Just returned from Mayan Palace-ASK AWAY!

Merk · 03-19-2002

I will try to answer any questions and will check in daily.

LIndseys · 03-19-2002

I am curious how it is going to be for a group of 8 from 23-33. Night life and resturaunts near by. Transportation, Pool, Beach. Has the construction got any further and really your overall opinion of the resort, anything helps. Did you like the rooms. I know so many questions. I am not going until August by really want to plan ahead. We are not to concerned about noise but want to be able to go out dancing and not walk a mile to the pool. Thanks alot!

[ This Message was edited by: LIndseys on 2002-03-20 00:02 ]

Merk · 03-20-2002

I enjoyed my stay at the Mayan Palace. I'm in my mid-thirty's and was traveling alone and felt safe at all times in my surroundings.

I am an early riser and hence retired early so can't tell you much about the night life. I did overindulge on 2 for 1 margaritas my first night and that about did me in for the week! They have daily happy hours (2 for 1) but I never could keep the times straight as to which bar when.

I think you would really enjoy Playa Del Carmen in the evening. There is transportation from the resort to PDC for $8 pp/round-trip and Cancun for $12. The bad thing with the shuttle is that you are restricted as to your departure and arrival times. Playa is a 15 minute drive south and Cancun is a 45 minute drive north. There is a bus (Mayab) that you can hail from the highway that goes into Cancun about every half hour. The cost is only 30 pesos pp and the last returning bus leaves Cancun at 12 am. A few new friends and I caught the bus into Cancun one evening and took a taxi back ($40). You may have problems with such a large group and will more than likely have to split up when it comes to transportation. The cabs are small. Although, if you choose to stay at the Mayan Palace and party during the evening, this won't be something you'll need to worry about!

You will love the pool, it is enormous and has several different levels. There were two swim-up pool bars where I enjoyed happy hour on a near daily basis. It was hot and felt good to have a nice blended something to cool down a bit!

The beach is rocky but not all that bad. Can't say that I saw anyone swimming in it though. If you head south on the beach past the Governor's mansion there is a great beach for swimming. About a 10 minute walk or so.

I was in a hotel unit and it was fine for me. Two double beds, dresser, closet, and a large bathroom. My room was #3005 in the first building closest to the pool. I lucked out! I was right next to the display units and the suites looked wonderful! The rooms run east to west and the ocean north to south. I was told they built the rooms in this direction due to hurricane building codes. It is one LONG walk to the pool if you get a room in buildings (Tulums) 5,6,7, or 8. I clocked the walk from the lobby(on the end of Tulum

to the pool at nearly 7 minutes, but I wasn't walking briskly. Try to ask for a room in Tulum 1, 2, or 3-in that order. I was in room 1046 on my first night (Tulum 4). This was a room on the first floor mid-way between pool and lobby. I asked to be moved as I had to keep the drapes drawn due to the people walking and didn't like having to do that. They did honor my request, but did so a bit grudgingly.

I found the food to be a bit expensive. It was good for the most part, but I'm not a big fan of buffets. The steak and lobster dinner buffet was $40 and the Mexican buffet was a bit over $20. This was without a beverage of any kind. I didn't do the breakfest buffet but heard it was about $13 and quite good. I bought a styrofoam cooler in Playa and ate many bologna and cheese sandwiches with my Mountain Dew that I brought from home. I had a backpack cooler which I brought to the pool with me stocked with a few Dos Equis. Beer at the resort was 36 pesos, drinks such as a Pina Coladas and margaritas were 56 pesos.

The construction noise did not bother me a bit. I was so tired from the fresh air all day and slept soundly every night.

One detail I will warn you of, I rented a car during my stay (which I would recommend) but a $1,000 hold was put on my credit card for my entire stay. I hadn't planned on using my credit card so it wouldn't have been a major deal except that at the resort you are expected to sign for EVERYTHING during your stay. They do not like to deal with cash and change is nearly impossible to get! Since this "hold" was on my card it showed that I had no available credit and I was not allowed to sign for drinks or any meals. This was a major pain :sad: Make sure you have plenty of credit on your card or bring two!

