Mexico Recomendation needed

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

The Grand Mayan has more luxurious units and some additional amenities. They both share common grounds so most of the amenities may be used by either. A guest at the Grand Mayan may use all of the amenities at the resort whereas a Mayan Palace guest may not use any Grand Mayan amenities. At their Riviera Maya resort, the Grand Mayans have their own private pool. This is no hardship as the Mayan Palace pools are much nicer. I would definitely ask for the Grand Mayan.

You are requesting in the off-season so you should have no trouble at all getting a Grand Mayan at Riviera Maya. Bear in mind that September-October is in the Hurricane season. The first time we went to the GM - Riviera Maya was in October and we just missed hurricane Wilma by one week. We had a severe tropical storm that ruined 5 days of our 2 weeks. Now we go only in April.

We have also stayed at the Grand Mayan - Nuevo Vallarta for 2 weeks. It is very nice and their beach is much better, however we prefer the Riviera Maya location. There is no snorkeling on the West Coast plus there are more interesting places to visit at the Riviera Maya.

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

I'm not sure there is a perfect season for Cancun and the Riviera Maya. August, September and October are nice if the hurricanes stay away. In April, May and June it's "bump" season or time for seabathers' rash- time to be avoided if you plan on going in the ocean. July and early August are hot and humid. March is windy. December, January and February can be rather cool, and November is not immune from a late season hurricane. For me, bump season is out, as we like going into the ocean.

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

I am a Mayan Palace Regency owner and I say go for the Grand Mayan!!!

I find the weather more stable on the Pacific Coast but you won't get the snorkeling on that side like Cancun!

Good luck!!

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

I am a Mayan Palace Regency owner and I say go for the Grand Mayan!!!

I find the weather more stable on the Pacific Coast but you won't get the snorkeling on that side like Cancun!

Good luck!!

I certainly agree with you on the weather.

[Deer Path Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Deer Path]

We love Cabo san Lucas and have done snorkeling there several times. We like the resorts in Cabo near the Marina so we can use the beach, walk to town and go deep sea fishing.
We own at Playa Grande and Cabo Villas Beach Resort and like them both a lot.
We love Mexico and it is less costly to get there from the midwest than the Caribbean or Hawaii so have been going to Mazatlan, Cabo, Cancun and Cozumel the last several years. We go to 3 different places in Mexico every winter.
I am sure you will like anywhere you choose to go.
Judy

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

We love Cabo san Lucas and have done snorkeling there several times. We like the resorts in Cabo near the Marina so we can use the beach, walk to town and go deep sea fishing.
We own at Playa Grande and Cabo Villas Beach Resort and like them both a lot.
We love Mexico and it is less costly to get there from the midwest than the Caribbean or Hawaii so have been going to Mazatlan, Cabo, Cancun and Cozumel the last several years. We go to 3 different places in Mexico every winter.
I am sure you will like anywhere you choose to go.
Judy

What resorts have you stayed at in Cabo San Lucas....am thinking of a future trip to there...like a year or so out....any suggestions or favorites??? Thanks.

[taffy19 Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close taffy19]

We have only been to Puerto Vallarta and we like it because it still looks like an old city in Mexico in the old part and the romantic zone, etc. They told us that other destinations look more like cities in the USA but the ocean and beaches are nicer than on the west coast.

If you go in January, February or March you will see the magnificent whales. To us, this is worth a visit alone and also seeing the turtles hatch on the sand in reality. This beach is very close to the MP or GM in Nuevo Vallarta or some other II resorts. Also, there is a lot to see in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas. They have some really good tours.

PS. We took several tours with this tour company to the Marietas Islands where you can snorkel too. This company is very close to the MP or GM too.

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

We have been to Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Cancun, Riviera Maya, and several other places in Mexico. Actually we used to live just a couple of hours away from Mazatlan and have been there many times as well as doing the timeshare thing there. However, neither one of us like Mazatlan and only go there to visit family. We also do not like Cabo San Lucas. We do love La Paz but do not recommend it for tourist activities.

Our favorite resort by far is the Grand Mayan - Riviera Maya. Our distant second choice is the Grand Mayan - Nuevo Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is more traditional than the other places but has become quite Americanized and has lost a lot of its charm in the last few years. The beaches are quite poor at Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. However, the beach at the Grand Mayan - Nuevo Vallarta is very good and is the best of all the places including Cancun. When I say best, I am referring to swimming, body surfing etc. and not necessarily the appearance. Beaches are NOT that important to us and is definitely not a determining factor on where we go.

