We just returned from our 2 week trip to Lagunamar. I describe various aspects of our experience below.
Overall we came back home very satisfied and had a very good vacation (January 2 to 16).
RESORT
The resort is new, only 140 rooms are open right now, out of the total 600+. Half of the resort is under construction, no issues with noise whatsoever (we stayed on both sides of the complex and did not have any problems). Staff are very friendly and most are helpful, they have around 8 concierge staff ready to help you with your reservations and tours. One critical thing I will say is that the magical staff person you always want to see – “Director of Fun” was in hiding for some reason – we have not even heard him, which was quite disappointing. There are two restaurants – Viento bar at the pool and Oceano’s restaurant. They both serve good food and we found that their prices were very reasonable compared with what you would get in La Isla Plaza across the street and quality was better. One very disappointing fact was that both pools were very cold, even on the hottest days. Not many people used the pools as a result.
BEACH
Could be better. There are pieces of construction materials and garbage here and there. Frankly I expected the beach to be a lot nicer. Do not get me wrong, it is still enjoyable, but I just think that a name like Westin could have done more to make the beach nicer, smoother and cleaner.
TRANSPORTATION
You can arrange a shuttle bus to take you to and from airport for a total of $35 for up to 4 people. I do not recommend a car rental, driving there seemed very dangerous and erratic. Getting around in the hotel zone and downtown is very easy by local buses. Very reliable and frequent, they only cost 6.50 pesos per person (50 cents). Be very careful when you cross the street in front of the resort – there are no traffic lights or pedestrian crossings even though crowds of people cross this heavy traffic road every 3 minutes. You try to find a gap between cars and just hope you will make it, this was totally wild.
MONEY
One dollar is around 13 pesos. I was pleased to find that the resort offered a very competitive exchange rate – even better than the exchange kiosks on the street. Paying in local currency is always better, since you will almost certainly overpay if you pay in dollars.
RESTAURANTS
The concierge has a recommended list. If you want to go to a restaurant, ask the concierge to book it for you, and you will get a free drink at the restaurant. We have been to a few and I must say, we did not find one we would go back to. Everyone has their own preferences of course, but I though I would leave some comments about the ones we went to. After all trial and error we finally settled on the resort’s restaurant Oceano’s – the food and pricing were best.
FOOD
Apparently the best groceries store in town is Walmart. We could find anything close to Whole Foods unfortunately.
AT AIRPORT
You may be approached by a representative from Cancun Palace hotel with an offer you should not refuse. They will ask for $100 security deposit which you will get back when you go to meet with them. I have never seen an incentive package this rich. I do not work for them and it makes no difference to me whether you go there or not, but I think you should consider it – for a 90 min time commitment you get a lot of value.
Overall we came back home very satisfied and had a very good vacation (January 2 to 16).
RESORT
The resort is new, only 140 rooms are open right now, out of the total 600+. Half of the resort is under construction, no issues with noise whatsoever (we stayed on both sides of the complex and did not have any problems). Staff are very friendly and most are helpful, they have around 8 concierge staff ready to help you with your reservations and tours. One critical thing I will say is that the magical staff person you always want to see – “Director of Fun” was in hiding for some reason – we have not even heard him, which was quite disappointing. There are two restaurants – Viento bar at the pool and Oceano’s restaurant. They both serve good food and we found that their prices were very reasonable compared with what you would get in La Isla Plaza across the street and quality was better. One very disappointing fact was that both pools were very cold, even on the hottest days. Not many people used the pools as a result.
BEACH
Could be better. There are pieces of construction materials and garbage here and there. Frankly I expected the beach to be a lot nicer. Do not get me wrong, it is still enjoyable, but I just think that a name like Westin could have done more to make the beach nicer, smoother and cleaner.
TRANSPORTATION
You can arrange a shuttle bus to take you to and from airport for a total of $35 for up to 4 people. I do not recommend a car rental, driving there seemed very dangerous and erratic. Getting around in the hotel zone and downtown is very easy by local buses. Very reliable and frequent, they only cost 6.50 pesos per person (50 cents). Be very careful when you cross the street in front of the resort – there are no traffic lights or pedestrian crossings even though crowds of people cross this heavy traffic road every 3 minutes. You try to find a gap between cars and just hope you will make it, this was totally wild.
MONEY
One dollar is around 13 pesos. I was pleased to find that the resort offered a very competitive exchange rate – even better than the exchange kiosks on the street. Paying in local currency is always better, since you will almost certainly overpay if you pay in dollars.
RESTAURANTS
The concierge has a recommended list. If you want to go to a restaurant, ask the concierge to book it for you, and you will get a free drink at the restaurant. We have been to a few and I must say, we did not find one we would go back to. Everyone has their own preferences of course, but I though I would leave some comments about the ones we went to. After all trial and error we finally settled on the resort’s restaurant Oceano’s – the food and pricing were best.
- La Destilleria. Mexican food. 10 minutes walk or 1 bus stop from the resort. This one was not bad, although nothing special.
- "Thai Lounge" in La Isla Plaza across the street. I have never dined in a thai restaurant this expensive ($90 for a family with one child). There is really nothing special about this place, other than the palapas where you sit, very romantic, but WAYYYYYY overpriced. I would say food is average. Beware that they include their tip on the bill. The first time I did not realize it as I thought this was some kind of tax, and of course they won’t tell you unless you ask. The place is totally not worth it.
- Casa Maguey. Really bad experience with this one – I had a food poisoning there. It looks very attractive and authentic Mexican but we thought the food was below average.
- La Madonna. a so-so Italian restaurant in La Isla Plaza across the street. The décor is very good though.
FOOD
Apparently the best groceries store in town is Walmart. We could find anything close to Whole Foods unfortunately.
AT AIRPORT
You may be approached by a representative from Cancun Palace hotel with an offer you should not refuse. They will ask for $100 security deposit which you will get back when you go to meet with them. I have never seen an incentive package this rich. I do not work for them and it makes no difference to me whether you go there or not, but I think you should consider it – for a 90 min time commitment you get a lot of value.
. The Jungle tour was a lot of fun -- they put you in a two seater boat (a child can ride with you too), you cruise the sea and the little gulf (full of crocs, beware !!) and then spend 40 minutes snorkelling.
