ANY experience with the Mexican Resort, The Royal Playa Del Carmen?

[a1tinkfans]

Okay, the dh is going a little nuts....our upcoming fla plans may be to SKIP disney and head to Mexico from Fla (we have a family obligation in fla so thats our starting place and another story)
We'd be in fla for three days then off to Mexico 6, and then finalize whether we want to be in Disney/MK on 4th of July (I was already booked) OR stay in Mexico longer... I really wanted to be at Disney for the Holiday..., then we'd fly back home from Fla. He said if we stayed in Mexico a bit longer we could still try Disney in Aug (I have a tent. hold for that) Especially if FREE dine comes out, that'd be a great savings.......anyhoo.........

Anyone stay at the Royal Playa Del Carmen Resort?
I am interested in knowing opinion on resort/grounds/food and whether this particular resort is worth the all inclusive option.
Its 2 A and an Older teen (they say resort is 16 and up only) Anything for older kids to do????
Its not his first choice (its mine) as he wants more tropical/Mexico feel, me, I like sleek and good amenities...

I have looked at Trip Advisor but would like some additional info anyone is willing to share. TIA

 

[carejo]

I'll let you know in 2 weeks My DD 21 is leaving for that resort next Friday for Spring Break. That may be a bit of warning . Don't go during Spring Break it will be full of twenty somethings.

 

[a1tinkfans]

THAT was one of the reasons we DID choose it, as it is "allegedly" known as NOT having those type/young adult groups. It said 21 and over to check in only, and no one under 16 on property.
I have been told that it is walking distance to 5th Avenue BUT that the resort itself is low key type atmosphere.

I appreciate ANY feedback as we would definitely avoid the place if it is "wild/groupie/drinkers/foolish kid stuff/loud obnoxious games/music blaring all day and night"
(not that your daughter or her group is but just based on our own past Spring Breaker type va-K's, many moons ago)

Though we'd not be going during spring break, we'd not want to stay in a place that catered to that atmosphere, would definitely be a very bad match for us.

If you could let me know what she her thoughts are, I would so appreciate it.... I hope she has an Amazing Safe Time!

Anyone else been there, perhaps Not at Spring Break??

 

[a1tinkfans]

shameful bump

 

[PatsGirl]

I stayed there three years ago and absolutely loved it My favorite part was being able to walk to Fifth Avenue. I'm not a huge fan of AIs but since that trip I've decided that so long as I can venture out on foot from the resort all is good. I personally hate being stuck at a resort for a whole week.

The room was fantastic, huge with two queen beds and the most luxurious bedding I've ever slept on. Our balcony overlooked the street and sister hotel which was nice for people watching. The bathroom had exterior sinks/vanity area (might have been two sinks) and a separate toilet/shower area. The room also came equipped with a wall-mounted alcohol dispenser with four bottles ~ rum, tequila, vodka, and gin I believe.

Nice bars outside, including a tequila bar (not free though) and several restaurants to choose from. I'm not a buffet person but we did eat there for breakfast each day and it was good. I can't really remember all the restaurants but I know that I was pleased with them all. We also spent some time next door at the sister resort, both at their bar and I believe an italian restaurant.

I've been to several AIs and the Royal has been the best so far, both price-wise (we paid $1100 pp/week) and location wise.

 

[lovebuzz]

There is a website called like this one www.playa.info they have trip forum that people have posted about their AI experience.

We are going in 3 weeks and we are not doing an AI, but staying at the Shangri-La Caribe resort. I have also heard good things about Playa Palms.
The Shangri-La is not AI, but they give you breakfast and dinner. There are so many great restaurants in Playa it is a shame to do and AI.

If you have any other questions I would be happy to help you.

 

[lovebuzz]

Here are a few things to check out.

Hidden Worlds Cenotes Park Yucatan Mexico Riviera MayaFor Certified Open Water Divers, Hidden Worlds Cenote Park offers the world's most ... adrenaline rush of zip lining for the ultimate in exhilaration at Hidden Worlds Cenotes Park.

www.hiddenworlds.com

Veronicas for a massage $30/hour

Xel-Ha

A day trip to Tulum

Chitchen Itza

 

[rainy~daze]

Last year we stayed at The ROYAL in Cancun. Same resort, different city. If it is anything like the one in Cancun, it will be heavenly!
We were treated like absolute royalty and would like to try the one in Playa del Carmen to compare the different areas.
It was super clean, someone was always cleaning something everywhere we went. The rooms were rather spacious, comfy beds, gorgeous view of the Caribbean Sea.
The food was pretty darn good, too. We went in to the buffet whenever we decided we were a little hungry and then went to a la carte for dinner, and we were blown away by the food and the service. Our waiter at the one restaurant just kept bringing us all different stuff to try. And being our first time at an all inclusive, it felt so weird to get up and walk out without paying ( we did tip him well though because he was so amazing).
They do allow you to trade nights between the 2 resorts, but being as we were only there a few nights, we did not take advantage of that.

Please come back and post a review after the trip, would love to hear about it.

 

[AmandaSparks730]

I recommend the Iberostar resort chain to ANYONE who'll listen! All-inclusive; amazing resort. Food ranges from okay to very good; pools are immaculate; employees are phenomenal; rooms are very clean and nice. There's 8 in Mexico; 5 are about 40 minutes from Cancun, 2 are right near Playa del Carmen, and 1 is on the island of Cozumel.

