Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel: Very disappointed!

I have been to Mexico multiple times and I have to say this time I was very disappointed. The resort itself does not offer much although it is advertised as a five star resort. As far as the room, my husband and I stayed in a Junior suite, it was the only part of our trip that was satisfactory. Although, the running water was cold, we had to let the water run for about 15 minutes before we can have a shower and the bedding was never changed for the whole week. There were only two restaurants, [... read more] one by the beach and one at the middle of the resort. The restaurants would alternate days they operated, so we could only have one food option per day. Menu was exactly the same at both restaurants. Every day they would give us the same menu. We ate the same thing over and over and our portions were very small. For supper they would offer only four different options. I had tuna one night, all I got on my plate is a four little pieces (approximately one inch by inch and a half) and minimal vegetables. To add insult to injury, this all-inclusive five star hotel had food options on the menu but at a cost. For instance, there was a steak dish which was priced at 3,400 Mexican pesos. This is unacceptable and have never endured such treatment, we felt cheated and take advantage of. The pool was extremely small and shallow, the patrons of the hotel didn’t even bother swimming in it. We were just sitting using the chairs around it. Not to mention the entertainment, rather I should say there was none. The one operating restaurant would close at 10:00pm . After you finish your dinner you just go back to your room. There was only one little bar by the beach and only one night we had a little bit of music for one hour. The vibe at the hotel was like being in morgue. Then there is the flight —WestJet— I believe my vacation should start at the airport, but I guess that is a lot to ask. I was not seated with my husband. He was seated on one end of the plane and I was on the other end. When I got to the airport in Calgary. I asked a WestJet representative if they can put us together and she said she couldn’t. She can only move my husband a little bit closer so we can see each other which he was still quite far away but OK that is on the way there. On the way back we tried to check in exactly 24 hours before and once again we were not seated together and only could sit together if we paid 200 USD. In fact I was placed in the middle of my row and was separating a married couple how paid $89 USD to move one person to be close to their souse. This is a vacation package, why are we being charged a premium to have our travel companion seated next to us? This should be and has always been the norm. But now with WestJet, the only way you are seated beside your travel companion is if you pay of course, as far as I’m concerned this is a money grab and is disgusting. This trip was a gift for my husband for his 70th birthday which I planned for a long time. I have to say I felt pretty bad, embarrassed that I took him on a trip like this one. We both feel ripped off and deeply unsatisfied.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Resort

Buffet was not great at either location. Very repetitive. A la carte restaurants were all great! Beach is unswimmable due to rocks and muddy water. There are no where near enough loungers for the size of the hotel. You need to be on the beach or at the pool by 6:30 if you want one. There is no spa, just massages on the beach. The theatre is too hot to watch the shows.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen: Great family vacation

Traveled from the Dec 11th to the 18th. Airport arrival was terrible (2.5hr luggage wait) but clearly not the resorts fault. (Just a frustrating start) Traveling as a family of four. Wife, myself and 8yo / 6yo. We had family concierge swim out suite (room 2009) great location close to most things. Resort is easy to figure out and we were quickly navigating easily. We very much enjoyed the concierge service, Jessica looked after us very well. She had dinner reservations nightly and kept us  [... read more]up to date daily with the resort activities. All the dinners were great, we only ate at the buffet twice and found it small and not very good so we stuck with the other sit down breakfast/lunch options which were excellent. We never ran out of things to do. Only off site stuff we did was a walk into town for some sunglasses and the “free” trip to the ziplone/cliff jump that was included with the concierge package. Some things I wish I knew before hand. Set up WhatsApp before leaving. I tried to set this up while there on airplane mode but I needed cell service to activate WhatsApp. Without WhatsApp communication with your concierge is tough. We hadn’t gone south in 6 years. We plan to go again next year to likely the same resort and hopefully have Jessica as our concierge again.

