Jun 30, 2015, 8:34 am
Last edit by: JoeWoodstock
I'll start a wiki, feel free to change/update:
Category:
Category 6 - 20,000 points per night (now 21k off-peak, 25k normal, and 29k peak)
Points and Cash - 10,000 points + $125 per night
Club (Points) - 27,000 points per night
Suite Upgrade (Points and Cash) - 6,000 points per night + Hyatt Daily Rate for Ocean View Room
19% total tax (16% VAT + 3% occupancy tax)
$25 per day resort fee
Upgrades:
DSU books into a Grand Suite King - http://playadelcarmen.grand.hyatt.co...oms/suite.html
Transportation:
At this time we do not have a transportation supplier selected, we apologize for this inconvenience, however we would like to suggest you some options that are available for your service:
(We are located next to “The Royal Hotel” in Playa del Carmen, please select that hotel as a reference in the browsers.)
FROM AIRPORT:
CANCUN EXPRESS
Prices:
$117 UDS (Round Trip)
$59 USD (One Way)
*Private Transportation
*You can make reservation Online
*Take payments with Credit Card & Pay Pal
Telephone: +52 1 (998) 195-3274
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.cancun-express.com/
serviced by Cancun shuttle (2/6/16)
CANCUN SHUTTLE
Prices:
$140 USD (Round Trip)
$90 USD (One Way)
*Private Transportation
*You can make reservations Online
*Take payments with Credit Card & Pay Pal
Telephone: 1-888-414-0017 and +52 998 848 0335
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.cancunshuttle.com/
book through Cancun Express to get their lower rate
LOMAS TRAVEL
Prices:
$315 USD (Round Trip)
$110 USD (One Way)
*Private Transportation
*Support Online
*You can make reservation Online
*Take payments with Credit Card & Debit
Telephone: USA 314-669-6871
ADO BUS
GETTING ANYWHERE ALONG ROUTE 307, consider Collectivo:
This includes going to Tulum, Cancun, Akumal, Xel Ha or anywhere else along 307.
Travel like the locals on the cheap
example PDC to Tulum: 40 peso ($2)pp, PDC to Akumal: 35pesos
taxi to Collectivo pickup site is 90 pesos
Warning: quick acceleration/deceleration may be tough on those with motion sickness
Parking On Site:
105 Pesos (as of 12/17/15)
Activites:
Tulum: entrance fee 65 euro, < 13yoa free
Akumal: nice beach, known for turtles, Lol Ha is a great beachside restaurant
Hotel now offers transport which can be billed to your room:
Greetings from the beautiful Riviera Maya! Thank you for contacting us.
On behalf Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort we appreciate your preference.
Regarding the transportation service, I would like to share with you the option our hotel offers:
GRAY LINE (Luxury Service in Mercedes Benz) Grand Hyatt transportation from CUN.
1 to 3 People SEDAN (with 3 pieces of luggage) 153 USD one way 255 RT
4 to 7 People VIANO (with up to 7 pieces of luggage) 180 USD one way 300 RT
· It is a Private transportation.
· It will be charged to your room account
· It provides luxury service
Dining on Property:
Dining off Property:
Category:
Category 6 - 20,000 points per night (now 21k off-peak, 25k normal, and 29k peak)
Points and Cash - 10,000 points + $125 per night
Club (Points) - 27,000 points per night
Suite Upgrade (Points and Cash) - 6,000 points per night + Hyatt Daily Rate for Ocean View Room
19% total tax (16% VAT + 3% occupancy tax)
$25 per day resort fee
Upgrades:
DSU books into a Grand Suite King - http://playadelcarmen.grand.hyatt.co...oms/suite.html
Transportation:
At this time we do not have a transportation supplier selected, we apologize for this inconvenience, however we would like to suggest you some options that are available for your service:
(We are located next to “The Royal Hotel” in Playa del Carmen, please select that hotel as a reference in the browsers.)
