Mayan Palace at Vidanta Riviera Maya Reviews & Ratings

It's a shame that "jillijoanne's" review will be left standing, influencing many future potential customers of the Mayan Palace Riviera....as it is a completely inaccurate and negatively focussed portrayal of this resort! We were there at the same time (this past Christmas) and had a wonderful stay. ....with 7 adults (2 teenagers) of varying ages, sex, and tastes, I might add.

First, the beach....yes, it is rocky....HOWEVER, my husband and sons had a blast swimming and snorkelling out past the pier amongst the man-made 'pots' where many colorful fish had made their homes. We knew ahead of time about the rocks, and therefore came prepared with water shoes. As a matter of fact, the water was wonderfully warm...warmer than the heated pools. As for walking along the beach....my husband and I enjoyed walking the beach. We only had to walk 10 minutes one way, and 5 minutes another way to find ourselves able to walk right into the most gorgeous sand-bottom entrance into the ocean. To say that you cannot walk far along the beach is completely untrue! You can actually walk for miles! Finally, regarding the beach...and more importantly....the staff work very hard at this resort and the ones who work around the beach area are no exception. They were constantly attending to garbage, re-arranging chairs, etc. There is only one area that I can think of where there was 'some' garbage to the side of the lounging area (certainly not to the extent that was mentioned in the earlier review) and I think that perhaps the reviewer did not realize that that area belonged to the neighbouring resort that is still under construction.

The units....yes, the beds are extremely hard. The sofabeds were probably the comfiest. The king bed wasn't too bad; but we did hear complaints about the 2 double beds. We weren't there to sleep, though, and really the only people who really had a hard time were those in the smaller b edroom with the 2 double beds. Our pillows did not smell at all. The linens were fresh and clean. The staff were extremely accommodating with any requests we had regarding extra linens, pillows or blankets. As for the mustiness...well, that's Mexico....it is very damp/humid. We kept our fans on at a certain level the whole time.

The internet cafe was great. The staff there were gracious, helpful, and accommodating. We found the rates quite reasonable; there was always a computer available....and yes, we did have to print off a few things and....really, who cares if it costs 40 cents!?!?!? Big deal! I really didn't think that was too bad, considering how much else we were already spending daily.

We found the food at the Mayan Palace excellent!! Cheap ...no...but excellent...yes. In order to combat the expense of eating out nightly, we bought groceries at the local grocery story (Chadraui) and Wal-Mart for our breakfasts and lunches. That was fun anyway....kind of another experience in a different country!

The best thing about the Mayan Palace Riviera is their staff...without exception. As well, the pool area is fantastic.

There were a few discrepancies in treatment of guests at the Grand Mayan as opposed to the Mayan Palace....for sure there were. All in all, though, we felt the Palace was an excellent value, and a perfect place to bring the family together for a holiday.

We stayed at Mayan Palace the last week of March and had a wonderful time. Yes resort is large, but we enjoyed the walk and used the tram when we had enough! There are plenty of activities to join in or just watch. The pool is fabulous, the new pier is great. The water was rough while we were there, so we didn't play in the water. Yes the rocks are still there, but there were areas that were passable. if the water had not been as rough.

The unit - we were in building 6 - highly recommend trying to stay in bldgs 1-8 for easy accessibility to everything. It was not really convenient to prepare meals except for maybe breakfast & lunch. Apartment sized refrigerator, 2 burner cooktop and a microwave - no oven. The rest of the unit was spacious, clean, very nice.

Expensive - all in how you look at it. Prices might be a little high for Mexican standards, but they are about average for typical meals out in the U.S.

Staff was fantastic! Once a week there is a floor show starring the staff that is vey nice. They could hardly do enough for you. Poolside service, beach service - very friendly and helpful.

And the pool area is beyond compare. While we were there, the pool area for the Grand Mayan opened. Prior to that, everyone was sharing the same pool (s), but you would never have known it, the area is so big.

We would definitely consider future stays at this resort

We were here in February. The weather could have been dryer. The resort is beautiful. Even while having a new waterpark and disco built. I love this place, but didn't trust them because of their unethical salespeople. So we've been going on coupons we stupidly purchased from them a few years ago.

Anyhow, this year we asked and asked many owners. We got the same reply, It's easy to book, I get the rooms I want, never a problem as long as you book like they instruct. One of the first few days we returned to our room to find our key didn't work and there was a note to go to the front desk. They told us that the maid couldn't clean because our safe was left standing wide open. A guard had to let us in our room with a new key and we could not believe that everything was exactly how we left it as well as all $7,800 in US cash.