That's all I can think of for now. Let me know if you have any other questions.

LIndseys · 03-20-2002

Well I hope the whole cash and charge thing isn't to much of a problem. Only my boyfriend and myself will be allowed to charge to the room out of our group. I am sure it will all work out. YOu have to give them a card at check-in.(is that correct?) I appretiate all your help. I never spend to much time in the ocean anyways as long as there is a beach. I spend most of my time by the pool. We have a 2 bedroom reserved. I will definatly ask for a room close to the pool. Any good sugestions for resturaunts in playa and did you check out the paraiso hotel next door. I hear you can get day passes there? Also you said you brought your cooler so I take it it's ok to bring your own beer to the pool. Some places do not allow that.I also heard there was dancing on the beach each night. Do you know if this is true? It would be nice not to have to go find a club each night. I have been to Cancun and it is fun but would prefer a smaller club or bar with dancing most of the time.Thanks again!

[ This Message was edited by: LIndseys on 2002-03-20 17:09 ]

[ This Message was edited by: LIndseys on 2002-03-20 18:13 ]

**james** · 03-20-2002

So that others don't get ripped off, please note that a taxi from Cancun to this area should cost about 200-220 pesos max, not 40 dollars.

Nice prices at Mayan Palace!!
36 peso beers?
13 dollar breakfast buffet?

I'd eat bologna and cheese too. Sounds like Mayan Prison.

LIndseys · 03-21-2002

Yeah as I remember they try to charge you that much. you must bargain with the taxi drivers. They will go down,

Munichchick · 03-21-2002

Yep, that is exactly the reason why we never ate or spent to much time at the Mayan Palace Bars. We had the a la cart breakfast one morning sweet rolls, toast and jam and that was semi affordable but when I requested 1 poached egg that was an extra item I would have liked to order they had a big problem with that. They made 2 phone calls and ended up telling me that the cook will get in trouble with managemant if he makes the egg for me. ???? I was not asking for a free poached egg and was willing to pay the price. Very strange!

Merk · 03-22-2002

Lindseys-

I don't know if there is dancing at the beach bar/restaurant EVERY night. I do know that they have some sort of entertainment nightly and I did enjoy it my first evening-dancing and all. The bar and tables are right on the beach next to the ocean and it's very nice. The drinks are over-priced so take advantage of the happy hour which, I believe, was from 7-8 p.m. nightly.

I'm sure if you all headed into PDC for the evening you would have a great time. There were just so many places that looked like they would be a lot of fun. I know the ****** is a popular bar right on the beach as well as Captain Tutux (Tutix?). I had my own rental car and didn't get the opportunity to try out these establishments as getting thrown in jail in Mexico for DWI didn't appeal to me :smile:

You will enjoy your two-bedroom unit. The kitchen facilities will really come in handy and I hear the blenders work great! I would suggest heading into PDC when you arrive to pick up groceries and beverages.

I brought beer to the pool in a soft-sided cooler/backpack and never had any trouble. A security guard would not allow an older couple to bring in their small styrofoam cooler. They may have only had pop and a few sandwiches, I don't know, but they weren't allowed to bring it in regardless.

I knew my friends paid WAY too much for our taxi back from Cancun but they thought it was a reasonable price and were the ones paying the man so....I would have caught the Mayab bus back for 30 pesos and have been perfectly content :smile:

I got several pictures back today and would like to post them but I don't have a clue as to how! They are some really nice shots of the rooms and property. If anyone has suggestions please let me know.

