My wife had never been to Mexico (Cancun, etc) so we decided to go this year. We used a RCI exchange and found availability for a studio at The Grand Mayan, Apr. 19-26, 2008. I had never been to the Riviera Maya and wanted my wife's first visit to Mexico NOT be Cancun :)

Using the fantastic Rivier Maya forum here on TripAdvisor, we were able to find a great shuttle service from the airport in Cancun to te Grand Mayan.

On arrival we went into the tent. As mentioned in previous reviews, they had a fire in their previous Grand Mayan lobby (there is a seperate lobby for checkin to the Palace area of the resort). Side note: we did get to see where the new Grand Mayan lobby will be and it will be phenomenol!! They're also building a lazy river that is going to be spectacular.

Since we had arrived early we had a long wait in the lobby for our room (2 hours) to be ready. The time went by fairly quickly (we went to have lunch at one of the restaurants on property). They also had bottled water and ice-cold wet towels to keep cool.

Unfortunately, my charms didn't work on the room assignor and we ended up with a room in building 9. The higher the number, the further away you are from the pool and restaurant area. There are shuttles (golf carts) that run frequently and the walk in pleasant (check out the flamingos along the lake area).

The room are incredible! Very nice marble floors, seperate shower and a jacuzzi. Their is also a separate water closet (toilet in small room). Great soaps, shampoos and also bath salts for the jacuzzi. The king size bed is comfortable and the room also has a flat-screen tv. Although we were on the second floor, we were rear-facing and we only had a view off our balcony of endless shrub and mangrove trees.

The pool areas are beautful as well as the manicured gardens, walkways and landscapes. The Palace pool (open to all guests) is enormous with palapas/bed areas around the pool (these must be reserved) and plenty of chairs. The Grand Mayan pool (only for Grand Mayan guests) was a much quieter area off the main area and was next to the lake that sits in the middle of the property. This pool area is where my wife and I spent lots of time soaking in the sun (very strong rays..make sure to bring good sunblock) and swimming. This pool is also very large (not as big as the main one) but no worries about bumping into others. Nice bar area here with swings as seats :) There is also a neat gazebo with a few tables, plenty of chairs and lounge chairs.

The food in all of the restaurants was excellent. We really enjoyed the breakfast buffets (my wife and I are big breakfast kind of folks). Lots of choices; omelets, eggs to order, pancakes, waffles, typical mexican comida (food), variety of juices, lots of fruit choices... a breakfast eaters paradise.

We also attended one of the specialty nights (Mexican celebration) and the food was out of this world!! I got my picture taken with two of the cute chiquitas ;) much to the chagrin of my wife. Very much worth the money, great show with traditional songs, dance and evening show. A very good time!!

The Grand Mayan has a nice deli with pastries and a small convenience store section. Of course, the prices for this "convenience" was high. Worth it if you want to grab a panini, croissant, etc. Not a "daily dining" kind of place (you'll go broke). They have a decent internet center as well as a nice on site spa and exercise facility. They also have a decent golf course on property (par 3 course).

I could go on and on about this place... my wife really loved it. I think what was most impressive was the friendliness of all of the staff and the absolute customer-service centric attitude they all have. From the lobby to the roomservice, housekeeping, service staff. Even the guys keeping the grounds well manicured were friendly and always smiling. Really makes a difference when you are at a resort that it feels like the employees are happy and show it.

The only thing that was kind of a downer, and completely our own fault, was the timeshare tour. Holy smokes. I'm in sales and this was the toughest, longest, most intense selling experience I have ever had at a resort. We were handed off to three seperate people every time we said no to the previous rep someone else would show up. Even when we were thanked for listening and turned over to the "person who will survey you and your experience" he tried to close us on a half week, return visit, every other year, trial stay, etc., etc. Unless you are a glutton for a punishing marathon session (heck whatever turns your screw) then give a polite "no thank you" to the invite to the timeshare tour. Otherwise, plan on losing 3+ hours of that day (although you do get a great free breakfast ;) and a $100 discount).

The Grand Mayan has been our most favorite timeshare exchange and we fell in love with the place. Heck, during the grueling timeshare session for a split-second we even contemplated buying a week there (they have lockouts ;) ). The staff make this resort truly special. We're depressed they have a 1 in 5 policy :( Oh well... keeps us guessing until our return in 2013.

My family and I enjoyed every day on this lovely resort. I have heard some bad reviews, but we enjoyed this place. The momentwe stepped onto the resort, we were swamped with Exceptional service and positive attitudes. They asked us if we woould like to sit through a time share review; we said no thanks and that was the end of it, not even a sour face or bad attitude about it. The resort is spectacular, the walk from our resort to the pools was not bad, I was next door. I could understand how some who stay in the farther buildings would not enjoy the walk, but the shuttles came by on time and very often. Room service was great, one call and five minutes later, they are at your door. This is one of the cleanest places I have ever been to, to include Hawaii. I would suggest you rent a car, as the taxi's are priced at a reasonable rate, i just preferred to have the freedom of coming and going as I pleased. We did not participate in the "all inclusive" program, as we ate in the cities and the two times we ate on the resort, I found the price was acceptable. We did go buy some breakfast items at the "Mega" (like a Wal-Mart ) and the prices were very reasonable. Our visit to Xel-ha was unforgettable.The trip to Chichen-itza (Pyramid) was so pleasant and great.The ferry to Cozumel was very nice.The city of Play del Carmen was very very fun, everyone was courteous and friendly. My friends, family and I had a spectacular time and would go again and again. Highly recommend this trip.Our two bedroom suite was exceptional. Each room had their own jaccuzzi, the balcony had a small pool, wow! That was impressive.