Paradisus La Perla Adults Only Riviera Maya: A few misses

Overall this is a great resort with amazing food and service. A few misses for us comparing to equivalent 5* Adults only resorts: 1) Upon check in, after a 12 hour travel day, they kept trying to up sell us to the Reserve. We just wanted to check in and grab dinner. 2) You have to go down and make dinner reservations every 2-3 days as you can only reserve for the next 2 nights. The times they had available for the good restaurants were 9:00pm or 10:00pm. So we ended up at a couple of restaura [... read more]nts twice just so we could eat before 7:00pm. We have never had to do this at a 4* or 5* resort. 3) The pool water is very cold and the music at the main pool is loud all day so hard to hold a conversation with anyone. 4) The infamous chair game - people place towels early in the morning and then don’t show up all day. 5) They have palapas around the pool, a few in the back are free but people grab them and chairs first thing in the morning. There are quite a few others around the pool that they want you to reserve and pay for. This made no sense to us as they all sat empty our entire stay. Just let people use them and stop nickel and dime-ing everyone. 6) Coronas and Gatorade are $6 USD and you have to pay for Red Bull too

Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: Beautiful resort

Resort was well kept up, food was good, service was great, all around good experience.pool and beach were excellent. Go team kept everything fun. I would recommend this place to everyone. Entertainment was also really good.

Ocean Maya Royale: Great Vacation

This was our first time at this resort, and will definitely be going back. The people and service were amazing. The food was really good with a good selection in the buffet and the a la Carte were also good. Didn't eat at the Japanese so can't comment. The beach is a bit different but still nice and you can walk quite a way in either direction (do the lagoon tour). The grounds are very well kept and everywhere is spotlessly clean. The only thing I didn't like was having to line up for the ala  [... read more]Carte restaurants, its first come first serve unless you pay extra for "Privilege", I would rather be able to book like you do at most resorts. For the Japanese you had to line up at 5:45 to book the teppanyaki for that day.

Royalton Hideaway Riviera Cancun: Such a Disappointment!

If you’re looking for a loud, party/ spring break type of resort and experience well then this is for you! But as for an adults only resort it falls short on every level. Starting with checkin - it took 3 staff to ‘greet’ us and lead us to the lounge where the hideaway section checks in.. then before you’re directed to your room , you’re asked to sit and listen to a sales pitch to become a Royalton member and receive a free massage ( after a 90 minute breakfast ) … very pushy sales people in s [... read more]everal key , high traffic areas of the resort. The room was clean and the beds are very comfortable, but the room lacked pretty much all the amenities that they advertise . ( Safe, blow dryer, robes, coffee) they did however bring once requested .. There is only one small coffee bar in the entire resort and is lined up every morning . They could use several coffee urn stations throughout . It’s a large resort . There aren’t enough lounges by the pool , but the perimeter is lined with ‘Bali Beds’ or palapas , but these are reservation only starting at $180.00 US per day. Consequently, for the most part, they were empty all week. The pool itself is small, as is the area around the adults only pool, and it is the loudest pool on the entire large property. It is confined between the buildings and there is limited sun during the day. It’s also extremely loud with a party atmosphere, including exercise classes, dance classes, all day, long with predominantly techno music playing quite loud. It’s also the first resort we’ve been to where the pool water is cloudy. They don’t use the towel Card process as most resorts do and the result is towels left everywhere . Within the last eight months, there have been many changes made to this resort, that the staff are not completely in agreement with. First of all you need to download the Royalton app if you want to have any information on the resort and you must have the app to make reservations for any à la carte restaurants, but can only make them for three days at a time. There is only one adults only restaurant and that is above the adults only pool that I just mentioned. The app is not very user-friendly and if you go to a concierge and ask for any information, they just direct you to the app without actually giving you any information or help, even though they themselves say that the app has many issues that they are trying to work out. The food at this resort was tasty enough in the à la carte restaurants, and the buffet, but found that the food was all lukewarm and sometimes even cold, which was another disappointment. It was a common complaint . The drinks were also not what you would expect from a 5 star resort . We will never be back , and if you’re considering this resort , it is far from a 5 star and don’t waste your money on the adults only Hideaway section as there is virtually no benefit other than the use of the noisiest pool at the resort .

