grand mayan/mayan palace in middle of nowhere?

[themamacurd]

We got a Groupon deal for the Grand Mayan, I think its a Wyndham (sp?). I know it isnt in pdc...maybe a little north. From the reviews i have read on tripsdvisor.com it sounds like its in the middle of nowhere. Anyone know for sure approximately how many miles this resort is from pdc? I am weighing the costs of a rental car vs taxi. Also what was your impression of this resort/timeshare? Thanks!

[Chris in VT]

It is just north of the IBerostar Paraiso. 15 minutes from playa.

[Bevoz]

The Resort has shuttles that run to Playa daily

[T-Daddy]

$200 peso taxi ride. The resort shuttle is 50 pesos per person and the last trip back is 9 at night.

[Schmoopie & J.C]

my wife & I stayed there back in April 13-28, we loved it there. on our second week there our daughter, son-in-law & grandson stayed in the other half of the room & they had a blast. the pools are fantastic, our grandson was in the water as much as he could be. he loved the iguannas around the complex. enjoy your stay... Rob

[Munichchick]

Beautiful large resort. Large amazing pools. Beautiful tropical and lush landscaping including golf course, lagoon and flamingo island. Nice restaurants with very good food. We have stayed here 3x and have a timeshare exchange booked already for 2013 again. We always rent a car and it takes about 15 minutes into PDC. When we plan to go to clubs and drink at Bars we just take a taxi. Do not drink and drive there are police check points in and out of Playa keep that in mind. We never got stopped but you never know. The condos are very nice and very comfortable. Depending on what suite type you got booked into. We have had the 2 bedroom 2 bath Master Suite with private plunge pool on the terrace and kitchen. It's great for 2 couples. The other times we had the 1 bedroom condo wich includes the kitchen and plunge pool. Or you can get the Studio Suite which is like a large hotel suite with jacuzzi tub but not kitchen and no plunge pool on the terrace.
The beach is very pretty with soft sand but the ocean is not very swimable here due to rocks and reef. You can walk to the left towards the Valetine resort and swim there. There are still spots where you can walk into the ocean and sit in tide pools etc. Lots of sealife. The snorkel tours offered at the resort are really good. They take you to the Maroma Reef and to a beautiful pristine beach for a while. Very nice Reef there and we even saw a large Sailfish. There is a also a little deli/grocery store with bakery which is nice to have but much cheaper to go into town for groceries. We prefer the Cedraui Market for groceries. We received very nice and friendly service from all employees even so it is a large resort. As a timeshare exchange it is a great value and maybe also the Groupon Deal. It really is a great non AI resort. We enjoy going into Playa for some dinners and down the coast to Akumal and Tulum for the day. So much to do and see there. Even without rental car you can book all sorts of great tours. The resort is North of Playa and South of Puerto Morelos next to the Valentine resort and close to Iberostar Paraiso and Playa Maroma. Enoy your Groupon deal. I bet you will like the resort.