I read most of the reviews before going to this resort, so it helps to know what to expect. It can't be said enough that this is a huge resort (it is a Jungle). We stayed as guests through an exchange July 12-19, 2008

ARRIVAL - Shuttle service is available from the airport to the resort. We arrived at 11:00am and check in was not until 5pm. However we were able to check in early at 3pm. In the meantime we did go prepared with swimsuits and swam in pool until checkin we were even able to get a palapa (grass hut with bed underneath). Then went to Playa del Carmen using the bus $2 each person one way and loaded up on groceries at Wal-Mart. You will find everything you need there. We however took the cab coming back for $20. We are a family with 3 young children. DRAWBACK - although we arrived early and emailed request we were still not able to get a low numbered room. Palapas are $30 a day, however if you order food amounting to that much then charge is waivered. Make sure you check your bill to ensure the charge is removed.

SHUTTLE - Athough I emailed (3x) requesting a low number room we litterally were in the last room next to the makeshift lobby, as the new Grand Mayan lobby has not been completed as of yet. It was a little combersome with a stroller getting on the shuttle, but it was doable. DRAWBACK - not all shuttles go where you want them to go, become familiar with flag colours which indicate where they are going.

RESORT - What can I say it is beautiful and well maintained. There is the Mayan Palace and the Grand Mayan (newer)which is where we stayed. Staff is very friendly. Maid service was exceptional. Dipping pool on balcony which was very refreshing since pool water was very warm. Beach is very rocky so be very careful. If you want a beach go to Playa 20 min away. DRAWBACK - A pair of brand new white pants was mixed up in linen and it was not found

RESTAURANTS - We ate at Balche (steak skirt is delicious), Havana Moon, and Del Lago(breakfast buffet is good). Prices were reasonable. DRAWBACK - 15% gratuity is added to all bills so be aware

TOURS - We did Chichen Itza, which was a very interesting and informative tour. DRAWBACK - a long day with young children and most tours are 10 hours. I would recommend renting a car and driving yourself. Overall we had a good time and would go back again and definitely do more tours. Oh yeah bring bug spray, mosquitos are abundant at night!

Arrival at airport: Go through airport & buy your alcohol before you pass through Mexico's 3 second custom check. Walk up, no x-rays, questions or funny looks. Push a button & you're in. *Have your transportation pre-arranged before your trip and don't stop for the gauntlet of tourist trap cabby's and hagglers just inside the exit doors! It's crazy!!! The grand mayan POC outside will be wearing a Red Top!
They carry you straight to the check-in tent and check-in is easy. Make sure you ask for your towel card (used at the pool). They then send you to someone who gives you the info(map.tours etc..) and the timeshare sales pitch. If I can say NO to the singles mom Ms. Mexico with the top 3 buttons undone, you can too! It's not worth your time, 10%, 100 dollars or a sneak peak of those twin peaks!
They carry you & your bags all the way to your door. (Bring plenty of small bills for tipping for your stay). We were at building #3, lucky us, so I will not complain about the trips to the beach & pool. Golf course is emmaculate with 400 workers constantly grooming. Amazingly they disappear before every shot! No kidding!
Excursions: Best bang for your buck? The jungle extreme adventure. Zip-Lining, biking & Cenote swim. 65$ per person. Includes transpo, the trip & authentic Mexican cooked lunch. The 2 guides are awesome (Victor & Julio from Vera-Cruz) They even stopped us off at the locals shack in Puerto Morelos so I could buy my wife her hammocks & my teenagers wrestling masks!!
Pools are clean & very pleasant. Plenty of things for the little ones at the kids zone they have at the pool everyday. The palapas are wonderful and really a must. Reserving one isn't really hard for anyone who can get up before 10 a.m Plenty of shade huts on the beach & yes the rocky beach will tear your skin to pieces and slippery enough to cut you a flip.
Upon our arrival, I took a bus-van to Playa-del Carmen's Mega grocery store(15 pesos) $1.50 us. You have to go outside the main gate & cross the hwy where traffic is heading south. When you see the Playa sign in the front window, step towards the road & wave your arm to stop them. I spent $160 in drinks (2 cases & 2 fifths of tequila with mixes) and groceries that lasted a family of four a whole week. Of course you have to take a taxi back to the resort, but this was only 20 dollars. You'll see the taxis underneath the Mega on the bottom parking garage. We ate one time at Del-Largo (restaurant on resort), and that alone cost me $130.
To save on drinks by the pool, buy a bucket of beer the first day, and covertly keep your bucket. Fill a small gym bag with your grocery store beer and stop by your buildings ice machine & fill-up on your way to the pool. We used our small bag w/wheels because of course it was heavy. Pre-mix your other drinks and carry them also. Keep it on the down low- Hello!!!
Over-all, this trip was pretty cool. Hot & Humid & very family oriented. A few Definates:**** Do use your safe in the room (common sense for most people)******Get plenty of bottled water*****Water shoes for the beach******Grocery shop at Mega******Room service for breakfast the first & last morning(awesome)*******Small bills for tip money*******Bargain with the local venders by the pool: Kwanta Kwesta (how much)....es muchos (too much) then make your offer! Worked everytime!
Would I go back? Probably not, due to the shear size of this place. Did I have a good time? Of course, I love to bargain 5-star resorts plus this is a great one-time vacation spot. Here's my bill run down for a family of four for a weeks stay. Believe it or not? Golf $74(1 time)-Dinner at del-largo $130- Extreme adventure excursion $130(2 people) - Groceries $160 -Bucket of beer $7.50- room service 2 breakfasts 56$ for a total of $558.50.
Of course we spent money out of pocket on other stuff, but that was my Grand Mayan bill! Ain't I cheap? I hope you can take advantage of a truth-filled review! Enjoy..... from a good ole boy!