All Inclusives in Mexico?

[lukenick1]

Thanks all!

We are booked! We decided on the Barcelo Maya Colonial/Tropical. The price was right and it seems like a beautiful place. Cannot wait to go now, this our first time at and AI and in Mexico. Any tips?

 

[lucas43068]

my wife and i just got married at the sun palace, it was a beautiful places, but adults only. the moon palace on the other hand was smuch bigger and much more family friendly, we only were there for a few hours, so i dont know all the details. but the people at these places treat you like royality. its crazy!!! so friendly and helpful.
also if you have kids check out xel ha, its about an hour away, but it was a great place, snorkeling, zip lines, swim with dolphins all kinds of fun stuff to do for the day.

 

[shoney]

Thanks all!

We are booked! We decided on the Barcelo Maya Colonial/Tropical. The price was right and it seems like a beautiful place. Cannot wait to go now, this our first time at and AI and in Mexico. Any tips?

congrats! We stayed at the Palace section and it is a really nice place.

It is a bit far from the airport so booking private or direct transfers will save a little time.

Book dinner reservations as soon as you get there. They do fill up!

Bring insulated cups for beverages....When we were there the trop/col served in small plastic cups. also keeps frozen drinks cold.

bring lots and lots of sunscreen. we ran out and it was 24.00 for a can.

Bring a stack of singles for tipping

Avoid eye contact with the timeshare sharks at the airport. Once you go through immigration/customs, you will walk directly out the sliding glass doors. Do not speak to the people inside. Your transfer will be outside.

Make sure you check the dresscode for dinner. They do enforce it.


Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[puffkin]

The US governement just issued a travel warning to Mexico for US Citizens. You may want to google that and see what their advice is...I saw it on the news this weekend. Apparently there are so many drug gangs/cartels going crazy right now and it is getting pretty out of hand. I think they cited 175 US citizens or some crazy number like that have been killed in Mexico over the last year. They actually advised all tourists to avoid 4 states completely in Mexico...even the tourist areas which typically are safe (I am not sure which states but I am sure you can find it).

I don't usually get scared about things like that, but I don't think it hurts to look into their recommendations to know what is going on in the area you are planning to visit.

 

[shoney]

there are currently no advisories for the cancun/riviera maya area. We have been there 6 times and never once felt unsafe. I really hope it stays that way!!!!!



http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5665.html

 

[puffkin]

there are currently no advisories for the cancun/riviera maya area. We have been there 6 times and never once felt unsafe. I really hope it stays that way!!!!!



http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5665.html

Not to disagree...but the warning is for ALL of Mexico, with certain areas (Cancun not being one of them) deemed more unsafe then others.

I think the Cancun resort area appears safe, but I would still exercise caution when traveling from the airport and probably would avoid any "off resort" excursions at this time. The notice does give some good tips on things to do/avoid.

I would still probably go if it were my family, but it doesn't hurt to use a little extra caution.

 

[shoney]

This is what I was referring to in the link that I posted.

Quintana Roo: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum are the major cities/travel destinations in Quintana Roo -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify their exact locations: No advisory is in effect.

 

[lukenick1]

Thank you....
We are not travelling until July and we have hired a private van service to take us to our hotel and plan to stay at the resort.
Let me know if anything changes in the warnings.

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

congrats! We stayed at the Palace section and it is a really nice place.

It is a bit far from the airport so booking private or direct transfers will save a little time.

Book dinner reservations as soon as you get there. They do fill up!

Bring insulated cups for beverages....When we were there the trop/col served in small plastic cups. also keeps frozen drinks cold.

bring lots and lots of sunscreen. we ran out and it was 24.00 for a can.

Bring a stack of singles for tipping

Avoid eye contact with the timeshare sharks at the airport. Once you go through immigration/customs, you will walk directly out the sliding glass doors. Do not speak to the people inside. Your transfer will be outside.

Make sure you check the dresscode for dinner. They do enforce it.


Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!

These are all wonderful tips. I especially whole heartedly agree with the timeshare at the airport people. Matter of fact, they will try to lure you with offers for free transportation or reduced price transportation....just keep your eyes forward and keep walking. Make sure you know who you have transportation booked with and DON'T let any of the others convince you they are the ones that have your reservation! It is a little intimidating!

Research the unofficial barcelo maya website. It is a wealth of information. There are also lots of pictures to make you dream!

If you decide to leave the resort I would see about hiring a private transfer. They will help you do it right at the Barcelo. Shopping is fun in Playa Del Carmen. But be observant, careful and use common sense if you do leave the resort. Don't stay out late.
HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME! And post when you return to let us know how your trip went!

 

[lukenick1]

We were planning to use USA Transfers. I have already frequented the Unofficial Barcelo board and it is a great source of info. I still always love to come back to my DIS friends though. You all have always been a wealth of information for me. Love it here!

 

[chrisann]

we have stayed at crown paradise twice with our 4 children and loved it, don't believe the reviews. They always have deals kids 12 and under free

Completely agree! we just came back in December from our 2nd trip as well. It is not a luxury resort, but the amenities can't be beat!

 

[chrisann]

whoopsm didn't notice you already booked! You will have an awesome time, both times we've gone we were never worried. I read somewhere in a magazine that saying all of Mexico is not safe, is like saying don't travel to Michigan because of all the violence in Detroit. You'll be fine! Have fun!