Iberostar Paraiso Lindo, 3 - 17 February

[Jude]

My husband and I had a wonderful 2 week holiday at the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo.  We had stayed at the Del Mar in 2003 and were booked for the Beach side for this trip.  On our arrival we were informed that we had been upgraded to the Lindo!  Everyone that was brought to the Beach Lobby (3 different groups) all received some sort of upgrade: either to the Lindo or Jr. Suites at the Beach.  We think this was to "balance" out the guest population between all the resorts, not sure though.  While we were registering at the Lindo one of their guests was upgraded to the Maya!  Anyone, hubby and I were very excited and pleased.  Loved the buildings (especially the way they are all connected to each other)  Did not get a king bed so we were very cozy in our double, loved the room location (5266 - looking out towards the Beach side, lots of landscaping and gardens between the two sides).  Loved the chance to book a la cartes every night, only had dinner at the Buffet 3 times, Lindo, Del Mar & Beach.  The food, drinks, attention to detail and guest services are fantastic!!

The beach is very much more crowded since 2003, which was quite a shock to us!!  The towel game is really played here, sometimes never seeing anyone come back to staked out loungers all day!!  Sure wish this would stop.  The beach at times felt very congested, almost claustrophobic.  We are beach people:  rented a car for 3 days and went down to Tulum and hung out at El Paraiso Beach Club and Akumal and Yal-Ku, much quieter!!  Wish there was an IB* down there!!

Had a couple of rainy days, our last full day it poured buckets until 3 pm!!  Still warm though, as long as you didn't get soaked. 

We did have a wonderful time, love the resort, love the walking and exploring, but do have a few comments to make (I'm sure I'll get slammed for them but these are our opinions)

Too many kids.  Some days we actually had to move on the beach because of the crying and tantrums that were on display for everyone.  The kids don't look like they are having fun, nor do their parents. 

The beach area just seems too crowded and congested.  I know water access is limited, which is really too bad.  I don't know if it will get better when the Adult Only side opens or if this will add to the congestion.  Wish List:  more sand, less rocks.  One can wish!!

What has happened to the dress code in the a la cartes?  I don't feel the wrinkled jeans someone has worn down on the plane are what is meant by "long pants for men".  I have nothing against jeans but most look like they had been slept in, and I have never seen this before (we have been to 6 AIs in Mexico since 1999).  As well there were numerous men wearing baseball hats as they ate their dinner, more appropriate for the beach buffet.

All and all it was a great time, very relaxing, came home a few pounds heavier, lots of memories and pictures.

[MikeOKC]

Nice fair and balanced report.  I agree the beaches have become more crowded but my last couple of trips the towel game was much worse at the pool and rare on the beach.  The resort advertises itself as family friendly so more kids are inevitable.

The past two summers the al carte dress code was stongly enforced when my son and I were there.  Jeans were not allowed if they were torn, faded or ratty looking.  At the two Gourmet restaurants collarless shirts were not allowed entry.  We saw one couple turned away and the man had to change shirts.  Needless to say they were not pleased.  Personally I thought the shirt he had on was fine.

MikeOKC

[brreid]

I'd have to agree with the too many kids comment.  Sometimes.

My 22 year old daughter and I were treated to a beach massage by my husband, and it was absolutely fantastic [ask for Tina]. BUT.....during my relaxing and soothing massage, I had to listen to some kids yelling and fighting with each other right by the massage hut.  No parents in sight. Took away from the whole experience if you know what I mean. I was a little disappointed...

The wave pool is also a magnet for kids...the other end of the pool by the swim up bar has fewer kids.There was also one day that a little girl about 3 was screaming and crying beside us at the sports pool off and on for a good hour at least...personally I would have taken her to her room for a time out, but hey...just a little annoying. I know it is all a part of parenting, but "been there done that", and when I am on vacation, I don't want to have to listen to it, ya know?

And then there was the french child about 5 who boarded our bus to Xel-Ha and cried the whole way cause he wanted his daddy. Grrrrrr...

But most times the kids did not bother us...if you want fewer kids at dinner then book later in the evening - it is quieter.  I asked my husband if he would want to do an adults only resort next year,and did the kids bother him.  And he wasn't bothered at all.  Gotta admit some of the kids are really cute too and well behaved.

The beach was busy no doubt. But we had no trouble arriving in the afternoon and finding 5 loungers for us to use. Mind you we had to drag them together but whatever..

No rocks in front of the Maya boardwalk.

We didn't really pay attention to what other people were wearing in the a la cartes.  We were too focused on the surroundings, the food, chatting about the day....but my husband did wear jeans one night, and he was not out of place.  Didn't notice any baseball hats at dinner. Now that I don't agree with.

I think I'd like to try the new Gran Paraiso when it opens, just to see if I would like a kidless vacation.