Mayan Palace Riviera Maya

jacjohn · 05-08-2002

Just returned from the Mayan Palace. It was absolutely fantastic. Construction noise was no big deal. Staff was extremely courteous, friendly, and helpful. The pool is magnificent and the food at the resort was excellent. Getting to Playa Del Carmen was not bad, but coming back at night was a little trying. Any one going to the resort will have a great time. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

beachbreezes · 05-08-2002

I am so pleased to hear this, as I am going to be there a week from tomorrow!!! Have they made any improvements to the beach concerning swimming, etc? Did you take the public bus system? If so, how difficult was it to use? Thanks in advance for your help!

Debbie

jacjohn · 05-09-2002

Debbie,

The ocean is gorgeous but you can't really swim in it. It is very rocky and not easy to walk in. The beach itself makes up for that. There is a constant breeze coming off the ocean. They have palapas (I think that's what they're called) with chaise lounges all over the place so getting a seat by the ocean is not difficult. We sat on the beach only one time. The pool is so great that that is really the best place to be. They have three bars and each one has a different happy hour, the drinks are pretty watered down but except for one restaurant in Cozumel, every mixed drink any of us got anywhere was very watered down. Like I said the food is really good. I can honestly say that we did not have a bad meal. Everynite there is some sort of entertainment. We went to Cozumel and into Playa a few nights so I can't say how the entertainment was.

They should definitely improve on transportation. Mayan Palace is very good about the shuttle to the front gate. Sometimes we had to wait 5 minutes but it was no big deal. We always started out waiting for the bus but we never actually took it. There was always a taxi or someone with a van outside the resort who charged almost nothing to take us to Playa!But from what I learned down there it is the "Mayab" bus that you would take into Playa (and back to the resort). Now, coming back to the resort was always an adventure. The later it gets (11:30 on) the less the buses run so you have no choice but to take a taxi. We never got a taxi that charged more than $20. There were four (sometimes six) of us so it really wasn't that bad for us. Sometimes a driver would charge $15-$17 but it never was under $15 and never over $20. So, either leave Playa early or know that you will most likely end up taking a taxi. I think if I had known to do this it would have saved a couple nights of aggravation. We waited in the bus terminal for hours one night because they kept saying the Mayab bus would be here in "20 or 30 minutes".

I hope I answered your questions! If you have any others please feel free to ask!

theresalynn · 05-09-2002

We are staying at the Mayan Palace in Oct and bringing 2 kids, ages 14 and 11. Are there organized activities for kids? What did drinks cost at the pool? Did they allow you to bring your own beverages to the pool area? I read elsewhere that the walls are really thin. Did you notice noise from the people next to you? Thanks!

fatcatpr · 05-09-2002

How did you get to the resort from the airport? Did you call the Mayan Palace and use their shuttle? Were you able to find any areas close to the resort that you could swim in? We're leaving a week from tomorrow, but the main reason we chose the area was so we could go in the ocean.

karpl66 · 05-09-2002

Hi,
I am so glad to hear that you had a good time. I will be leaving 4 weeks from tomorrow. Your trip report has put me at ease. For the person that asked about the transportation. Mayan Palace has arranged transportation for $15 each way per person. Being my first time in PDC I plan on taking advantage of it. You can contact them via email Conciergerm@mayanpalace.com.mx. You will have to have your flight number available arrival time and date as well as the names of the people in your party. I will let you know how it was when I come back.

