Lagunamar Questions

[HarborsideHappyGirl]

The other thread is sooooooo long, and I have read something like 12 or 13 pages and decided to just post my questions outside the mega thread. I hope someone will respond.

What's your best recommendation for floor or side of the resort for a nice view? We are in a One Bedroom combo with a Studio. I know that all basically have some view, but we don't care if we are close to the main lobby or close to the BBQ area or whatever... we do like a nice deck to have an end of the night place to relax and enjoy the view.

For those who have gone to Xel-Ha, is it cheaper to book online from home or wait and go through the hotel concierge or make arrangements from Mexico?

Are the Lagunamar's theme nights nice? Would you recommend them?

How are the restaurants across the street? Any favourites? Seems like there is only Tacos & Tequilla, Hooters and a pizza place. The website says there are 60+ shops at the La Ilsa Mall, but there are only 6 listed in the Directory... and only those three restaurants listed... so I'm not even sure what's there or if there are more.

Are the kids club activities suitable for a 12 year old or are them more for younger kids?

Your answers will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[eagle29]

The other thread is sooooooo long, and I have read something like 12 or 13 pages and decided to just post my questions outside the mega thread. I hope someone will respond.

What's your best recommendation for floor or side of the resort for a nice view? We are in a One Bedroom combo with a Studio. I know that all basically have some view, but we don't care if we are close to the main lobby or close to the BBQ area or whatever... we do like a nice deck to have an end of the night place to relax and enjoy the view.

For those who have gone to Xel-Ha, is it cheaper to book online from home or wait and go through the hotel concierge or make arrangements from Mexico?

Are the Lagunamar's theme nights nice? Would you recommend them?

How are the restaurants across the street? Any favourites? Seems like there is only Tacos & Tequilla, Hooters and a pizza place. The website says there are 60+ shops at the La Ilsa Mall, but there are only 6 listed in the Directory... and only those three restaurants listed... so I'm not even sure what's there or if there are more.

Are the kids club activities suitable for a 12 year old or are them more for younger kids?

Your answers will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

Anywhere on 3rd floor or higher should give you a great view (over the palm trees). I have stayed in Building 900 on 1st floor twice (end unit - amazing) and had an incredible view both times. Last trip was building 300 on 4th floor with great view as well.

Xel-Ha was an awesome day. I booked private transportation and tickets thru USA Transfers including a couple of hours at Tulum then the day at Xel-Ha. I believe it was around $150 US (per person for 4 of us). Was SO worth it!

Have never done theme nights.

Restaurants at La Isla Mall are average but served our purposes. There is a Starbucks, McDonalds, and ice cream parlor too. Italianni's was pretty good and the taco places are fine as well. There is also a place called La Madonna at the mall. There are lots of other restaurant options within walking distance that are more upscale than what the mall has to offer in the Hotel Zone as well as the option of taking the bus.

 

[pacman777]

The other thread is sooooooo long, and I have read something like 12 or 13 pages and decided to just post my questions outside the mega thread. I hope someone will respond.

What's your best recommendation for floor or side of the resort for a nice view? We are in a One Bedroom combo with a Studio. I know that all basically have some view, but we don't care if we are close to the main lobby or close to the BBQ area or whatever... we do like a nice deck to have an end of the night place to relax and enjoy the view.

For those who have gone to Xel-Ha, is it cheaper to book online from home or wait and go through the hotel concierge or make arrangements from Mexico?

Are the Lagunamar's theme nights nice? Would you recommend them?

How are the restaurants across the street? Any favourites? Seems like there is only Tacos & Tequilla, Hooters and a pizza place. The website says there are 60+ shops at the La Ilsa Mall, but there are only 6 listed in the Directory... and only those three restaurants listed... so I'm not even sure what's there or if there are more.

Are the kids club activities suitable for a 12 year old or are them more for younger kids?

Your answers will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

We've stayed in building 5 and 7 all on floors 5 and above. Prefer building 7 which is angled and has a better view of the ocean. nice thing about building 5 is it is near the elevators of the main building and don't have to walk the long hallways. We have 10 and 7 year olds. The only time we put them in the kids center is when they do the parent's night out once a week (I think Tuesdays). I think our 10 year old was bored. Too many good restaurants around to eat at theme night. We would much rather eat at Duna (the sports bar on site) which is good if you want something quick and casual rather than the overpriced onsite restaurant. Highly recommend one of my all-time favorite restaurants anywhere: Puerto Madero. You get 10% off for showing your Westin room card.

 

[bobpark56]

We like Jugo de Lemon for reasonably priced breakfasts. Sit above the dolphin pools and watch the dolphins play.

 

[DeniseM]

At most resorts with an ocean view, I think it's better to request a high floor, than to request a specific building.

FYI: A 1 bdm. with a studio is called a "2 bedroom lock-off" in timeshare lingo.

 

[vacationtime1]

Highly recommend one of my all-time favorite restaurants anywhere: Puerto Madero. You get 10% off for showing your Westin room card.

+1; we ate there twice last trip (last month).

 

[HarborsideHappyGirl]

Great intel. Thanks! Keep it coming!

 

[canesfan]

There is Thai Lounge right below Jugo de Limon and also a Sushi place that is more high end. The Thai place has great ambience.
We really like Puerto Madero too, as well as Harry’s.
The first year we did a theme night. It was just ok. There’s much better dining nearby. As someone else posted if you just want a relaxing meal after a long day, Duna’s fits the bill.
There’s tons of shops over at the ranging high end to cheap tourist gifts.
There are lots of activities for the kids to do poolside. I wouldn’t bother with kids club. Most restaurants are family friendly too.


