Secrets Huatulco: Great stay

We were three couples travelling together and all were very impressed by our rooms, all of which had a great ocean view. We all had rooms higher up in the hotel and very much preferred our views to those down at the poolside near the swim up bar. Facilities were very clean and staff excellent and cheerful. There is some minor evidence of wear and tear but overall good. Food was generally very good but not quite as high end as we have had with other 5* resorts, i.e. never once saw scallops or lob [... read more]ster on the menu in any of the restaurants. For a resort with such great views, it was almost disappointing that the only restaurant with good ocean views was Castaways which has an amazing panorama. We actually tried room service; something we have never previously done, in order to have breakfast while looking over the beautiful view. Service was much faster than the declared time and food varied from excellent to mediocre as one day they seemed to have difficulties. Entertainment was lacking and with one or two exceptions not very good, but, then again, we were there for the ocean and sun. The beach is not a great swimming area with very coarse sand and a steep run down to the water. We were warned that there were strong rip currents on the west central side of the beach. We also heard there was good snorkelling over on the far east side. Unlike a prior review we had read, we were warned by resort staff to beware of the beach to be found to the east, following the trail through the wooded area, in that it was wave swept with dangerous currents. We had also read on a forum that you could walk along that beach once on it, as far as the ruins by Copalita but that information is incorrect. The beach gives out a short distance further on at a rocky point. For the price we paid, it was a good vacation.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Beautiful Blue Bay !!

Hotel. WEll kept grounds .. larger resort so the larger pool and beach is a five minute walk or you can wait for the carts. Be aware sometimes it is frustrating waiting for them and you might as well walk Bars. Beach bars..No swim up but no worries you really need to get out of the pool occasionally to go to the washroom and get yourself a drink or you do have waiters and waitresses serving you as well! The swing bar is by the beach is so fun!! not just sitting but swingging. Cool idea and  [... read more]it's open until 1 am. Large pool also has two more bars ! Beautiful pool !! Beach. lots of lounge chairs and go early to put your towel down. I think there should be a time limit on towels however this is a problem with all resorts. It is a respect thing..if you aren't going to use the chair don't put your towel there. Mabye until after you eat but then come get it . the water is murky and the bottom is rocky and roots however if you go a little further down you can find a sandy bottom. there is a lagoon further down the beach about ten minute walk. Rooms .. very well kept and beautiful showers~ no problems with water !! Third floor was much preferred for musty smell which you will get in most resort due to the climate . Safe worked perfectly ! well stocked fridge and lovely balcony ! Bed was too hard for me however I need a softer bed with my back issues. my daughter had no issues. NO disco but the Black and White bar/lounge area is open 24 hours. Yes you can get a drink anytime however the music stops at 1 so you can bring your own if you want to listen to tunes. I still think they need a disco. Things go quiet and then dead at 1. A disco would help for sure. WE didn't take in excursions as we have done these in the past but instead went to Coco Bongo as Gloria and Jorge had recommended this and though we were very hesitant with the cost considering the exchange we were both so happy we did~ What a night ~~ absolute blast and we were not disappointed with the show and our staff !! We did Italian, Mexican and Oriental a la cartes. We were not disappointed in any .. I was so impressed with Italian having gluten free hot bread. Careful though I don't think sometimes the fish is cooked enough

Bahia Principe Explore Akumal: Wonderful time at Bahia

This was an amazing resort. The food was delicious (especially Arlequin and Alux) and the beaches and pools were excellent. we liked the fact that you could snorkel as the waves were blocked by barriers. If you wanted waves, you could go further down the beach. the service was also top-notch. everyone was friendly and helpful. The wifi was free and relatively fast. We enjoyed a trip to Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Akumal for snorkelling with the turtles. We are already planning on gong ba [... read more]ck next year. We stayed in villa 66 which was right on the beach and was worth the extra money.

Grand Riviera Princess: Resort to look into!!

We arrived late at night and checked in with ease; however the room numbering system confused us a bit lol. The resort is large enough with several pool options which is great if you want to relax or if you want to party there's a place for you!! There are 3 swim up bar pools which was so nice (the pools could use some maintenance as quite some of the tiles are missing). Most of the restaurants are good; however the buffet selection (2 of them) have limited selections compared to other reports a [... read more]nd the steakhouse as well as seafood restaurants were a huge disappointment with over cooked dishes and very poor presentation (I mean a piece of meat dropped on a plate on its lonesome). The hotel is Very Clean and the Staff are for the most part very helpful and friendly. We'll be going back I'm sure.