[ This Message was edited by: Merk on 2002-03-22 20:01 ]

LIndseys · 03-22-2002

Thanks again for the tips. I think I would actually be happier going to some smaller bars most of the time then the big time clubs in Cancun you can barelly move around in. I know you can talk your way down on taxi prices but I rode the buses in Cancun and had no problems. I never made it to pdc when I was there though. I really do appretiate all the tips. I think I will have a great time with my friends and boyfriend. I have always gone with my parents using there time share weeks but we bought a bonus week this time. I just want all to go smoothly since most of my friends who are going have never even been to Mexico. I am aslo curious about Cozumel Good things to do there and how late the ferry runs? I would like to try a club there! We are not renting a car. I relize it would be nice but I just feel I am on vacation and I don't want to worry about DD even if I don't drink alot all the time. Just going to enjoy letting other people do it for me

THanks again!

Katrina G · 03-23-2002

Merk,

Read your post about posting pictures on the net. I ran into the same problem. James tried to talk me through posting a couple on this message board, but I never could get it to work.

I tried to make my own web page....waaayyyy too much work. The site where my photos are posted, [url]www.picturetrail.com [url] was very easy to use and free. I had my pictures developed with a CD because I don't have a scanner and I needed a quick, easy way to download them.

If you try that site and have any problems, please e-mail me at trinkrdink@yahoo.com

Katrina

jimbo · 03-23-2002

I have a question - what is the attraction with this place? Is the price really low because it is still under construction? If so, how low? I see descriptions of a place that has construction noise, rip-off prices, rocky beach, sufficiently out of the way that travel costs to anywhere of interest add up quickly, and so on. It seems to me that a week camping in a tent at one of the gravel pits I saw between Cancun and Playa would be just as enjoyable.

LIndseys · 03-23-2002

I think it is because alot of us bought weeks not knowing that is what still under construction and know we are curious as to the conditions. I stayed at peublo bonito in Mazatlan when it was still under construction and we still had a great time. Everything we needed was done and the noise didn't bother us. In fact it was actually nice because the resort wan't very busy and alot of times we had the pool to our selves. Just our group of 9. There for I am not to worried and it sounds like there is plenty done there to entertain me. As for the prices alot of places are that way that is why you eat in town which I always prefer anyway. I don't like to eat at the same place everynight when I am on vacation. Still appretiate everyone's info. Keep it up!

ps JImbo I paid $380 for a 2 bedroom condo as a bonus week through RCI :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: LIndseys on 2002-03-23 14:38 ]

Merk · 03-23-2002

I chose the Mayan Palace because it was only $199 for the week through RCI as a Vacation Getaway. They also had the Nuevo Vallarta Palace as well as the one in Acapulco available at these rates. I have to say that the constuction did not bother me one bit. Most of it was being done on the new lobby. Having only spent $200 for accommodations for the week, I don't feel as if I can hardly complain. It wouldn't be my choice of resorts to return to and I doubt I will any time in the forseeable future, but it served its purpose and I had an enjoyable vacation.

Munichchick · 03-25-2002

I cmpletly agree with Merk! We also got our Hotel Unit at MP for $199 7 nights for 2 people through RCI Getaway. Even so we only ended up staying there 3 nights it still was a good deal for us considering high season prices can be steep in March and where able to spend 2 nights in our favorite Resort "Shangri-La Caribe" which we otherwise could not have afforded this time.

jwp0077 · 04-02-2002

I visited the Mayan Palace in late March – for an afternoon timeshare tour. I thought the place was a dump – no beach - in the middle of no where – they charge for shuttles to town – real bad food – ugly buildings – dust everywhere – it had better be cheap. I thought the Hostel in Playa looked much more inviting…

03-19-2002	#2 (permalink)
LIndseys lost on fifth Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Olympia, Wa Posts: 23	I am curious how it is going to be for a group of 8 from 23-33. Night life and resturaunts near by. Transportation, Pool, Beach. Has the construction got any further and really your overall opinion of the resort, anything helps. Did you like the rooms. I know so many questions. I am not going until August by really want to plan ahead. We are not to concerned about noise but want to be able to go out dancing and not walk a mile to the pool. Thanks alot! <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: LIndseys on 2002-03-20 00:02 ]</font>

