Mexico on my mind... Need advice.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

My family wants to go to Mexico for a couple of weeks in the summer of 2009 or 2010. We know very little about the Mexican timeshare scene, so we would like to tap you for your advice. Can you provide recommendations on where you would go with a family of 5?

All I know is a superficial amount about the Royals in Cancun. The Mayan Palace and Grand Mayan Resorts. And, Cabo.

Do I need to decide on east coast or west coast? Should we just stay put in one area. We have been to Cozumel a couple of times. And, I've been to Baja California down to Ensenada a few times. Never been to Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta.

I would appreciate any advice you can provide.

[kapish Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close kapish]

I am also interested in hearing your recommendations.

Thanks for starting this thread Jim.

I am also interested in hearing about the pros and cons of various destinations in Mexico and what some of the most recommended spots would be.

When responding, please take a few minutes to provide a short (or long if you would like) description about your choice. Thank you.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

After going to a few Mayan Palace resorts I would highly say that is where my heart belongs. Been to NV, Rivera Maya and Acapulco. They are all great but my fav was NV. I think your kids will like it there more than the Royals. If you have not been to Cancun that is an area you might want to see. Plenty to do there start out at the Rivera Maya and do things in that area then take a week in the Royals to do things on the strip. 2 weeks there should be enough time to see most of everything.

[chellej Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close chellej]

Been to Cancun twice, once with DH and once with DD and her friend

When DH & I went we stayed at Moon Palace. We really enjoyed this because we were content to vege out, do the 2 tours & relax. I would not recommend for a family of 5, the AI would be a waste. We did do a trip to Akumal and Tulum that was outstanding. Snorkeled at Akumal & enjoyed the ruins.

Did the Jungle tour, you drive a small power boat out to the reef and snorkel. Did this trip with DD as well and she loved driving the boat.


Trip with DD, we spent one week at Grand Mayan. The room was beautiful. Very large pool but we were there in June and the water was hot. As a Texan, I want my pool cool & refreshing in the heat of summer - not lukewarm. Resturants were good but pricey. The girls enjoyed some of the activities and the crafts.

Went to Playa de Carmen on the bus - this was very interesting. Enjoyed the shops in Playa and took the ferry to cozumel where we took a snorkel trip and wandered around in town.

The following week we stayed at the Royal Mayan. Great resort and would be my pick for Cancun - the tri royals, The girls boogie boarded on the beach, we went one night to see if we could see the sea turtles (Never saw them). Participated in some of the activities and crafts, went parasailing, snorrkeling and took a trip to Xcaret. The resturants at the Royal were good & they had a very reasonable take out resturant. I prepurchased items & our room was stocked with basics when we arrived. It was more expensive than going to walmart , which we also did, but the convenience was nice when we arrived.

[biskits Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close biskits]

Boca

We visited Mazatlan 5 years ago and fell in love with it. The city
has allot of history and charm and the hotel zone is full of restaurants
and bars. Though we (regrettably) own a timeshare at Marina El Cid, our favorite is Pueblo Bonito, which is a great resort for kids. Downside for Mazatlan for us is the long flight from Boston, and the beach hawkers, who can be relentless. If you play golf, Estrella del Mar has some beautiful holes that run along the Pacific Ocean.
As much as we enjoy Mazatlan, we visited Playa del Carmen for the first time this past January, and enjoyed it even more. We stayed at the Mayan Palace, which was nice, but a little too large for our liking.
The pools were wonderful but our love is the ocean, and the Mayan beach
is a bit rocky. We rented a car and spent a lot of time in Playa, Akumal, and Tulum, where the beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. We plan on returning next year and are hoping to stay at either
The Royal Haciendas or Sunset Fisherman's resort. If you would like more info on our experiences at either locations, feel free to PM or email me.
Best wishes,
Paul

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

My family wants to go to Mexico for a couple of weeks in the summer of 2009 or 2010. We know very little about the Mexican timeshare scene, so we would like to tap you for your advise. Can you provide recommendations on where you would go with a family of 5?

All I know is a superficial amount about the Royals in Cancun. The Mayan Palace and Grand Mayan Resorts. And, Cabo.

Do I need to decide on east coast or west coast? Should we just stay put in one area. We have been to Cozumel a couple of times. And, I've been to Baja California down to Ensenada a few times. Never been to Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta.

I would appreciate any advice you can provide.

I'm doing both! This is the year of Mexico for us. We have never been. We are Hawaii people-but timesharing has opened up so many opportunities for us that we are branching out.