jacjohn · 05-09-2002

Theresalynn, I'm sorry I don't know much about activities for kids. Maybe someone else on this board can help with that question. But they had stuff like volleyball, bingo, water exercises. I think the drinks were like $7 for a mixed drink and $5 for a beer but I will look for my receipts to verify that. When we were there we always did the happy hours, two for the price of one. I do not know if they allow you to bring your own beverages but if we go again I will DEFINITELY bring our own stuff. If you put drinks in a beach bag or whatever, they would be none the wiser. We did see a lady with the ice bucket from her room filled with ice and bottles of beer. She was going to the pool and we were leaving the pool so I don't know if she got away with that or not. I also read with horror about how thin the walls were. We did hear doors being closed and we did hear people walking around above us one night. We never heard the maids in the hallway or other people talking. So, I would say that yes, they could have insulated the walls a little better but it was not that big of a deal. I was really worried about that one because I have stayed in places where you can actually hear the exact conversation that people next door would be having but we did not find that at the Mayan Palace. I don't know if we had an exceptionally good room or what, but most of the stuff that other people on this board experienced we did not. One thing we did experience is the maid walked in on our friend while she was dressing. From what we witnessed in Mexico they seem to have few inhibitions. While in Playa there were men cleaning the ladies rooms (WHILE WE WERE IN THERE!) and there were women cleaning the mens room. So, I don't think they walk in our rooms to be rude, I think that is just the way they are.

Fatcatpr,
karpl66 is correct in the transportation from the airport to the resort. We emailed our information ahead of time. It is $15 a person. Make sure you reserve it for the way back to the airport also. After researching buses, taxis, etc. we found that just reserving that shuttle for $15/a head was the best and least aggravating way to go. After you get your luggage keep walking towards the outside. You will see (or should see) someone in a yellow shirt that says Mayan Palace on it.

JUST REMEMBER, EVERYTHING IS VERY SLOW IN MEXICO.

We only sat by the ocean for a short period one day. It is really too rocky to go into but friends went about 10 minutes down the beach and they said it was real nice down that way. If you are standing facing the ocean walk to your right. Laying by the ocean with that breeze was so great but I don't think I saw too many people in the ocean. I hope you all have as good a time as we had. Whether it was complete or not we would go back there again. Any more questions, let me know.

jp_brown · 05-10-2002

jacjon is right, the Mayan Palace is nice if you know what to expect. The rooms and pool are very nice. My fiance and I didn't notice too much noise other than what sounded like our neighboors upstairs moving their furniture around. You can hear doors in the hallway too, but remember, all the floors are marble, so they generate alot of noise.

We are a young couple in our late twenties, so luckily we got to escape the Timeshare prison guards. Laying by the pool, these people would stream by every 5-10 minutes. I don't know why anyone would want to buy a timeshare at a place only 30% complete, but to each their own.

As far as activities, we tried to ignore the often annoying "activities stand". They were usually yelling about something, but most of the activities we witnessed were more adult oriented. However, there didn't seem to bee too many kids there when we went, so that is probably why. We went April 27-May 4 for reference.

The pool is by far the best part of the whole resort. We stayed on the side nearest the ocean and farthest from the activities stand. There the crashing waves and strong ocean breeze drown out the construction noise and loud abnoxious music from the activities stand. Of course, trying to get a frozen drink from the waitress on that side of the pool that is still frozen is a feat, but we didn't mind too much. The drink prices were a little high. 56 pesos for a Pina Colada that I swear had no alcohol in it, but they were tasty. I think they definitely scam you on mixed drinks down there. The beach was pretty much unservicable as far as swimming, but it was really nice to look at.

As far as transporation, I will swear by it that a rental car is the only way to go. We rented from National rental car. We could have gotten a Volkswagen Beetle for $280 USD for the week, but foolishly we upgraded to the Jeep Wrangler for $525 USD for the week. I think the Volkswagen was cheaper. Oh and another interesting note, for those of you with Platinum credit cards. Check your card benefits. I didn't find this out until after the fact, but my credit card covers the collision insurance, which is the most expensive part of renting a car, as much as $15 USD per day. If I had of known that I could have saved us alot more money.

Since we had the ability to come and go as we pleased, we spent alot of time in PDC. It is a wonderful town and I highly recommend that you try to eat there as much as possible. The food there is wonderful and quite a bit cheaper than the hotel restuarant. The hotel restuarant is not as overpriced as some people claim, but the appetizer we had there was wonderful (calamari), we highly recommend it. Check the favorite restuarants poll under the General postings for some of our favorites.

