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Trip Reviews, Ratings and Comments - Trip Review - Barcelo Maya Beach Resort
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This was my first trip to Mexico. We arrived from Milwaukee at the Cancun Airport a short 5.5 hours later, where we all checked in and promptly got some Corona's and boarded a bus to several resorts, finally ending up at the Barcelo Maya Resort. Once off the bus you are greeted by srvants who take your bags, and given a nice mango cocktail. I went to the bar and then the beach, and had a great first day. We were accomadated with a closer room later that day, as ours was far from the main lobby and beach (hint - my future mother in law said she had trouble walking, while not true it certainly put us very close). The resort is fairly large, staying in Coba (the 4 or 5 building meant a decent walk, so we enjoyed our room directly in front of the lobby fountains. Of the time we spent there, 11 days total, one hour was bad weather. Nothing but sun otherwise, and beautiful weather. We went in February (springtime).
The food was good enough, if you select and pick carefully, you can find some very good selections. Some things are not good, but you learn to avoid them. The bar service was also very good, but be prepared to wait. And try the flaming shakers, they are fun if nothing else. The cups are small during the day, always best to grab two - by the time you get back to your seat, you'll be glad you did.
There are always activities by the pool, such as dance lessons and fun and games time. It's fun to get involved and even get competitive. Afterwards we used the swim up bars extensively, maybe too extensively in retrospect.
For about $1 US Dollar we went to Playa Del Carmen a few times. We got some great deals on things, using our stubborn bargaining tactics. We looked at the barcelo gift shops, but found things much cheaper elsewhere.
The resturaunts which offer reservations, to my experience were of little more difference than the buffet style ones we ate at. Besides service, it appeared much of the food was much the same, done up to look differently. We ate at two, and of them half of us thought it was worthwhile, while the others including me, thought our time was better spent at the regular buffet line. In short we all agreed, the reservation resturaunts were nothing too special.
As for the room service, let me stress a $2 per day US tip in the basket is WELL worth the money. We tipped and returned to find even that our shoes were neatly arranged, clothes on the floor folded neatly, mints, and lots of special care. I forgot a tip one day, accidentaly, and the room was messy and save the made up beds, it hadn't hardly been touched. Well worth the time.
Tipping bartenders is good too - a few dollars means when you return, service to you is a priority over other guests. Tell this to the Canadian men waiting for ten minutes and I walk up to the bar and he has my drink made in seconds. As well as a second, as soon as I finished. And later, I got a bottle of tequilla from this bartender, and while not premium, they make nice gifts. Oh - and also purchased a 26$ bottle of Jose Quervo Gold from him for $8 USD. Pays to tip, pays to tip, need I say more.
The Dos Equis was good beer in the honor bar, but we saved most of it, bringing it home to give away as gifts (people like me are always looking for ways to save money, or shopping time).
Lastly I would like to say, although not as luxurios as other resorts in the area, the trip was relaxing and enjoyable. And I'm also going to break precedent and tell you you too can go for 11 days for less than 1500 $USD (depending on you're locale, so don't pay 3 or 4 thousand! Our flight was smooth as ever, accomadations first class, and well taken care of -we booked apple vacations, and so long as every trip is as enjoyable as this one, we always will. One thing I'd like to change however, next time I hope to leave my future in-laws behind! (Just kidding :)
Enjoy your trip! Feel free to email me with questions.
Submitted by: Michael -- kampy@execpc.com
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