(T&L) All Inclusive Vacation Planning

[T&L]

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

(T&L)All Inclusive Vacation Planning

Im gonna use this page to try and keep all my info in one area. Its hard enough to decide from all the various resorts in the Mayan Riviera never mind having to search through various threads to find answers to questions I have already asked and have been answered.

Intro:
We are a 40ish couple (me older and her younger) from the Boston area (app 60min south) who plan on visiting the area in late October early November for 7 nights. We tend to be most comfortable in jeans and yoga pants as apposed to ties and gowns. We are going primarily for the sand, sun, and surf. We have hardly ever traveled out of the country; so our traveling experience on a scale of 1-5 is a 1, so keep that in mind. I have no clue what to expect from customs, immigration, changing flights, booking AI resorts, and have come to the conclusion that I know nothing. We are limiting ourselves to US $3000 including flight (give or take) just cause we feel that there are enough selections that it seemed like a good starting point.

Where we are:
The one thing I was able to figure out is that we need passports. This process is already in the works. Second would be a hotel and a flight. We are shooting toward all-inclusive hoping that this will eliminate a lot of our troubles of worrying about anything. But during my research I have figured out that there are all different levels of all-inclusive and that it is a very broad term.

I have visited a couple of local agents and formed an opinion that their knowledge of the area was similar to my own and what they can could for me I could probably do myself.

I also considered the on line agencies Expedia, Cheap Caribbean etc … but the more I look into agencies like these the more I realize how little I know.

Then there’s Shammy, full of knowledge of the area she seems to know all the ins and outs. Her postings and advice are all over this forum and she always seems to point out something new in her posts that I have never thought of.

(note: I have already contacted her by sending her an email)

We realize that there are many resorts in this area and are by no means dead set on our destination and feel that we are early enough in our planning process. What I will do is list some of the resorts that we like and list the reasons why we do but we are completely flexible, so feel free to comment and make suggestions. The things we are dead set on are the date frame to travel and the fact that it will be all-inclusive.

TO DO LIST

PLACES TO EAT

EL Fogon

(Calle 6th & 30th Ave)

Menu |

Carboncitos

(4 Nte Bis - Between 5th Ave and 10th Ave)

Menu |

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[T&L]

Playa Del Carmen (ciudad)
(A) The Royal - Real Resorts

Pros
This is the first that we have agreed on, the rooms are nice, the grounds are nice, the location to the 5th is great, and the fact that it is adults only is a plus.

Cons
The reviews seem to be good though we are aware of the time share pitch and the fact that the beach is rather small.

References
Trip Report - (Y2YTraveller) Royal PDC: Apr 30 - May 7, 2011
Trip Report - (Neil G) Royal PDC, Jan 4-11
Trip Report - (dotcommer) *BIG* Pictures and little words - Royal Playa del Carmen
Trip Report - (Shaunna) Our rainy trip to the Royal Playa del Carmen 4/14 - 4/19, 2010

It seems like we would like to use this for our standard.

Puerto Aventuras
(B)Barcelo Maya (Palace Deluxe)

Pros
Beach is beautiful, rooms are nice, grounds are great, location is good, huge complex, highly recommended.

Cons
Not adults only, unaware if there is timeshare pitch, Approximately 15.5 miles (30 km) from the 5th

References
Website - unofficial-barcelo-maya.com
Website - Club Premium Services
Pictures - Pro Pictures
You Tube - Room at Tropical
Video -Travelpulse.com

The location is about as far as we want to be from the airport and the 5th though the location is really not a con.

Playacar
(C) Iberostar Tucan | Quetzal

Pros
Part of the playacar gated community, Beach is beautiful, rooms are nice, grounds are great, location is good, huge complex, highly recommended.

Cons
Not adults only, unaware if there is timeshare pitch, Approximately 3 miles (4.6 km) from the 5th

References
YouTube - Bldg 10, Room 1027
Website - Iberostar-board.com
Trip Report - (blueton) Iberostar Tucan 26th August (Post Hurricane Dean)
Trip Report - (playa4eva) Iberostar Quetzal/Tucan Trip Report 11/11-11/18
Website - Resort Map

I am assuming the two resorts are side by side and share the same amenities, beach, pools, dining. Not sure what the difference is other then decor they appear to be similar. Definitely by the looks of it this place will fit our style of vacationing.

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[T&L]

By the looks of things I don't see much of a difference in airfare.... for the end of October as opposed to the beginning of November. American Airlines seems to be the going carrier with most of the searches I have done. I realize that my prices could and shall be cheaper, I merely am just trying to get an idea on the prices of the resorts so I can categorize them.

