First time in Cancun - Royal Cancun - Questions

[gl_fl]

Hi All,
We are going to Cancun in June with the family and just had a few questions, thought maybe this group would be able to help.

We’re staying at the Royal Cancun and have already figured out a few things from this board, covert to pesos at the Bank ATM during business hours, stay away from buying a timeshare from the resort (that one was ingrained already ), don’t drink and drive, (another one I didn't need help with), and make sure to drive the speed limit.

I wanted to ask a few things based on where we were staying, (never been here before and never been to Mexico outside of a few cruises).

Should we rent a car, (I have kids with me), or take public transportation, (bus or cab)?
Is there a lot close by, walking distance or are we always going to be hoping transportation?
Any good recommendations for restaurants in the area, (kid friendly), outside of the touristy Carlos & Charlie’s and such, (we do like locals spots but do like to base it on recommendations when possible - and will still get to C&C regardless)?
We’re using Thomas More for airport to resort transportation, any better safe alternatives?
Any local grocery stores that we could visit to stock up for the week, also interested in if there are any grocery services that will deliver to the resort, (in case we don’t rent a car)?
Any good excursions to look into, any to stay away from?

Thanks in advance… I know everyone can’t answer but I do appreciate any knowledge sharing that would be helpful before our trip.

Gary

 

[ilene13]

Hi All,
We are going to Cancun in June with the family and just had a few questions, thought maybe this group would be able to help.

We’re staying at the Royal Cancun and have already figured out a few things from this board, covert to pesos at the Bank ATM during business hours, stay away from buying a timeshare from the resort (that one was ingrained already ), don’t drink and drive, (another one I didn't need help with), and make sure to drive the speed limit.

I wanted to ask a few things based on where we were staying, (never been here before and never been to Mexico outside of a few cruises).

Should we rent a car, (I have kids with me), or take public transportation, (bus or cab)?
Is there a lot close by, walking distance or are we always going to be hoping transportation?
Any good recommendations for restaurants in the area, (kid friendly), outside of the touristy Carlos & Charlie’s and such, (we do like locals spots but do like to base it on recommendations when possible - and will still get to C&C regardless)?
We’re using Thomas More for airport to resort transportation, any better safe alternatives?
Any local grocery stores that we could visit to stock up for the week, also interested in if there are any grocery services that will deliver to the resort, (in case we don’t rent a car)?
Any good excursions to look into, any to stay away from?

Thanks in advance… I know everyone can’t answer but I do appreciate any knowledge sharing that would be helpful before our trip.

Gary

The Royal Cancun is all inclusive. I do not know if you are going on an exchange or renting. If you rented from an owner, AI is optional. If on an exchange from II there may have been a date that when the exchange was made that the exchangers did not have to do II. I would go to their website and call them. There is a US number.
There is not a lot that is in walking distance from the Royal Cancun as it is between the hotel zone and downtown. We always rent a car, but we are very comfortable driving in Mexico---we used to live there and my husband is bilingual. Cabs are fine, but they can be pricey. There is a shuttle to the other Royal Resorts, which would get you to the hotel zone, where there is more in walking distance.
If you use USA transfers, they will stop at Walmart for you to buy groceries. There is mini mart in the resort. We only buy water and snacks, so we buy them all at the resort. We stay at the Royal Sands.

Most of the restaurants are child friendly.

La Parrilla is excellent---Mexican food. They are downtown and at La Isla.
Sasi Thai is good Thai food at the Marriott Hotel
Harry's steak and seafood
Puerto Madero steak and seafood
La Habituala Sunset-seafood, Mayan food is in the hotel zone (they do have one downtown) and MWF they have a folklorico show which your children might enjoy
DuMexique is my favorite--french. If your children are young it is not for them.

For excursions I would go to Xcaret or Xel Ha. They are similar, Xcaret is closer to Cancun. Depending on the ages of your children, if you want to see ruins try Tulum for a first experience.


If you have any specific questions, send me a PM.

 

[pjrose]

How did you arrange your reservation? The Royal Cancun's AI is optional if you rent from a member or exchange, but required for non-member renters (e.g. renting from the Royals or on Expedia, Travelocity, etc).

