Back from GM Riviera Maya - update and observations

[Pizza67]

Well, unfortunately we're back to reality after a week at the Grand Mayan Riviera Maya. As usual, we didn't want to leave as it's one of the few places that we (I) can truly relax.

Though we didn't take them up on the "owner's update", I did manage some 'recon' walks around the property and talked with some of the staff.

So, here goes.

Buildings:

The new Grand Mayan units (8-13) are actually being called "The Grand Mayan Jungle", they were finishing up a big sign in front of Bldg. 8.

The new GM lobby and pool are still under construction after the fire earlier this year. About a third of the buildings are thatched. Should be really nice once completed, you can see through the fence in some places. Couldn't get an aeriel view from the boutique/Tramonto bldg. as they built up the wall on the second story where the stairs and elevator come out.

They are still building about 16 new Mayan Palace Bldgs. that will run parallel to the existing ones with the water park in the middle.

Yes, the water park is under construction. You can actually see a section of the lazy river from the walkway near Bldg. 16. Looks REALLY nice. The one section I saw has periodic 'rest areas' along the way: water beds, pool bar, etc. Unfortunately, my guess would be at least another year for this.

Couple of things I heard, but can't really confirm. I think they are building some Villas between GM bldg. 7 and that vacant beach area, saw the concrete trucks with the boom extenders. Also, across the street, you can see a three/four story building under construction that may be staff housing. Again, these are what I heard.

Restaurants;

Technically, I guess you could say that they are now advertising eleven different dining options. All the same old ones and some new twists.

Del Lago, Havana Moon, Habanero Grill (on the beach next to Havana Moon-lunch during the day and BBQ Buffet at night), Balche`, Frida's Grill, Greenbreak (old 19th Hole) for breakfast/lunch, Tacos Break (same location for dinner), Brio health bar, Jade Deli, Tramonto and Room Service.

Well, it's getting late, so that's about it for now. Ask away if you have any questions, I'll check back in the morning.

 

[sg0578280]

Hello

I have a week booked at the grand mayan from 13th - 20th December. I asked them through email to put me in a unit near the pool and they said it all depends on availability. What are the best units if I have an elderly couple in my group?

thanks

ys

 

[Pizza67]

Hello

I have a week booked at the grand mayan from 13th - 20th December. I asked them through email to put me in a unit near the pool and they said it all depends on availability. What are the best units if I have an elderly couple in my group?

thanks

ys

As the original GM units wrap around the lagoon ( 1 - 7 ) like a horseshoe with Bldg. 1 being closest to the amenities, I would try for Bldgs. 1-3 or 6-7 (you can walk to everything from the other direction via Del Lago).

If you have Google Earth, though the picture is at least a year old, it gives you a great picture of the resort.

 

[John Cummings]

Building 7 is the closest to the Mayan Palace Pool. Building 1 is closest to the Grand Mayan pool. We always stay in building 7 on the 3rd floor. Most people prefer the Mayan Palace pools as they are much larger and you have the Palapas with beds. There is also a lot more activity at the Mayan Pools. The Grand Mayan pool is pretty dead.

 

[sg0578280]

Thanks so much. I will ask for building 7.

 

[John Cummings]

Thanks so much. I will ask for building 7.

Actually buildings 6 and 7 are virtually the same as thy both have the same entrance. Building 1 is nearly as close as building 7 so any of these would be OK.

 

[krmlaw]

So any building 1 to 7 is okay?

Also, how do you find the resort on Google Earth? Cant seem to figure it out.

 

[krmlaw]

OK ... i figured out the google earth, but cant figure where bldgs 1-7 are?

 

[Pizza67]

GM Bldg. 1 is right next to the construction on the satellite image (new GM lobby and GM pool) and goes counter clockwise around the lagoon.

 

[krmlaw]

Thanks.

One more question, is the beach still unswimmable? I had read that they were trying to fix the beach somehow.

We would be going in Nov 2009, so its quite a bit aways.

And I wonder if the water park mentioned previously will be finished by then?

 

[Pizza67]

Beach - you can't just wade in and swim. If you have water shoes, you can walk out over/past the rocks and it opens up so you can hang out in the water. They are attempting to rebuild the beach by way of an artificial reef which consists of a series of large metal balls with holes for water flow. It wasn't always this bad.

Basically, it's nature doing it's thing. Storms take the sand away, storms will bring it back. Honestly, it seemed worse this year than last, but again, it changes with the storms. The beach itself is fine, you can always take a short walk for swimming.

The water park - who knows when it will be done. Of the glimpses that I saw, it was definitely taking shape, but I don't know how much longer. Maybe by next fall, hard to tell.

 

[krmlaw]

That doesnt sounds too bad, so it is still usable then? I was worried all we could do was look at it! haha.

Can we bring floats out there and float around? Swim past the coral?

We are travelling in late Nov, early Dec 2009, hopefully the water park will be done by then!