Great exchange- Royal Mayan Cancun

[Synonymous]

My family just returned from a stay at the Royal Mayan resort in Cancun, Mexico, which we got in exchange for 160 DVC points. I wanted to tell everyone how much we loved this resort! If you're ever looking for an exchange outside DVC, this is a great choice.

I was skeptical about whether or not the room would be comparable to the DVC rooms, but I must say that in some ways it was actually better. We got a 2BR suite and it was much larger than a 2BR at Disney (although I haven't been to OKW, so can't compare.) Instead of the small booth-like table you get at Disney, there was a full dining table that seated 6. There were 3 balconies; a small one off each bedroom and a large one that could be accessed from both bedrooms and the living room. The balcony was huge. It had a large dining table with four chairs, plus two more chairs, an ottoman and a small table. Each bedroom had its own independent air conditioning controls. The decor was definitely on a par with DVC propeties. Daily maid service (except Sunday) was included, although the maid technically doesn't clean the kitchen. (Ours did, after we left a nice tip on the first day.)

The drawbacks compared to Disney were a lack of a washer-dryer and no jacuzzi tub. There was a laundry room in the resort where you could do your wash, with an attendant to keep an eye on things and work the machines.

The Royal Resorts operate three properties right next to each other, so you can use the facilities of each (plus two others that are a shuttle-ride away.) This is comparable to Beach Club-Yacht Club as far as accesibility. We had 5 or 6 pools available to us right there, as well as several restaurants. The pools aren't heated (although some are scheduled to have heat added soon), which was a problem on cool days, but fine on hot ones. The grounds, especially at the Mayan, were really beautiful. I'd say the landscaping at the Mayan was on a par with Disney theming. The other resorts are newer and the vegetation hasn't grown in as much yet, although still very nice.

The resorts offered a full schedule of activities every day. There was a separate schedule for children (accompanied by adults). Snorkeling gear is free, as are sailing lessons and one hour a day of sailboat rental. There is a travel agent on site to book excursions, as well as a car rental agency.

The beach was beautiful. The water is crystal-clear and the most amazing range of blues. The water was not calm, however- there were sizable waves and a strong current. This was alot of fun to play in (like the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon, but with a sand bottom) but swimming and snorkeling are tough. One of my favorite moments was sitting in the sand after sunset, the beach to ourselves, making sand castles with my DD

The service and staff were excellent, and I heartily recommend this exchange. We definitely plan on going back sometime. I'm happy to answer questions if anyone is considering a stay here.

 

[StormalongKay]

Thanks Tom

Makes me want to go there!! We honeymooned in Cancun and will get back in the next 2-3 years I hope. I was looking at the Royal resorts a couple of months ago, so it was nice to find your report. You hit right on all the things I was wondering about.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Is it near any of the ruins?

BTW, OKW does have the full size dining table and huge patio too. I would miss the Jacuzzi, beause I use mine at home all the time, and I miss it when I stay in a regular hotel.

 

[Synonymous]

There is a small archeological site right there in Cancun, although we didn't visit it. We took a tour (arranged thru the on-site agent) to Tulum, which was about a 1 1/2 hour drive away. Tulum is beautiful, perched high on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and the ruins were impressive. The best site, though, reportedly, is Chichen-Itza, which is about a 3 hour drive away. Too far for our 7 yr old, I'm afraid.

 

[StormalongKay]

We went to Tulum too on our honeymoon and on our bus ride back stopped at a wonderful lagoon. I think it was called Xel-Ha (pronounced Shell-ha ) and it had the most amazing snorkelling. Fish from the moment you jumped in and some of the biggest I've ever seen! Anyone thinking about going should keep this side trip in mind!

 

[Synonymous]

Yes, most of the tours to Tulum include the "Eco-park" Xel-Ha. We booked a "Tulum Express" because we had already been to Xcaret, which is very similar to Xel-Ha.

 

[lllovell]

If I missed it, sorry - but how long were you there on those 160 points?

 

[dianeschlicht]

lllovell, a lot of exchanges are 160 points for a 1 bedroom, but many times a 1 bedroom at DVC gets you a 2 bedroom at other resorts. The 160 is standard for a week in high season.

 

[Synonymous]

Yes, exactly. We asked for a 1BR, but got the 2BR for the same points. You can only trade for a whole week, not individual days.

I know alot of people don't like the idea of using DVC points for trades, but I definitely feel we got a great value for our points. This resort was as nice as the DVC resorts, and we certainly couldn't have stayed at WDW that week (4/16-4/23) for 160 points, even in a 1BR.