I have two children (pre teen and a teen) and we have selected The Royal Sands in Cancun and the Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta. Cancun first week of June and NV over Thanksgiving. I think we will get the best of both worlds this way and can decide whether we would like to return to either.

I'm pretty sure the GM NV will be the biggest hit with kids...seems like you are staying a water park. I usually go for smaller properties-but this will be kind of a "veg" vacation and I think you have to "do" the GM NV at least once.

Cancun will be a lot more active. We will have family joining us and The Royals fit the bill for us. Family friendly, moderate food cost and plenty of activites. Men want to deep sea fish, girls want to Spa, all want to go to Xcaret. Visit the ruins, see another island (Cozumel or Isla Mujeres) It's plenty for us for a week. Many people tell me Cancun is more americanized and busy-but I'm good with that. I think we will enjoy ourselves. If not-I can seek out other, smaller, places later. That's the beauty of timesharing...I'll do it because I can

I'd be happy to report back on our experiences when we return if that would help.

[Pstreet1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pstreet1]

No one has mentioned how totally charming Puerto Vallarta is. It has different zones with different personalities: The romantic zone, the old town, the marina, and of course, nuevo.

Look at the forums on Tripadvisor.com for each of the areas you are considering. You'll find tons and tons of information, and people who go to Cabo/Cancun/Vallarta/etc. twice a year will say why they have chosen that area over others-----might help you make a decision.

Pat

[chemteach Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close chemteach]

My friends keep returning to Nuevo Vallarta. They like the Grand Velas Vallarta, but the AI has gotten cost-prohibitive. The went to the Grand Mayan Nuevo Vallarta over New Years this year, really enjoyed, and are planning to continue to go back there. It sounds like a good place for a family.

[kenrabs Member Find all posts View Profile Close kenrabs]

I've grown to love visiting Mexico over the last 3 plus years. We've been to PV and Cabo once and Cancun 3 times and getting ready to visit Cabo again in July. You'll find each area offers something different that he others so opinions will vary. I loved all 3 spots. Cancun offers the better beaches and ocean views and has more to do and visit. PV depends on which time of year you plan to visit. It's better during the winter spring months. There is a lot to do but it's beaches are not as good as Cancun. It offers more of an old Mexico feel which gives it charm. It was the cheaper of the 3 spots. Cabo has the most consistent weather of the 3. It's small and easy to get around. It does not have as much to see and do as the others. Beaches are beautiful but can't swim in a lot of areas. If you are from the east coast I would go with Cancun and from the west coast PV would get the edge on Cabo depending on time of year. In Cancun any of the Royal resorts would be great and if you want a smaller resort on a great calm beach The Imperial Fiesta Club at Casa Maya is an option. It's older but is very clean and has a wonderful staff that I felt surpassed the Tri-Royals from when we stayed there. In PV I would avoid the Playa Del Sol resorts. There are plenty of better options.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

I'm in the minority I'm sure but I don't care for Mexico. You can definately keep Acapulco. PV was OK but the ocean was unappealing. Mexico has also become much more expensive than earlier times and traveling from the east coast I have more attractive options with shorter flight times.

You couldn't make me go there in the summer but then you are a Florida boy and it might not bother you as much.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I have been to Cancun more then a few times and greatly enjoyed it - your kids and YOU would have a great time at the Royal Resorts - and I am with chelle on recommending any of the "Tri-Royals" but my fav is the middle one - Royal Caribbean. The way the buildings are laid out, there is not a bad view in the place. You can get a not so good view at the Royal Mayan - but I would be happy with any of these three - the resorts are 'separate' but together so you have a choice of several pools and restaurants.
The beaches have suffered because of hurricanes the past few years but it is still a lovely stretch. the resort restaurants are not spectacular but you can get a nice meal for a reasonable price.
They also have a take out service that has several different options for a meal in your villa.
The villas are not luxurious but are clean and spacious - complete kitchens and they have BIG balconies.
The service is excellent!!

Cancun itself is a fun town if you want to go out and explore - but I would be just as happy staying at the resort.
There are several nice day trips - Xel-Ha, Xcaret, Tulum.
We loved our trips to Isla Mujeres - really interesting place - rent a golf cart and drive to the end.
There is a nice resort there run by the Avalon group on the north end of the island - be sure to visit.

Friends just stayed at GM RM and did not enjoy the resort and location - maybe when it is complete but it is too big and spread out - it took 40 minutes and 2 buses to get to the on site restaurant for dinner the first night!

I also GREATLY enjoyed my stay at Grand Mayan Nueva Vallarta - gorgeous, luxurious resort - nice restaurants, nice pool area. We are returning next January and we are definitely renting a car so we can go into Puerto Vallarta more often and tour the area.