FROM AIRPORT:
CANCUN EXPRESS
Prices:
$117 UDS (Round Trip)
$59 USD (One Way)
*Private Transportation
*You can make reservation Online
*Take payments with Credit Card & Pay Pal
Telephone: +52 1 (998) 195-3274
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.cancun-express.com/
serviced by Cancun shuttle (2/6/16)
CANCUN SHUTTLE
Prices:
$140 USD (Round Trip)
$90 USD (One Way)
*Private Transportation
*You can make reservations Online
*Take payments with Credit Card & Pay Pal
Telephone: 1-888-414-0017 and +52 998 848 0335
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.cancunshuttle.com/
book through Cancun Express to get their lower rate
LOMAS TRAVEL
Prices:
$315 USD (Round Trip)
$110 USD (One Way)
*Private Transportation
*Support Online
*You can make reservation Online
*Take payments with Credit Card & Debit
Telephone: USA 314-669-6871
ADO BUS
GETTING ANYWHERE ALONG ROUTE 307, consider Collectivo:
This includes going to Tulum, Cancun, Akumal, Xel Ha or anywhere else along 307.
Travel like the locals on the cheap
example PDC to Tulum: 40 peso ($2)pp, PDC to Akumal: 35pesos
taxi to Collectivo pickup site is 90 pesos
Warning: quick acceleration/deceleration may be tough on those with motion sickness
Parking On Site:
105 Pesos (as of 12/17/15)
Activites:
Tulum: entrance fee 65 euro, < 13yoa free
Akumal: nice beach, known for turtles, Lol Ha is a great beachside restaurant
Hotel now offers transport which can be billed to your room:
Greetings from the beautiful Riviera Maya! Thank you for contacting us.
On behalf Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort we appreciate your preference.
Regarding the transportation service, I would like to share with you the option our hotel offers:
GRAY LINE (Luxury Service in Mercedes Benz) Grand Hyatt transportation from CUN.
1 to 3 People SEDAN (with 3 pieces of luggage) 153 USD one way 255 RT
4 to 7 People VIANO (with up to 7 pieces of luggage) 180 USD one way 300 RT
· It is a Private transportation.
· It will be charged to your room account
· It provides luxury service
Dining on Property:
Dining off Property:
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, Mexico - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Jul 20, 2018, 10:25 am
#271
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 760
Food is always subjective BUT after 3 stays here in the past 18 months I can say this hotel has some of the best food and beverage I've ever had at ANY resort (and I've been to MANY). Everything I've ever eaten here has been fresh and delicious, especially the Mexican food (amazing fresh guacamole, etc.) The steakhouse is also good, even by Texas standards. Service is also almost uniformly excellent.
However, I would NOT recommend the Grand Delight and here's why: the food is reasonably priced and far less expensive than you would pay at a comparable resort in the USA - maybe less than half of Hawaii! Unless you a very very big eater, then I think the value of this plan is probably quite negligible - you are better off simply paying a la carte. If you have club access, you will also find a very very nice Grand Club (with lots of high quality free food, and free drinks at night).
Also, Playa Del Carmen is full of attractive dining venues and if you like to explore AT ALL, you will miss out if trying to take full advantage of the plan. Note that this is an urban resort (think Waikiki without high rises) and the "main drag" in Playa is only a couple of blocks from the Grand Hyatt: it's FULL of shops, dining, entertainment, etc. So, IF you want to simply chill on a remote beach I don't recommend this hotel, and would advise you to check out the Andaz at similar prices, or the Ziva in Cancun... both of which are also excellent properties with a more laid back vibe, and much nicer beaches.
However, I would NOT recommend the Grand Delight and here's why: the food is reasonably priced and far less expensive than you would pay at a comparable resort in the USA - maybe less than half of Hawaii! Unless you a very very big eater, then I think the value of this plan is probably quite negligible - you are better off simply paying a la carte. If you have club access, you will also find a very very nice Grand Club (with lots of high quality free food, and free drinks at night).
Also, Playa Del Carmen is full of attractive dining venues and if you like to explore AT ALL, you will miss out if trying to take full advantage of the plan. Note that this is an urban resort (think Waikiki without high rises) and the "main drag" in Playa is only a couple of blocks from the Grand Hyatt: it's FULL of shops, dining, entertainment, etc. So, IF you want to simply chill on a remote beach I don't recommend this hotel, and would advise you to check out the Andaz at similar prices, or the Ziva in Cancun... both of which are also excellent properties with a more laid back vibe, and much nicer beaches.