03-20-2002	#4 (permalink)
LIndseys lost on fifth Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Olympia, Wa Posts: 23	Well I hope the whole cash and charge thing isn't to much of a problem. Only my boyfriend and myself will be allowed to charge to the room out of our group. I am sure it will all work out. YOu have to give them a card at check-in.(is that correct?) I appretiate all your help. I never spend to much time in the ocean anyways as long as there is a beach. I spend most of my time by the pool. We have a 2 bedroom reserved. I will definatly ask for a room close to the pool. Any good sugestions for resturaunts in playa and did you check out the paraiso hotel next door. I hear you can get day passes there? Also you said you brought your cooler so I take it it's ok to bring your own beer to the pool. Some places do not allow that.I also heard there was dancing on the beach each night. Do you know if this is true? It would be nice not to have to go find a club each night. I have been to Cancun and it is fun but would prefer a smaller club or bar with dancing most of the time.Thanks again! <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: LIndseys on 2002-03-20 17:09 ]</font> <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: LIndseys on 2002-03-20 18:13 ]</font>

03-20-2002	#5 (permalink)
james beach geek admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Kullavik, Sweden Posts: 9,539	So that others don't get ripped off, please note that a taxi from Cancun to this area should cost about 200-220 pesos max, not 40 dollars. Nice prices at Mayan Palace!! 36 peso beers? 13 dollar breakfast buffet? I'd eat bologna and cheese too. Sounds like Mayan Prison. __________________ My lovely house is for sale Get your own signature countdown image! Thanks for taking the time to read the announcement!

03-22-2002	#8 (permalink)
Merk very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Bemidji, Minnesota Posts: 28	Lindseys- I don't know if there is dancing at the beach bar/restaurant EVERY night. I do know that they have some sort of entertainment nightly and I did enjoy it my first evening-dancing and all. The bar and tables are right on the beach next to the ocean and it's very nice. The drinks are over-priced so take advantage of the happy hour which, I believe, was from 7-8 p.m. nightly. I'm sure if you all headed into PDC for the evening you would have a great time. There were just so many places that looked like they would be a lot of fun. I know the ****** is a popular bar right on the beach as well as Captain Tutux (Tutix?). I had my own rental car and didn't get the opportunity to try out these establishments as getting thrown in jail in Mexico for DWI didn't appeal to me :smile: You will enjoy your two-bedroom unit. The kitchen facilities will really come in handy and I hear the blenders work great! I would suggest heading into PDC when you arrive to pick up groceries and beverages. I brought beer to the pool in a soft-sided cooler/backpack and never had any trouble. A security guard would not allow an older couple to bring in their small styrofoam cooler. They may have only had pop and a few sandwiches, I don't know, but they weren't allowed to bring it in regardless. I knew my friends paid WAY too much for our taxi back from Cancun but they thought it was a reasonable price and were the ones paying the man so....I would have caught the Mayab bus back for 30 pesos and have been perfectly content :smile: I got several pictures back today and would like to post them but I don't have a clue as to how! They are some really nice shots of the rooms and property. If anyone has suggestions please let me know. <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Merk on 2002-03-22 20:01 ]</font>

03-23-2002	#12 (permalink)
LIndseys lost on fifth Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Olympia, Wa Posts: 23	I think it is because alot of us bought weeks not knowing that is what still under construction and know we are curious as to the conditions. I stayed at peublo bonito in Mazatlan when it was still under construction and we still had a great time. Everything we needed was done and the noise didn't bother us. In fact it was actually nice because the resort wan't very busy and alot of times we had the pool to our selves. Just our group of 9. There for I am not to worried and it sounds like there is plenty done there to entertain me. As for the prices alot of places are that way that is why you eat in town which I always prefer anyway. I don't like to eat at the same place everynight when I am on vacation. Still appretiate everyone's info. Keep it up! ps JImbo I paid $380 for a 2 bedroom condo as a bonus week through RCI :smile: <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: LIndseys on 2002-03-23 14:38 ]</font>

03-19-2002	#1 (permalink)
Merk very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Bemidji, Minnesota Posts: 28	I will try to answer any questions and will check in daily.

