IB Hacienda Questions/Advice

[jml1125]

My husband and I are trying to decide where to go on vacation in July.  We have been to Cancun twice and would like to try somewhere new!  If anyone can answer any of these questions or give advice, we would appreciate it!!

1.  How does the beach compare to the beaches of Cancun as far as white, powdery sand and clear waters?  Also, are there waves? (my husband likes to play in the ocean while I sunbathe!)

2.  Is there a casino at the resort?  I've read that there are slots, but are there table games as well?

3.  What block should I request if I want a room close to the beach, but not upgrade to a jr. suite?

Any help or advice would be appreciated!  Thanks!

[Dave]

There is no casino on property

The beach is very nice and you will love it, but I think Cancun is better.

The beach has an artificial barrier so there are no big waves.  I was sad about that too.  The barrier is only in front of the resort so you may be able to walk the beach and find a spot.

Can't remember the best building block

Great resort!!

Have fun!!

[hbelz4]

1.  How does the beach compare to the beaches of Cancun as far as white, powdery sand and clear waters?  Also, are there waves? (my husband likes to play in the ocean while I sunbathe!)

I think the beaches here and on the south side are beautiful and BETTER than Cancun. Not powdery not, a thicker sand, yet still very nice. Yep there can be waves, you are at the ocean, and it depends on the winds....same goes with the ocean....not all water is crystal clear 100% of the time.....but for 5 of 8 days our water was crystal clear...if you have winds, expect murk...typical of any beach when the water is stirred by winds. 5/21-5/23 we had some nice waves due to the tropical storm that overpassed Central America and disapated in the Gulf.

2.  Is there a casino at the resort?  I've read that there are slots, but are there table games as well?

NO table games just slots and a poker room....I won $154 bucks with a nickel two weeks ago.... just one pull walking buy

3.  What block should I request if I want a room close to the beach, but not upgrade to a jr. suite?

4 or 7, but DO NOT pay the extra for a Jr. Suite they are not worth it. Trust me we went in one and I said, THIS is a Jr. Suite? . You can request a corner room, but your best bet is to e-mail the hotel a couple weeks before you go. Let me know if you need anything else.

[Pelotas_Azules]

1.  How does the beach compare to the beaches of Cancun as far as white, powdery sand and clear waters?  Also, are there waves?

- I also liked the beach at the Hacienda Dominicus in DR better than the IB* Beach/Del Mar in the Maya Riviera. There is a man  made barrier (big pots lined up) but there were still some waves. Nothing huge while we were there.

2.  Is there a casino at the resort?  I've read that there are slots, but are there table games as well?

- We went in July 2004 and didn't see any poker room or slots at the resort. I guess they must have put this in recently. There was a casino excursion available but it was at least an hour drive away. I can't remember the name of it or the town it was in. There were slots at the airport in Punta Cana but we didn't touch them.

3.  What block should I request if I want a room close to the beach, but not upgrade to a jr. suite?

- Sorry, can't help you here. I didn't pay enough attention.

[hbelz4]

to clarify, the poker room is a recreational poker room where you can have fun with friends etc..

[MIKE_ANGIE]

1)HOW'S THE SNORKELING AND DO THEY RENT SNORKEL GEAR?
2)WHICH BUILDING WOULD YOU RECCOMEND TO REQUEST AND IS IT FAR TO GET TO THE BEACH?
 

[hbelz4]

1) you can get snorkel gear from the resort at no charge to rent. Lots of  but not too much else...Take a few hard rolls out there are you get swarmed.
2) 4 or 7 they are right on the beach.. ( or the closest)