Budget = 3000
Flight = 437pp x2= 874
Balance = 2126 (leaves us at about 300 per night for accommodations)

Iberostar Tucan|Quetzel
Accomodations: Both resorts have 324 Standard Rooms, 24 Junior Suites and 2 Presidential Suites
Room Rates (app): Standard Room 1792 | Ocean Front Junior Suite 2282 (both within our budget)
Dining: Both resorts have shared dining La Marimba (Steak House), Uxmal (Tropical), Bonsai (Japanese), La Hacienda (Mexican), La Gondola (Italian), Cozumel (Main), Tulum - (Main)

Barcelo Maya|Caribe
Room Rates (app): Superior Room 1429 | Superior Ocean View (Club Premium) 1881 (both within our budget)
Barcelo Colonial|Tropical - Deluxe Room 1745 | Junior Suite Deluxe Ocean View (Club Premium) 2422 (both within our budget)

(Palace would be just a little out of our budget...the basic room will fit but will not allow for club premium)

Real - The Royal - Royal Junior Suite 2650 | Royal Junior Suite (Ocean View) 2837

(Both on the high side but are considerably more reasonable when booked with a flight 3090 | 3260 )
**I believe that the RJOV comes with the Royal Services

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[abuelo]

Originally Posted by T&L

(T&L) All Inclusive Vacation Planning

Im gonna use this page to try and keep all my info in one area. Its hard enough to decide from all the various resorts in the Mayan Riviera never mind having to search through various threads to find answers to questions I have already asked and have been answered.

Intro:
We are a 40ish couple (me older and her younger) from the Boston area (app 60min south) who plan on visiting the area in late October early November for 7 nights. We tend to be most comfortable in jeans and yoga pants as apposed to ties and gowns. We are going primarily for the sand, sun, and surf. We have hardly ever traveled out of the country; so our traveling experience on a scale of 1-5 is a 1, so keep that in mind. I have no clue what to expect from customs, immigration, changing flights, booking AI resorts, and have come to the conclusion that I know nothing. We are limiting ourselves to US $3000 including flight (give or take) just cause we feel that there are enough selections that it seemed like a good starting point.

Where we are:
The one thing I was able to figure out is that we need passports. This process is already in the works. Second would be a hotel and a flight. We are shooting toward all-inclusive hoping that this will eliminate a lot of our troubles of worrying about anything. But during my research I have figured out that there are all different levels of all-inclusive and that it is a very broad term.

I have visited a couple of local agents and formed an opinion that their knowledge of the area was similar to my own and what they can could for me I could probably do myself.

I also considered the on line agencies Expedia, Cheap Caribbean etc … but the more I look into agencies like these the more I realize how little I know.

Then there’s Shammy, full of knowledge of the area she seems to know all the ins and outs. Her postings and advice are all over this forum and she always seems to point out something new in her posts that I have never thought of.

(note: I have already contacted her by sending her an email)

We realize that there are many resorts in this area and are by no means dead set on our destination and feel that we are early enough in our planning process. What I will do is list some of the resorts that we like and list the reasons why we do but we are completely flexible, so feel free to comment and make suggestions. The things we are dead set on are the date frame to travel and the fact that it will be all-inclusive.

Sounds like good planning on your part. Although older, 59, we also prefer the more casual attire.

We have been at least 10 times to the PDC area, and always use Shammy for booking, as her rates are as good as on line booking and her knowledge of the area and the resorts is unbelievable. Our usual time to go is late September, last Wednesday and return the first Wednesday in October. We find it cheaper to fly Wednesday to Wednesday than any other day of the week.

To give you some ideas of past pricing:
Last year, Riu Palace Rivera Maya $2350.00
Year before, Barcelo Palace $2450.00. Stayed there for several years
Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal is also in the above price ranges

All are great resorts, but the Barcelo is quite a way south of PDC, which may make a difference in your choice.

Keep in mind your dates are on the edge of high season, another reason to have Shammy involved to advise you of the best dates.

Hope this helps.

Barry

[T&L]

Thanks really appreciate your input ... Barcelo Palace is a great option.. and ill take note of Wednesday to Wednesday for a flight schedule. September is out to close to college move in time ... considering I work for a local university and she has a daughter who attends college...hence why we are shooting for late October beginning of November..even mid October will suffice.

That is a huge complex ... multiple resorts ...

Barcelo Resort Complex (Caribe/Beach/Tropical/Colonial/Palace)



Full size pdf of the resort map below can be found at the unofficial-barcelo-maya.com site. I was hesitant to post a link to the actual pdf cause the file is huge and consumed most of the memory usage on my pc.

[mrcool138]

I was in your shoes a few years ago no travel experience. I will say you have taken a good first step contacting Shammy. She booked our first trip and now we've been 10 times and she has booked each one, always giving us guidance along the way. Plus a good agent will go to bat for you in case their is some type of problem with your trip(we had hurricane Wilma affect us in 2005 and Shammy went above and beyond for us)
Sounds like you are doing some research and have an idea of what you are looking for. We go every year late oct. or early Nov. We also are very casual(we live on a farm) and have never felt out of place at any resort we've been to. The Royal is a good choice. We are beach people and got along fine on the Royal beach. The Riu suggested above would be more reasonable and the beach there is nice. We've been to the Barcelo complex. The palace isn't adults only but is a high quality resort. The beach there is awesome with good swimming areas and good snorkeling from shore. Good luck we love every trip, but that first one holds a special place in our heart.

[Uno]

Originally Posted by T&L

Thanks really appreciate your input ... Barcelo Palace is a great option.. and ill take note of wednesday to wednesday for a flight schedule. September is out to close to college move in time ... considering I work for a local university and she has a daughter who attends college...hence why we are shooting for late October beginning of November..even mid October will suffice.

