I am currently staying at the Mayakoba and thought I would pass along a little information.

We are staying in the Fairmont rooms - the least expensive choice. The room is a pretty standard hotel room but with a small walk in closet and a nice bathroom. The bathroom has a very deep soaking tub by the window, two sinks, a separate glass shower stall, and a toilet room with slatted door.

Our balcony over looks the a pool, not the big main pool complex. The balcony has one comfy chair, a small table and a built in padded bench.

The pool below us has never been busy. There are plenty of loungers, about half of which are under a slatted wood shade. The water has a couple of steps in and then a rather large drop off. I don't think I would use this pool with elementary kids as I amnot sure they could touch the bottom anywhere and the steps area wouldn't be much interesting to them. There are towels available. Where the towels are there is a phone to call for food and beverage but I have not seen anyone do that.

The beach area is easy to get to via the golf cart shuttle service. I do not think we ever had to wait for more than two minutes for a cart. It drops you next to the beach side pool which you have to walk through in order to access the beach.

Currently the sand isn't super wide. There is enough room for about three rows of loungers. The beach front villas are directly behind the loungers. Their pools are very close to every one. I would consider that a drawback but I think the access to an early morning or evening beach walk would still make it an enjoyable location.

The water line is quite rocky and ouchy on the feet. One you are in knee high water the bottom goes to sand. People with sensitive feet should wear water shoes. My feet feel a little bruised.

The main pool complex is very nice. The pool is a very complex shape and has area of differing depths so that you little ones can play or we big ones can swim a bit. The dedicated kids pool has a medium sized water slide that was getting a lot of use. There was a pool with knee high water a little separated and in a grassy area. I am not sure if it is meant for toddlers or for adults to lay in. It had very little use. Additionally there is a large hot tub type pool. Entrance and exit from it was a little had for people as there were no steps or handrail.

By the pool is a food place, Cafe Maya, which they calldeli. It is really a convenience store for chips, juices, water, souvenirs, water toys, and hot coffee. I had hoped being a "deli" that they would make sandwiches to order but no. There are a few pre made sandwiches in a refridgerator case, a couple of croissants and muffins, and one package of Serrano ham. We were able to purchase a bagguette and a Camembert cheese with which we made a picnic lunch. They will also make lattes and coffees.

Food has been alright. We haven't eaten at the gourmet places because we aren't foodies. We are not on the meal plan which includes drinks because neither of us drink alcohol.

We have not yet done the boat ride for nature viewing. You really do need to make reservations for that. There are only about three or four each day and mostly in the morning. If you ask you can also get a map of the nature trail which would be nice for runners or people who like to walk. We haven't picked up bikes.

With the loyalty card you get free internet and use of the gym. Internet needs signing onto every day. I looked at the gym and liked it. It is located in the spa building.

Other thoughts- the fridge in the room was empty and not a pre filled minibar. That is really nice for keeping juices and soda and leftover Camembert cheese. The coffee maker is a French press, heating the water with an electric kettle. There is a teapot too. I brought hot chocolate mix because my daughter likes being spoiled in the morning with one.

We booked this only about ten days ago so there were not a lot of rooms available. If I came back, I would like one of the casita rooms overlooking the canals. I don't think that a casita with land view would add any value for me and I wonder if they have problems using their balconies due to mosquitos.

Sorry for typos and misspellings. I had trouble with the iPad.

Adding: also by the pool there is the Laguna Restaurant. We did not have a reservation at night and were seated right away. However, there are just the two of us and I think it might be different for a family group.