"Update At The Royal Cancun, The REFINE All-Inclusive Package, available from January 16, 2014 for reservations with occupancy beginning April 26, 2014, will be optional for members and their guests as well as for non-member guests exchanging through the international exchange companies. It will be mandatory for non-member renters"

http://www.royalresorts.com/packages/default.asp


Whether to use Th. More or one of the other services depends on how many of you there are. Th. More charges by the person (no discount for kids as far as i know) while Cancun Valet and USA Transfers (same as Entertainment Plus) use private vans and the price is per van. I believe that at four people, it becomes more cost effective to use CV or E+. Google each one, and check the pricing. Both CV and E+ are highly recommended, and pre-paying online is safe.

Note that no matter which you use, as you leave the airport you will walk a gauntlet of people asking where you're going, asking to help with your luggage, saying "Royal Resorts?" "Thomas More?" etc. They DO NOT represent the Royals or Th. More, they are trying to get you to sign up for timeshare tours, and they may even ask you to pay a deposit. They may offer free or discounted tours to the ruins etc. JUST KEEP WALKING. DO NOT SAY ANYTHING, DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR LUGGAGE, DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING OR GIVE THEM ANY MONEY. JUST KEEP WALKING.

Taxis aren't too expensive (there will be a rate chart posted at the front door of the resort), but confirm with the driver before you get in. Busses are very cheap and safe. We don't rent cars, but others do - personal preference and depends on how much you're planning to be off-site.

Groceries - there's a WalMart, Costco, Chedrui (sp?) and others; you can arrange a stop (+$35?) on the way in if you have rented a private van. If you do this, have your list ready. when you're first arriving everyone may be too tired to shop, so you could also do it the next day. Many take the bus there, and a cab back to the resort b/c of the bags.

Each of the Royals does have a well-stocked mini-market, and you might find all you need/want there. The prices will be somewhat higher, but if you stick to the Mexican brands rather than imported (US), you'll find a major price difference.

Kid-friendly restaurants and walking distance, I can't answer.

Excursions tend to be l-o-n-g and h-o-t. I would plan this around the ages, interest, and patience of the kids. Chitzen-Itza is a fabulous site to see a pyramid, but Tulum, though not as spectacular, is much closer, for example. X-Caret is also super, and has lots and lots of different things to see and do. A long expensive day, but very kid-friendly AND adult-friendly.

Sunday morning the Royal Cancun will have an "orientation meeting" - this is not a sales pitch - where they'll go over various options. It's a good time/place to get advice. Th More (owned by the Royals) will provide all the tours, but others (e.g. E+ or even a private van driver) are just as good and less expensive. The option of renting a private van (from Th More, E+, CV, etc) is a good one, as you're not tied down to a specific schedule, can be more flexible with staying somewhere longer or leaving if the kids are having a meltdown.

There's a waterpark - can't remember the name - but it's gotten pretty run down and doesn't seem very sanitary.

I would recommend no more than two excursions. The rest of the time, enjoy your resort and also take advantage of free use of any of the other Royals - take the shuttle (doesn't run very often) or a cab to the Royal Sands or Royal Islander Caribbean (they're together) for the day, for example

 

[buceo]

The public bus is a great way to go. I rarely rent a car, just rather not & not needed for us. Buses run constantly out front of the resort (and about everywhere). You are close to the city of Cancun, that's where prices drop a lot & the locals eat. The bridge (you are on an island, kind of hard to tell) is just 1/4 mile to your west. The "elbow" in the island is "party central" about 2.5 miles to the east. The night clubs generally start late (at least by our standards) and there are restaurants there too. I like the park just across the street from you on the lagoon. Kind of local's park, families stroll the path. The Thomas Moore day trips are very well done, just tell them what you want (the theme parks maybe, Xplor, Xcaret, Xel Ha) and they'll tell you the price, multiply that by your group size and then you might rent a car and drive, very doable. Have a great trip. We don't have kids, but my impression, MX is a kid/family friendly place (as opposed to places here in the US). Mercados 23 and 28 in Cancun have local foods and restaurants. Kind of harder to find, maybe cab those if you go. 28 seems to be getting touristy (lots of sellers wanting your business).

 

[dioxide45]

Hi All,
We are going to Cancun in June with the family and just had a few questions, thought maybe this group would be able to help.