We love this place. We were reluctant to buy because of the salespeople. But the resort and the other owners have convinced us to change our minds. We are now closing on two Mayan weeks and one Grand Mayan week. I'll let you know how it is to be an owner. Hopefully I'll sound like the other owners we talked to. Once you come here you really won't feel like going anywhere else. There's so much to do for young and old at the resort and there are too many experiences in the area to cover in just a couple weeks. Every year we see and do things we've never done before here and we still have a list of must try's for our next trip. Deena

We like the pool here and met alot of people, some very unhappy with their timeshare and the timeshare people.We did the presentaion took 4 hrs and they wound not take no for an answer they kept on asking. The blds are very far from the pool even though I called and requested a close building (due to the recent surgery I had no such luck we were 2 from the last building) No benches to sit to wait for shuttles which ran often. Didin't like all the shuttle busing to get places. No place to get a drink by the lobby you had to walk to the bar,not even a drinking fountain. Hated the bug spraying at nite so you couldn't walk at nite or open your patio door for fresh air. No place to sit on balcony no ocean veiw I quess we are spoiled. The drinks at the pool are high I ordered a mud slide at happpy hour and it was $12 us the entertainment was not good, you had to eat to watch ,nothing free and some old guy singing. The beach was rocky and not good for snorkling. We like Xel Ha that was nice. Way to many lil kids at the resort when we were there and alot of loud stuff going on by pool so not real relaxing. Take a big cooler with you and bring own drinks and beer and food to pool because once you get there you won't want to leave its so far back to your room, the food and drink prices are high. the trip to town Play del carman is worth it to eat and buy booze and food at Wal mart.

Resembling an industrial park with college dormatory appointments, the buidlings and furnishings are not luxurious, but everything is clean and well-maintained.

The pool area is one of the most beautiful we have ever seen; however, with more than 20 buildings on the property, only a few are convenient to the pool or beach area. If at all possible, request buildings 1-8, with 8 still being a bit of a walk. Shuttles to the pool are available, but do not not continuously; benches and canopies for shade are nowhere in sight.

Unlike most resorts, there are hundreds of lounges, many in the shade, with no problem getting the position you want.

The staff is friendly. Housekeeping services are given morning and night, which is not always the case at a time share.

We did not eat at the restaurants on "campus". On the first night, we went to the Super Walmart in Playa del Carmen to stock the kitchen with breakfast and lunch items and every night we took the Playa Express across the roadway outside the resort ($1.50 pp one way) into Playa del Carmen. Public transportation is fabulous, and the town is full of energy with excellent restaurants and shops for every taste and budget.

Their cybernet cafe is one of the best we've encountered, with 10-12 stations at $7/hr.

Gift shop and boutique are grossly overpriced.

This was not our favorite resort; however, the price and location make this a practical family vacation choice.

Tip: We were told by those who attended the resort's timeshare presentation that it was very high pressure and took much, much longer than the 90 minutes they promise.

WOW!! WOW!! Our children were wild about it! Several shallower pools for children of varying ages. LOTS of pool area left over for adult activities. The pool is beyond belief.

The staff were amazing!! Many activities planned. Huge beach area with a play center for the kids.

The food was mouth watering and plentiful. The evening shows (included with the meals) were thrilling.

Only thing we didn't like was that the free trains to get you around the complex had no child restaints.

We've been here twice and LOVE it! The only problem is the beach...it was devastated by a hurricane and they are in the slow process of trying to get it reestablished. You can swim in it though..just take some water shoes and enter in the place that is marked.

With the wonderful pools...I don't miss the sea water.

It is a hike to the pool and restaurants, but they are building another series of pools in front to help with that part. They had to build the way they did to keep hurricanes from taking out all the rooms as it would if they were facing the beach.

When I've been down there, I've never heard one person, say they were disappointed in it.

Don't miss a trip to the spa!!

We spent two wonderful weeks at this resort. August 19-Sep 2nd. Weather was perfect. Beach was rocky, not for children to play in. Staff was always helpful, turn down maid service each nite. Pool(s) were kept clean each day. To get a Lanai get down each morning early 7-7:30am. My main gripe was as a vegetarian (Fish only) the breakfast buffet, has no fish and the resturants are limited to Tuna, Salmon and shrimp. First class health club & Spa. Visit, Cozumal, Tulum, and Aukama Bay.

Ed & Janet Dempsey

The pools are beautiful, the view is wonderful. Great Service ...they go above and beyond here.

There is so much to do in the area. Highly recommend Xcaret, which is great excursion for families.

You can also take the shuttle bus for $1 into Playa and do some grocery shopping at the Walmart for snacks or breakfast foods. In Playa there is tons of shopping, hair braiding, resturants and a great beach. There is also a ferry there that takes you over to Cozumel to spend the day there, where there is some great diving and snorkling in the beautiful carribean waters.

This is a family friendly resort with lots to do for the little kids and the big kids. They had water aerobics at the massive pool every afternoon, volleyball and watersports available on the beach.

