Originally Posted by
sch_flyer
I believe the buildings behind the construction fence are going to be a part of the resort - they are B1-B6 on the resort map. There's construction noise during working hours too. Most auxiliary buildings are empty - one has a "gift shop coming soon" sign, and the rest may just be conference facilities. There's some finishing work going on throughout the resort as well. No suites are currently bookable, just regular king or double rooms - I believe suites will be in beachfront villas past the club pool (just my speculation).
There's a separate building to the left of the lobby that is condos/timeshare units, and it's not a part of Hyatt Residence Club at least yet.
Here's the map of the resort - Spa is in B16.
They are definitely trying to maximize the "captive audience" profits. For example, the main (Water's Edge) restaurant only offers an expensive buffet for dinner, with nothing reasonably priced available after 5 or so. A car (or club access in a pinch) is an absolute must if staying here. Room service is appalling.
Just came back from the NYE festivities that we thankfully decided not to pay for. They were charging $175 per person for a dinner buffet, open bar, and a DJ. What a ripoff - Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen puts on a crazy NYE show for $60 per person...
I would definitely give them some time to work out the service kinks (service recovery has been pretty lackluster too). No GM visible or available on property - very strange to me for a newly opened resort. Major pushback from staff when asking about speaking with him.
Any other Flyertalkers here this week?
I think you're right about those B1-6 rooms. I didn't even notice that construction as it's in a somewhat remote part of the resort (the resort sprawls). We were in B-18 which is still a hike from the main building and pool. It seems like my building was part of the "deluxe" rooms, which someone said are a little nicer. But as an Explorist, I didn't get an oceanfront room (it was Xmas week) on my award stay. I will say oceanfront rooms will be hard to get, though, because as the map shows, there aren't many of them.
I was surprised the NYE party was priced so expensively, but the resort does seem to be attracting a high-end crowd. I've moved to the Caribe Hilton and, even though the Holiday room prices are about the same as the Hyatt, the clientele looks slightly less well-heeled (not everyone is in designer clothes and looks like they have a personal trainer -- yes I'm exaggerating). The Hyatt staff is SLIGHTLY more attentive and friendlier than the Hilton staff, but the service levels on Puerto Rico are not high (dining outside your resort can be an endurance contest). BTW, I am certain you could not have gotten your "money's worth" at a $175 party at the Hyatt!
BTW, as a Hyatt Explorist and a Hilton Diamond, I so far think the newly-reopened Caribe is currently a better "points vacation" (the Caribe is currently 50K Honors points). Even though it's in the city the Caribe is more relaxing. The grounds are prettier and the beach is so much better. They gave me a room with a nice ocean view. You have old San Juan with stuff to do a few minutes away by Uber, and the hotel has this upscale mall with several restaurants (at normal prices) across the street. So no need to rent a car and also pay a silly gotcha parking fee during your stay (although the Hyatt will waive that fee for upgraded award stays if you ask). I think the Uber fare from the airport to the Caribe was something like 12 bucks. I think the Hyatt is going to have to up their game if they're going to fill their large, not-very-exciting, not-very-well-located resort.