03-20-2002	#3 (permalink)
Merk very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Bemidji, Minnesota Posts: 28	I enjoyed my stay at the Mayan Palace. I'm in my mid-thirty's and was traveling alone and felt safe at all times in my surroundings. I am an early riser and hence retired early so can't tell you much about the night life. I did overindulge on 2 for 1 margaritas my first night and that about did me in for the week! They have daily happy hours (2 for 1) but I never could keep the times straight as to which bar when. I think you would really enjoy Playa Del Carmen in the evening. There is transportation from the resort to PDC for $8 pp/round-trip and Cancun for $12. The bad thing with the shuttle is that you are restricted as to your departure and arrival times. Playa is a 15 minute drive south and Cancun is a 45 minute drive north. There is a bus (Mayab) that you can hail from the highway that goes into Cancun about every half hour. The cost is only 30 pesos pp and the last returning bus leaves Cancun at 12 am. A few new friends and I caught the bus into Cancun one evening and took a taxi back ($40). You may have problems with such a large group and will more than likely have to split up when it comes to transportation. The cabs are small. Although, if you choose to stay at the Mayan Palace and party during the evening, this won't be something you'll need to worry about! You will love the pool, it is enormous and has several different levels. There were two swim-up pool bars where I enjoyed happy hour on a near daily basis. It was hot and felt good to have a nice blended something to cool down a bit! The beach is rocky but not all that bad. Can't say that I saw anyone swimming in it though. If you head south on the beach past the Governor's mansion there is a great beach for swimming. About a 10 minute walk or so. I was in a hotel unit and it was fine for me. Two double beds, dresser, closet, and a large bathroom. My room was #3005 in the first building closest to the pool. I lucked out! I was right next to the display units and the suites looked wonderful! The rooms run east to west and the ocean north to south. I was told they built the rooms in this direction due to hurricane building codes. It is one LONG walk to the pool if you get a room in buildings (Tulums) 5,6,7, or 8. I clocked the walk from the lobby(on the end of Tulum to the pool at nearly 7 minutes, but I wasn't walking briskly. Try to ask for a room in Tulum 1, 2, or 3-in that order. I was in room 1046 on my first night (Tulum 4). This was a room on the first floor mid-way between pool and lobby. I asked to be moved as I had to keep the drapes drawn due to the people walking and didn't like having to do that. They did honor my request, but did so a bit grudgingly. I found the food to be a bit expensive. It was good for the most part, but I'm not a big fan of buffets. The steak and lobster dinner buffet was $40 and the Mexican buffet was a bit over $20. This was without a beverage of any kind. I didn't do the breakfest buffet but heard it was about $13 and quite good. I bought a styrofoam cooler in Playa and ate many bologna and cheese sandwiches with my Mountain Dew that I brought from home. I had a backpack cooler which I brought to the pool with me stocked with a few Dos Equis. Beer at the resort was 36 pesos, drinks such as a Pina Coladas and margaritas were 56 pesos. The construction noise did not bother me a bit. I was so tired from the fresh air all day and slept soundly every night. One detail I will warn you of, I rented a car during my stay (which I would recommend) but a $1,000 hold was put on my credit card for my entire stay. I hadn't planned on using my credit card so it wouldn't have been a major deal except that at the resort you are expected to sign for EVERYTHING during your stay. They do not like to deal with cash and change is nearly impossible to get! Since this "hold" was on my card it showed that I had no available credit and I was not allowed to sign for drinks or any meals. This was a major pain :sad: Make sure you have plenty of credit on your card or bring two! That's all I can think of for now. Let me know if you have any other questions.

