Marriott standard in Cancun

[Pompey Family]

My eldest son would like to visit Chichen Itza at some point wo I've had a quick look at what's available in Cancun.

I went years ago with a friend but that was before I'd discovered Marriott and we stayed in a crumbling hotel near the lagoon.

I see that there's a JW there but we would want two bedroom villas in a MVCI type setup. I've had a look at the HGVC one but the reviews were quite damning and I have no intention of going there.

Can anyone recommend any of the other resorts that are on a par with MVCI?

 

[ilene13]

My eldest son would like to visit Chichen Itza at some point wo I've had a quick look at what's available in Cancun.

I went years ago with a friend but that was before I'd discovered Marriott and we stayed in a crumbling hotel near the lagoon.

I see that there's a JW there but we would want two bedroom villas in a MVCI type setup. I've had a look at the HGVC one but the reviews were quite damning and I have no intention of going there.

Can anyone recommend any of the other resorts that are on a par with MVCI?

We own at the Royal Sands and the Royal Haciendas. Both are very nice but they just went AI for exchangers. We exchanged into the Grand Luxxe last year for an extra week. It says it is in Playa del Carmen but it is actually closer to Puerto Morales. The property is incredible-- actually more luxurious than my Marriott properties. Twice a day maid service, private pools, great restaurants. There is a lot of availability in II. You can easily get to Chichen Itza from there. It is also close to Xplor, Xcaret, Xel Ha, Tulum, and Coba. Send me a PM if you want more info. We go to the Cancun area at least 3 times a year.

 

[dioxide45]

The Westin Lagunamar is another option with studio, 1BR and 2BR units and trade through II. It is located in the Hotel Zone in Cancun with great access to restaurants at the La Isla mall right across the street. We are staying in a studio at the Lagunamar in May.

You would definitely want to plan well ahead for this since Starwood bulk banks there weeks very early, in some cases well over 12 months in advance. Do realize that there is a preference in Starwood just like for Marriott owners, so the good weeks will get snapped up quickly.

You have several options to get to Chichen Itza, the easiest by far is to book a tour through a tour operator. We like the tour we took back in 2011 that we booked through Entertainment-Plus. Renting a car or taking an ADO bus/colectivo/taxi combination may also be an option, but not as stress free as a tour.

The only thing I don't like about the tours are the fixed time permitted at the sites. We went to Tulum on a cruise excursion last November and loved it. We plan to go back in May but will be taking an ADO bus there which will give us a lot more time to visit the area and hang around on the beach for a while. We only had about 45 minutes to an hour on our cruise excursion, simply not enough time.

 

[fluke]

I also would agree with the recommendation for the Westin Lagunamar - it is cancun hotel zone and does not require a car. Is very comparable( some would say arguably better) to higher end marriots.

Another consideration is the Grand Mayan/Grand Luxxe in Rivera Maya. I believe only the Grand Luxxe is in II but they share they same grounds/resort with the Grand Luxxe being more exclusive. I beleive there was recent (past month) deposits reported on the Sightings board.

Two things about Grand Luxxe is to avoid the sales department like the plague and a car may be practical there as it is relatively isolated.

 

[Pompey Family]

Thanks for the info, both resorts look very nice and exactly what we're after. The Westin would probably edge it though due to location as I wouldn't be interested in hiring a car there.

The only difficulty will be trying to secure a trade.

 

[Passepartout]

It's a fairly long haul to Chichen Itza from Cancun, and all the tour buses leave in the evening before the light/sound show in the ruins. I'd highly recommend spending at least one night here: http://mayaland.com/ It's actually inside the archeological park, and has unparalleled access.

Driving to Chichen Itza, if you choose to rent a car and do it is easy, there is a controlled access toll road between the two, so no worries if you don't want to drive among the local cars/trucks/buses.

It's a wonderful experience. As we were making our way back to our luxury air conditioned casita through the jungle from the ruins after the night show, I commented to DW that "This is just like Disney, with the hanging vines and all," and she reminded me that THIS is REAL while Disney is just manufactured fantasy.

Enjoy!

Jim

 

[dioxide45]

Thanks for the info, both resorts look very nice and exactly what we're after. The Westin would probably edge it though due to location as I wouldn't be interested in hiring a car there.

The only difficulty will be trying to secure a trade.

If you are willing to take two studio units or a studio and 1BR you mighty have an easier time getting the space. Of course you would have to pay two exchange fees.

 

[Pompey Family]

It's a fairly long haul to Chichen Itza from Cancun, and all the tour buses leave in the evening before the light/sound show in the ruins. I'd highly recommend spending at least one night here: http://mayaland.com/ It's actually inside the archeological park, and has unparalleled access.

Thanks, I didn't realise the buses left in the evening's. I don't want to go to a light/sound show I'd rather visit during the day and take in the ruins at my own pace and be able to study them rather than be entertained.

I like the look of the villa's at Mayaland, very tempting. That's what I like about this site, so much experience and advice on offer.

When I was there last my friend and I were approached by a taxi driver who offered to take us there for $100 and he'd chuck in a case of 24 beers. Funnily enough we declined his offer.

 

[dioxide45]

There are tours out there that will stay for the lights and sounds show. Though I really don't see the appeal. Too gimmicky for me. We did a day tour and had a great time, though VERY hot and a lot of walking. Tulum is fantastic since it is on the coast and has a great ocean breeze. And if you get too hot, just take a swim.

 

[m61376]

We took the early morning tour to Chichen Itza. Frankly, whiel the hotel strip is safe, with all the things going on in Mexico I'd be worried about driving myself there; there have been reports of cars being stopped and tourists robbed even by the police. We took the van tour from the Royal Sands (I think it was Thomas Moore) and it was great. Left around 6:30, but got there by 9:30 or so- before any of the buses, so no crowds, and no heat of the day. By noon, when the bus tours were arriving, we were leaving. It was a great trip, and being in a van with 10 or 12 people was so much better. We avoided the crowds and the sweltering heat, and it was truly a highlight of the trip. Easy to see why it's been characterized as one of the wonders of the world.