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The Royal Sands-Cancun
- Thread starter sirguy
- Start date
cymomtx
TUG Member
What are you looking for in a vacation, there is no comparision between Hawaii and Cancun, but then again, as far as I'm concerened you will not stay at a resort nicer then the Royal Sands.
doggiesdad
TUG Member
seenett said:
Having lived in Hawaii I must say that I concure. I also will take Cancun. For the money I see no comparison with regard to value. Also the ease in getting there and once there the speed with which my vacation actually begins is tough to beat anywhere else. The quality of the resorts and the services is also difficult to beat. The people, beaches, pools, food, activities etc are world class and I will go there every year at least once if I am able. I love Hawaii but....the time wasted in traveling to the resort is more than I care go through. That tired jet lag feeling going and coming takes away from the purpose of the trip itself (to relax and recharge). When I travel to Cancun I leave Minnesota in the early morning (6:30) and I am poolside by noon. That is priceless as far as I am concerned. And I also agree that the Sands is a great resort.
I do want to add that I believe everyone should take a trip to the Islands. Hawaii is beautiful and it is something worth seeing. Just remember to bring lots of money because they hit you pretty hard there.
Mike
jlhemenway
TUG Member
Many years ago we always spent at least 2 weeks in Hawaii (one week on Maui and the other on the "big island" Hawaii) 
- once we discovered Cancun we have never been back to Hawaii. We now stay 3 consecutive weeks in Cancun (October) and sometimes 1 or 2 weeks during 1st part of May.
- once we discovered Cancun we have never been back to Hawaii. We now stay 3 consecutive weeks in Cancun (October) and sometimes 1 or 2 weeks during 1st part of May.WE use to spend two weeks a year in Hawaii for about 5 years in a row.
We loved Kauai and felt it was magical
After our first trip to Cancun many years ago we have only been back to Kauai once im sad to say.
Our reason for the change are many.
The Beach and carribean sea is mostly nicer than Hawaii.
Ocean-view timeshare units are in much more abundance in Cancun than Hawaii. Vacation Costs are alot lower in Cancun than Hawaii.
Travel time is less to Cancun than Hawaii.
I would still goto Hawaii but having spent many vacation there already I don't have the pressing need.
Cancun does a excellnt job of filling our Carribean style beach vacation type needs.
We loved Kauai and felt it was magical
After our first trip to Cancun many years ago we have only been back to Kauai once im sad to say.
Our reason for the change are many.
The Beach and carribean sea is mostly nicer than Hawaii.
Ocean-view timeshare units are in much more abundance in Cancun than Hawaii. Vacation Costs are alot lower in Cancun than Hawaii.
Travel time is less to Cancun than Hawaii.
I would still goto Hawaii but having spent many vacation there already I don't have the pressing need.
Cancun does a excellnt job of filling our Carribean style beach vacation type needs.
sirguy said:
The beaches and ocean are different. If the beach has been restored at Royal Sands there is no comparison.
Based on the resort amenities... location... beach / ocean... I'd choose RS. However, you can't lose with either. The areas are two different "animals".
That said, the Riviera Maya is my favorite destination. But getting an objective view on the Mexico or Hawaii section of this board may be tough!
Gook luck!
Kevin
cymomtx
TUG Member
We had friends this year who rented out their two weeks beach front units at the Royal Sands to go to Hawaii. They said "It was nice, but not Cancun". They will be back to Cancun next year! Once you stay at a Royal Resort, you soon get spoiled by the quality of service and rarely find another resort that meets or exceeds it.
blackjack
TUG Member
Having been to both locations, I would say Cancun is a better vacation. Of course, like many have said, these two locations are very different. I was at the Royal Sands last last November, and I loved it. That being said, I still prefer the Riviera Maya. Playa Del Carmen is my personal favorite as it is more of a sleepy town; however that is also changing. Cancun has a vegas feel to it except it is on the beach. There is really no comparison when it comes to the beaches as Cancun/Riviera Maya wins hands down. I had a week booked at the Sands and a week booked at the Westin Maui, and I gave the Maui week to my brother. I am sure he will enjoy Hawaii as well. I would like to get his opinion when he gets back to which he likes better. My suggestion is to go to both places and decide for yourself. Any excuse for another vacation right??
I am sure he will enjoy Hawaii as well. I would like to get his opinion when he gets back to which he likes better. My suggestion is to go to both places and decide for yourself. Any excuse for another vacation right??KyRoamer
TUG Member
Considering your location, travel time to Maui isn't as bad as it is for us in the East. That said, if you've never been to Cancun, go. The Royal Sands is lovely. I own a week 51 there and an going again this year. Its location is excellent with cheap transportation (bus) right out front. It houses the Royal Spa.