All in all, we had a wonderful time as well. This message board was invaluable to our research as far as what to expect and some excellent ideas of things to do. We didn't get to do alot of things we still want to and we can't wait to go back in the future. We will probably not stay at the Mayan Palace again, not because we didn't like it, but I think we could save alot of money by staying in PDC and skipping the rental car. If you stay in PDC, you can walk everywhere. Of course everyone on here is probably like us and got a super deal on rates at Mayan Palace, so that is probably why you are going. I hope you all enjoy, I know we did!

Josh & Jen

jp_brown · 05-10-2002

Sorry I meant to say that the Beetle was nicer not cheaper. It was obviously cheaper. But don't fear, they still make the old body style Beetles in Mexico. They look like new and are nice for the little money you pay for them.

Josh

fatcatpr · 05-10-2002

Thanks guys! I was able to get my shuttle reservations and we're ready to go. I just hope the 10 minute walk down the beach really does prove to have better swimming areas or I'll have one grumpy husband. Guess I'll have to keep a couple of extra beers on hand just in case. Speaking of which, how was the beer selection at the resort?

Towonda · 05-16-2002

We were at MP from 4/21-28 (3 couples) and we had a blast! Construction was no big deal. Bet in about 3 years this is going to be THE BEST MP in Mexico. The pool IS awesome. Must cover several acres at least. We rented 2 VW Bugs through National Rental Car (Internet pricing) for $126/week. What a great deal. Rental car is the only way to go. No waiting for shuttles or taxis. The road from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen is just one straight shot so it would be really difficult to get lost. (Unless you are like me and get lost in a phone booth : ) )
We figured we saved at least a couple of hundred dollars in fares, since we were between Playa anc Cancun quite a bit. If you get a chance, go to Playa Morelos, which is just a few miles north of MP (at the 1st stop light, turn right). It is a little sleepy fishing village that has a great resturant on the beach, named the Beach Bar.....DUH!, with fresh seafood that will knock your socks off. Also, there is a reef just 1/4 mile off shore that some of the fishermen will take you out to. Great prices at $15 U.S. for 2 hours!!!!! My step daughter went, by herself, and the fisherman snorkeled with her and showed her huge lobsters, moray eels, and some great colorful fish. She loved it.
We can't wait to go back. My son-in-law stated yesterday he would go back tomorrow, constuction or not. We feel the same way also. Have a great trip. If you have any other ?'s, let me know.
Barb

jacjohn · 05-16-2002

Also wanted to add: We did not get hassled by one timeshare person. When we arrived they asked us to set up an appointment. We said right at that time we were not interested. That was fine with them. We did see alot of representatives but they never bothered anyone who was not interested.

larbarc · 06-10-2002

Hi Karen; How was your trip to MP? We are going in July and have never been to the area. Any information about transportation, resturants at resort and cost, grocery stores, fun things to do, entertainment at resort would be helpful. Did you go to puerto morales and playadelcarmen? Barb

fatcatpr · 06-12-2002

Just a note for all on the transportation from the airport to Mayan Palace. Even after calling and confirming that there would be someone to pick us up at the airport, nobody showed. We ended up getting put on a van line called Riviera Transfers that went to all the resorts south of Cancun. They handled payment directly with the hotel. Personally, after getting left at the airport, Mayan Palace should have eaten the cost. Other than that, the resort and the people were wonderful! A bit of a suggestion, if you're really nice and friendly to the waiters and bartenders, you reep the benefits. It also doesn't hurt to polish up on your soccer knowledge!

larbarc · 06-13-2002

Just read that the shuttle transportation to MP did not work as noone to pick you up, did you take the shuttle back to the airport than? What explanation were you given? With no car what other transportation did you use? What worked the best? How many resturants are now at MP?