The reason that the Grand Mayan - Riviera Maya is our first choice because we find the resort to be more relaxed than the others and has an abundance of excellent cultural sites and attractions in the area. We have spent 4 weeks there and have our confirmed reservations for 2 more weeks in April.

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

We have only been to Puerto Vallarta and we like it because it still looks like an old city in Mexico in the old part and the romantic zone, etc. They told us that other destinations look more like cities in the USA but the ocean and beaches are nicer than on the west coast.

If you go in January, February or March you will see the magnificent whales. To us, this is worth a visit alone and also seeing the turtles hatch on the sand in reality. This beach is very close to the MP or GM in Nuevo Vallarta or some other II resorts. Also, there is a lot to see in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas. They have some really good tours.

PS. We took several tours with this tour company to the Marietas Islands where you can snorkel too. This company is very close to the MP or GM too.

We actually live in a pueblo in Mexico and well though PV may seem like it is very Mexican and all, though I love it it is very touristy. Seems everywhere is getting that way....LOL. In the last few years PV has just boomed and well no longer a quaint little beach town but a big city, but still love it.

We went to Playa Del carmen and frankly though the water was beautiful and clear, the weather was very unstable, and it is very, very Americanized. We felt like we were in Miami..LOL.

Oh the whales and dolphins in PV or NV are wonderful to see and the turtle hatchings and release, so awesome.

Pv has lots and lots and lots to do.....and see....we love the Marina, Nuevo, outlying towns and of course the south side, old town, romantic zone etc....

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

We have been to Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Cancun, Riviera Maya, and several other places in Mexico. Actually we used to live just a couple of hours away from Mazatlan and have been there many times as well as doing the timeshare thing there. However, neither one of us like Mazatlan and only go there to visit family. We also do not like Cabo San Lucas. We do love La Paz but do not recommend it for tourist activities.

Our favorite resort by far is the Grand Mayan - Riviera Maya. Our distant second choice is the Grand Mayan - Nuevo Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is more traditional than the other places but has become quite Americanized and has lost a lot of its charm in the last few years. The beaches are quite poor at Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. However, the beach at the Grand Mayan - Nuevo Vallarta is very good and is the best of all the places including Cancun. When I say best, I am referring to swimming, body surfing etc. and not necessarily the appearance. Beaches are NOT that important to us and is definitely not a determining factor on where we go.

The reason that the Grand Mayan - Riviera Maya is our first choice because we find the resort to be more relaxed than the others and has an abundance of excellent cultural sites and attractions in the area. We have spent 4 weeks there and have our confirmed reservations for 2 more weeks in April.

Wondering why you do not like Cabo....as am thinking of going there within a year or so, but many have said same as you, so curious. Also thinking of Acapulco, but again, many are telling us do not think you will like it, we of course will still have to try it, but like to get a feel for why people do not like a particular area.....thanks..

[silly_stitcher Member Find all posts View Profile Close silly_stitcher]

IIRC, you cannot use the SFX "Mexico bonus week" for the Grand Mayans. But the Royals and Mayan Palaces are fair game.

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

Wondering why you do not like Cabo....as am thinking of going there within a year or so, but many have said same as you, so curious. Also thinking of Acapulco, but again, many are telling us do not think you will like it, we of course will still have to try it, but like to get a feel for why people do not like a particular area.....thanks..

Sorry that I have been rather tardy in replying. It really is a matter of personal preferences. We just don't like Cabo because it doesn't offer anything for us. We don't like the atmosphere nor feel of Cabo. Others like it. There is no right or wrong but simply opinions based on personal preference.

[morgancita Member Find all posts View Profile Close morgancita]

I have been to Cabo San Lucas twice and really like it, though for very different reasons than why I also love the Mayan Riviera! Without question, the Caribbean side has much better snorkeling, and the charm of the crystal blue, warmer waters. But Cabo is something different. Alot of water activities, whale watching tours if you go at the right time of year, much to do in the town (including an amazing ice-cream and crepe restaurant!). We own a junior suite at the new Casa Dorada at Medano Beach, which is in walking distance of the town/city but right on the beach, with views of Lovers' Arch. It's a sweet little bay, although cruise ships are often coming and going.