Stayed at GM Acapulco and while it was nice - it was very far from town which is reached by driving over mountain roads.....would go back but not soon.

[idahodude Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close idahodude]

I've been to Cancun area twice, PV, and Acapulco. We didn't really like Acapulco that much, although that's where we bought our Mayan Palace resort.

Cancun is the part of Mexico that feels most like you're still in the U.S. It's easy to get around on the bus in the hotal zone and is a good spot for someone to try who's not sure they are ready to leave the U.S. Tourism is such a huge part of the economy there that a lot is done to protect the tourists. There are a lot of familiar U.S. restaurants including Chili's, Outback Steakhouse. Some of the fun things to do include Xcaret, day trip to Chichen Itza, snorkeling (and scuba diving) at Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, or elsewhere along the reef (including the "jungle tour" mentioned above). Beaches are nicest in this part of Mexico, IMO. We like the Royal Sands and the Mayan Palace in this region. Have stayed at the Omni, but it was just OK.

PV is still a bit "touristy", but has much more of a Mexican feel to it than Cancun. We stayed at an AI here (on our honeymoon) so I can't talk to the restaurants as much as we tried to each at our hotel for the most part. The West Coast of Mexico is generally better for deep sea fishing. Our favorite part of PV was going on Zip lines through the jungle. Avoid the "city tour" as it's basically a tourist trap to take you to overpriced stores and restaurants. Explore the city on your own. Beaches aren't as nice here, much more like California beaches with coarser sand and bigger waves with steep dropoffs. Stayed at Crown Paradise Resort AI, and it was fine, but we'd probably like something nicer at this point in our lives. Location was pretty nice, though.

Acapulco is nice if you want to see the cliff divers, but it's a bit of a letdown in person. I didn't see anything here that wasn't better in Puerto Vallarta, except the beach was perhaps a little nicer. Acapulco caters a bit less to the U.S. tourist, IMO, but there's a lot of Mexicans vacationing there. I don'tt even remeber where we stayed now as we didn't like it. That's probably a big part of why we purchased Mayan Palace. Mayan Palace is a nice place to stay here but it's fairly far away from the main part of town. Did find several small restaurants we liked here with very authentic Mexican food.

Haven't been to Cabo or Mazatlan yet, but hope to check those out someday, if we can drag ourselves away from Cancun again. That's definitely our favorite.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

I love the Royals and Cancun, but you might have to pay me to go there in the summertime. The beach has had some serious erosion problems there in the past few years, but when it comes back it is great. If you are a beach lover, forget moon palace and the Mayan Palace south of Cancun.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Thanks for the input so far. I truly appreciate it.

Getting good information. I didn't expect the weather issue. I guess it makes sense since it is south of Florida and more tropical. That didn't even hit my radar screen. What is a best time to go? Is winter time pretty much it, then?

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

My family wants to go to Mexico for a couple of weeks in the summer of 2009 or 2010. We know very little about the Mexican timeshare scene, so we would like to tap you for your advice. Can you provide recommendations on where you would go with a family of 5?

All I know is a superficial amount about the Royals in Cancun. The Mayan Palace and Grand Mayan Resorts. And, Cabo.

Do I need to decide on east coast or west coast? Should we just stay put in one area. We have been to Cozumel a couple of times. And, I've been to Baja California down to Ensenada a few times. Never been to Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta.

I would appreciate any advice you can provide.

We have stayed in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, La Paz, and Cabo as well as a few other places.

The best beach that we found for swimming, body surfing, etc. was at the Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta. The beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan are pretty poor. We did not like the beaches at Cancun nor Riviera Maya. I won't comment on Cabo as we just don't like it there.

We have stayed at the Royals in Cancun and the Grand Mayans in Riviera Maya and Nuevo Vallarta as well as several other t/s resorts.

Seeing as you live in Boca Raton FL, I imagine that beaches are not that big an issue as you already have good beaches where you are. We lived in Coral Springs FL. for 8 years and in my opinion, the beaches in Florida are better than what you will find in Mexico. My first choice would be the Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta. The Grand Mayans are like luxury resorts with a lot of amenities and activities. The Royals are good but I prefer the Grand Mayans. However, you would enjoy either one. Nuevo Vallarta is about 20 minutes or so north of Puerto Vallarta. We far prefer Puerto Vallarta to Cancun. We do not like Cabo nor Mazatlan. Having said that, the Cancun - Riviera Maya offers more in the way of sight seeing like the Mayan ruins, the cenotes, etc. An absolute must see is the Xcaret eco-park in the Riviera Maya.