Friendly Fun Vallarta: Still the same great hotel

This was the second time travelling to Friendly Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta Mexico and the resort is still an outstanding spot to go to relax, have great service and feel like you are at your home away from home. The resort is located a few minutes from the airport, so within an hour we had deplaned, got our luggage, boarded the Sunwing bus and arrived at our hotel after dropping off at two other hotels, not bad at all. The staff at Friendly go out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfo [... read more]rtable, special shout out to Sergio (Double Double), you made me laugh everyday, the service you provided at breakfast and then out on the beach in the afternoon was second to none. The beach is a little rough most days and the undertow can be very aggressive, so watch the little ones on the beach. The food is varied enough that you will always have something different to eat, at the beach bar they make wonderful pizza in a stone oven, or will make club sandwiches, or BLT's. There are three buffets for breakfast and two for lunch, the Ranchero, an Italian and Frieda's for dinner, as well as one buffet, all are good. The hotel has a sea turtle release program that was fascinating, each night they released hundreds of baby turtles into the sea and the hotel guests participated, very impressive that they are involved in the protection of the sea turtles! The location of the hotel makes it very easy to catch a bus into old Town and to the Malecon, both places I advise you to visit. The bus is only 15 pesos per couple to ride, can't beat the price, just go to the street and wave down a bus that has "Centro" on the window to get to Old Town and on the way back flag down a bus that has Hotels on the window, easy! Make sure you visit the Marina area, opposite way from Centro, lots of restaurants and bars and lovely boats docked in the marina. We walked from our hotel, but took about an hour, you can certainly take the bus here as well. You will pass the Walmart and Sam's club if you desire to do some shopping. Speaking of shopping a new and very large mall "La Isla" is being built just down the street from the Friendly, in front of the Grand Venetian Resort,it looks like it is going to be a high end shopping mall an it is scheduled to open in December. There is supposed to be a dolphin tank inside! All in all the Friendly is a great place to stay in the Puerto Vallarta area and is a very reasonable price as well. A lot of sites have it rated a 3.5, but I would rate it higher, it might be getting a lower rating as it does not have a swim up bar (but the guys will get you a drink at the infinity pool), plus there is not a disco, but there is great entertainment every night and dancing at the beach so who needs a disco?

Riu Flamingos: Riu Jalisco: Amazing resort

I found this resort to be great!!!! The staff were friendly and helped with anything whenever you needed it. The food was real good and a lot of variety. The activities were well run . The people that ran the activities were fun and friendly. I would recommend this resort to everyone. The rooms were clean .

Isla Mujeres Palace: Great service/monotonous food

This was a really clean hotel. It is not a huge resort. Kind of intimate. My biggest satisfaction was with the service. Everyone is there to make you happy. Unfortunately, I have travelled to many resorts around the world and this one was a deception for the food. It's not a cheap all inclusive so I was expecting crab, shrimps, lobster, at least one night but no. Food was very well presented but the same seems repetitive. Couldn't get a simple banana for breakfast. The pool is really b [... read more]eautiful and well kept. The beach is small but pretty. We went around the island with a golf cart. It is extremely dirty. There are garbage everywhere. Not at all what I expected. Overall a good, quiet trip. TOO expensive for what the dining offers.

JOIA Paraiso by Iberostar: Best Ever Vacation

Having raved about our last trip to the Iberostar Grand Paraiso in Nov./2014 to everyone who would listen, we were worried it would not satisfy our memories, but low & behold it not only met our expectation, it far surpassed them. Our room (oceanfront superior) was large,airy, extremely well kept, with a great view. The staff, if possible was even friendlier & more accommodating than last visit, from room maid to butler to concierge to all bar & food staff. The meals at every venue were superb,  [... read more]the buffet outstanding. The grounds, the pool, & the beach were spotless, the golf course was as good as any resort course I have played. We are thinking of trying the Grand in the Punta Cana in the spring but hope to be back in Mexico next fall.

