II Trade to Mexico??

[mikayla73]

DH and I were thinking about trying out a II trip on points to Mexico (maybe in 2009), preferably not in Cancun. I have read that the Royals (in Cancun of course) are really nice, but has anyone stayed anywhere else in Mexico on DVC points?

I know being flexible with dates and places are a must for trading into II, just wondered if anyone else particually like any of the Mexico choices. DH was looking at Palma Real Hotel and Villas in Manzanillo, but I did some preliminary looking and I am not sure about that one. I plan on doing lots of research on the ones we want to try, but thought getting some "insider" info would be good too

TIA!

 

[Dean]

I can't speak for Cabo but ignoring that area, the Royals in Cancun and Paradise Village in Neuvo Vallarta would be the best choices from the standpoint of the resorts themselves. If you plan ahead, all are very workable. If you don't want Xmas, Feb or March; they are VERY easy to get but also fairly easy to rent. Cancun will be the more Americanized, the Puerto Vallarta area is likely the best mix of culture and comfort. Air will be easier for some options than others but specifics will depend on where you start from. For Southeast, Cancun will be far easier. Cabo and PV easier from the West. Email me privately and I can give you some additional suggestions on HOW to get into these resorts easier and possibly cheaper.

 

[Princess Tink]

mikayla73, unless you've been to Cancun I wouldn't rule it out. My DH and I went there this past July for our 10th Anniversary, staying at the Royal Caribbean through an II trade. I was slightly skeptical when I first started my search, as I wasn't looking for an overpriced Vegas trip (if you know what I mean), because that's what everyone seems to call it....an adults theme park. We didn't take my DS with us this time, but I can tell you I would not hesitate to take him staying at the Royals. We discovered your trip is whatever you make it. We met and seen people from all walks, multi-generations trips (grandparents, kids, and grand-kids), couples, adult families (kids of age with their parents going out for a night on the town), young families, you name it we seen it.

We really enjoyed Cancun, of course we spent more time at our resort than anything else, just because they offered so much we had little need to leave the resort. They had activities around the pool, they held a taco party (no charge, held by the concierge staff), and much more. We did enjoy some time away from the HZ, to enjoy a little culture……we went to Tulum (which is absolutely gorgeous), and Xel-Ha (which I was disappointed in), and we took a ferry over to Isla Mujeres (which I truly enjoyed).

Also, you might check out the TUG board and see what other options there are out there. Hope this helps.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Micaela (pronounced Makayla as well)

 

[mikayla73]

Thanks for the info, sorry it took so long to reply since I have been down for about a week after having surgery. We are really still kicking the idea around, but I will keep this in mind.

Dean - I will email you when we make an actual decision.

Micaela - It was actually DH's request to not go to Cancun. I guess he just see's it as "party central" but I know it would be what we make of it. I wouldn't rule it out completely until I did the research.

 

[Dean]

Thanks for the info, sorry it took so long to reply since I have been down for about a week after having surgery. We are really still kicking the idea around, but I will keep this in mind.

Dean - I will email you when we make an actual decision.

Micaela - It was actually DH's request to not go to Cancun. I guess he just see's it as "party central" but I know it would be what we make of it. I wouldn't rule it out completely until I did the research.

I look forward to hearing from you. I would suggest you reconsider Cancun as your husband's assumptions are incorrect. True there are places to party like Carlos and Charlies and the like but to assume that's what Cancun is about is simply incorrect. Cancun has the best timeshares in the Caribbean and in MX and they are easier to get as a rule. It has access to a lot of culture and pretty good snorkeling. It is far more americanized than the rest of MX which may be good or bad for you, has great options in the area for things to do and has a lot of GREAT restaurants. PV would be my pick for the best combo of comfort and culture but it involves more work and compromise than Cancun.

 

[JLitfin]

We visited Cancun a couple of years ago and it was wonderful. We stayed at the Royal Sands, the resort, personnel, activities, and the beach were the greatest. Right now we own in the Marriott system and thinking about purchasing DVC and honestly the Royal Sands is one of the best T/S we have stayed in, except for Hawaii, the Marriotts are wonderful in Hawaii.

If I were you I would also consider Cancun, as well as the other places on your list.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[pouncingpluto]

I'm so excited about our upcoming exchange to Royal Caribbean!! I'll definitely report back! Going in 2 weeks from Saturday!

I can *use* a vacation. Though I'll be studying for the LSAT. But isn't studying on the beach much nicer than at home?

 

[Princess Tink]

I can't wait to hear how you like the RC pouncingpluto.

My Dh and I are seriously considering going there again next year, instead of WDW. I'm kind of up in the air at this point. I love both!!! However, my DH loves CANCUN...even more than cruising, which I think was tops for him.

 

[mikayla73]

We are definately beach people who love Disney. We have been on one cruise, we enjoyed it, but we found that we like spending more time on the island than we get to with a cruise. We think it is more relaxing that way. We we'd agree with your DH.

Thanks for all the input and I am looking forward to your report pouncingpluto!