I have a bit of a dilema. I stayed at the Rosewood last year and had an incredible stay and thinking about going down to Mexico again next month. I know that the overall consensus is that the Rosewood is superior to the Mandarin but, I was trying to decide if I should return there or try the Banyan Tree. I have never stayed with this brand but, there opening rates make them priced similarly to the Rosewood. Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
My wife and I are going to the Banyan Tree Mayakoba next month for 5 nights. We have stayed at the Phuket property and really enjoyed it (after a minor SNAFU with a bad room initially). The opening rates (along with a $500 coupon that Banyan tree sent us) made it very attractive for a short trip. As I understand it, the villa's (even the smallest, entry level) are huge (approx 3500 square feet smallest) and all have private pools which really sealed the deal for us.
The only word of caution that I would mention is that the Phuket BT, and I have heard from others about other BT properties, are very Asian style in service and architecture. This works fine for me, as I like the style, but some may be put off by a transplant type of place in a different part of the world.
I have a bit of a dilema. I stayed at the Rosewood last year and had an incredible stay and thinking about going down to Mexico again next month. I know that the overall consensus is that the Rosewood is superior to the Mandarin but, I was trying to decide if I should return there or try the Banyan Tree. I have never stayed with this brand but, there opening rates make them priced similarly to the Rosewood. Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
Thanks!
Is it correct that the general consensus is that the Rosewood is superior to the MO? I am planning a trip to the latter in November and this concerns me!
Is it correct that the general consensus is that the Rosewood is superior to the MO? I am planning a trip to the latter in November and this concerns me!
NO!!! The MO is much, much better than Rosewood Mayakoba!
NO!!! The Rosewood is much MUCH better than the MO.
This has been discussed here previously.
But seriously, although there is some debate over which resort is 'better', I think that both places are very nice (and yes, I have stayed at both and will visit the new Banayn Tree in a couple of months as well) and the choice between the two should probably be based on which style (Classically Elegant or South Beach in Cancun) you prefer. I will report back when I return from the Banyan Tree as well.
So I booked an upcoming stay at the Banyan Tree but, now with the political unrest and drug wars I am having second thoughts. Does anyone know what security measures the resort will have in place and if is safe to venture off property for a cenote dive?
February 11, 2009
...Phoenix, Arizona has become the kidnapping capital of America, with more incidents than any other city in the world outside of Mexico City and over 370 cases last year...
So I booked an upcoming stay at the Banyan Tree but, now with the political unrest and drug wars I am having second thoughts. Does anyone know what security measures the resort will have in place and if is safe to venture off property for a cenote dive?
I will be at the BT for 5 nights starting on March 28th. I will endeavor to make note of the security arrangements and setup and will write back on this thread ASAP.
Programs: United 1K, *A Gold, Hyatt GP, *W Gold, Leader's Club (?worthless)
Posts: 131
Banyan Tree March 10
I'll be at Banyan Tree Mayakoba on March 10th in a Spa pool villa. I can also let you know about the security situation. BTW: the hotel said that a car will cost US $275 to take me round trip to the hotel. I thought that was quite expensive.
Does anybody know of a safe and less expensive transfer? I'll be arriving around 6PM, so I feel having pre-arranged transfer is important so that my arrival is not delayed.
I'll be at Banyan Tree Mayakoba on March 10th in a Spa pool villa. I can also let you know about the security situation. BTW: the hotel said that a car will cost US $275 to take me round trip to the hotel. I thought that was quite expensive.
Does anybody know of a safe and less expensive transfer? I'll be arriving around 6PM, so I feel having pre-arranged transfer is important so that my arrival is not delayed.
$275 does sound high, but I think the drive is about 45 minutes each way.
Programs: United 1K, *A Gold, Hyatt GP, *W Gold, Leader's Club (?worthless)
Posts: 131
transfers
That's a good point mktozd. My TA looked into it and the only other option is a taxi from the airport. I'm a little concerned about the security issues in Mexico right now, so I opted for the hotel transfer. I'll let everybody know how the trip goes... My TA said not to worry about security if you are staying in an integrated resort like Mayakoba -- they don't let outsiders in and the security is supposed to be good.
That's a good point mktozd. My TA looked into it and the only other option is a taxi from the airport. I'm a little concerned about the security issues in Mexico right now, so I opted for the hotel transfer. I'll let everybody know how the trip goes... My TA said not to worry about security if you are staying in an integrated resort like Mayakoba -- they don't let outsiders in and the security is supposed to be good.
I had 3 couples in Mayakoba last week without issue. There are many private transfers and tour operator companies that will handle the transfer for less than the Rosewood for Mandarin charges. Same any other sightseeing or day trips you might wish to do. Google around and I am sure you can find them.
That's a good point mktozd. My TA looked into it and the only other option is a taxi from the airport. I'm a little concerned about the security issues in Mexico right now, so I opted for the hotel transfer. I'll let everybody know how the trip goes... My TA said not to worry about security if you are staying in an integrated resort like Mayakoba -- they don't let outsiders in and the security is supposed to be good.
Normally I would probably go with a cab or an outside operator. Given what's in the news, $275 may be good piece of mind. I hear Mayakoba is supposed to be lovely and I look forward to read your review.
Does anyone know if BT is going to offer any kind of transportation into Playa Del Carmen? I am debating between renting a car for the 5 days, or arranging some type of private transfer if the hotel will offer shuttle service. We like to eat outside of the hotel most of the time, so definitely need to be able to get into town at night.
I'll be at Banyan Tree Mayakoba on March 10th in a Spa pool villa. I can also let you know about the security situation. BTW: the hotel said that a car will cost US $275 to take me round trip to the hotel. I thought that was quite expensive.
Does anybody know of a safe and less expensive transfer? I'll be arriving around 6PM, so I feel having pre-arranged transfer is important so that my arrival is not delayed.
Ether,
I am also booked into a spa pool villa. If you have the opportunity to compare your villa with the courtyard villa (which was somewhat cheaper), would you be so kind as to write a quick note on this thread? The website pictures leave a lot to the imagination.