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[byeloe]

Cambalache is in la Isla also, Argentinian Steakhouse by the same people as Puerto madero

 

[pacman777]

Great intel. Thanks! Keep it coming!

El Fish fritanga is a good somewhat casual restaurant to the left of La Isla. It was featured in one of Guy Fieri’s shows on food network. Also recommend a day trip to Isla mujeres and renting a golf cart to drive around the island and spending some time at Playa Norte which has some very calm and clear waters

 

[pacman777]

Xel-Ha was an awesome day. I booked private transportation and tickets thru USA Transfers including a couple of hours at Tulum then the day at Xel-Ha. I believe it was around $150 US (per person for 4 of us). Was SO worth it!

Family had a blast at Xel Ha and definitely worth the drive and cost of entrance. Everything is pretty much included in the price and the buffet style food was actually decent. We booked directly on there website which gives a decent discount the further out you book. We had a rental car so we drove down there instead of being tied to a tour bus schedule.

 

[HarborsideHappyGirl]

Family had a blast at Xel Ha and definitely worth the drive and cost of entrance. Everything is pretty much included in the price and the buffet style food was actually decent. We booked directly on there website which gives a decent discount the further out you book. We had a rental car so we drove down there instead of being tied to a tour bus schedule.

Yes, the 7:00am departure time is a bit early and definitely discourages participation from my crowd!

 

[dioxide45]

You could also consider taking the ADO Bus to Xel-Ha. Take the regular bus to the ADO station down town. The cost of tickets round trip would be about $15. The ADO Bus is way nicer than any Grayhound bus.

 

[jlp879]

What I love about Lagunamar is every room is a room with a view. Go for a higher floor so you don't have trees in your view. All the balconies are the same size; not particularly large, but they'll do.

For best pricing for tours, book ahead of time.
http://en.xcaretexperiencias.com/?l...8.2138812207.1515052126-1234224734.1515052126

Within walking distance of Lagunamar, we enjoyed eating at La Madonna at La Isla (date night) and Fish Fritanga just further afield. We also loved shopping at La Europea, a wine store/deli in the same building as some consular offices. It gave us the perfect food for sunset nibbles on the balcony.

Since you have a 12 year old, I would recommend a dinner/evening at Parque de las Palapas in Centro (downtown Cancun) to see how locals spend their family time. Great restaurants nearby if you want it (La Habichuela) and terrific street food all around for dessert or just trying everything that looks good in sight. A very enjoyable evening for all. Super easy to get to via the buses just outside Lagunamar. They'll take you everywhere you want to go.

 

[Shirtman]

Does Lagunamar have daily maid service?

 

[blondietink]

If you booked through the Starwood hotel site then yes. If you booked using your Vistana options, then no. You would get a mid week tidy up then a full cleaning at the end of the week. We stayed on an Explorer package once and they came every day to clean, which kind of surprised me.

 

[Sea Six]

Regarding location, it depends on how much walking you want to do. We prefer buildings 6 and 7 because they are close to the lobby, the restaurant, and the exit to the mall etc, even though it's farther from the pool and beach they still offer a beautiful panoramic view. If you take building 1, you will be close to the beach, but far from the lobby area.

 

[HarborsideHappyGirl]

I'm hearing that the best thing is to ask for a high floor, as opposed to a specific building.

Do they allow early check-in?

 

[Sea Six]

Now that they have an elite check-in desk, if you are elite you may get in early if a room is ready. If you are not elite you will most likely join the crowd in the lobby.

 

[Saaz124]

Heading there for the first time Sunday. How are the Studios stocked for laundry soap? Saw a photo that showed a good sized bottle the appeared to be supplied. How about beach umbrellas? How do you get one and cost?

Thanks

 

[SandyPGravel]

Now that they have an elite check-in desk, if you are elite you may get in early if a room is ready. If you are not elite you will most likely join the crowd in the lobby.

I stayed in Dec 16. I was able to get my unit at 10 am, we had a ridiculously early flight in. I had mentioned on my check in form that I would be arriving that early. I am not elite. Maybe just got lucky.

 

[mariawolf]

I have spring break booked and as I stated in another thread getting push back about taking my grandchildren there due to safety
Assuming all those who were there recently had no issues with this?

 

[canesfan]

Now that they have an elite check-in desk, if you are elite you may get in early if a room is ready. If you are not elite you will most likely join the crowd in the lobby.

Our room has never been ready until almost check in time. Elite desk didn’t help that situation this last trip. They held our bags & we headed to the bar/restaurant, then to the grocery store. The desk is good about calling when the room is ready.


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[canesfan]

Heading there for the first time Sunday. How are the Studios stocked for laundry soap? Saw a photo that showed a good sized bottle the appeared to be supplied. How about beach umbrellas? How do you get one and cost?

Thanks

Yes there is laundry soap in the studios. Dish soap and dishwasher packets too. I always travel with a few tide pods, dryer sheets and dishwasher tabs just to have a few extras. Bring coffee filters if you drink coffee in your room instead of buying a whole box.

We are usually at the pool so I’m not sure about umbrellas on the beach. At the pool it’s first come first serve. There are pool concierges that will help set you up with a spot.


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[Tucsonadventurer]

The palapas on the beach are free and easier to get than the umbrellas by the pool in our experience.