We’re staying at the Royal Cancun and have already figured out a few things from this board, covert to pesos at the Bank ATM during business hours, stay away from buying a timeshare from the resort (that one was ingrained already ), don’t drink and drive, (another one I didn't need help with), and make sure to drive the speed limit.

I wanted to ask a few things based on where we were staying, (never been here before and never been to Mexico outside of a few cruises).

Should we rent a car, (I have kids with me), or take public transportation, (bus or cab)?

We rely on public transportation, it is frequent and cheap. Buses are plentiful around the hotel zone and if you want to grab a taxi they are everywhere, though I find them to be somewhat expensive. I always find it interesting when I read travel blogs, reviews, or articles about a place and they say taxis are cheap. Cheap is always up to interpretation.

Even if you want to go to Tulum, Puerto Morelos, or Playa del Carmen, you can catch the public bus to the ADO bus terminal in Cancun and take the bus. This was much cheaper and easier than I expected.

Is there a lot close by, walking distance or are we always going to be hoping transportation?

It all depends on where you want to go and depends on how much walking you want to do.

Any good recommendations for restaurants in the area, (kid friendly), outside of the touristy Carlos & Charlie’s and such, (we do like locals spots but do like to base it on recommendations when possible - and will still get to C&C regardless)?

We’re using Thomas More for airport to resort transportation, any better safe alternatives?

We have used USA Transfers which worked well. $55 round trip for 2-3 people, $65 I think for 4-7.

Any local grocery stores that we could visit to stock up for the week, also interested in if there are any grocery services that will deliver to the resort, (in case we don’t rent a car)?

USA Transfers will arrange a grocery stop for an extra $30 on the way to the resort. This was handy for us, though this year when we go we are going to take the bus to Walmart and a cab back to the resort.

Any good excursions to look into, any to stay away from?

We booked a excursion to Chichen Itza through Entertainment-Plus.net. Had a great time other than the fact that it was HOT.

Thanks in advance… I know everyone can’t answer but I do appreciate any knowledge sharing that would be helpful before our trip.

Gary

 

[pjrose]

. . .

We have used USA Transfers which worked well. $55 round trip for 2-3 people, $65 I think for 4-7.


USA Transfers will arrange a grocery stop for an extra $30 on the way to the resort. This was handy for us, though this year when we go we are going to take the bus to Walmart and a cab back to the resort.


We booked a excursion to Chichen Itza through Entertainment-Plus.net. Had a great time other than the fact that it was HOT.

Note that USA Transfers and Entertainment-Plus.net are the same organization. It may be possible to get a discount if you book more than one reservation with them - e.g. airport transportation and a tour. Th. More (more expensive) and Cancun Valet (comparable to E+) have similar services, and may also offer discounts for more than one reservation.

 

[CoteauPlatte]

Royal Cancun Questions

My family has been going to Club Internacional de Cancun a/k/a VCI -- now Royal Cancun -- since the 1970's and we love VCI. We will be there two weeks beginning June 21 along with some of our adult children and 2 grandchildren, a girl age 13 and a boy age 7.

I usually rent a car but I've been driving the Yucatan for many years and it's not for everyone. We also use buses and the taxis. There are bus stops right in front of VCI - just make sure you understand which bus goes where. When we go to restaurants we often go downtown. There are many good restaurants in Centro and many of them are child-friendly. There are also some very nice, high-end gourmet places like Du Mexique and Peter's. Attend the Sunday orientation and ask questions. Ask about where to eat downtown -- tell them what kind of food you like and they'll tell you where to find it. Cancun has an huge variety of restaurants with many types of cuisines.

If your family will be at VCI the same time as mine, we'll be glad to share information. It's hard to say which excursions or activities would be best without knowing the ages of your children and what sort of activities you enjoy. VCI also has tennis courts, sailboats, bicycles and other activities and the Sports Desk is a great resource. (People think I'm crazy when I talk about playing tennis and riding bikes in Cancun in June but it's really no hotter than Louisiana -- or Florida. My mother used to enjoy turning off the AC and opening the windows to experience the sea breeze.)

