Travel Agents/Mayan Riviera

[YziesGirl]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

I'm the same way. I can sacrifice a few bucks if the service is great. "You get what you pay for" is an adage that is founded in truth, for sure.

Where did you end up going, and what were some of the pitfalls you wish you could have avoided?

I went first to Mazatlan and then to Puerto Vallarta (this was before I knew Sample and thought I knew EVERYTHING). It would've been nice to know that MY idea of an all-inclusive and the on-line company's idea of an all-inclusive were the same (and yes, I did the read the "fine print" - guess ENGLISH means different things to different people as well).

Unfortunately, once down there, unless you want to be on hold with said same on-line company for HOURS (and at Mexican long distance rates, therein lies the couple hundred dollars difference ) it was not only infuriating but put a damper on the whole vacation experience.

Oh and for the record, tours LOOK and SOUND a whole lot more appealing on-line than they really are. That's a definite word to the wise, wait till you get to your destination to book and make an INFORMED decision (Sample00 has been bang on on a few of his tour suggestions as well).

Again, I must reiterate that these are just MY opinions. However, I have travelled A LOT...my friends travel A LOT and the ole "you get what you pay for" certainly HAS held true in my experiences.

(As an aside, while it is true that I now use Sample00 for all my travel experiences, I do not mean to sound like I'm personally bias or his very own cheerleader (though I am ~reveals my pom pom's). I would prefer to use ANY travel agent before booking on-line again. There are, I'm sure, MANY people who have had positive on-line trip booking experiences. Maybe it's MY misfortune that I haven't been one.)

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by YziesGirl

(As an aside, while it is true that I now use Sample00 for all my travel experiences, I do not mean to sound like I'm personally bias or his very own cheerleader (though I am ~reveals my pom pom's). I would prefer to use ANY travel agent before booking on-line again. There are, I'm sure, MANY people who have had positive on-line trip booking experiences. Maybe it's MY misfortune that I haven't been one.)

did you and I not have a conversation about revealing your pom pom's online?

[YziesGirl]

Originally Posted by Sample00

did you and I not have a conversation about revealing your pom pom's online?

But they're such full pom pom's ~lol~

By the way, after these little plugs of free advertising, did you not say something about a FREE trip to Turks & Caico?

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by YziesGirl

But they're such full pom pom's ~lol~

By the way, after these little plugs of free advertising, did you not say something about a FREE trip to Turks & Caico?

yes, I believe there is a Tacos and Cakes in Olds, Ab!

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by YziesGirl

But they're such full pom pom's ~lol~

Drool.

Better go put on some Axe...

[YziesGirl]

Originally Posted by Sample00

yes, I believe there is a Tacos and Cakes in Olds, Ab!

Oooooooooooooooo, can you book me in? I'm thinking adjoining rooms? And I've heard the show "BITE" is awesome! (OK OK, this has now become our own "little world" again - we'd best start here and take it up again on the 17th (don't go there - I KNOW what you're thinking)). Buh bye now!!!

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by YziesGirl

Oooooooooooooooo, can you book me in? I'm thinking adjoining rooms? And I've heard the show "BITE" is awesome! (OK OK, this has now become our own "little world" again - we'd best start here and take it up again on the 17th (don't go there - I KNOW what you're thinking)). Buh bye now!!!

you need to get out more!

[YziesGirl]

Originally Posted by Sample00

you need to get out more!

I keep telling you: they only let me out on daypasses, usually on Sundays and then only with the supervision of an adult.

[Stranger]

Sample00, I've got a question.

My wife and I and a few other couples are looking at going on a vacation either to a Mexican all inclusive resort (preferably in the Mayan Riviera) or on a caribbean cruise next January. Most of us are first timers to Mexico or a cruise and don't really know what to expect.

If we go to a resort we would like something that is a 5 star (or very close). Because we are a group though, we would like to find something with lots of activities. We don't really want to go somewhere where it is a non stop party, but want to avoid the secluded honeymoon resorts too because they look more geared towards couples as opposed to a group.

My wife and I went to Kuaui, Hawaii last winter and we found that there wasn't much to do there compared to Oahu. It was nice but I can only lay by the pool for so long before I get the urge to do or see something.

As for a cruise, non of us have been on one before and though we like the idea some aren't sure if a cruise is a good way to go. If we did go we liked the western caribbean cruise through Royal Caribbean on the "Freedom of the Seas". It is a new boat and looks like alot of fun.

Let me know what you think, and I'll keep in touch with you on this thread.

Thanks in advance

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by Stranger

Sample00, I've got a question.

My wife and I and a few other couples are looking at going on a vacation either to a Mexican all inclusive resort or on a caribbean cruise next January. Most of us are first timers to Mexico or a cruise and don't really know what to expect.

If we go to a resort we would like something that is a 5 star (or very close). Because we are a group though, we would like to find something with lots of activities. We don't really want to go somewhere where it is a non stop party, but want to avoid the secluded honeymoon resorts too because they look more geared towards couples as opposed to a group.

My wife and I went to Kuaui, Hawaii last winter and we found that there wasn't much to do there compared to Oahu. It was nice but I can only lay by the pool for so long before I get the urge to do or see something.

As for a cruise, non of us have been on one before and though we like the idea some aren't sure if a cruise is a good way to go. If we did go we liked the western caribbean cruise through Royal Caribbean on the "Freedom of the Seas". It is a new boat and looks like alot of fun.

Let me know what you think, and I'll keep in touch with you on this thread.

Thanks in advance

Well, I just got back yesterday from Mazatlan and enjoyed it. It was my first time to the pacific side of Mexico. Now that I can make a better informed decision, I would encourage any first-timers to go to the Mayan Riviera. I vacationed there three times last year and provided you pick the right resort, you will not be disappointed.