Now I also own a week 52 at the Royal Mayan. It is my favorite Royal although I have the unit advertised here for rent this year. It and its sisters, the Royal Caribbean and Royal Islander, are every bit as nice as the Sands in my opinion. Check the TUG classifieds for fair rentals.
The Mayan has warmth that the others lack. Carved doors and details to finish. Two sinks in the master bedroom and the best restaurants of any of the Royals. Any it is across the street from Captain's Cove (due to reopen soon).
Go to Cancun. Take a couple of day trips. Enjoy.
Now I also own a week 52 at the Royal Mayan. It is my favorite Royal although I have the unit advertised here for rent this year. It and its sisters, the Royal Caribbean and Royal Islander, are every bit as nice as the Sands in my opinion. Check the TUG classifieds for fair rentals.
The Mayan has warmth that the others lack. Carved doors and details to finish. Two sinks in the master bedroom and the best restaurants of any of the Royals. Any it is across the street from Captain's Cove (due to reopen soon).
Go to Cancun. Take a couple of day trips. Enjoy.
We own timeshares at the Royal Mayan and Royal Sands as well as in Maui and on The Big Island. We obviously love both Hawaii and Cancun. Living in the LA area, it is definitely easier to get to Hawaii than Cancun. We prefer traveling to Cancun in the winter as the heat and humidity are a bit much for us in the summer. Humidity is not as bad in Hawaii in the summer as it is in Cancun. Hawaii is generally in the 80's year round. The beaches are very different. Cancun is beautiful with its white sand and warm water. I do however love the Hawaii surf and surfers. For value, Cancun wins. Dining opportunities are great in both places. In our experience, the service in Cancun and Hawaii has been great. Cancun offers some unique opportunities to see Mayan ruins and enjoy Yucatan cuisine and culture. Hawaii is not that much different culturally than San Diego. It is however much more relaxing and pretty. Either place will keep you busy for the entire week or allow for a relaxing vacation. You can't go wrong either way. Enjoy.
We went to the Royal Mayan last year in December. Loved the resort. It deserves its high rating. Cancun and Cozumel were hit pretty hard by Wilma but I had no complaints about my time there. It still can be expensive. When I go back there next time, I will do things a little differently to get better value for my money. I bought the Sands of Kahana this year (the reviews-some love it to pieces some arent so happy). Never have been to Hawaii so I feel lucky to be able to go there.
Every place has its plus and minuses. Each of us have our own timeshare or place that we love to go to and never get sick of. Mine is Longboat Key, I love Longboat Bay Club. Not going there this year and I am having withdrawls. Some of my friends wouldnt care if they ever went to a beach, they like the desert red rock (Moab) and the mountains (Banff and Glacier Park).
I feel so lucky that the places are endless and we each make our own comparisons. They are as unique as we are.
Every place has its plus and minuses. Each of us have our own timeshare or place that we love to go to and never get sick of. Mine is Longboat Key, I love Longboat Bay Club. Not going there this year and I am having withdrawls. Some of my friends wouldnt care if they ever went to a beach, they like the desert red rock (Moab) and the mountains (Banff and Glacier Park).
I feel so lucky that the places are endless and we each make our own comparisons. They are as unique as we are.
I have been to Cancun 5 times and have stayed at the Royal Sands and Royal Mayan and I'd have to agree with the other posts that the Royal Sands is a top-notch resort. I have never been to Hawaii but, my husband has and would pick Cancun over it for the same reasons that others have posted; beaches/expense/conveince to get to/friendliness ect. I 've been to several other caribbean islands and have exchanged my week for other destinations in the US and The Royal Sands has been the best so far. Every unit has a pool(incredible pool)/ocean view. The rooms are HUGE with TWO balconies, the one balcony is in your bedroom, which i love! (if you get the 2br units) The grounds of the Royal Resorts are beautiful! The people in Mexico can't do enough for you so the service is superb! It is such an inexpensive vacation food wise also. The supermarkets are no more than the states and the restaurants are bout the same if not cheaper. The food in Mexico is not going to be up to par to the restaurants in NYC,ect. but, it is good for Mexico/caribbean. I would say go for the Sands! Even the Royal Mayan, Islander and Caribbean will not leave you dissappointed! Have fun! :whoopie:
ValDar
TUG Member
Royal Sands/Sands of Kahana
Having stayed at both timeshares (own at Royal Islander and on Big Island), as timeshares themselves, Royal Sands would win hands down as a property. As others have said, though, Hawaii/Maui and Cancun are totally different, and the time of year you are visiting might make a big difference. I've never been to either location in June/July, only the winter.
Having stayed at both timeshares (own at Royal Islander and on Big Island), as timeshares themselves, Royal Sands would win hands down as a property. As others have said, though, Hawaii/Maui and Cancun are totally different, and the time of year you are visiting might make a big difference. I've never been to either location in June/July, only the winter.