Jul 20, 2018, 2:07 pm
#273
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM
Posts: 85,551
I believe they also do poolside burgers one day a week at lunchtime. And always a couple of dinners, at least, at La Brocherie. Great chicken and fabulous desserts for well less than $10 a person.
Aug 13, 2018, 7:01 am
#274
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, MLife Gold, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Caesars Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,940
We are planning on booking here for next May and using club access awards (Explorists). Can we use club check in with that?
My main question, however, is this: we have 6 nights total (family of five with kids ages 10-19 in two rooms). I can’t decide if we should do two nights first on Cozumel for the nice water and beaches and snorkeling or just plop down at the Hyatt PDC for the full 6 nights. (We’d stay at Westin Coz on points.) I’ve been reading about the heavy seaweed issues all up and down PDC and RM. We do like being able to walk to town for dining and fun but also like pretty beaches and clear water and bring our own gear for shoreline or dock snorkeling. I’ve only ever been to RM once (2016) and stayed at Grand Palladium. Didn’t particularly like the resort (poor service and food) but the beach and water were beautiful.
My main question, however, is this: we have 6 nights total (family of five with kids ages 10-19 in two rooms). I can’t decide if we should do two nights first on Cozumel for the nice water and beaches and snorkeling or just plop down at the Hyatt PDC for the full 6 nights. (We’d stay at Westin Coz on points.) I’ve been reading about the heavy seaweed issues all up and down PDC and RM. We do like being able to walk to town for dining and fun but also like pretty beaches and clear water and bring our own gear for shoreline or dock snorkeling. I’ve only ever been to RM once (2016) and stayed at Grand Palladium. Didn’t particularly like the resort (poor service and food) but the beach and water were beautiful.
Aug 13, 2018, 7:48 am
#275
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,161
We are planning on booking here for next May and using club access awards (Explorists). Can we use club check in with that?
My main question, however, is this: we have 6 nights total (family of five with kids ages 10-19 in two rooms). I can’t decide if we should do two nights first on Cozumel for the nice water and beaches and snorkeling or just plop down at the Hyatt PDC for the full 6 nights. (We’d stay at Westin Coz on points.) I’ve been reading about the heavy seaweed issues all up and down PDC and RM. We do like being able to walk to town for dining and fun but also like pretty beaches and clear water and bring our own gear for shoreline or dock snorkeling. I’ve only ever been to RM once (2016) and stayed at Grand Palladium. Didn’t particularly like the resort (poor service and food) but the beach and water were beautiful.
My main question, however, is this: we have 6 nights total (family of five with kids ages 10-19 in two rooms). I can’t decide if we should do two nights first on Cozumel for the nice water and beaches and snorkeling or just plop down at the Hyatt PDC for the full 6 nights. (We’d stay at Westin Coz on points.) I’ve been reading about the heavy seaweed issues all up and down PDC and RM. We do like being able to walk to town for dining and fun but also like pretty beaches and clear water and bring our own gear for shoreline or dock snorkeling. I’ve only ever been to RM once (2016) and stayed at Grand Palladium. Didn’t particularly like the resort (poor service and food) but the beach and water were beautiful.
Despite the beach (which is still quite nice by most people's standards and the smell isn't a huge issue - it's not pervasive, it's very occasional), the Grand Hyatt PDC is an amazing place and truly one of my favorite resorts. You will have a great time there. Yes, if you are a Grand Club guest, they will check you in at the club (and escort you to it upon arrival).
Something else to note for your kids.... The Grand Hyatt PDC is close to the "X Parks." The Xplor park is rigorous but an experience nobody will forget (so long as your not afraid of heights and have good stamina for the stairs). I hear good things about Xel-ha and Xenses.. and a lot of people love Xcaret. Check these out as options for day trips which might justify the longer stay in PDC. Also consider Ziva - the reviews are accurate and if you love beaches, I doubt you will find a better one. OH and because it faces north/south (on its own peninsula) we've found the Ziva to have FAR less of a seaweed problem.