Personally, I recommend the Royal Porto Real in Playa del Carmen. It is truly a 5 star resort (not a 4 dressed as a 5) and they treat you as well as any resort I've stayed at yet. Plus, it is actually right inside the city so that if you get bored just walk out the gate and you have a ton of shopping, restaurants, clubs etc... right there. I put their beach up against any in the area. The all inclusive restaurants were some of the best I've eaten at as well.

If you decide against Mexico than I've heard some great things about Jamaica.

My theory is the more money you spend, the less surprises you are going to get.

[Stranger]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

Well, I just got back yesterday from Mazatlan and enjoyed it. It was my first time to the pacific side of Mexico. Now that I can make a better informed decision, I would encourage any first-timers to go to the Mayan Riviera. I vacationed there three times last year and provided you pick the right resort, you will not be disappointed.

Personally, I recommend the Royal Porto Real in Playa del Carmen. It is truly a 5 star resort (not a 4 dressed as a 5) and they treat you as well as any resort I've stayed at yet. Plus, it is actually right inside the city so that if you get bored just walk out the gate and you have a ton of shopping, restaurants, clubs etc... right there. I put their beach up against any in the area. The all inclusive restaurants were some of the best I've eaten at as well.

If you decide against Mexico than I've heard some great things about Jamaica.

My theory is the more money you spend, the less surprises you are going to get.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out. Is this the hotel's website?
http://www.realresorts.com.mx/Gran_Porto_Real/

[Bill Bumface]

The Murder Hotel, the Barcelo Maya was actually pretty damned good. I'm not sure about the place mentioned right in town earlier, but my in my experience being in town means getting harassed at the beach. At the murder hotel, its a private beach so you do not get bugged at all. There are actually two huge bays worth of private beach with gorgeous sand. When I was there last April, the water was warmer in the ocean than the pool. For activities there was a disco that was far away from where our rooms were, so noise wasn't a concern if you didn't want to go there. There was sea kayaking, sea biking, wind surfing, snorkeling, basketball, tennis, "golf" (not really) and mini golf all included. The snorkeling there was better than at Xel Ha. Food was pretty decent, and they had a buffet that went all night at the disco. For some reason when you are drunk bacon and ice cream seems like a good idea.

There were lots of things to do in the area like Xel Ha (snorkel park), Tulum and Chichen Itza (Mayan ruins) and the town of Playa del Carmen.

If you feel like a beach holiday, its a pretty good place to go. The only thing I didn't like about it is how flat this area of Mexico was, I like my mountains and hills.

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by Stranger

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out. Is this the hotel's website?
http://www.realresorts.com.mx/Gran_Porto_Real/

Nope, although I've stayed there and it is very nice too. It is right across from the Royal. Apparently it is just called the Royal now.

http://www.realresorts.com.mx/The_Royal_Playa_Carmen/

[Sample00]

hey Stanger and thanks for the question.
as my friends here have pointed out there is a lot of choices and heading off to the Mayan Riviera is certainly a good choice.
there are many things to do there and many tours to take as previously mentioned. we can certainly look at getting you into a 5* resort in that location.
we are still awaiting the new pricing for next season to get kicked into the system, but I can look at what some of the old pricing was as a comparison for you.
If your group consists of 10 or more then we can look at doing some group pricing for you as well. Each way you cut it. I will discount it as much as I can because you are a member of CP.
I want to take a moment and address the cruise thing with you.
You picked a great cruise and a great cruise ship!
Travel dates are Jan 7, 14, 21, 28.
Interior staterooms start at 799.00 plus taxes.
One thing you will have to be cautious about on a cruise is NOT everything is included. Your meals are of course, but most alcohol beverages, pop and stuff will need to be bought and can be rather expensive.
you will hae four stops on your cruise at some wonderful places but your time in the ports will be limited. It does allow you to experience a lot of the caribbean. Some people love cruising, some really dont. but you have to experience it to see if you will like it.
I have been down in the Cancun/Mayan area and truly loved it. There is a lot to see and do. Chichen Itza is great and you get to see some wonderful history. Isla de Majures is a great lil island off the coast of cancun. something to see and take advantage of. the beaches are pure white sand and the ocean is crystal clear blue. One really cant beat it. plus in the all inclusive option. everything really is all inclusive, including your drinks and meals, most non motorized water sports and all the clubs that the hotel has to offer.
Hope this helps but buzz me if you have any more questions.
Toll free 1-888-723-4478 or email at axel@yellowheadtravel.com

[Stranger]

Thanks Sample00. I sent you an email with a few more questions.

[Cerebral]

For those looking for an awesome place in the Mayan Riviera, my girlfriend and I stayed at the Grand Palladium last year for a week and it was absolutely fantastic.

http://www.locogringo.com/kantenah/p...ah%20Palladium

[TurnedTheCorner]

When I was in the Mayan a few years ago, I satyed at the El Dorado Royale. About a half hour south of Cancun. The food was especially good. http://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/ro...ex.php?Lang=EN Check it out.

[Titan]

[quote=YziesGirl;771263]But they're such full pom pom's ~lol~

quote]

Since no one else jumped in:

THIS THREAD IS USELESS WITHOUT PICS!!!

[Sample00]

[quote=Titan;855639]

Originally Posted by YziesGirl

But they're such full pom pom's ~lol~

quote]

Since no one else jumped in:

THIS THREAD IS USELESS WITHOUT PICS!!!

Pictures would be evidence at this point and they are not being released to the general public!

[Lanny_MacDonald]

Check out the Moon Palace and the Palace Resorts. Went there at Xmas, and it was the best vacation we've been on!!!