05-08-2002	#1 (permalink)
jacjohn sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 8	Just returned from the Mayan Palace. It was absolutely fantastic. Construction noise was no big deal. Staff was extremely courteous, friendly, and helpful. The pool is magnificent and the food at the resort was excellent. Getting to Playa Del Carmen was not bad, but coming back at night was a little trying. Any one going to the resort will have a great time. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

05-08-2002	#2 (permalink)
beachbreezes very sparkly Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 28	I am so pleased to hear this, as I am going to be there a week from tomorrow!!! Have they made any improvements to the beach concerning swimming, etc? Did you take the public bus system? If so, how difficult was it to use? Thanks in advance for your help! Debbie

05-09-2002	#3 (permalink)
jacjohn sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 8	Debbie, The ocean is gorgeous but you can't really swim in it. It is very rocky and not easy to walk in. The beach itself makes up for that. There is a constant breeze coming off the ocean. They have palapas (I think that's what they're called) with chaise lounges all over the place so getting a seat by the ocean is not difficult. We sat on the beach only one time. The pool is so great that that is really the best place to be. They have three bars and each one has a different happy hour, the drinks are pretty watered down but except for one restaurant in Cozumel, every mixed drink any of us got anywhere was very watered down. Like I said the food is really good. I can honestly say that we did not have a bad meal. Everynite there is some sort of entertainment. We went to Cozumel and into Playa a few nights so I can't say how the entertainment was. They should definitely improve on transportation. Mayan Palace is very good about the shuttle to the front gate. Sometimes we had to wait 5 minutes but it was no big deal. We always started out waiting for the bus but we never actually took it. There was always a taxi or someone with a van outside the resort who charged almost nothing to take us to Playa!But from what I learned down there it is the "Mayab" bus that you would take into Playa (and back to the resort). Now, coming back to the resort was always an adventure. The later it gets (11:30 on) the less the buses run so you have no choice but to take a taxi. We never got a taxi that charged more than $20. There were four (sometimes six) of us so it really wasn't that bad for us. Sometimes a driver would charge $15-$17 but it never was under $15 and never over $20. So, either leave Playa early or know that you will most likely end up taking a taxi. I think if I had known to do this it would have saved a couple nights of aggravation. We waited in the bus terminal for hours one night because they kept saying the Mayab bus would be here in "20 or 30 minutes". I hope I answered your questions! If you have any others please feel free to ask!

05-09-2002	#4 (permalink)
theresalynn lost on fifth Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Shoreview, MN Posts: 11	We are staying at the Mayan Palace in Oct and bringing 2 kids, ages 14 and 11. Are there organized activities for kids? What did drinks cost at the pool? Did they allow you to bring your own beverages to the pool area? I read elsewhere that the walls are really thin. Did you notice noise from the people next to you? Thanks!

05-09-2002	#5 (permalink)
fatcatpr sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 3	How did you get to the resort from the airport? Did you call the Mayan Palace and use their shuttle? Were you able to find any areas close to the resort that you could swim in? We're leaving a week from tomorrow, but the main reason we chose the area was so we could go in the ocean.

05-09-2002	#6 (permalink)
karpl66 sandflea Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 2	Hi, I am so glad to hear that you had a good time. I will be leaving 4 weeks from tomorrow. Your trip report has put me at ease. For the person that asked about the transportation. Mayan Palace has arranged transportation for $15 each way per person. Being my first time in PDC I plan on taking advantage of it. You can contact them via email Conciergerm@mayanpalace.com.mx. You will have to have your flight number available arrival time and date as well as the names of the people in your party. I will let you know how it was when I come back.