They do guest rankings at the end of your stay and it matters to the staff what your ratings are, so they try very hard to please.

Excellent resort, well maintained and manicured, Liked it so much bought into the timeshare. November 2004.

If you've never been to the Mayan Riviera, unless you are in Playa Del Carmen, most of the resorts require transport to get to shopping and attractions. This area consists of low- rise (3 story) hotels and condos, set way back from the road, with lots of surrounding jungle. We would take a bus ($1)to Playa del Carmen and then taxi back ($17). (you need to take a shuttle to the resort entrance to catch a bus.) There is a tour concierge at the hotel for excursions. Excursion to Xcaret and Chichinicha were excellent (fulldays).

The grounds are huge, lots of walking, and if you are unable to do a casual walk or have a handicap, there is a shuttle service through the grounds which will take you to the pool, restaurants or lobby area. Largest Multi-level pools I've ever seen, different water temperatures and quiet or active areas offer just about any atmosphere you could want. Classes such as crafts, volleyball, dance, aquasize and spanish lessons at the pool area also two pool bars which offer happy hour specials. A nice bonus is the pools are open 24 hours.

Plenty of chaises- lounges. So you are always guaranteed a place. There was some construction going on as they are expanding.

The beach is nice for lounging. The water is rocky but good for snorkelling. A 5 minute walk either way and the water is a pure sand bottom- good waves for jumping and a quiet beach.

Restaurants on the resort providee excellent quality overall. The Italian restaurant serves exceptional food with an exceptional chef. (reservations are recommended).

There is always a choice of buffet or sit down for any meal, and of course room-service. We really enjoyed the breakfast buffet-$15. Here you can get a large selection of fresh fruit and juices, french pastries and american breakafst choices, but also a large selection of Mexican dishes.

The pool restaurant had burgers, quesadilla and a great fresh fruit plate. The restaurant by the beach offers fresh fish simply prepared and other foods often prepared with an asian spicing.

Service was excellent. Rooms were clean and very comfortable. The resort is set way back from the road, but so are most others in the area. Realistically, all restaurants, pools and beaches are at most a 4 - 10 minute walk away,

Although there were some families, probably 70% were couples ages 35-60, mid to upper income. If you are looking for a party place, this is not it. Really refreshing. The resort is not for budget-minded travellers, we did not find it expensive for the quality. Costs per person- Breakfast $7-10 dollars. Lunch $7-10. Dinner $10- 35.

Timeshare salespeople were not a problem - we just said no thanks, not interested, and they moved on and never asked again.

Only drawback is that they do not offer an all inclusive meal package...

5 star facility. Very clean. Recommend renting a car while you are there. Food at Tromonto's was excellent as was the service. Would go back again. This is a large resort and not for those looking for a quiet cozy place.

We are normally not pool lovers, but the massive pool complex is fabulous. Multi-level pools, different water temperatures and quiet or active areas offer just about any atmosphere you could want. And two pool bars. We often started the day under a large waterfall, letting water pound on our necks and backs- a natural massage! A nice bonus is the pools are open 24 hours.

Plenty of chaises- lounges. Palapas are harder to get although there are plenty. Palapa "pigs" are at all resorts- no exception here, but the resort is making good efforts to make sure that people do not hog the palapas by placing items on the chairs then taking off for hours. After an hour unattended, the resort removes items for others to use the chairs.

Soon there will be no problem at all as there is a huge covered pool currently under construction. Kudos to the owners of the resort who figured out that there are a growing number of people that do not want to bake in the sun at the risk of skin damage or cancer!

The beach is nice for lounging. The water is rocky but good for snorkelling. A 5 minute walk either way and the water is a pure sand bottom- good waves for jumping and quiet- never more than a handful of people on the beach.

Although a relatively new resort, most of the grounds have an abundance of vegetation and construction areas are far off and unobtrusive to guests.

I find Restaurant choices are always so personal depending on whether you prefer to have American - type food or whether you are into variety and Ethnic choices. The resort provides both and the quality overall was very good. The Italian restaurant serves exceptional food -best tiramisu, carpaccio and prime rib we have had anywhere.

There is always a choice of buffet or sit down for any meal, and of course room-service. Loving spicy foods, we really enjoyed the breakfast buffet-$15. Here you can get a large selection of fresh fruit and juices, french pastries and american breakafst choices, but also a large selection of Mexican dishes- yummy!. I figure we ate at least 6 types of chillis for breakfast each day.

The pool restaurant had good nachos, burgers and a great fresh fruit plate. The restaurant by the beach offers fresh fish simply prepared and other foods often prepared with an asian spicing.