Bahia Principe Explore Akumal: A Good Resort For An All Inclusive Experience

Overall a good resort for an all inclusive experience. I would not recommend if your looking for a "boutique" or "luxury" hotel. Beautiful grounds, nice beach, friendly staff, clean rooms and an impressive operation. A few things to keep in mind: 1. All the alcoholic drinks are diluted. If you want to catch a decent buzz, stick to the top shelf tequila (from what we experienced this was the only thing that wasn't diluted). This includes beer - only option was watered down flat XX. We ended up [... read more] buying beer from the gift shop. 2. Be mindful of the quality of food, especially meat and fish. It won't register well if you over indulge. Stick to the local dishes and stay away from any American or "international" food. Tequila is the best restaurant. 3. If your looking for an adult experience (ie. Honeymoon / Couple Vaction) the only hotel in the complex (there are a total of five hotels) that is truly adult only is the Siann Ka'an. We stayed at Akumal which was advertised as Adult only but there were a lot of children around every day. 4. All the bars close at 11pm and most pools close at 8pm. Would of been nice to have a late night pool or bar. After 11 if you want drinks the only option is at the night club and sports bar which are ok. 5. I recommend getting out of the resort for a day or two and checking out the carribean sea side of Tulum. Great strip of restaurants, bars and cool shops. Only $25 (20 min) cab ride from hotel. This review isn't for everyone but if you are looking for a good time with your partner or group of friends and are into food/drink culture keep my points in mind! :)

Riu Flamingos: Bang for the buck!

This hotel is fantastic high end resort for a budget price! I have been 4 times and love it all. Fantastic foods....buffet has loads of seafood and salmon etc and something for everyone. Everything is close (small resort) short walk to pools, beach and restaurants. Great entertainment staff and lots of daily activities if wanted. Shows were excellent. Can't say enough for the money you spend. Cheap Cuba pricing at a quality 5 star resort.

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Good Time & Sunshine

The hotel was very big and spread out. It was always clean and well maintained. The food was good, lots of selection in the buffet. The cooking show was awesome at the Japanese restaurant. Friendly staff. The beach was not very close but you can take the trolley which takes 5 minutes. Overall we enjoyed the resort and won't be strangers!

Riu Flamingos: Puerto Vallarta Riu Jalisco

I have stayed at the Riu Palace previously, and am familiar with the Riu Santa Fe as well. The Riu Jalisco is similar to the Santa Fe in service, as in no Poolside or Beach Service, and no food allowed at the pool. and crowded. We were disappointed in the amenities in comparison to the Palace, and would rate the hotel as a 4 star for the rooms, and 3.5 stars for level of amenities including food. They gym equipment was old, and only had 2 treadmills, 2 elliptical, and 2 bikes for cardio, s [... read more]o that gets 2 stars They ran out of Barcardi Blanco daily, at the lobby, at the pool, and at the entertainment bars.. and since we only had no-name brand alcohol in the rooms, that was a fail. They had 3 main restaurants, and although the food was tasty, it was not spectacular. The steak house had steaks just over 1/4 inch thick, and although they were delicious, they were not worth the 2 hour wait in a super-hot and humid restaurant. The hotel filled up on Thursdays through the weekend, so if you you like waiting in lines for buffet and and hunting for free chairs at the pool, this may be your hotel. The adult pool was full of kids, so if you like splashing pool water in your drinks, enjoy! They had iguanas walking around the pool which I found amusing, I haven't seen that before. The gardeners also cut coconuts off the resident trees and provided them if you wanted one. The front desk always had plenty of pesos so changing larger bills for smaller 20's and 50's was never an issue. The rooms were kept nice and neat, and we had no issues with them. I would say if you don't mind providing your own service or waiting in lines for food, this hotel might be for you.

Zel Cozumel: wonderful smaller resort

All was very good. Food, staff and golf. When taking a cab ask for a price. Cash American funds in for pesos at the front desk. Cabbies give you ten pesos to one U.S $. Front desk was closer to the bank rate which is about 18 1/2 to one U.S $. Even the cab ride to the golf course, which is 8 bucks , should be paid in peso. It will save some money

Bahia Principe Explore Tulum: This hotel is awesome

This hotel has a great beach. There are a lot of pools. It also has a great service and a big choice of food at the buffet. There are good restaurant whit fast service. Since the hotel is very big they offert transportation that brings you in a different part of the hotel . The transportation comes very often.

Akumal Bay Beach and Spa Resort: Waking up every morning to the view is exactly what I needed

Be as busy as you want or relaxed as you wish. We loved Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort to the fullest. It was nice to be all inclusive, no wait in buffet or for Ala cartes (4). Drinks were plentiful and your choices to the limits. Lots to do- snorkelling is A one, meditation, yoga, water zumba, swimming in blue warm waters with Sandy beaches and other activities - your choice. All within 5 min or less walk! Rooms are spacious, clean and up to date- all rooms gorgeous with a lovely view and [... read more] imagine a hottub on the deck. What more to say. We cannot wait to return. Thanks to trip central Cathie M. for her advice and support. (It is a part of RCI, infidelity club, but don't let it scare you off)

Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach: Great resort

Everything was wonderful at the resort, If I could say anything it would be that they have to invest in better beds. They are very uncomfortable. Also the lack of privacy to the bathrooms is a little weird when you are with your family.