05-09-2002	#7 (permalink)
jacjohn sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 8	Theresalynn, I'm sorry I don't know much about activities for kids. Maybe someone else on this board can help with that question. But they had stuff like volleyball, bingo, water exercises. I think the drinks were like $7 for a mixed drink and $5 for a beer but I will look for my receipts to verify that. When we were there we always did the happy hours, two for the price of one. I do not know if they allow you to bring your own beverages but if we go again I will DEFINITELY bring our own stuff. If you put drinks in a beach bag or whatever, they would be none the wiser. We did see a lady with the ice bucket from her room filled with ice and bottles of beer. She was going to the pool and we were leaving the pool so I don't know if she got away with that or not. I also read with horror about how thin the walls were. We did hear doors being closed and we did hear people walking around above us one night. We never heard the maids in the hallway or other people talking. So, I would say that yes, they could have insulated the walls a little better but it was not that big of a deal. I was really worried about that one because I have stayed in places where you can actually hear the exact conversation that people next door would be having but we did not find that at the Mayan Palace. I don't know if we had an exceptionally good room or what, but most of the stuff that other people on this board experienced we did not. One thing we did experience is the maid walked in on our friend while she was dressing. From what we witnessed in Mexico they seem to have few inhibitions. While in Playa there were men cleaning the ladies rooms (WHILE WE WERE IN THERE!) and there were women cleaning the mens room. So, I don't think they walk in our rooms to be rude, I think that is just the way they are. Fatcatpr, karpl66 is correct in the transportation from the airport to the resort. We emailed our information ahead of time. It is $15 a person. Make sure you reserve it for the way back to the airport also. After researching buses, taxis, etc. we found that just reserving that shuttle for $15/a head was the best and least aggravating way to go. After you get your luggage keep walking towards the outside. You will see (or should see) someone in a yellow shirt that says Mayan Palace on it. JUST REMEMBER, EVERYTHING IS VERY SLOW IN MEXICO. We only sat by the ocean for a short period one day. It is really too rocky to go into but friends went about 10 minutes down the beach and they said it was real nice down that way. If you are standing facing the ocean walk to your right. Laying by the ocean with that breeze was so great but I don't think I saw too many people in the ocean. I hope you all have as good a time as we had. Whether it was complete or not we would go back there again. Any more questions, let me know.

05-10-2002	#8 (permalink)
jp_brown sandflea Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 7	jacjon is right, the Mayan Palace is nice if you know what to expect. The rooms and pool are very nice. My fiance and I didn't notice too much noise other than what sounded like our neighboors upstairs moving their furniture around. You can hear doors in the hallway too, but remember, all the floors are marble, so they generate alot of noise. We are a young couple in our late twenties, so luckily we got to escape the Timeshare prison guards. Laying by the pool, these people would stream by every 5-10 minutes. I don't know why anyone would want to buy a timeshare at a place only 30% complete, but to each their own. As far as activities, we tried to ignore the often annoying "activities stand". They were usually yelling about something, but most of the activities we witnessed were more adult oriented. However, there didn't seem to bee too many kids there when we went, so that is probably why. We went April 27-May 4 for reference. The pool is by far the best part of the whole resort. We stayed on the side nearest the ocean and farthest from the activities stand. There the crashing waves and strong ocean breeze drown out the construction noise and loud abnoxious music from the activities stand. Of course, trying to get a frozen drink from the waitress on that side of the pool that is still frozen is a feat, but we didn't mind too much. The drink prices were a little high. 56 pesos for a Pina Colada that I swear had no alcohol in it, but they were tasty. I think they definitely scam you on mixed drinks down there. The beach was pretty much unservicable as far as swimming, but it was really nice to look at. As far as transporation, I will swear by it that a rental car is the only way to go. We rented from National rental car. We could have gotten a Volkswagen Beetle for $280 USD for the week, but foolishly we upgraded to the Jeep Wrangler for $525 USD for the week. I think the Volkswagen was cheaper. Oh and another interesting note, for those of you with Platinum credit cards. Check your card benefits. I didn't find this out until after the fact, but my credit card covers the collision insurance, which is the most expensive part of renting a car, as much as $15 USD per day. If I had of known that I could have saved us alot more money. Since we had the ability to come and go as we pleased, we spent alot of time in PDC. It is a wonderful town and I highly recommend that you try to eat there as much as possible. The food there is wonderful and quite a bit cheaper than the hotel restuarant. The hotel restuarant is not as overpriced as some people claim, but the appetizer we had there was wonderful (calamari), we highly recommend it. Check the favorite restuarants poll under the General postings for some of our favorites. All in all, we had a wonderful time as well. This message board was invaluable to our research as far as what to expect and some excellent ideas of things to do. We didn't get to do alot of things we still want to and we can't wait to go back in the future. We will probably not stay at the Mayan Palace again, not because we didn't like it, but I think we could save alot of money by staying in PDC and skipping the rental car. If you stay in PDC, you can walk everywhere. Of course everyone on here is probably like us and got a super deal on rates at Mayan Palace, so that is probably why you are going. I hope you all enjoy, I know we did! Josh & Jen

