Westin Laguanamar

[mdurette]

I'm contemplating an E-Plus trade into this resort for April. A couple questions if you all don't mind.

1. Only studio available right now, it will work for our family of 3. But, would prefer a 1 BR. I can hold out for another retrade later to a 1BR - but wondering what the frequency of offerings are at this resort. Does Westin mini-bulk bank a couple months ahead of time like Marriott seems to do?

2. We will have 11 YO with us. Are there scheduled activities for the kiddo's?

3. Surrounding area: Are their restaurants, shops, etc within easy & safe walking distance?

4. What else is there to do in the area - we are not people to sit at the beach all day long.

Thanks and any other tid-bits of info appreciated.

 

[DeniseM]

Can't answer 2-4, but Vistana has a new management company, so it's really hard to say how that will impact deposits.

However, "generally" when Starwood was the management company, they deposited more off-season weeks. It may be difficult to get a 1 bdm. for spring break, but no harm trying!

*Suggestion: Use the search function on the Sightings Forum to see what dates have been deposited in the past.

 

[dioxide45]

I'm contemplating an E-Plus trade into this resort for April. A couple questions if you all don't mind.

1. Only studio available right now, it will work for our family of 3. But, would prefer a 1 BR. I can hold out for another retrade later to a 1BR - but wondering what the frequency of offerings are at this resort. Does Westin mini-bulk bank a couple months ahead of time like Marriott seems to do?

Availability has been spotty the last couple years. Do you have Vistana preference in II? We ended up buying a mandatory resale week with the goal to use it at WLR instead of relying on an II trade without preference.

2. We will have 11 YO with us. Are there scheduled activities for the kiddo's?

Can't speak to this, but they do have lots of activities.

3. Surrounding area: Are their restaurants, shops, etc within easy & safe walking distance?

La Isla shopping center is directly across the street. There are also literally hundreds if not thousands of restaurant and shipping options a short bus ride away.

4. What else is there to do in the area - we are not people to sit at the beach all day long.

There are all kinds of things. Take excursions to Chichen Itza or Tulum. Go to Xcaret or Xel-Ha. Take the ferry over to Isla Mujeres and rent a golf cart to drive around and explore the island. The options are endless.

Thanks and any other tid-bits of info appreciated.

 

[mdurette]

Thanks to the both of you.

Doing my do-diligence on-line looking at area info. DH is not fond of the beach, he is ok with pools. But, I need to find an area that has something "other" to do than beach and shopping. He did spend a week in Aruba and enjoyed....but we also felt safe leaving the resort and taking day excursions. Would you say in term of local area Cancun is similar to Aruba.

We don't have Starwood preference. But, could survive in the studio if we had to.

Also send the both of you a PM.

 

[dioxide45]

Thanks to the both of you.

Doing my do-diligence on-line looking at area info. DH is not fond of the beach, he is ok with pools. But, I need to find an area that has something "other" to do than beach and shopping. He did spend a week in Aruba and enjoyed....but we also felt safe leaving the resort and taking day excursions. Would you say in term of local area Cancun is similar to Aruba.

We don't have Starwood preference. But, could survive in the studio if we had to.

Also send the both of you a PM.

Within the Hotel Zone, I would consider Cancun as safe as Aruba. We have been to Cancun three times, twice to Lagunamar and once to the JW Marriott. I think we may have been to the beach three times. We love the pools and resort. Lagunamar has a much better location than the JW, so it is now our favorite.

As for excursions, being your first time, you may not want to venture out on your own. There are however a lot of companies that offer day trips to the different ruins and eco parks.

 

[bobpark56]

Take your 11 year old to Xel-Ha or Xcaret.

Take your 11 year old to Xel-Ha or Xcaret. He/she will love it.

 

[bobpark56]

Take your 11 year old to breakfast at Jugo de Limon

Take your 11 year old to breakfast at Jugo de Limon in La Isla Mall across the street. Where else can you have a tasty Mexican breakfast at a very reasonable price while watching the dolphins in the pools below. A tour through the aquarium is also enjoyable.

 

[blondietink]

Another vote for Xel-Ha or one of the Cenote tours that includes zip lining. Great tours!

 

[mdurette]

Thanks all for the info - I did it!