Platinum Yucatan Princess: Awesome time!

Check in was a breeze. Room was clean and well furnished. Swim out room Is a must. Food was excellent and staff was friendly and attentive. Ala Cartes were all very good and enjoyable. The only downside was the beach area was a bit of a let down.

Bahia Principe Explore Tulum: Excellent

Second time at the grand Bahia Principe tulum hotel. It was excelllent. Lots of renovations happening in the lobby.Perfect and safe location. Great food. Took a collectevo into playa del Carmen for the day 40 pesos per person.

Paradisus Cancun: Paradisus Cancun - Fantastic trip!

I was at the Paradisus Cancun for a week Nov 7/16 and it was one of the finest hotels I have ever stayed at. The service in the Royal Service area was impeccable. They could not have done more to make our stay enjoyable. Every detail was looked after. The al a carte dining was excellent and the beachside restaurant was also. We ate at the buffet sometimes for breakfast and lunch and it was also good. The pool is heated and it was lovely to sit in a lounger or go into the cabanna for shade. [... read more] Five star all the way! I would highly recommend it and I would go back again and again.

Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa: Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

Tripcentral.ca team RE.: Our recent stay at Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa – 4 November to 11 November 2016 Here are our comments about our trip review to the Royalton in Riviera Maya. We travelled with our friends and their young daughter of 4. Overall we were pleased and happy with our stay at the Royalton, However, we do have some comments that we hope will help you improve their offering. Sunwing: We tried to board early the Montreal to Cancun flight considering that parents  [... read more]with children are always called to do so prior to most of the other passengers. We were not pleased at all when the Sunwing employee at the gate reminded us in a very stern manner that she had not called for parents with children to board. We propose that this employee revectors her career where she will not deal with customers. The rest of the flight as well as the return flight were fine. Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa: The transfers from and to the hotel were fine. Upon arrival, at approximately 11:00 AM, we were graciously welcomed and checked in without any problem. The lady that checked us in did a great job to find us 2 separate rooms close to each other, our friends and us. We would like to propose, if possible, that the flight time from Montreal be delayed from 06:00 to 10:30/11:00 AM with an arrival time around 03:00 PM in Cancun in order to eliminate the 4 hour wait we had prior to accessing our rooms. Speaking of rooms, we would like to note that ours was not inspected prior to our arrival as the toilet bowl was not flushed by the last user and one of the sinks was blocked. Maintenance staff came promptly and fixed our problems. After check-in we were then met by a Butler who, as we gathered later, sole purpose was to convince us to purchase local tours, encourage local shops, etc. One of his first lines or sales proposition was that if we were ¨good¨ during our stay we would obtain greater benefits if we were to come back for another stay at the resort. Wow what a sales proposition, the resort does not think that you are worthy of such benefits now but if you behave they will really treat us better on your next visit. I think that the sale proposition of the resort show be to make sure that we really enjoy our first stay which should motivate us to later come back to the resort for another stay. More positive statement and not as derogatory. We were also recommended to attend the 1.5 hours ¨Welcome meeting¨ the next morning to again listen to the sales pitch of different vendors, we assumed, as we were already welcomed by the Butler. We declined to attend such meeting, returned the gift coupons offered to us upon arrival and released the Butler of his duties with us. He was very surprised by our decision and claimed that he may lose his bonus on account of our decision. Interesting comment! The hotel set-up is good and we liked the proximity of the beach with the pools and restaurants. The beach needs to be cleaned on a more regular basis to get rid of the ever-present algae. Food should be available on the beach. The entertainment is excellent and we really enjoyed the shows. The restaurants and bars were fine with a few exceptions. Le Marché was the best restaurant with its variety and quality of food and where we ate on a regular basis. Other good spots were the Mexican (Agave), the Mediterranean (Opa) restaurants. We were not impressed with the quality of food at the Caribbean restaurant and found the food at the Italian restaurant ordinary. Interesting note about the Italian restaurant, we were told that to be seated upstairs for dinner, we needed to purchase a bottle of wine. Never had such a condition imposed in all our traveling around the world, bizarre. Speaking of wine, to our knowledge we never saw, during our stay, anybody purchase a bottle of wine. I would think that is because the prices of your wines are exorbitant and in some cases 5 times the regular prices of the same wines in the SAQ in Quebec, I do not know about the LCBO prices. We would like to comment on the food at the Zen restaurant but were never able to get a reservation after 3 tries. The one area that is excellent is the staff at the resort. Nothing but praises are deserved by all, pleasant, courteous, attentive and responsive. Zouina Benmessaoud Eric R Baldwin