Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Another Fantastic vacation

The staff at this resort are wonderful! Always friendly, and helpful and make your stay special. Restaurants provide lots of variety, and the grounds and the rooms are very clean. This was our 10th visit to this complex and it won't be out last.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Great resort with excellent service!

I very much enjoyed my stay at the Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda. What initially struck me is how lush and beautiful the grounds are and that and the wildlife there certainly added to our vacation. The rooms are spacious and very clean and the beds quite comfortable. A minor issue with the room water temperature was resolved very quickly. I very much enjoyed the food at the resort. At the buffets it was fresh and hot and there was a good selection though the main buffet had the largest offering.  [... read more]The a la carte restaurants were a nice surprise as the meals there were really good. Favourites were the French and the Mexican but the others were excellent as well. The only two downsides were that to get a chair by the pool you had to get out and throw a towel over your chosen chairs by 6:30am or you were out of luck. Secondly, was that you had to be at the lobby by 6:50am to line up to make reservations for the a la carte restaurants otherwise you couldn't guarantee you'd get a seating at any of them and certainly not at the more popular ones (French). Getting up at the crack of dawn while on vacation is not necessarily want you want to do. That being said though, one of the best things at the Blue Bay were the staff. They are among the friendliest and most accommodating I have ever met and the service you receive is excellent. They absolutely were one of the high points of the vacation. Overall, despite having to be up early to guarantee my poolside chairs and restaurant reservations, I had a nice and really relaxing vacation and would definitely consider coming back.,

Barcelo Maya Palace: Very large resort with lots of activities on site (and TURTLES)

My Review is reflective of my experiences visiting many resorts in the Mayan Riviera and Cancun area. We Stayed at the Barcelo Maya Palace from Friday Jan 31-Feb 7 2020. Our family of 3 (2x adults and 1x 13 year old) stayed in an Oceanfront Premium Jr Suite. We flew with Air Canada Rouge. Overall, I would say that this resort is good for large groups of people. There are lots of things to do right on the resort: on site shopping, bowling, water parks, zip lining, dolphin show/encounters, snor [... read more]keling, non motorized water sports, scuba, spa, mini golf, basketball, tennis etc... Some of these extras are included in your AI and some things felt like they should be included (e.g. Pirate Island water park, bowling) and some things are understandably an extra cost (zip lining, dolphin encounters). Because of the variety of activities, there will be something for everyone. Extra activities that I participated in were = snorkeling, spa, water circuit, fitness center, and shopping. Usually I like to stay at a smaller more boutique resort where there are no reservations required for dinner, all dinners are at a la carte restaurants, you don't have to wake up at 7am to 'reserve' a shady spot by the pool and there is beach drink service. I have recognized that these features are more important to me than access to 100s of activities that I do not participate in. Good: Ocean front room view - the view was worth the extra cost, it was lovely to be able to hear the waves from our balcony and watch the sunset over the ocean. The room was standard, and I would say 'well worn', the resort is showing its age. I would encourage Barcelo to refresh the rooms in the Premium section asap, everything feels old, dated, well used and broken. Although it is obvious they have been maintaining the rooms well... I don't think you can escape time, we stayed at this resort in Jan 2014 and everything was almost the same. Snorkeling - the snorkeling opportunities right at the resort are unparalleled in my experience. No other resort that I have stayed at in Mexico can offer this level of snorkeling just walking into the ocean from your bedroom. We saw dozens of varieties of tropical fish and ocean life. the highlight of my vacation was swimming with the green sea turtles that hang out in the bay in front of the resort. This alone made our trip worthwhile. Walking - This resort is enormous and there is a lot of walking, which I very much enjoyed. I wore my apple watch and logged between 15,000-25,000 steps per day. One of my favourite activities at this resort was to walk from one end of the Oceanfront trail to the other and back. Palace Buffet - the quality, quantity and variety of food at the palace buffet was exceptional. We did try some of the other buffets at the other resorts and they do not come close to the variety of dishes on offer at the Palace. I especially appreciated that there were authentic Mexican dishes every night at the Palace Buffet. This alone is a reason to stay at the Palace vs. Caribe/Colonial/Tropical. Premium check-in - I am not sure if the easy checkin process was worth the extra cost, but it was very nice and one of the highlights. Other resorts we have stayed at have this level of checkin standard (e.g. Excellence and Finest), I love being offered a cold towel and cool drink when I arrive off the bus from the airport. Rodizio - I had a delicious steak cooked to perfection. I would definitely return for this meal. Bad: Bus ride to resort - very long, and we stopped at 6x other resorts to drop people off on the trip down from the airport. We were the last stop on the milk run. Our flight left at 6:10am from Toronto and we did not arrive at the resort until 4pm Buffet at Colonial / Tropical - Terrible, avoid at all costs. The wait staff forgot about my drink order, there was very little variety and most meats were over cooked and selection was limited. Micheal Jackson show - avoid at all costs. The back up dancers do a great job, but MJ just didnt perform and it felt like a bad lip sync contest. No beach service - I know it sounds lazy, but there is no service on the Beach. So if you want a water or beer etc... you have to walk to the pool bar, wait in long lines to grab a bottle of water. I have seen other resorts that do not offer beach service fill up coolers with beer and water on the beach. This could be a great stop gap measure. Capri restaurant @ Barcelo Maya tropical - avoid. Spa - I had the Energy Massage (80min) - I was hoping to get a deep relaxing massage. This did not happen. I'm glad I paid 40% off list price ($140 USD), but it still wasn't worth it. Note: they automatically include a tip prior to your service