That is a huge complex ... multiple resorts ...

Barcelo Resort Complex (Caribe/Beach/Tropical/Colonial/Palace)

Pros: The most beautiful AI beach from there north of Playa. Nice cove for snorkeling. Very close to some cenotes and Tulum.

Cons: Not very close to Playa. No easy visits to 5th ave for tourist shopping or some of the awesome bars and restaurants in town.

I like AI's. I also like going into town every other night or so. Fact is, we stayed at the Barcelo last trip and I never left my hammock except to snorkel or get a drink.

We stayed at the Caribe/Beach. It was nice. I would stay there again anytime.

My only comparisons are a few trips prior to the Iberostar Quetzal. So I can't compare the others.

[T&L]

If I am correct both the Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal and the RIU Palace Riveira Maya are both in this area along with many others. I am also assuming this is the gated community that I read about. I have also read that most collectivos and taxis will drop you off at the main gate and them I assuming that there is some kind of shuttle (golf Cart) that will bring you to your final destination.

Playacar Sandos Playacar, Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal, RIU Yucatan, RIU Palace Mexico, Viva Wyndham Maya, RIU Playacar, Royal Hideaway Playacar, Occidental Allegro Playacar, Viva Wyndham Azteca, Hotel Riu Palace Riviera Maya...

[abuelo]

Originally Posted by T&L

If I am correct both the Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal and the RIU Palace Riveira Maya are both in this area along with many others. I am also assuming this is the gated community that I read about. I have also read that most collectivos and taxis will drop you off at the main gate and them I assuming that there is some kind of shuttle (golf Cart) that will bring you to your final destination.

Playacar

You are correct, the Riu's and the Tucan are in Playa Car. The taxi will actually pick you up and deliver you to your resort. The Tucan is quite a walk to town, but the Riu Palace Rivera Maya is an easy 15 minute walk to 5th ave.

Barry

[T&L]

Not easy understanding the geographics of this area .. thanks for your input. Im gonna keep working on this I need to Include the RIU Palace and possibly one more ... maybe even north of Playa Del Carmen I realize there is a new secrets and a few more Iberostar resorts.... hopefully Ill get some more recommendations.

Am I over-thinking this? .... Like a kid in a candy shop at times.

[mrcool138]

Lots of great resorts. Is adults-only important to you? The Iberostars are very family oriented, except the the Iberostar Grand which is adults-only. There are 3 Secrets resorts north of Playa, Maroma, Capri, and Silversands. All of these are adults-only. You're not over thinking it, part of the fun is researching all the different resorts.

[T&L]

Originally Posted by mrcool138

Lots of great resorts. Is adults-only important to you? The Iberostars are very family oriented, except the the Iberostar Grand which is adults-only. There are 3 Secrets resorts north of Playa, Maroma, Capri, and Silversands. All of these are adults-only. You're not over thinking it, part of the fun is researching all the different resorts.

Important ... not necessarily .... a bonus on the other hand. Lets just say there were two hotels that were identical in quality and location one was family oriented and the other adult only then it could make the deal.

What I don't want, is to be victim of a sea weed fight .... or caught in the Sesame Street Congo line. As long as the resort is diverse enough and large enough so we can find our happy spot by the pool or on the sand it should be fine.

How was Secrets Maroma Beach????


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[Matt J]

I would stick with Shammy -- although I've not personally used her she is very knowledgeable and will steer you the right direction.

All the PDC resorts are in the gated community -- and a taxi will take you to and from the front door of the resort.

I have stayed at the IB Tucan/Quetzal and it is very nice and not as 'family' oriented as some of the larger resorts. It is a bit higher in price.

I have stayed at the Sandos Playacar - right next door -- and it is a bit more family oriented, but you can do just fine as a couple also.

I say take Shammy's suggestion for your first trip. She won't steer you wrong. While you are there you can check out other resorts and make notes of what you want to do next time you are down. Trust me, there will be a next time. And you will know the lay of the land a bit better.

Have a good trip.

[LB4Playa]

Don't worry about the time share pitch, they are not manditory, they suck you in saying it is a resort acclimation, or someting like that then slide in the sales pitch. Just say no thanks and leave. Have a great holiday.

[T&L]

Originally Posted by Matt J

I would stick with Shammy -- although I've not personally used her she is very knowledgeable and will steer you the right direction.

All the PDC resorts are in the gated community -- and a taxi will take you to and from the front door of the resort.

I have stayed at the IB Tucan/Quetzal and it is very nice and not as 'family' oriented as some of the larger resorts. It is a bit higher in price.

I have stayed at the Sandos Playacar - right next door -- and it is a bit more family oriented, but you can do just fine as a couple also.

I say take Shammy's suggestion for your first trip. She won't steer you wrong. While you are there you can check out other resorts and make notes of what you want to do next time you are down. Trust me, there will be a next time. And you will know the lay of the land a bit better.

Have a good trip.

Thanks for the input ... basically what this thread is about ... trying to give her an idea of a few we like then let her steer us in the right direction. Or, maybe one we have overlooked.