Maya vs Riu Palace

[montrealtraveller]

Afternoon All
We are heading down to PDC end March after our Ritz reservation had to be cancelled due to Wilma.
I think we have narrowed it down the Maya or The Riu Palace-anyone experienced both?
We are a mid 30's couple with a 3 yr old girl.
Thanks and cheers!

[CoralReef]

Location might make a difference. The RIU is about a mile south of town--  a good location if you plan on spending a lot of time in Playa del Carmen, but also a much busier beach.

The Maya is 25 minutes from PDC on the free shuttle bus. But because the resort is off by itself, there is much less foot traffic on the beach.

[jwalt2005]

Hey i hope you have a great time, either hotel is great. 

I am only 18, however I have been fortunate enough to have gone to mexico the past 4 years over spring break with my family as well as 3 other families around our neighborhood.

The first year, we stayed at the Iberostar Del Mar, second year, Beach, third year, Lindo...... These resorts have it all.  The adults had the time of their lives, hence the reason for going back three straight years.  The food is great, the Star-Friends are awesome and will always keep you, your husband, and your little daughter entertained. 

After the lindo, we looked into staying at the Maya, prices were a little too high for us to go at that time, so we opted to try something new, the Riu Palace located right outside Playa Del Carmen. 

After experiencing the 2 different hotels, i would have to go with any resort in the paraiso complex.  Dont get me wrong, The Riu Palace was a phenomenal place... however, all the families felt it was more geared towards the older crowd... 40-50+ and honeymooners.  They lacked in the entertainment category... it cant even be compared to that of the Iberostar.  The food was pretty good, just kind of a pain to have an assigned time to eat every single night.... and you must dress up or they wont even let you into the buffet. 

I guess we were all spoiled having expereienced the iberostar's before anything else.  But for your situation.  The iberostar would be the right choice... in my opinion.  If you and your spouse want some time to yourself, there is a day camp that will keep your daughter entertained from morning til dusk. 

Not to rub it in.... we liked the iberostar soo much, i convinced my girlfriends parents to book a trip to the maya jan 2-9th.... and Then I will be going back to paraiso beach 2 months later in march with the group of families again.   

We even sent my grandparents to the Lindo for a week last year.... Ive never even seen my grandma go near the water in the 18 years ive known her... When they got back, they couldnt stop talking about how much fun they had, and would go back, but my grandpa was just diagnosed with Emphyzema.

You will not be disappointed either way... its a beautilful place to relax and rejuvenate for a weeks time.


Hope this helps

Jordan - Wisconsin

[mexicanbob]

Jordan, Thanks for the valuable input. You're right when you say the Iberostar's are hard to compare because once you've tried Iberostar it is very hard to stay elsewhere. The Paraiso complex really does have something for everybody no matter what your age.

[montrealtraveller]

Very helpful insights-thanks alot-it looks like the Maya is the right chocie for us!
Have a good one!

[travmagic]

Good choice! The Maya is much more family friendly and the Riu Palace is very stuffy in my opinion. You will have a great time at the Maya.