Bahia Principe Explore Akumal: Excellent resort!

This resort is extremely clean and maintained extremely well. The staff take pride in keeping this resort beautiful. There was a concierge on the bottom level of our building to assist us with any needs or questions we may have. For example our fridge wasn't working we told the concierge within hours they had it working. We needed face cloths one day within a short time we had them in our room. The food is very good...we were very satisfied with most a la carte restaurants. The beach is not your [... read more] typical sandy beach as it was rocky so bring your water shoes but if your a snorkeler there was many fish to see right off the resort which we enjoyed very much. There is an area of the beach that is sandy where they did water aerobics in the ocean. It was fun to participate and see all the people participating. There was always some kind of activity at the beach or pool. The only suggestion I would make is that they could improve the evening entertainment...it wasn't terrible but I would have preferred to watch better musicians. Overall we had a great stay at this resort and are thinking of returning with our family.

Grand Sunset Princess: Started on the wrong foot but....

My friend and I visited the hotel for a 4 days getaway, literally all we could spare away from our busy lives. We Arrived at the hotel around 1 PM and of course our room wasn’t ready which was expected and no huge deal. We had been up since 1am and after a delayed flight and running on barely any sleep we’re looking forward to putting our toes in the sand and getting a bite to eat. As we were walking away from the front desk we were stopped by Fernando who kindly offered to help us get to wh [... read more]at we needed. What seemed like a kind gesture was extremely misleading. His job is to give the guests free travel credit and free access to exclusive areas so long as you are willing to go sit in on a 1 hr meeting the next morning. The resort company does it in an effort to get you to book directly through them and skip booking agencies.... after being “dicked” around and held back while he showed us this and that I finally called him out on it. I had told him numerous times I desperately needed something to eat, I was starved and under slept and not willing to commit to a 900am breakfast meeting. He got really rude with me, somewhat aggressive, barking at me to give him back this piece of paper he had given us. Believe me at this point I didn’t care, gave him back the thing and gladly walked away. He literally wasted the first hour of my 4 days trip... I was less than impressed. Aside from the terrible start, everything else was PERFECT! The resort is clean, well kept. I never seen anything broken or damaged. The food was phenomenal. The bar, restaurant and front desk staff were spectacular. There was lots of different pool areas to meet anyone’s needs. If you want fun lively atmosphere the main pool was perfect. There were also at least 2 other pool areas not including the swim ups which were quieter and for those who want to relax The beach was busy but definitely the nicest part of the stretch. Oh and the spa, oh my god the spa was amazing. Best massage ever by Luis. So much so I went twice. Lastly the entertainment staff was amazing! Best evening show id seen at any resorts. The same people were in charge of the beach and pool activities and it was a blast! Thanks to April Wagone from trip central for helping me book this perfect holiday

Bahia Principe Escape Sian Ka'an: Amazing resort!

Everything was so clean the staff were terrific! Whatever we needed they accommodate us! Even had butler service twice to get our outdoor jacuzzi tub filled with bubbles and rose petals! The food was great even with my gluten allergy! I will definitely boast and talk about our vacation in Mexico! Hoping to get a group to go next year!

Barcelo Maya Grand Resort: Love this resort! We will be back!