Since we usually have a large group and are from Louisiana, we cook a lot so we hit the local grocery for supplies. My favorite grocery store in Cancun is Chedraui in the big mall off Bonampak or a newer Chedraui a few miles further west -- can't remember the name of the street but it's across from Sorrianis and a large shopping center. My daughter and son-in-law signed up for AI this year as an experiment -- they have 2 children and think AI will work for them. However, my son-in-law asked my daughter if she would still let him go grocery shopping with me because he thinks going to the large Mexican grocery stores is an adventure. (Although I hate the Cancun Wal-Mart, I like the Wal-Mart Superama on Bonampak and it's a short bus ride/walk or reasonable taxi ride from VCI. When I have my rental car, going shopping is easy but last year, I took the bus to get to Superama and a taxi to get my groceries home.)

A day trip to Isla Mujeres is always nice -- use the UltraMar not the other ferry. You can catch it on the island but we usually go to the Port north of downtown. You can get details and instructions at the orientation.

 

[Phydeaux]

"Should we rent a car, (I have kids with me), or take public transportation, (bus or cab)?"

It depends on where you plan to go. If you don't plan on leaving the hotel zone, no need for a car. If you want to explore, and see more of the area, a car makes sense. Just do your homework, study up here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ns05ygh070bfi48/Driving in Mexico 101 2014 rev.pdf


https://www.dropbox.com/s/dstmm5mxpsllzp0/Articulo 152 Color Gringo version.pdf

"Is there a lot close by, walking distance or are we always going to be hoping transportation?"

Your resort is in the HZ, so lots around, but again, it depends on what you plan to see & do.

"Any good recommendations for restaurants in the area, (kid friendly), outside of the touristy Carlos & Charlie’s and such, (we do like locals spots but do like to base it on recommendations when possible - and will still get to C&C regardless)?"

I would recommend getting out of the touristy hotel zone and heading downtown. Too many authentic, great restaurants to list. Order a MapChick map if you prefer someone else to provide their recommendations.

"We’re using Thomas More for airport to resort transportation, any better safe alternatives?"

TM would be my very last choice for airport transfer. You can do better. Much better. We use USA Transfers.

"Any local grocery stores that we could visit to stock up for the week, also interested in if there are any grocery services that will deliver to the resort, (in case we don’t rent a car)?"

We shop for fresh produce at Mercado 23 downtown, have lunch there, then walk back a few blocks to complete grocery shopping at Comercial Mexicana at the roundabout of Tulum & Uxmal. Simple bus ride there and cab back. Easy as pie, even with kids in tow. We did it for many years as such.

I'd strongly suggest you avoid Mercado 28 because it is a seedy, nasty experience, and has been for many years. Worse than Coral Negro.


"Any good excursions to look into, any to stay away from?"

We typically rent a car and drive. If you go to Isla Mujerres, I would suggest spending the night there. Isla is really two different places, since it transforms with the departure and absence of the hoards of day trippers.

If you haven't been to Tulum and regions south from there, that would be my suggestion for your day trip. Rent a car.

Have fun!

 

[ilene13]

The Royal Cancun is not in the hotel zone.

 

[Phydeaux]

The Royal Cancun is not in the hotel zone.

It's not? When did they move the Royal Cancun?

http://www.cancunmap.com/cancun-hotels.html

http://www.cancun-map.com/maps/cancun-map.asp

 

[KarenLK]

The Royal Cancun IS in the hotel zone, not downtown.

 

[dioxide45]

I'd strongly suggest you avoid Mercado 28 because it is a seedy, nasty experience, and has been for many years. Worse than Coral Negro.

I am curious about this statement. Why do you say this? Is it because Mercado 28 has more touristy "junk" and is all about haggling between the vendors and customers? We have no desire to buy fresh produce or meat in Cancun, so I don't see a need to go to Mercado 23. Is there something you know that I need to know?

 

[Phydeaux]

I am curious about this statement. Why do you say this? Is it because Mercado 28 has more touristy "junk" and is all about haggling between the vendors and customers? We have no desire to buy fresh produce or meat in Cancun, so I don't see a need to go to Mercado 23. Is there something you know that I need to know?

Have you ever been to Mercado 28? Mercado 23? Coral Negro?

No, it has nothing to do with having touristy "junk", nor haggling. It is seedy, touristy, and a nasty experience, just as I wrote.

If you dismiss Mercado 23 because you have no need for fresh produce or meat, you'll be missing an experience to rub elbows with the locals, have some fresh squeezed-before your eyes orange juice in a bag, an extremely cool pottery/glassware/odds & ends store, outstanding authentic and inexpensive cantinas, and an overall fun experience. Nothing like Mercado 28.