Aug 13, 2018, 8:03 am
#276
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 13
We are planning on booking here for next May and using club access awards (Explorists). Can we use club check in with that?
My main question, however, is this: we have 6 nights total (family of five with kids ages 10-19 in two rooms). I can’t decide if we should do two nights first on Cozumel for the nice water and beaches and snorkeling or just plop down at the Hyatt PDC for the full 6 nights. (We’d stay at Westin Coz on points.) I’ve been reading about the heavy seaweed issues all up and down PDC and RM. We do like being able to walk to town for dining and fun but also like pretty beaches and clear water and bring our own gear for shoreline or dock snorkeling. I’ve only ever been to RM once (2016) and stayed at Grand Palladium. Didn’t particularly like the resort (poor service and food) but the beach and water were beautiful.
My main question, however, is this: we have 6 nights total (family of five with kids ages 10-19 in two rooms). I can’t decide if we should do two nights first on Cozumel for the nice water and beaches and snorkeling or just plop down at the Hyatt PDC for the full 6 nights. (We’d stay at Westin Coz on points.) I’ve been reading about the heavy seaweed issues all up and down PDC and RM. We do like being able to walk to town for dining and fun but also like pretty beaches and clear water and bring our own gear for shoreline or dock snorkeling. I’ve only ever been to RM once (2016) and stayed at Grand Palladium. Didn’t particularly like the resort (poor service and food) but the beach and water were beautiful.
Aug 13, 2018, 7:50 pm
#277
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, MLife Gold, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Caesars Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,940
Not sure you'd avoid the seaweed issue on Cozumel... but I will say the beach in front of the Hyatt PDC isn't its best selling point. In addition to seaweed there can be a less than pleasant odor (they say it's "sulphur" and that the water is clean, but the smell can be a bit like sewage). In addition, the water is not as clear in PDC as it is in other areas. The beaches in Cancun are far nicer (especially the Hyatt Ziva - amazing beach, reminds me of Tahiti). If it were me I'd do 3 nights in Playa and 3 nights at the Hyatt Ziva, but my experience on Cozumel is limited to cruise ship visits... In terms of snorkeling, note there are tours that will take you to the reefs, coral, etc., available from all resorts. I don't think the truly great snorkeling locations are accessible from any beaches, but that could be wrong on Cozumel.
Despite the beach (which is still quite nice by most people's standards and the smell isn't a huge issue - it's not pervasive, it's very occasional), the Grand Hyatt PDC is an amazing place and truly one of my favorite resorts. You will have a great time there. Yes, if you are a Grand Club guest, they will check you in at the club (and escort you to it upon arrival).
Something else to note for your kids.... The Grand Hyatt PDC is close to the "X Parks." The Xplor park is rigorous but an experience nobody will forget (so long as your not afraid of heights and have good stamina for the stairs). I hear good things about Xel-ha and Xenses.. and a lot of people love Xcaret. Check these out as options for day trips which might justify the longer stay in PDC. Also consider Ziva - the reviews are accurate and if you love beaches, I doubt you will find a better one. OH and because it faces north/south (on its own peninsula) we've found the Ziva to have FAR less of a seaweed problem.
Despite the beach (which is still quite nice by most people's standards and the smell isn't a huge issue - it's not pervasive, it's very occasional), the Grand Hyatt PDC is an amazing place and truly one of my favorite resorts. You will have a great time there. Yes, if you are a Grand Club guest, they will check you in at the club (and escort you to it upon arrival).
Something else to note for your kids.... The Grand Hyatt PDC is close to the "X Parks." The Xplor park is rigorous but an experience nobody will forget (so long as your not afraid of heights and have good stamina for the stairs). I hear good things about Xel-ha and Xenses.. and a lot of people love Xcaret. Check these out as options for day trips which might justify the longer stay in PDC. Also consider Ziva - the reviews are accurate and if you love beaches, I doubt you will find a better one. OH and because it faces north/south (on its own peninsula) we've found the Ziva to have FAR less of a seaweed problem.