05-10-2002	#9 (permalink)
jp_brown sandflea Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 7	Sorry I meant to say that the Beetle was nicer not cheaper. It was obviously cheaper. But don't fear, they still make the old body style Beetles in Mexico. They look like new and are nice for the little money you pay for them. Josh

05-10-2002	#10 (permalink)
fatcatpr sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 3	Thanks guys! I was able to get my shuttle reservations and we're ready to go. I just hope the 10 minute walk down the beach really does prove to have better swimming areas or I'll have one grumpy husband. Guess I'll have to keep a couple of extra beers on hand just in case. Speaking of which, how was the beer selection at the resort?

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05-16-2002	#11 (permalink)
Towonda lost on fifth Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Barbara Posts: 11	We were at MP from 4/21-28 (3 couples) and we had a blast! Construction was no big deal. Bet in about 3 years this is going to be THE BEST MP in Mexico. The pool IS awesome. Must cover several acres at least. We rented 2 VW Bugs through National Rental Car (Internet pricing) for $126/week. What a great deal. Rental car is the only way to go. No waiting for shuttles or taxis. The road from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen is just one straight shot so it would be really difficult to get lost. (Unless you are like me and get lost in a phone booth : ) ) We figured we saved at least a couple of hundred dollars in fares, since we were between Playa anc Cancun quite a bit. If you get a chance, go to Playa Morelos, which is just a few miles north of MP (at the 1st stop light, turn right). It is a little sleepy fishing village that has a great resturant on the beach, named the Beach Bar.....DUH!, with fresh seafood that will knock your socks off. Also, there is a reef just 1/4 mile off shore that some of the fishermen will take you out to. Great prices at $15 U.S. for 2 hours!!!!! My step daughter went, by herself, and the fisherman snorkeled with her and showed her huge lobsters, moray eels, and some great colorful fish. She loved it. We can't wait to go back. My son-in-law stated yesterday he would go back tomorrow, constuction or not. We feel the same way also. Have a great trip. If you have any other ?'s, let me know. Barb

05-16-2002	#12 (permalink)
jacjohn sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 8	Also wanted to add: We did not get hassled by one timeshare person. When we arrived they asked us to set up an appointment. We said right at that time we were not interested. That was fine with them. We did see alot of representatives but they never bothered anyone who was not interested.

06-10-2002	#13 (permalink)
larbarc sandflea Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 8	Hi Karen; How was your trip to MP? We are going in July and have never been to the area. Any information about transportation, resturants at resort and cost, grocery stores, fun things to do, entertainment at resort would be helpful. Did you go to puerto morales and playadelcarmen? Barb

06-12-2002	#14 (permalink)
fatcatpr sandflea Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 3	Just a note for all on the transportation from the airport to Mayan Palace. Even after calling and confirming that there would be someone to pick us up at the airport, nobody showed. We ended up getting put on a van line called Riviera Transfers that went to all the resorts south of Cancun. They handled payment directly with the hotel. Personally, after getting left at the airport, Mayan Palace should have eaten the cost. Other than that, the resort and the people were wonderful! A bit of a suggestion, if you're really nice and friendly to the waiters and bartenders, you reep the benefits. It also doesn't hurt to polish up on your soccer knowledge!

06-13-2002	#15 (permalink)
larbarc sandflea Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 8	Just read that the shuttle transportation to MP did not work as noone to pick you up, did you take the shuttle back to the airport than? What explanation were you given? With no car what other transportation did you use? What worked the best? How many resturants are now at MP?