 

[dioxide45]

Have you ever been to Mercado 28? Mercado 23? Coral Negro?

I haven't, that is why I asked the question.

No, it has nothing to do with having touristy "junk", nor haggling. It is seedy, touristy, and a nasty experience, just as I wrote.

If you dismiss Mercado 23 because you have no need for fresh produce or meat, you'll be missing an experience to rub elbows with the locals, have some fresh squeezed-before your eyes orange juice in a bag, an extremely cool pottery/glassware/odds & ends store, outstanding authentic and inexpensive cantinas, and an overall fun experience. Nothing like Mercado 28.

Are there no locals at Mercado 28? Don't the locals operate the shops just like at Mercado 23? Fresh squeezed orange juice in a bag sounds pretty good.

 

[Phydeaux]

I haven't, that is why I asked the question.



Are there no locals at Mercado 28? Don't the locals operate the shops just like at Mercado 23? Fresh squeezed orange juice in a bag sounds pretty good.

Have you ever been in downtown Cancun?

 

[dioxide45]

Have you ever been in downtown Cancun?

Not really. We have been to Cancun only twice and once went to the ADO bus station and Puerto Juárez. I wouldn't either as "downtown". That is why I asked looking for an actual description of what you are describing.

 

[Phydeaux]

There are some places I just wouldn't bother going. Mercado 28 is one of them, Coral Nego is another. I wouldn't be concerned for my safety - I just prefer not to go there. Overall, we're not fond of the tourist traps.

I'm sure many people have their favorites, and not so favorites.

My wife and I have enjoyed some of the best food we've ever had in Cancun at the cantinas in Mercado 23, and each time they were ridiculously inexpensive. Our house has many items that were purchased at the pottery store I referenced, and has some unique items you won't find elsewhere in Cancun. Not many stores you can say that of in Cancun!

 

[ilene13]

The Royal Cancun IS in the hotel zone, not downtown.

So, Karen if you and Lee consider the Royal Cancun to be IN the hotel zone, then take a stroll to La Isla or the Marriott. As I said in my first post in this thread the RC is between the hotel zone and downtown. Plaza Caracol is where the hotel zone traditionally begins. Personally I would never stay at the RC because I like to walk around to the different hotels and malls that are in the hotel zone. Can't do that from Royal Cancun.

 

[Phydeaux]

So, Karen if you and Lee consider the Royal Cancun to be IN the hotel zone, then take a stroll to La Isla or the Marriott. As I said in my first post in this thread the RC is between the hotel zone and downtown. Plaza Caracol is where the hotel zone traditionally begins. Personally I would never stay at the RC because I like to walk around to the different hotels and malls that are in the hotel zone. Can't do that from Royal Cancun.

I think the Cancun Hotel Zone maps that I shared define the hotel zone adequately

 

[dioxide45]

I think the Cancun Hotel Zone maps that I shared define the hotel zone adequately

Any map I have seen shows the full "7" as the hotel zone.

 

[KarenLK]

Ilene, I don't want to argue, but downtown is "mainland." The hotel zone is marked in kilometers starting from downtown, and VCI or Royal Cancun is at marker 4.5 of the hotel zone.

There are lot so people that think Downtown Cancun is the party central area near the point.

 

[ilene13]

I understand that officially it is the hotel zone, but it suffices to say that it is not the part of the hotel zone where we want to be.

Just as we stayed at VDP near Puerto Juarez this past February. I would NEVER stay there again.

 

[KarenLK]

Ilene, you are not old enough to remember [just kidding] but the hotel zone used to end at the Sheraton. Beyond that was just a nasty road.

 

[Phydeaux]

The Royal Cancun is not in the hotel zone.

So I take it we can disregard this post..

 

[dioxide45]

There are some places I just wouldn't bother going. Mercado 28 is one of them, Coral Nego is another. I wouldn't be concerned for my safety - I just prefer not to go there. Overall, we're not fond of the tourist traps.

I'm sure many people have their favorites, and not so favorites.

Given the negativity against Mercado 28, I would have thought it was more about safety and perhaps illegal activities going on there than simply not your favorite. You were rather ferociously against Mercado 28 and it was all because Mercado 23 is your favorite and Mercado 28 is not?