I still might try it. But I know what to expect, what to push, what to avoid. The +s & -s. How did you avoid all the sales attacks? Im fine with "Just say NO" but details or tricks? On the + side, it is not All-In, right? So I won't have to complain about "weak drinks". tee hee. I'm thinking specifically the Mayan, what did you do for food?
Vidanta has (at least, IMO) been not as pushy lately with the sales stuff. Typically you'll get the pitch when you check-in during your "welcome drink" or whatever. Just say "no" and if you have kids, my BIL stated "I have two very energetic and cranky children, we just need to get to our room so no thank you and if you want to continue with the pitch, I'll leave them with you." haha
Then, when I get to the room, I *might* unplug the phone, but only after getting my luggage (they call the room usually to make sure you're there to bring up your luggage).
After that, it's usually OK.
I would say that Riviera Maya location seems less "chaotic" and prone to mishaps with billing/etc. However, they are more prone to random Vidanta policies regarding facility usage (typically only an issue for Grand Bliss/Grand Luxxe exchangers with the whole Pool/Burger place nonsense). Nuevo Vallarta is a little better in that regard (ie: If you exchange into Grand Luxxe, you have use of the Grand Luxxe pools). But the facility being so large, I'd say be prepared to walk and not wait for the golf cart shuttles. I'd suggest keeping copies of ALL your receipts (regardless of which location) and checking against your bill the night before you check-out so you can resolve them that night vs. waiting until the check-out day.
Now, if you DO attend a sales presentation, then be prepared for some very pushy sales people and it will take 4 hours, at least. Nowhere near the what, 60-90 minutes they tell you. Although to be fair, it's that way in almost every Mexican timeshare presentation (regardless of company).
None of the Vidanta resorts are all-inclusive, so you're on your own. The 1 BR and larger units have a full kitchen (sans oven). So you can buy groceries and make your own meals if you wish. There are many restaurants (good food, IMO). Depending on where and when you go, there *may* be a meal plan coupon book available. It'll be up to you to determine if it's a good value. I believe typically it includes the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet (used to be around $40 USD/pp, but with the exchange rates, maybe more), although I don't recall that included adult beverages (mimosas, etc.). We're not big breakfast eaters, so a simple yogurt, and OJ/Prosecco that I've purchased is significantly less. But everyone is different.