Hotel was amazing, food is great, and all the staff are amazing and pleasant. This was our second visit and we would definitely return in the future! Highly recommend the Japanese a la carte (Tokyo or Kyoto) and the Santa Fe Steakhouse.

Barcelo Maya Caribe: Truly unforgettable

My wife and I have been going on vacation for years, and we’ve been to some really nice places in Dominican republic in Jamaica and Costa Rica but this is the Mecca of all holiday resorts!!! The couple that we traveled with had been to this resort at least nine times prior, and I would always ask him every year where he goes and he would explain to me that he would go to this resort. So finally I said I would like to go there and we booked it at the same time so that if I didn’t like it I co [... read more]uld tell this guy every day how bad the resort is. But it was way beyond my expectations there is absolutely nothing that could be improved to make my stay better. I will never go on vacation anywhere else except this location! If you’re used to five-star well then get ready for 10 star

Ocean Coral and Turquesa: Was O.K.

Definitely not 5*. We stayed for 2 weeks from January 17 to 31. Personal was very friendly. The most we like beach server Jemima she was very friendly funny & fast the best. But on 3 day staying there I got salmonella poisoning eating salad with peace of chicken eating in beach restaurant.Thanks to my friend Anna having god medicine after 24 hours I was better.We all enjoyed Grease show the angel was fabulous.

Ocean Riviera Paradise: Good resort but needs some work

Let me start with the good. The resort is beautiful, spacious and very well maintained. our whole group overall enjoyed the week we spent there. This was mostly because of two reasons, one the company we had, our groups are from different cities and it was kind of a reunion of old friends. second reason was the waiting staff both at all the restaurants and bars. The beach was complete seaweed free for 3 out of 7 days but that's up to mother nature. Now the not so good. The front desk and the  [... read more]guest services staff were not very accommodating. I really wish they would be more focused on customer service. I dealt with 4-5 different people throughout the week and everyone had the same approach of passing the blame and not getting anything done. First issue was that we asked for adjoining rooms by calling a week before and a day before our arrival. we were assured both times that the request was placed in our reservation. when we checked in, the rooms were far apart even though the room next to our was empty for the first 3 days Second issue we had was that our room didn't have the balcony Swing that EVERY other room in the building had. we literally had the only room without the swing. i know this because i went around the outside of the building checking every balcony. My kids obviously had issues with that since the other room (with 2 more kids) in our group did have the swing. we notified the front desk within the first hour of our check-in and were told that it would be look at right away. we also asked if we could be moved to the room next to us (which was empty) but were told that it was booked for another arriving party. That party did not arrive till day 4 of our stay. Followed up on that on Day 2,3,4,5,6 and everyday I was told that they have notified maintenance staff and they would come and bring the swing that was supposed to be there. each day I was also told that there are no rooms available in our building as they are at 100% capacity. Even through the room cleaning staff told us that there are plenty of rooms empty just on our floor. Third issue was with the refrigerator, It never kept the drinks cold. I requested the guest services and front desk to either replace it or come fix the one that was there but nothing was done. we have a 3 month old that needs breast milk which when pumped needs to be kept in the fridge. we ended up using the ice bucket all week with constant refills from the ice machine on the 1st floor to preserve the milk. So in summary, I would say that IF you happen to get everything working in your room and not have to deal with the front desk or guest services staff then you will have a great stay otherwise, pay more and upgrade on the spot to receive better treatment. Our room number was 2232. I hope that fixed it but i would try and avoid it.

Platinum Yucatan Princess: Fantastic Resort

We just got back from PYP a few days ago and I am already looking forward to our next visit. This was our first time there and I have to say that it was a great place. The swim out room was awesome!! Food was great. Staff was exceptional. Unfortunately my daughter had to use the services of the Doctor but she said she was fast and was able to give her the antibiotics directly so she didn't have to even leave the resort to get them. I would highly recommend this resort.

Ocean Coral and Turquesa: Very nice resort

Everyone works hard to keep everything clean. Staff is pleasant and helpful. It's a very beautiful resort with lots of pools. The one thing I didn't agree with was the fact that our friends upgrated to a privilege package when they arrived as one was not available at the time of booking. My husband and i were able to get the privilege package when we booked but there was none left for our friends. It was understood that they would not be able to get a privilege room but they would get all  [... read more]of the privilege access. Well that isn't so. They did not get the lobster dinner coupon, when asked they said it wasn't part of it. they also didn't qualify for the sauna,pool and hot tub i n the spa area. They asked to have their room stocked with alcohol like every other privilege guest, but they were also turned down. They paid what any other privilege guest paid but the only benefit they seem to have received was a cute bracelet and access to the privilege lounge and premium alcohol at the bar. I felt they did not receive fair treatment for the extra fee they paid. The hotel should honor the full privilege package (except for the room) if this was the agreement.

Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: What's not to like !

Third time in Golden. Have noticed many improvements on site since last time there in 2016. It's nice to see that the property is so well maintained and is improving and not sliding back as so many do. The quality of the food is outstanding in each restaurant including the desserts and pastries. I must say that it is a bonus that the concierges are so friendly especially Cynthia in building 8 who was there to serve our wants and needs and not there to sell you a time share as so many other 5 [... read more] star resorts in the Mayan Riviera do. The site is large enough that we had no need to look for entertainment off sight which was important to us to feel secure while visiting in the Mayan Riviera. Let us not to forget to mention the daily programs such as yoga,palates,water aerobics, water bike exercises,the nightly entertainment in bars and the outdoor plaza and then to top it of the shows in the theater.

Ocean Riviera Paradise: Exceeded expectations

I don't really have anything bad to say about this place. It was clean, great atmosphere, great food. Beach was nice, could use some more chairs though. I read mixed reviews before coming and honestly didn't know what to expect, but I would return. Great for families and couples, maybe not the best for singles.

Platinum Yucatan Princess: Awesome

The Yucatan resort was beautiful we stayed at the 3000 swim out and it was nice, we had some good times. A few things though.. our key for door didn’t always work, had to return 4 times to get a new key. We did play games at the pool but I found the night life very quiet, ya a few times band playing but for an adults resort I expected more happening crazy fun parties I guess. We did a catamaran excursion n it was quiet, only 20 people on boat had to sit no room to dance or move around to pa [... read more]rty it up, very disorganized, we ran around for our tickets n they brought us back late to miss our boat back so had to wait an extra hour. I found the price expensive for such a quiet ride n not much to do. All around I found it beautiful just very quiet n reserved. The food was awesome the people working were too. Just found too much walking. As in the other resorts, the sister resorts had better stuff like bars n casino n they have kids there, we were adults only n nothing like that. Too far to go at night. Not really our resort also.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico: Mixed experience

Very nice and clean rooms, grounds and pools. Very attentive service. The problem is with the food. We both got sick after eating at a brunch. The rest of the vacation was lost. My friend stayed at the same resort the week prior and her husband got sick. I met a couple at the resort and when I mentioned our illness, she replied that she and her husband also got sick. The food safety is not up to North American standards.

Excellence Riviera Cancun: Amazing resort for our honeymoon!

From the moment we got to the resort (which was at 230 am) they were waiting for us with towels and champagne! We had the swim up room which was incredible and would highly recommend. The staff was great (Juan was our waiter that came around to our room everyday) and so friendly! It was windy when we were there so spent most of our time at the pool and lazy river. The coffee bar was great along with the martini and cigar bars. 10 restaurants with all different types of food ( lobster, Mexican, I [... read more]talian, French, hibachi, Indian etc). They had a turn down service every night with the next day schedule! Overall best resort we have been to!

Platinum Yucatan Princess: Fair for price

Poor entertainment, beach has a lot of weeds, food is good, was misinformed on a excursion which was not worth the money ( cataraman ) good staff and friendly. We were told that there was a 3 hour delay to board plane and was not offered any compensation not good.

Platinum Yucatan Princess: Fabulous

We had a great time at this resort. There was 12 of us and all loved this site. The only thing we would have enjoyed more would be some outdoor dining, especially at the buffet. We also didn't understand why you had to pay extra to eat outside at the Rodeo Grill. We have never encountered that anywhere else.

Hyatt Vivid Playa Del Carmen: Great resort, terrific loction

Good hotel, clean, grounds nicely kept. Food was good, buffet lacking variety but tasty. This is the first or one of the first Hilton's to be all inclusive. They still have a little work to do (ran out of food at the pool BBQ a few days) also advertise Bud Light and Coors Light which was non-existent, ran out of Spiced Rum our second day there and never saw it again. We purchased the oceanfront room/premium package, there are extra charges for Grey Goose etc, not sure what the premium package  [... read more]extras were. The staff are terrific, very friendly. Just a few blocks from 5th Avenue with lots of shops & restaurants and entertainment. Overall a great resort with a super location, we would go back again!