Aug 13, 2018, 9:38 pm
#278
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM
Posts: 85,551
That is a killer photo! WOW. No seaweed. But I read it started coming later in the year. You must have a drone! I need one of those. That's the water/beach I want but am worried about the reports of seaweed so thick it's like swimming in sweaters.
I think west side of Cozumel is fine (no seaweed b/c of current), but your description of Cancun beach is so attractive! I looked at Ziva for our dates and it's too $$$ for all of us. This is a squeeze-in bonus trip b/c I had ANA points expiring and wanted to burn them on something fun. So I've got to keep fairly in budget for the trip. I've read about X Parks so that could be the compromise. Glad to hear about check in at Club even for Explorists using club access awards. I should've tried that over the summer when we used some in Tokyo and HKG!
I think west side of Cozumel is fine (no seaweed b/c of current), but your description of Cancun beach is so attractive! I looked at Ziva for our dates and it's too $$$ for all of us. This is a squeeze-in bonus trip b/c I had ANA points expiring and wanted to burn them on something fun. So I've got to keep fairly in budget for the trip. I've read about X Parks so that could be the compromise. Glad to hear about check in at Club even for Explorists using club access awards. I should've tried that over the summer when we used some in Tokyo and HKG!
Aug 13, 2018, 10:15 pm
#279
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, MLife Gold, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Caesars Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,940
Lots of online reports that the seaweed arrived in March and April. We will be there in May.
Nov 22, 2018, 1:56 pm
#280
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM
Posts: 85,551
Just returned from an 8 night stay - our third in three years. This was the best yet. We got upgraded to the ocean view Grand King Suite on the bridge, which was rather expected as the week before Thanksgiving isn't usually too busy. The weather was fantastic. The first two days were a bit humid but the rest of the time, it was lower with a great breeze every day and no rain at all.
The biggest change, however is at the Grand Club. There are new bakers (didn't ask but they must be French trained) and chefs and the food was excellent. (I had found it mediocre and uneven in the past). All the baking is done on site and the bread and rolls, as well as the pastries were great. The scrambled eggs every morning were done just right - slightly moist, alternating between plain, with bacon, with ham or Mexican style (onions and tomatoes). Every morning had several breads to slice, including a plain and a wonderful seeded baguette. There were also fresh croissants, muffins and a couple of breakfast pastries every morning. There was also a cheese board, a variety of meats, fruit, granola, yogurt and cereals.
The evenings were just as good with a variety of cheeses, breads and rolls, home made breadsticks, dips, usually a soup of the day and entrees like pork chops, glazed ham, pasta Bolognese - something different every night. Also, two or three good desserts.
Good cookies available all day long.
Very friendly staff, especially in the club. Elizabeth still makes great Margaritas (all the liquor is free and unlimited.) Ice cold sodas and waters (and they no longer ask you not to remove from the club. Juan and Luis are great, as well as Uriel (Rodrigo's replacement).
This is a great hotel, IMHO. Looking forward to the next trip already.
The biggest change, however is at the Grand Club. There are new bakers (didn't ask but they must be French trained) and chefs and the food was excellent. (I had found it mediocre and uneven in the past). All the baking is done on site and the bread and rolls, as well as the pastries were great. The scrambled eggs every morning were done just right - slightly moist, alternating between plain, with bacon, with ham or Mexican style (onions and tomatoes). Every morning had several breads to slice, including a plain and a wonderful seeded baguette. There were also fresh croissants, muffins and a couple of breakfast pastries every morning. There was also a cheese board, a variety of meats, fruit, granola, yogurt and cereals.
The evenings were just as good with a variety of cheeses, breads and rolls, home made breadsticks, dips, usually a soup of the day and entrees like pork chops, glazed ham, pasta Bolognese - something different every night. Also, two or three good desserts.
Good cookies available all day long.
Very friendly staff, especially in the club. Elizabeth still makes great Margaritas (all the liquor is free and unlimited.) Ice cold sodas and waters (and they no longer ask you not to remove from the club. Juan and Luis are great, as well as Uriel (Rodrigo's replacement).
This is a great hotel, IMHO. Looking forward to the next trip already.