Definately worth a look! We've stayed twice in Mexico, and once in one of their Dominican Republic hotels, and we love it!

 

[a1tinkfans]

OH thank you all for the info.
Amanda Sparks: We have looked at the Iberostar, but were a bit overwhelmed with the Mega size of the resorts and the "smoking" everywhere atmosphere that we read about (I am a recent cancer survivor and avoid it like the plague) it was actually our original pick ..Then we heard about having to wait on lines to make reservations to eat...and many many kids...that made us change our minds despite how beautiful it looked and how good many write ups were.
...

Patsgirl: WooHoo so nice to hear your experience at the Royal. Can you tell me if
*there is escaleters/elevator to the third floor rooms?
*Would you suggest a certain area, I seem to like the area that looks down on the pool with "maybe" a view of the water versus being all the way down by the water.
* Re: food, anyone get sick??
I am one of those that is "sensitive" and thats why we have not returned to Mexico (last time we were in Cozumel and we did love it) but I am nervous about eating there a whole week and staying well. I seem to be the one that gets/has issues, UGH! SO, any advice in this regard? Its why we chose AI and The ROYAL as the reports have been so good on food concerns...
I think you can also stay Not AI and pay OOP but I like to just be "done and not think about it/$" while on vacation.
* I believe only those 16 and up at this resort...did you see any kids that age group while you were there.....its another reason we liked it.....more mature guests and the DS can go to it....


The dh keeps talking about walking 5th Ave and grabbing Authentic Mex food stuff and I am SMILING on the outside and CRINGING on the inside! He has wanted to return for a while and I have been the hold out. And we wanted lower key then cancun Hotel Zone area. Now I am actually excited (despite ditching a big part of our Disney trip).
We're deciding if we will come back for 4th of july for disney OR just ditch the June Disney trip and go in AUgust...... I think it would be cheaper that way, despite all the flying...still finalizing that.....

Thanks LoveBuzz, great info. I am looking at what you suggested.....


The ROYAL seems to be our "style" the dh thinks it is a little too "sterile" versus "mexicany" if that makes any sense (ya know the colors, the mexican music in the background, LOL) but I want be very comfortable in the resort since I will likely Not go to Chitchen Itza with him/ds but stay at the resort by myself that day. I LOVE just hanging with a good book and relaxing and he is go go go when it comes to Mexico. I think we are doing Tulum and either Xel Ha OR Xcaret (I think thats the one with the evening show, right?)

I so appreciate the responses everyone. This board as always, is so helpful and I really appreciate your time!!
ANY info passed along would be great.......

 

[PatsGirl]

...

Patsgirl: WooHoo so nice to hear your experience at the Royal. Can you tell me if
*there is escaleters/elevator to the third floor rooms?
*Would you suggest a certain area, I seem to like the area that looks down on the pool with "maybe" a view of the water versus being all the way down by the water.
* Re: food, anyone get sick??
I am one of those that is "sensitive" and thats why we have not returned to Mexico (last time we were in Cozumel and we did love it) but I am nervous about eating there a whole week and staying well. I seem to be the one that gets/has issues, UGH! SO, any advice in this regard? Its why we chose AI and The ROYAL as the reports have been so good on food concerns...
I think you can also stay Not AI and pay OOP but I like to just be "done and not think about it/$" while on vacation.
* I believe only those 16 and up at this resort...did you see any kids that age group while you were there.....its another reason we liked it.....more mature guests and the DS can go to it....
...

I didn't seem that many of the rooms were oceanview or even pool view and if I remember correctly we were more interested in making sure we had a non-smoking room. If you are coming into the resort, we were about halfway down and all the way to the right so that our balcony overlooked the Gran Porto and street which we actually liked a lot. We were second floor and always took the outdoor steps (not really a staircase but more part of the architecture). They do have elevators though I am not sure where.

No one in my party got sick but we didn't venture out too much other than lunch at Setiva after ziplining and a few beers on 5th. One friend absolutely refused to eat anywhere other than the AI so we ate all our meals there.
I will be staying in Isla Mujeres in just a few weeks and eating at all the local dives and hope to stay well...

I never saw any kids at all when we were there, not even older teens. There were plenty at the sister resort though and walking the beach and in town if you really miss seeing them

I don't think you can go wrong with this AI. For what we paid we got our $$ worth and more. I stayed at another AI in Cancun last year which was more on par with 3* and the price matched ($500 for five nights) the amenities. We knew what we booked/could afford and were happy there as well. Although, I might add, I do not like Cancun nearly as much as PDC

 

[a1tinkfans]

OH, thanks for mentioning that Non Smoking ..I want to be sure we stay in that section too before I worry about ocean view or all those other options available. Since its only for a week and we usually vacation longer, I think the ds will be fine for that short a time if theres really not other kids. I thikn he prefers that than being surrounded by screaming little ones With the day trips taking up some of those days, it should be fine. He'll be hanging with his dad while I soak up the rays and RELAX and then bugging us both anyways.... I saw a volleyball net in the pool and tennis courts....a game room? Figuring we'll be walking at night and taking in all the sights on 5th too, so should be fun (he likes to shop/spend like his mom) !!

I cannot wait to go, sounds like it will be a lovely experience....

 

[a1tinkfans]