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Marriott Owner Needs Royal Help

gailo

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We are planning a trade into a Royal in Cancun.
Which one is the favorite? Has anyone been to Cancun in October - weather? risky? yea or nea?
 

Janis

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My favorite is the Royal Sands because the transition from the huge pools to the beach is easy. At the tri-royals, you need to traverse a few flights of steps to bo between the pools and the ocean.

I have been twice in October andhave lucked out both times.

Last year, we went October 8-15. We had gorgeous, amazing sunshine every single day. The week before we arrived, we learned that it had rained almost every day. And then, 4 days after we left - Wilma.

So.... it is risky. But so is the entire Caribbean.
 

maja651

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I think it is so hard to pick a favorite! We own at the Islander and the Sands. I like both for different reasons.

Sands
1. Location - I prefer its location being closer to the punto Cancun, next to the Kulkulkan mall, etc.
2. Access to beach and street - as was mentioned, the beach access is so much easier at the Sands. The street access is also easier, no huge hill to climb.
3. Pools - I LOVE the section of the main pool where you can put the loungers right in the pool.
4. SPA - We use the spa, so the convenience of it on site is great!
5. Hacienda Sisal - This is one of our favorite restuarants in Cancun, and it is right on site!

Islander
1. It is MUCH more tropical in its look. It feels more like a tropical place. The Sands is much more "modern", more concrete there.
2. I like the tri-Royals all together the way they have it set up. It is like one huge mega resort with 3 separate places to hang out. I like that choice.
3. Royal Mayan restaurants - We love the Palapa restaurant at the Mayan, and REALLY LOVE the El Conquistador restaurant there. It is so convenient to be able to just walk right over to those restaurants.
4. Islander is more "cozy" in its feel. This is hard to explain, but it just feels that way. My husband actually prefers the Islander hands down because of this cozy feeling.


I hope this helps...I guess my main point is, no matter which Royal Resort you get, you will be happy! The service is exceptional at both resorts! We LOVE LOVE LOVE the people that work at the resorts. They are what make the Royal Resorts a true 5* destination.

Michelle :)
 

Ellis2ca

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My Favorite Royal...

I agree with Maja... it is difficult to choose the best, but like Maja's husband that loves the Royal Islander because it is the coziest, I have grown accustomed to the Royal Mayan and the Royal Mayan has grown accustomed to me because it is the quietest and the best designed...

I love the view of the gardens, and of the pools, and of the Palapa restaurant, and the ocean... And I love the view walking to my Villa, L-944... and I love the Palapa restaurant, and El Conquistador... and I like that it is close to the Royal Caribbean and the Royal Islander, but it is also the closest to the bus stop and Kukulcan avenue and Captain's Cove and the sailboats...

I even like that the swimming pool is on the fourth level, and that we have to walk down a lot of steps to get to the beach because that doesn't bother me at all... we can also ride down the elevator...

I like the view from the sundeck, and I like how it looks at night when the lights are lit up in the swimming pools and palm trees.

I love the Royal Mayan. I wish I was there right now.

- Ellis
 

Kel

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Royal Sands - My Favorite

We are Marriott owners that have exchanged five times into the Royal Resorts (3 x Royal Sands, 1 x Royal Islander, and 1 x Royal Caribbean). We like the Sands best. Expect the room decor to be more basic than Marriott room decor. But, the service, pools, beach and all around vacation is 5*. Keep in mind, things may be still be coming back after Wilma. Royal Resorts give Marriott a run for their money on customer service.

We've been to Cancun in September and the weather is great (as long as you miss hurricanes). I would imagine October would be pretty similar weather wise.

Have a great time. Happy travels!
 

Blue Skies

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All the Royals are nice, but the decorating is much simpler than Marriotts.

Our favorite is the Royal Sands because of the easy beach access and easy bus access. The bus ride is shorter to most places we want to go. We love the beautiful lobbies and the huge pools.

The Spa is located on-site as well as the Hacienda Sisal - but the shuttle is available if you want to utilize these facilities.

We also like that it's newer.
 

geoffb

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I find it really interesting how Marriott owners always mention the difference in decorating when talking about the Royal Resorts, it comes up all the time. I really need to try out a Marriott for comparison! Maybe the new one in Las Vegas.
 

maja651

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We own at the Royals, but stayed at the Marriott Grande Vista in Orlando this past December. There was a HUGE difference in the decor and comfort of the furniture. I LOVE the Royals, but definitely think that Marriott knows how to furnish better!

Michelle :)
 

ripshion

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Kel said:
We are Marriott owners that have exchanged five times into the Royal Resorts (3 x Royal Sands, 1 x Royal Islander, and 1 x Royal Caribbean). We like the Sands best. Expect the room decor to be more basic than Marriott room decor. But, the service, pools, beach and all around vacation is 5*. Keep in mind, things may be still be coming back after Wilma. Royal Resorts give Marriott a run for their money on customer service.

We've been to Cancun in September and the weather is great (as long as you miss hurricanes). I would imagine October would be pretty similar weather wise.

Have a great time. Happy travels!

You trade your Marriott for Royals? :confused: I know you can trade into the Royals for much less ;)
 

KarenK

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I think the furnishings at the Royals is just fine, and I own at both.
You have to remember that these are BEACH resorts and people track in sand to the units all the times. The maids do NOT have vacuum cleaners, so you will never find plush carpeting in the Royals. They use brooms. Once a week the rugs are taken out and shaken, I guess.
 

tonyg

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I like the Mayan best-it just feels more Mexican and has better decor.
 

TomY

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We just got back from the Royal Sands (Feb. 18-25). It was our first experience at a Royal. We are Marriott owners and have exchanged into Marriott beach resorts such as Marriott Marbella, Marriott Aruba Ocean Club and Marriott Aruba Surf Club. I would easily stack the Royal Sands against any of those Marriotts in terms of villa layout/amenities and resort amenities, as well as customer service. We were extremely pleased with our Marriott exchange into the Royal Sands. Hope to post a review sometime soon.
 
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