Last edited by ILuvParis; Nov 22, 2018 at 2:04 pm
Nov 27, 2018, 8:55 pm
#281
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, MLife Gold, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Caesars Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,940
Just returned from an 8 night stay - our third in three years. This was the best yet. We got upgraded to the ocean view Grand King Suite on the bridge, which was rather expected as the week before Thanksgiving isn't usually too busy. The weather was fantastic. The first two days were a bit humid but the rest of the time, it was lower with a great breeze every day and no rain at all.
The biggest change, however is at the Grand Club. There are new bakers (didn't ask but they must be French trained) and chefs and the food was excellent. (I had found it mediocre and uneven in the past). All the baking is done on site and the bread and rolls, as well as the pastries were great. The scrambled eggs every morning were done just right - slightly moist, alternating between plain, with bacon, with ham or Mexican style (onions and tomatoes). Every morning had several breads to slice, including a plain and a wonderful seeded baguette. There were also fresh croissants, muffins and a couple of breakfast pastries every morning. There was also a cheese board, a variety of meats, fruit, granola, yogurt and cereals.
The evenings were just as good with a variety of cheeses, breads and rolls, home made breadsticks, dips, usually a soup of the day and entrees like pork chops, glazed ham, pasta Bolognese - something different every night. Also, two or three good desserts.
Good cookies available all day long.
Very friendly staff, especially in the club. Elizabeth still makes great Margaritas (all the liquor is free and unlimited.) Ice cold sodas and waters (and they no longer ask you not to remove from the club. Juan and Luis are great, as well as Uriel (Rodrigo's replacement).
This is a great hotel, IMHO. Looking forward to the next trip already.
The biggest change, however is at the Grand Club. There are new bakers (didn't ask but they must be French trained) and chefs and the food was excellent. (I had found it mediocre and uneven in the past). All the baking is done on site and the bread and rolls, as well as the pastries were great. The scrambled eggs every morning were done just right - slightly moist, alternating between plain, with bacon, with ham or Mexican style (onions and tomatoes). Every morning had several breads to slice, including a plain and a wonderful seeded baguette. There were also fresh croissants, muffins and a couple of breakfast pastries every morning. There was also a cheese board, a variety of meats, fruit, granola, yogurt and cereals.
The evenings were just as good with a variety of cheeses, breads and rolls, home made breadsticks, dips, usually a soup of the day and entrees like pork chops, glazed ham, pasta Bolognese - something different every night. Also, two or three good desserts.
Good cookies available all day long.
Very friendly staff, especially in the club. Elizabeth still makes great Margaritas (all the liquor is free and unlimited.) Ice cold sodas and waters (and they no longer ask you not to remove from the club. Juan and Luis are great, as well as Uriel (Rodrigo's replacement).
This is a great hotel, IMHO. Looking forward to the next trip already.
Flying out of Cozumel so last two nights there at Westin. Reading your post makes me want to add a night a Hyatt and do Cozumel just one night.
How I was water/beach. I keep hearing about seaweed issues.
Nov 27, 2018, 9:37 pm
#282
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: PHX and LIH
Programs: AA: 2 MM
Posts: 85,551
Wow. Great post! We are going in May and I booked 4 nights with two rooms and used club passes. We like to do club for breakfast, restaurant for big lunch, and club for lift dinner. With three kids (2 teens and a younger) it is a huge cost saver.
Flying out of Cozumel so last two nights there at Westin. Reading your post makes me want to add a night a Hyatt and do Cozumel just one night.
How I was water/beach. I keep hearing about seaweed issues.
Your eating plans sound good. I would go one night, however, to La Brocherie, a rotisserie chicken place run by a Frenchman, Fabian. It is delicious and will cost about $5 per person for 1/2 chicken and rice. And excellent desserts.
