Grand Mayan Palace

Remarks:
"Know before you go! The developers of this property set out to create a premium quality resort with world class amenities, all within the beauty of the natural tropical environment. The grounds of the Grand Mayan feature a blend of lush well maintained landscaped areas surrounded by tropical vegetation, flowing streams and rivers that was the ORIGINAL concept. Since its initial development of buildings 1 through 7, however, the resort has been expanded and currently features buildings 8 & 13 in an adjacent area called the 'Jungle'. Guests staying in these buildings must either walk a considerable distance to the restaurants, pools and beach or ride in open-air trams. Additionally, the resort is in the process of expanding again. Guests staying in the 'Jungle' buildings are likely to experience significant construction noise from morning to evening. One morning we were awakened by the sounds of a jack hammer shortly after 7:30 a.m. Although the Mayan clearly qualifies as a beachfront resort, it is important to know in advance that the shoreline is extremely rocky and swimming is not advised. A nice sandy swimming beach can be found in front of the property next door (Valentin Resort), just a 10 minute walk up the coast. The staff of the Grand Mayan is friendly, competent and attentive and the food, drinks and other services are top notch. So, here's the bottom line: If you book a trip to the Grand Mayan try to make sure you stay in one of the original buildings (1-7) and don't plan swimming at their beach. In other words: BEWARE OF THE BEACH AND STAY OUT OF THE JUNGLE!" - Aleenjon from San Pedro, California

Stayed at the Grand Mayan Palace Riviera Maya ?

Remarks:
"The rooms and pools are fabulous. Initially the Mayan Palace feels huge but once you learn the paths its is not so bad. The drinks are pricey $7.50 and $9.50 for most and 2-for-1 Happy Hours are not really 2'fers but they make'em doubles which they don't tell you up front. I have to say they really pack a punch. Service on the beach was poor though. Shopping at the resort is outrageous. Around $11 bucks for a pack of Keebler cookies for example. Shuttle service to the main gate to catch shuttles is lacking...the taxis charge you $2 bucks a person to get to the main gate...once again if you don't mind walking a little it's about an 8 minute walk. The restaurants are a bit spendy but so was everything in Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. The all you can eat steak buffet was pricey but great food and entertaining show if you want to splurge one night. The beach is not swimable...you have to walk down to the beach in front of other resorts to find places to swim in the ocean." - B.C. from Portland, Oregon

Stayed at the Grand Mayan Palace Riviera Maya ?