dinner at a place I can’t quite remember the name. Petula grill and cenote? It was raining pretty good, so we just went back to our hotel and got a bottle of wine at the hotel restaurant, Mayan Bistro. Another early night for us.

Day 4
Slept in again. It’s the best part about vacation! We started walking down 5th in the sun and heat. I personally love it, but hubby has issues with it (the heat). The gentleman at Los Aluxes has been trying to drag us up all weekend so we took advantage of his invite. It was one of the better meals we had. Excellent service. I enjoyed a Devil fillet and hubby some kind of shrimp.

A little attempt at shopping. The vendors were a bit more aggressive and a bit rude. I understand it’s been slow, but don’t turn rude on me, that isn’t going to help. We were asked to “come on, empty your wallets.” “You can afford it” “Give me some of your money”, things like that. I don’t like pushy.

Back to the room for a nap.

We stopped in at Luna Blue for a drink or two, but had just missed Cheri and Tony. Disappointment, but we still enjoyed our time. Great little bar!

We had a great dinner at Madre Tierre (I hope I have that name correct). We meant to have steak, but hubby got a pasta and I a swordfish fillet. All was good.

One last beer at the Beer Bucket………back to the room.

Day 5 – Going home
We had a 2:45pm flight, so Greyline wasn’t scheduled to pick us up until 11am (would they even show up?). We got up a little earlier than normal to head out for breakfast at Vegabunda? It was good, but it was just breakfast.

Quick checkout, and Greyline was there 10 min early! I felt bad for doubting them. After that, check in at the airport, flight pretty much on time…..you know how it goes.

Overall, we had an excellent trip (again). Weather was wonderful, rain only at night. Our hotel was a charm. Food was good. We thought Playa was just as busy as we found it in Oct and Dec.

[maestranba]

Glad you like the Aventura Mexicana! We really enjoyed it there but we had a room above the reception area with no balcony (the ONLY thing we didn't like). I think we'll stay there again in Feb. but this time I'd like to be in the other section (is that where you were, over by the restaurant?)

Any pics?

[Doggiemom]

Thanks for the report!!! But where are the pictures??? We like pictures! I too have stayed at Aventura Mexicana...3 times, loved it every time!

[LucyE]

We're staying at Aventura Mexicana next week! Can't wait.

[queencityfan]

Thanks for the report Zsa Zsa, nice to "see" you over here.

Sharon

[kasey]

when we were at AM we were in room 101, ground floor, right beside the restaurant and pool. IMO rooms 101, 102 and 103 are the absolute best. everythign is right out your door.

[Beth-n-Scott]

Did you like the Kool Beach club?

Vacations are nice for sleeping in...huh?

Nice simple report!