HawthorneVillager.com

Hi there,

Just looking at these 2 as vacation options for the end of the month. Any experience with either of these locations (Runaway Bay specifically for Jamaica). Looking for a resort that is 5 Star with a lot of a la carte options. But need to be realistic with the price so Sandals resorts are out!

I have not been to either of these places so looking for your personal feedback!

Thanks!

These are our 2 choices as well for April, we are really stuck.

We have been to Mayan two times and have stayed at the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo and Iberostar Paraiso Maya. They are fantastic resorts!! well worth the extra money and we LOVE Mexico.

I would be interested in what others have to say as well. We would love to go to Jamaica but don't really like to travel out of our comfort areas.

Jenn

We went to the Mayan for our honeymoon in 2007 and loved it!! We stayed at the El Dorado Royal.

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Kelly
Amesbury

I've been to the Mayan Riviera two times... both at the Barcelo Maya. We loved it there and there are lots of things to do off the resort. Xelha, Tulum, Playa del Carmen etc. are all fairly close by. I found it to be quite safe. We used the bus system and traveled with locals and felt safe.

I have never been to Jamaica so can't really comment.

My wife and I have been to the Mayan twice and both times to the Barcelo Maya (Colonial and Beach). Without a doubt it was the best All Inclusive resort we've been too (compared to Cuba and the Dominican). Because it is larger you get alot more options for food but it isn't as personal as a place like the El Dorado Royale (where a number of our friends have been). This is a great site for info on the Barcelo if it's of interest.

http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/site

Let me know if you have any questions.

-Chris

Forgot to mention we will likely be returning to the new Barcelo Maya Palace this winter as well. One of the only complaints about the Barcelo is the distance from the Cancun airport. We feel this is good and bad. Good because it is that much further from the chaos of Cancun but makes for a long bus/cab ride.

I take it no one is boycotting Mexico because of the somewhat haphazard prevention, investigation and prosecution by Mexican authorities when it comes to crimes against Canadian tourists?

Wow - I am so suprised at all the Mayan visitors and lack of ppl commenting on going to Jamaica.... I myself have boycotted Mexico forever since that Ianiero case a couple of years ago and since that case I have seen shows like W-5 showing other similar cases that just get brushed under the table and then there is the blame game- I don't think Mexico is a safe destination spot (but this is my own opinion). It's too bad cause it is a beautiful place - but the Mexican government will do anything and everything to cover up stories that will effect their tourism! I have been to Cancun twice last time I was there was in 2004. I remember the police in Mexico trying to pick up me and my friends..instead of concentrating on being on duty!


Although I enjoyed Mexico - I love Jamaica it was 100 times better then vacationing in Mexico - I went to Jamaica in 2007 for my honeymoon and couldnt have picked a better place - food was awesome unlike the resorts I went to in Mexico.

The people in Jamaica are awesome and will do anything to make your stay the best ever! I recommend Jamaica (I went to Negril).

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Valerie

Thanks for all your replies. Based on a few things, we have decided Jamiaca is the place we will be going. I think it will be slightly warmer there than Mexico but we will definetley had the Riviera Maya to our places to go in the future!

So...if anyone has any experience with a 5 star resort in Jamaica...we are toying with the Gran Bahia Principe and the Riu Negril or possibly the Grande Ocho Rios Sandals. Has anyone been to either of these resorts?

Thanks for your help!

Riu Negril was right beside my resort - and a couple of my friends have been there - and all review were positive- that stretch of beach is beautiful! If you want any info or if I can help you out at all dont hesitate to PM me

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Valerie

I would highly recommend using http://www.tripadvisor.com for researching any hotels that you are interested in staying at.

haha I just PM'd her that website - it is awesome..but a lot of complainers on it - can be a little deceiving

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Valerie

Like most things, people tend to complain more then they praise so you definitely have to consider that when reading any reviews.

We went to Jamaica for our honeymoon last year and stayed at the Grand Lido Negril...Definitely an excellent resort and the location was perfect (it's on the same Bay as the Riu just a little further down the beach)...

One suggestion - If you're going to that end of the island, it looked like Bloody Bay (where the Riu and Grand Lido are located along with a couple other resorts) had nicer beaches than the ones further south on Seven Mile...The pennisula helped to keep some of the waves and wind down within the bay compared to the open water further south...

I just got back from the Mayan Riviera. Stayed at a "5 star" resort. Had a great time until the resorts' kids club LOST our 4 year old!! Like a lot of previous posts mentioned, the resort staff did nothing to help us find her, even though it was their fault.
We're considering legal action against the travel agent, tour operator and resort.
I've heard nothing but good things about Riu and Bahia resorts in Jamaica.

Cliff

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Cliff Barron
Selling in Milton for over 14 years!
Sutton Group - Summit Realty Inc. Brokerage
#1, 07-18 company wide!

cbarron@sutton.com
http://www.callcliff.ca
905-286-5888