Jan 7, 2019, 10:57 am
#283
Join Date: Sep 2016
Programs: WOH - Globalist, HHonors - Gold, Marriott - Gold
Posts: 244
Stayed on points for a few nights over New Years - the property is nice, and was full to capacity for a day or two, making it difficult to get loungers by the pool. As a Globalist, got an "upgrade" from a base king room to a partial view double-queen, which was fine for the family; all suites were sold out for New Year's. The Grand Club had a nice spread for breakfast with a couple hot options, and we've made dinner out of evening "snacks" a few times. Margaritas at the club were better than anywhere else on the strip (and free). The 5th Avenue starts a couple blocks from the hotel and has a ton of shops and restaurants (albeit very touristy) - we did have a nice meal at Micaela's - tortillas made by hand were great.
A few negatives: the pools are not heated and were pretty chilly for the little ones. There was a lot of seaweed on the beach (except for one day that had no seaweed), and the surf was strong enough to make swimming in the ocean dangerous. The spa with the man-made cenote is cool, but costs $40 per person per day to access (Globalists get a 30% discount on spa admission and services, no free admission). Kids club is expensive at $15/hr per kid, with discounted rates for 3 hrs ($35) and full day ($65).
For New Year's they put on a pretty elaborate party that was $60 a person, which we did not attend, but could see some action from the room - lots of entertainers - "Blue Man Group" knock-offs, dancers, aerialists, DJ, and fireworks. If we didn't have kids with us, would definitely have gone to the party!
A few negatives: the pools are not heated and were pretty chilly for the little ones. There was a lot of seaweed on the beach (except for one day that had no seaweed), and the surf was strong enough to make swimming in the ocean dangerous. The spa with the man-made cenote is cool, but costs $40 per person per day to access (Globalists get a 30% discount on spa admission and services, no free admission). Kids club is expensive at $15/hr per kid, with discounted rates for 3 hrs ($35) and full day ($65).
For New Year's they put on a pretty elaborate party that was $60 a person, which we did not attend, but could see some action from the room - lots of entertainers - "Blue Man Group" knock-offs, dancers, aerialists, DJ, and fireworks. If we didn't have kids with us, would definitely have gone to the party!
Feb 24, 2019, 7:55 pm
#284
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, MLife Gold, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Caesars Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,940
Can anyone clarify what time the bar (margaritas, beer, etc) is open in the club? And what time breakfast and happy hour apps are?
I’ve been excited about this trip in May for a while but really bummed out about the seaweed. Honestly considered changing my destination but want to try this property. Sigh. On the plus side, we loved PVR and never once went in the ocean so maybe we won’t care. I love that this GH is so close to town for restaurants and a little shopping.
I’ve been excited about this trip in May for a while but really bummed out about the seaweed. Honestly considered changing my destination but want to try this property. Sigh. On the plus side, we loved PVR and never once went in the ocean so maybe we won’t care. I love that this GH is so close to town for restaurants and a little shopping.
Feb 24, 2019, 8:45 pm
#285
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,161
Can anyone clarify what time the bar (margaritas, beer, etc) is open in the club? And what time breakfast and happy hour apps are?
I’ve been excited about this trip in May for a while but really bummed out about the seaweed. Honestly considered changing my destination but want to try this property. Sigh. On the plus side, we loved PVR and never once went in the ocean so maybe we won’t care. I love that this GH is so close to town for restaurants and a little shopping.
I’ve been excited about this trip in May for a while but really bummed out about the seaweed. Honestly considered changing my destination but want to try this property. Sigh. On the plus side, we loved PVR and never once went in the ocean so maybe we won’t care. I love that this GH is so close to town for restaurants and a little shopping.
As for the SEAWEED... I really feel like this is an overblown issue. The beach is still plenty usable for bobbing and swimming regardless of seaweed. They remove it quickly and I've never noticed much of a smell. It's not even always there... BUT hey there's so much else to do! Want to snorkel? Go on a tour to a reef and seaweed won't be an issue. Beach snorkeling isn't great anyway under any circumstances. Check out the X Parks (there's several) and you'll basically discover the Mexican version of Disney theme parks (extremely high quality, detailed, creative, but not high tech or super high budget like Disney - also not nearly as expensive). Then there's the archaeological stuff if that interests you (Pyramids). All of this is on top of Playa itself, a super charming and wonderful town.
Don't miss this great hotel (amazing architecture, great service, good food, etc..) over the overblown seaweed issue. With luck, you might not even see any...