Hello all!
Thanks to you help on my decision! It was down to St Martin or Grand Mayan, and the Grand Mayan won for 2009 (St marting for 2010).
We are Me (30), DH (42), DS (15), and hopefully dear baby by then!
Now come the question ... Thanks again for your help!
What buildings do I need to try to get into (from what I can tell 1 - 7?)
Is there a way to actually do this, get into a certain building?
Hi ... we own at the Mayan Palace, not Grand Mayan, but from everything I've read, I don't think you have much choice as to the building they put you in, especially if you are a non-owner coming in. They definitely give preferential treatment to to owners at the MP; probably the same at GM
How far away in the beach that is swimmable?
We generally walk about 10 minutes either way, and there are some very beautiful, swimmable beaches. Another bonus is that they are pretty free of people as well.
Can we still walk (with water shoes) past the coral and float/swim in the water at the resort? Or is the whole ocean in the area unusable?
Yes, with water shoes, you can walk out just on the north side of the pier — walk out about 50 yards or so, and there's some definitely swimmable areas. Some day, the reef balls that they've installed will actually form a usuable reef, and the entire beach should be usable. Not sure if that will be in my lifetime or not, however.
Tulum is a must - what is there to do there?
We've been a couple of times. The ruins there are fascinating — well worth the trip. And the beach there by the ruins is spectacular. White sand and deep blue, warm water. I'd recommend it.
Playa Del Carmen is a must - what is there to do there?
Ah, one of my family's favorite places to visit. There are all kinds of wonderful restaurants, some great shopping along 5th avenue, people watching, etc. It's a pretty touristy place, but we generally end up visiting PDC at least 3 or 4 nights every trip.
What other good day trips should we make?
Well, Akumal is a nice, laid back little town. Also, If you're into snorkeling, I would highly recommend hiring one of the tour guides in Puerto Morelos, about 10 minutes north of the Mayan Palace. For a longer day trip, Chichen Itza is an amazing place.
The best money I've by far spent was buying several of the maps offered by
mapchick! They are chock full of information, restaurant reviews, places to go, etc. Well, well worth the money!! I don't have any interest in the company, other than I love their products.
What is the best food/restaurant for reasonable at the resort?
Mayan Palace and reasonable is a dichotomy, lol!!! Seriously, the prices are typical resort prices — if you're looking for a bargain meal, you'll have to leave the resort. Having said that, the restaurant down on the beach (can't remember it's name) is our favorite, both for food and location. We haven't tried all of them yet, even though we've been there for the last six years! Honestly, you can find a different place to eat every night in Playa del Carmen.
If you have a car, I would
highly recommend driving to Puerto Morelos, and visiting John Grey's Kitchen. He also has a restaurant in Playa del Carmen, but the Puerto Morelos location is just a bit cosier, and has less of a commercial feel to it. Amazing food and to die for desserts. It's not cheap, but for a special night out, you can't beat it.
We want to rent a car, is this advisable? Is it easy/safe to drive in Mexico?
I just posted on another thread that we've had no problems whatsoever driving in the Mayan Riviera the last six years. Just pay attention, don't do anything stupid on the road, and you'll be fine. The towns get a bit hairy, but everybody is definitely paying attention. It's mostly the taxi drivers that push the envelope. They'll try to pull out in front of you all the time. Just hold your ground, and they'll back down.
Enjoy your trip!! Please feel free to PM me with any other questions you might have.
Tom
