Originally Posted by
stinger
The Signature Casita Suite is the base level suite, that being said, they are very nice and very roomy. Two bathrooms and two rooms with nice balconies overlooking the rivers/cenotes. The beach area suites are at the very front of the property, (obviously on the beach) and have personal plunge pools so there is quite a difference between the different suite options they have.
It is a great property in a excellent complex. Stayed at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba on my last visit, mainly due to the Fairmont GM not delivering on a promise and can say 100%, it puts the Fairmont to shame. That being said, Fairmont is still a very nice property.
I have a two boys three and six and they enjoyed the kids club in the afternoons. Not a huge kids club but good for some non-kid time for a few hours. They stay open until 7pm before you have to pay so you can always sneak in an adult dinner and have the kids each in the club if you wish.
The hotel is about a 10-15 minute cab ride to Playa del Carmen. (didn't want you to think you could walk down the beach into town!)
PDC is very safe, you can head right down to 5th avenue which is a pedestrian street, a few blocks up from the beach with a lot of bars/restaurants/shops, etc. We have never had any issues in this part of Mexico.
My only additional comment is the resort is very quiet and depending on the ages of all the kids, 15 nights might be a little much, unless you plan to leave the resort quite a bit as there is a lot to do. Chichen Itza, Tulum, Xel Ha, Xcaret, XPlorer, golfing, Cancun, Sian Kaan biosphere reserve. If you are a golfer, the El Cameleon at the Mayakoba is an excellent course and you will get 2 for 1 golf as a platinum member.
Enjoy your trip. We have spent the last four summer vacations in this area and always had a great time. Chaning it up and heading to AUA this summer.
Thanks Stinger,
Sometimes its better not to receive a promise of something unattainable.. but if it came from the GM, you would think that it would carry some weight? Did the GM ever follow up with you? Its been awhile since your previous post..
My wife is waffling as we're expecting our third child.. We've got a bit of work to do in around our house.. and our new house backs onto a lake, so sort of resort feel community we live in. I sort of want to go on the vacation because its our last chance before our next child arrives.. so we'll have to see
Sounds like we need to visit the Fairmont Mayakoba, as I've heard its a fantastic property and who knows how long we'll have an opportunity within a changing FPC loyalty system. So live life to the fullest.. Cash in on the perks..
So how is Banyan Tree better (I assume in terms of service) than the Mayakoba?