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Save your $$$

This hotel is not kept well, the employees are over worked but manage to stay so kind , food was decent and the shows were ok. Pools are crowded and the room we received smelt of sewage. We stayed in building #7, initially were put on the 4th floor but the elevator didn’t work. The sewage smell was there as well. They ended up giving us another room the next day on the 1st floor and boy the smell it’s stayed in our clothes and luggage. For the amount of money you pay you can find better. Ontop [... read more] of being approached for timeshare and tour packages at the airport , at this hotel it’s the same thing , the one guy who said he was here to help us , was just trying to sell a timeshare and tours , and he would not take no for an answer and kept on harassing us all week, he even called me a traitor for not purchasing a tour through him, I’ve never had such an experience in my entire life and I’ve travelled for many years. Please don’t waste your hard earned money and find a different resort.

Grand Sunset Princess: Very good resort

My only complaint is the filthy Beach washrooms. Toilets full of human waste, toilets that wouldn’t flush and no one to clean them. DISGUSTING! You can’t expect people to put up with this filth in a resort.

Grand Riviera Princess: Was truly perfection

Everything was very clean staff were so kind and helpful Food was excellent. With a great variety even for picky eaters Good value for the price that was paid Beautiful grand entrance when you walk in

The Yucatan Resort Playa del Carmen: Amazing resort

Graham, This resort is diff. from other all inclusive ones we've visited. It is more of a hotel with an outside pool on the last floor. But the food was varied and very delicious. The service and cleanliness impeccable. All 4 of us were pleased and had a great time. The only drawback was that even if we has access to the beach, chairs were not available to us unless we paid a $75 US per day fee. That was a bummer. The beach was very clean. We would recommend this place to any adults.  [... read more] It is not a place for kids. Thank you for the service. Raymond

Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: Amazing Resort

From the resort grounds to the staff, food, beach, and everything in between, everything about this place was absolutely perfect. All restaurants, service and food was beyond fantastic. The Japanese was our favorite but a close tie with the Mexican restaurant. Delicious! The pool and beach we're clean and well maintained. The couple massage on the beach was one of the best we've ever had. The service by the pools with drinks and snacks were consistent and always flowing. Perfect spot for [... read more] relaxation

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Great resort

The resort was decent, didn’t have access to the beach which was inconvenient! Also the food was not very vegetarian option friendly which was a down size because 3/4 of us were vegetarian. The entertainment was great, the overall experience was good but I wish there was more for the food options and direct access to the beach!

Bahia Principe Explore Tulum: Nice Resort

Beach and water is AMAZING!! Staff are all so friendly and attentive, rooms are clean and spacious! Food could be improved a bit with selection and quality, but overall a great experience and a great resort!!

Grand Riviera Princess: Excellent resort

Hotel was spacious and clean. Beach was lovely. Buffet had excellent choices and great theme nights to keep things interesting and fresh. A la carte restaurants were available for booking considering the number of guests during our stay. Only issue was the top shelf bar liquors were extra so this is good to know for people assuming "all" liquors are included. Grounds well maintained and staff very friendly. It's a large resort so be prepared to walk - overall a great vacation to enjoy the  [... read more]sun.

Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo: Nice resort...but not for me anymore

This is our 4th time back to this resort. In many ways it has improved....still has beautiful grounds , very very eco friendly, clean rooms and good food. Where it has gone down ( in my opinion) is the entertainment. Pool side activities are just ok....staff use to be so much fun and interactive. We love the water aerobics but when it came time , we had to actually find the staff to see if it was going to happen...the guy who ended up running it looked like he didn't want to be there...gru [... read more]mpy. And note to staff...aqua zumba is not aqua aerobics. Also missing is the Mall. It's still there , but all the artisan shops have been replaced with food joints and expensive boutiques. Very disappointing. Might return one day , but not likely. Lovely place , but not for me anymore.