Service was excellent. Rooms were clean and very comfortable- we had a one bedroom suite. The resort is set way back from the road, but so are most others in the area. The grounds are huge, but we enjoyed the convenience of having a large area to safely walk about and wear off the pounds we surely would have otherwise gained. Realistically, all restaurants, pools and beaches are at most a 1- 10 minute walk away, and if you are not in shape to do a casual walk or have a handicap, there is a shuttle service through the grounds.

Although there were some families there with children, and some younger couples, probably 70% were couples ages 35-55, mid to upper income. If you are looking for a party booze-up place, this is not it. In other words, yes there were people drinking, being silly and having fun, but not to the point of endangerment, stupidity and reckless regard for others. Really refreshing ! The resort is not for budget-minded travellers, however, we did not find it expensive for the quality. Costs per person- Breakfast $7-10 dollars. Lunch $7-10. Dinner $10-35.

We can't comment on resort activities as we did not seek any out.

If you've never been to the Mayan Riviera, unless you are in Playa Del Carmen, most of the resorts require transport to get to shopping and attractions. Unlike Cancun, which is high rise hotels row on row, this area consists of low- rise hotels and condos, set way back from the road, with lots of surrounding jungle. We would take a bus ($1)to Playa del Carmen and then taxi back ($17). There is a tour operator at the hotel for excursions.

Timeshare salespeople were not a problem - we just said no thanks, not interested, and they moved on and never asked again.

Awesome resort except for the lack of an all inclusive package, and a kids menu at the restaurants.

Just back, it is finished, although more construction will be going on for years to come, as they add the spa and the water park. They lost a lot of sand on the beach during the hurricane, but have been rebuilding it and installing artificial reef, so it wont be long and it will be excellent. In the meantime, you can swim very safely at the 'playa secreto' about 10 minute walk north, or at small bay immediately next door to the south. I rank this as absolutely the best vacation we've had so far, (6th one at a Mayan Palace in Mexico), and all the others were pretty fantastic. Don't believe most of what you read on message boards from folks who stayed there before construction was complete. Our stay was quiet, staff were great (not quite as great as Acapulco, but still very respectful, reliable, trustworthy). When you check in, ask for building "Tulum 1, 2, or 3" which are closest to the beach/pool. Food is better than other MP's, and seemed priced slightly better too, although the kitchen in the room means you can do your own thing if you prefer. Onsite market is expesive of course, go into Puerto Morelos or Playa Del Carmen by bus to buy groceries. Walmart in Cancun had excellent prices on food too, and cheapest 100% agave tequila we've ever seen. ($75P)

Rafael, the Dive Master on site is excellent, we did 3 dives with him. the snorkeling in front of the hotel is good, but better if you walk 5 minutes left or right down the beach. over 500 chairs around the pool, meant we were never crowded. We met some fabulous people, had a great rest, enjoyed the shows and took the local bus ($2 US) to/from: - Playa Del Carmen - Puerto Morelos - Cancun. Ask the concierge at the resort to arrange for you to be picked up at the airport ($15 US per person), less than a cab, and excellent 'van' service. The "Par 3" Nicklaus golf course is now open, and we did not play, but were told it was tough

See my complete review with pictures. My thoughts are in line with many other postings on this property.

http://www.wasserbauer.com/mp/mayanpalac e/mp.htm

I was here for a week in December in 2002. The resort was not finished at the time, but the food and the entertainment staff were exceptional. The pool was incredible. At the time there was only one extremely large pool and with the bar in the pool I would not recommend this resort as a family resort, as several times patrons became obnoxious in the pool. The shows and the staff were simply spectacular.

Beautiful resort, although not yet complete. Absolutely wonderful pools overlooking the ocean. Great restaurants, although a bit expensive. Great outdoor theatre with nightly entertainment. Rooms are very nice with daily maid service. Don't book tours from the resort as you will pay a lot more than if you go into town. Also you should rent a car unless you plan to stay at the resort the whole time. It is located at least a 15 minute drive from everything. Local buses are also available. Wonderful resort and the golf course will be great when complete.

I rate this resort 5-star for the level of service, staff professionalism, quality of food, resort amenties, and superbly appointed rooms. 5 adults in our party slept comfortably in a 2BR. While there is plenty to occupy your time, a car is a must to fully enjoy the area. Must sees: Playa del Carmen, Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza, the Coco Bongo disco in Cancun. Do not let the ongoing construction at this resort deter you. When completed, this will no doubt be a mega resort in the same fashion of other Mayan Palace resorts. To compensate, the resort has unbelievably low weekly rentals. A few words of advice: you will be approached to attend a timeshare presentation. Unless you desire to own a timeshare unit in a foreign country, be very careful in attending as the sales staff can be very persistent. I prefer to own in the United States where I have more control and where US laws apply. Lastly, stay here with an open mind and make the best of your stay in this region as there is lots to see and do!