I will say that Cabo seems to be growing into a more "chic" kind of place, with appeal to wealthier folks - alot of high end jewelry stores and boutiques in town, etc. Alot of GREAT restaurants.

You can also drive a short distance into San Jose del Cabo, which is a beautiful, very artsy town also right on the beach, with interesting restaurants and nightclubs, and many art galleries.

If you have more questions about Cabo, I'm happy to answer!

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

Sorry that I have been rather tardy in replying. It really is a matter of personal preferences. We just don't like Cabo because it doesn't offer anything for us. We don't like the atmosphere nor feel of Cabo. Others like it. There is no right or wrong but simply opinions based on personal preference.

Thanks for replying...yes I know no right or wrong just opinions and personal preference. Would you be so kind as to maybe tell me your impression of the atmosphere and feel of Cabo....I am looking for elaboration as many places others from states like, we do not ( We are of course from states but live in MX now, so we have different likes and dislikes. We do not like too Americanized and we like to feel like we are in Mexico. All our friends are saying we might like San Jose del Cabo but not Cabo San Lucas, they say too glitzy, too expensive etc..so just trying to get a feel myself for it. Flights in country are very high and I dislike flying anyway and this a definate flight for us, so hate to go without having a feel for what others felt. We liked Playa Del Carmen, but did not love it and are in no hurry to return )

I have been to Cabo San Lucas twice and really like it, though for very different reasons than why I also love the Mayan Riviera! Without question, the Caribbean side has much better snorkeling, and the charm of the crystal blue, warmer waters. But Cabo is something different. Alot of water activities, whale watching tours if you go at the right time of year, much to do in the town (including an amazing ice-cream and crepe restaurant!). We own a junior suite at the new Casa Dorada at Medano Beach, which is in walking distance of the town/city but right on the beach, with views of Lovers' Arch. It's a sweet little bay, although cruise ships are often coming and going.

I will say that Cabo seems to be growing into a more "chic" kind of place, with appeal to wealthier folks - alot of high end jewelry stores and boutiques in town, etc. Alot of GREAT restaurants.

You can also drive a short distance into San Jose del Cabo, which is a beautiful, very artsy town also right on the beach, with interesting restaurants and nightclubs, and many art galleries.

If you have more questions about Cabo, I'm happy to answer!

Just trying to see if we should venture to Cabo - we still have many places to see in Mx. We did not care too much for the Caribbean side - just felt like not Mx., and well just in no hurry to return. Had great snorkeling and diving of course and beautiful water, but beaches eroding badly since hurricane a few years abck and weather very unstable. We really did not feel at the tme we went the water was any warmer than the Pacific side. It was actually on the cold side and it rained 10 out of 14 days, we do not get rain in Jan. where we live in Mx, unless it is a very unusual shower...

Whale watching we can do on Pacific side but unfortunately boats and I do not do well together, bad fit if you get my drift.... water activities we can do on Pacific too, except the better snorkeling and scuba on Caribbean of course.

Sounds like maybe San Jose del Cabo might be a better fit for us, but not sure still researching. All our friends say you will not like Cabo but maybe San Jose, so who knows. They also say we will not like Acapulco, but should go at least once, but we can drive there, a long, very long one day or one long and one short day LOL.

What was the best thing you liked about Cabo? What did you dislike if anything? What are some things that should not be missed? Best time of year to go? When did you go? What was weather like? We like it Hot!! and no rain if possible.

Thanks for any answers...Oh best place to stay?

[morgancita Member Find all posts View Profile Close morgancita]

Well, I might agree that Cabo San Lucas is rather "Americanized". Definitely a resort town that revolves solely around tourism/vacationers. San Jose del Cabo is not nearly as developed, and it may be the only drawback for you is having to drive to get to snorkeling.
I'm curious where you went on the Caribbean side? I absolutely loved Tulum and Akumal, and have heard great things about Isla de Mujeres. We did alot of snorkeling there, and also really enjoyed renting a scooter and just riding it on the road along the beaches.

I've been in Cabo in March and in early December. It was not super hot either of those times. Definitely cool and breezy at night. Mayan peninsula in late March when I was there, much hotter (that's how I like it, too!). But Cabo was hot enough during the days for sunning on the beach!