03-21-2002	#6 (permalink)
LIndseys lost on fifth Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Olympia, Wa Posts: 23	Yeah as I remember they try to charge you that much. you must bargain with the taxi drivers. They will go down,

03-21-2002	#7 (permalink)
Munichchick life=playa Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Corona, California Posts: 855	Yep, that is exactly the reason why we never ate or spent to much time at the Mayan Palace Bars. We had the a la cart breakfast one morning sweet rolls, toast and jam and that was semi affordable but when I requested 1 poached egg that was an extra item I would have liked to order they had a big problem with that. They made 2 phone calls and ended up telling me that the cook will get in trouble with managemant if he makes the egg for me. ???? I was not asking for a free poached egg and was willing to pay the price. Very strange!

03-22-2002	#9 (permalink)
LIndseys lost on fifth Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Olympia, Wa Posts: 23	Thanks again for the tips. I think I would actually be happier going to some smaller bars most of the time then the big time clubs in Cancun you can barelly move around in. I know you can talk your way down on taxi prices but I rode the buses in Cancun and had no problems. I never made it to pdc when I was there though. I really do appretiate all the tips. I think I will have a great time with my friends and boyfriend. I have always gone with my parents using there time share weeks but we bought a bonus week this time. I just want all to go smoothly since most of my friends who are going have never even been to Mexico. I am aslo curious about Cozumel Good things to do there and how late the ferry runs? I would like to try a club there! We are not renting a car. I relize it would be nice but I just feel I am on vacation and I don't want to worry about DD even if I don't drink alot all the time. Just going to enjoy letting other people do it for me THanks again!

03-23-2002	#10 (permalink)
Katrina G very sparkly Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 34	Merk, Read your post about posting pictures on the net. I ran into the same problem. James tried to talk me through posting a couple on this message board, but I never could get it to work. I tried to make my own web page....waaayyyy too much work. The site where my photos are posted, [url]www.picturetrail.com [url] was very easy to use and free. I had my pictures developed with a CD because I don't have a scanner and I needed a quick, easy way to download them. If you try that site and have any problems, please e-mail me at trinkrdink@yahoo.com Katrina

03-23-2002	#11 (permalink)
jimbo toe in water Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Jefferson, WI USA Posts: 54	I have a question - what is the attraction with this place? Is the price really low because it is still under construction? If so, how low? I see descriptions of a place that has construction noise, rip-off prices, rocky beach, sufficiently out of the way that travel costs to anywhere of interest add up quickly, and so on. It seems to me that a week camping in a tent at one of the gravel pits I saw between Cancun and Playa would be just as enjoyable.

03-23-2002	#13 (permalink)
Merk very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Bemidji, Minnesota Posts: 28	I chose the Mayan Palace because it was only $199 for the week through RCI as a Vacation Getaway. They also had the Nuevo Vallarta Palace as well as the one in Acapulco available at these rates. I have to say that the constuction did not bother me one bit. Most of it was being done on the new lobby. Having only spent $200 for accommodations for the week, I don't feel as if I can hardly complain. It wouldn't be my choice of resorts to return to and I doubt I will any time in the forseeable future, but it served its purpose and I had an enjoyable vacation.

03-25-2002	#14 (permalink)
Munichchick life=playa Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Corona, California Posts: 855	I cmpletly agree with Merk! We also got our Hotel Unit at MP for $199 7 nights for 2 people through RCI Getaway. Even so we only ended up staying there 3 nights it still was a good deal for us considering high season prices can be steep in March and where able to spend 2 nights in our favorite Resort "Shangri-La Caribe" which we otherwise could not have afforded this time.

04-02-2002	#15 (permalink)
jwp0077 way into it Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 181	I visited the Mayan Palace in late March – for an afternoon timeshare tour. I thought the place was a dump – no beach - in the middle of no where – they charge for shuttles to town – real bad food – ugly buildings – dust everywhere – it had better be cheap. I thought the Hostel in Playa looked much more inviting…

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