Tukan Hotel Playa Del Carmen: Location great decent hotel

First day police took 100$ from my wallet after searching and finding nothing second night 2 local woman spiked our drinks and robbed us stole all our my credits cards and phones. Be careful but good location. Everyone is a scammer. Be careful.

Bahia Principe Escape Sian Ka'an: 4th time here very disappointing

No hot water in bathroom for first 5 days (of 7 night stay). Had maintenance come 3 different days. My wife complained at front desk and the staff made her walk back to our room at the far end of the Adult Section and climb stairs to penthouse suite to prove the water was cold. Very insulting. Staff had filed service reports and still not fixed - and they did not believe us. We also did not have hot water in our rooftop lounge hot tub. We had no hot showers and no hot tub for 5 days. Room was 18 [... read more] degrees and freezing - only had 1 blanket. Staff who filled the mini fridge never left the standard selection - guessing game. When we first arrived we received the first night reservation for dinner-but were told there was no openings for any other night-told to come back every morning and ask again. Definitely not 5 star service. We asked every day and waited around - finally got Definitely not 5 star service. We asked every day and waited around - finally got bookings. This was supposed to be a relaxing holiday (wife's and my birthday celebration) but NOT relaxing. NO rep on site from WestJet. We asked front desk staff to find so we could get info on departure. Never saw this person. No signage at Hospitality Room with rep name or schedule. No booklet available for us to check departure. At checkout we waited for bus to take us to airport. No bus. Staff called other buildings looking for bus. The bus was sitting at another area of the complex - waiting to leave After 4 visits to Bahia Principe - don't want to return again . So disappointed. Staff nice - food is good (needs revision). Received 2.5 star service. Bahia Principe let us down. Thank you to Trip Central staff (J.) for your help.

The Sens Riviera: Hotel in dire need of repair. Front desk staff service is very poor.

Hotel is old and let go to ruins. Room was clean though. Food was considered average. Front desk service was terrible. Never answered to our request. On day of departure we asked for a wake up call at 5 AM and we never received a wake up phone call. Bar tender service left to be desired as we were often told that they were out of requested liquor (poor all inclusive feature) This is an absolute deception. Transportation to arport was sheduled for 6:30 AM and Sunwing flight was delayed and we wer [... read more]e not informed. Transportation arrived at 8:55 AM.

Paradisus La Perla Adults Only Riviera Maya: It was just ok

I have spent my vacation at better resorts for less money. Overall I would give it a slightly less than satisfactory rating. What was not so great? Worth mentioning is we stayed on the adult side Garden view suite so can only speak to this portion of the hotel. The beach - lacked loungers and appropriate shading. A few cabanas were available at an extra cost and had to be reserved. The family area appeared to have much more of both. The pool - not enough loungers to accommodate guest [... read more]s. They were heavy, wooden, non adjustable and very difficult to move. There are also cabanas (way too many, that sat empty) at an extra cost. The water was very cold and not well used as a result. The Suite- advertised hot tub on balcony was in fact a jacuzzi bath tub with no running hot water. The pull out couch was dirty and very uncomfortable to sit in. The kitchen area had no plates, bowl glasses or utensils. The toilet made a hammering sound throughout the night, the water pressure cut out to nil on three occasions leaving us with no water to shower. Restaurants - Did not get a hot meal in the time we were there. Of the 10 restaurants we ate at all but two (Japanese and Seafood) had atmosphere. The rest felt like cafeteria style dining without the buffet. Scantly furnished, loud, and not very organized. The steak restaurant was well over priced with little to rave about. Steak was good if not slightly overcooked to order but the sides were all cold even after having them returned. What was good? The staff - excessively friendly, hard working and very helpful although we did have an incident with the front desk when asking for assistance with clothing that fallen off our balcony that we could not retrieve due to the swim out rooms below us. We had to take matters in our own hands after waiting with no resolve for over 24 hours for security to handle it. Location - Just a 20 minute walk down the beach to Playa del Carmen and 5th ave when there were a lot of vendors and restaurant to spend your afternoon among. South Bar - The go to bar for a before or after dinner drink. It seemed to be the most popular place to be.