 

[lllovell]

Thanks for the info! We have not even looked into the trading side of DVC since we have small children and LOVE WDW and all it offers for now. I am quite sure though that at some point hubby and I will be interested in doing other things and I doubt we will be renting points to pay cash (even though I can see how it COULD be a better management of dollars), so we will be trading.

 

[Synonymous]

You reminded me of something I wanted to mention- when we told DD (who is 7) that we were going to Mexico instead of WDW, she was really upset. By the time we left on the trip, she was resigned to it and trying to make the most of it. After we were there for 2 days, she said it was as much fun as Disney (although no Mickey) and she wants to come back. This, of course, gave us the opportunity to remind her how smart Mom and Dad are. Repeatedly.

 

[ChadOKW]

Tom--What did you guys do for meals?

 

[ChadOKW]

Tom--What did you guys do for meals?

 

[Synonymous]

Synonymous--What did you guys do for meals?

Breakfast we normally ate in the room; Pop-Tarts or Muffins or something. DW cooked eggs the first morning and after one day of cleaning dishes I said that was enough of that. We did have a nice breakfast buffet at the Mayan's poolside restaurant, La Palapa, on our last day.

Lunch was either at LaPalapa, which was basically Mexican, with some American stuff like Chicken fingers, or at the poolside restaurants at the other two resorts. A couple days we had them bring food right out to our lounge chairs by the pool. These meals were good, but basic- nothing special.

Evenings were a little more interesting. The Royals operate a seafood restaurant across the street called Captain's Cove. We went there for their Buffet one night (I think they have it 2 nights a week) and it was really great. We ate outside at a table right next to the lagoon, complete with crocodile gulping whatever kids threw to him. There was a nice selection of food, not just seafood, and everything was very good. The service was top-notch, the staff here really went out of their way to make the meal enjoyable. One waiter even made an origami swan out of a napkin for DD.

We also did a couple of theme nights at the Royal Restaurants. The resort next door, Royal Caribbean, had an Italian buffet that was good, with stuffed shells, lasagna, ravioli, pasta cooked-to-order, etc. We ate there on a non-buffet night, as well, and had a nice meal. I wouldn't call it special, but very good and relaxing.

La Palapa had a Mexican/Caribbean night buffet with a show. I didn't particularly like the food that night; not because it wasn't well-prepared, but just not my thing. The Chicken Tamale was good, other selections just okay. The show consisted of about 7 dancers doing performances of dances typical of different regions. They really worked hard and were pretty talented. DD loved it; I'm not a dancing-kind of guy.

Although the Resort restaurants were good and convenient, our best meals were outside. There was a Mexican restaurant, La Distilleria, that we really loved. Again, this was on the lagoon, although it was too hot to eat outside. The food was excellent and the service very good. We tried some REAL Mexican food (as opposed to just tacos and quesadillas) and loved it. The theme of the restaurant is a Tequila distillery, so we also had a few nice drinks .

We had a couple of really good meals at Xcaret, an "eco-park" that reminded me a bit of AK without the rides. The restaurants here reminded me of the better Epcot restaurants- food that is much better than you'd expect to find at a theme park.

Overall, our meals were very enjoyable. They were also significantly cheaper than we're used to paying at WDW. Appetizers, drinks and dessert are staples for us at dinner, but our most expensive meal for the three of us was about $110.00, including tip. Most were much less than that.

 

[Dean]

As I've said many times, the Royals are great and one of a few resorts I'd say are on DVC's level. As noted, higher in some ways. Cancun had a LOT of great restaurants and most are very reasonable, certainly cheaper than WDW and most resort areas. The upscale restaurant at the Mayan is certainly near the top of the list. The choices are almost endless if you're looking at a week stay.

 

[wintergreen]

Thanks for the report! I'd like to try this one some time.

 

[luv2vacation]

How long did you put your request in for this trade? Did it take long? We are thinking about going. Thanks for the info.

 

[marianneb]

Hi,
May I ask how many points you purchased for DVC? I am still going back and forth on how many points to purchase.. Thank you. Marianne

 

[Synonymous]

I put in for the trade in February or March of last year. It came through in a very brief time- I think about a week. I had asked for any of the three neighboring Royals, for either Presidents' Day week or this past week.

Dean- are the Royal resorts outside of Cancun as good? We toured the Pelican in St. Martin many, many years ago (and bought, before rescinding), but I'm sure it's completely different by now.

Marianne- in order to keep this thread on topic, I'll answer you in an IM.

 

[utahkennedys]

I was so glad to see this post because DH and I are going to Cancun next year for our 10 year anniversary. I searched around some timeshare sites, and found the Royal Mayan for $450 + / week (that was for a short notice week) but there are lots of available rentals on redweek. com and others for GREAT prices. I am excited! Thanks!