Gran Bahia Principe Akumal/Tulum/Coba - POST HERE!

[Sunsierra]

Quote:

Originally Posted by calchik for those who have been there before, did you guys book excursions online or did you book it when you got there at the resort? is it cheaper to book online? we just want to do xcaret and golf.

When are you going? I went to Xcaret's website to check out their prices (so for Feb 2009) and they are cheaper (about $30 per person)online than what we paid in person (Jan 2008 ). But I'm not sure if the prices have changed.

One reason why we decided to not book online was because we didn't know which day we wanted to go - so it looks like booking online is cheaper - but also a little more inconvenient.

I will say that booking online and/or going on your own is for sure cheaper that going with the resorts tour (I'd say about $20 per person cheaper on average).

One more thing - have you considered visiting Xel Ha? We went to both Xcaret and Xel Ha - we much preferred Xel Ha.

ETA: Looks like Xel Ha's online prices are about the same as what we paid for when we went there.

[heidi_lk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by calchik congrats! happy to hear it went well and the backup plan worked when the weather didn't. can't wait for a full review and see your pics. for those who have been there before, did you guys book excursions online or did you book it when you got there at the resort? is it cheaper to book online? we just want to do xcaret and golf.

Hi Calchik,

I just noticed you are getting married 8 days before me! Are you going for 2 weeks or one? Getting super excited already!

We've always booked excursions after we have arrived. I find it more flexible that way. But don't forget to barter, we have always gotten a discount when there has been more than one couple going. Even with a group of 6 they gave us $15 a person off! Always worth a try, but probably harder to do if you are booking through the travel company, we usually try to deal with the tour companies that are local.

Heidi

[calchik]

less than 3 months til we leave, woot! i need to get back on wedding planning since i've been taking a break for the last 3 weeks. lol. we're going for one week.

 

ooh good to know. i didn't even consider bartering but it makes sense to try. but then we'd have to go into town to find a local tour company?

 

i was in debate between the 2 and seemed like xcaret had more activities but if xel-ha has better snorkeling then i'd prefer that.

 

here's some xel-ha and xcaret reviews to help anyone out. good to know we can take a cheap colectivo to xel-ha

 

http://www.iloveplaya.com/xel-ha.php

http://www.iloveplaya.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=95

[heidi_lk]

I'm not sure if you would have to go to town. When we last stayed at a Palliduim resort, they had several times of day when sales guys from the tour companies would show up and you could book directly through them (they just hung out in the main lobby). I am hoping this resort may be the same way. Or concierge usally has phone numbers of local tour guides.

 

We have been to both Xcaret and Xel-ha. Both are amazing. However, Xcaret is more like a zoo with lots of animals and an amazing evening show (a highlight for sure), but Xel-ha has far superior snorkeling, so it depends what you are looking for.

 

Has anyone tried the Coba Adventure?? Any thoughts.

[Sunsierra]

The great thing about Xel Ha and Xcaret is that you can go there all by yourself - just take the collectivo (you don't need to go through a tour company).

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by heidi_lk Has anyone tried the Coba Adventure?? Any thoughts.

We didn't but a couple that came to our wedding did and they loved it!! Their only suggestion was to go on a day when it's not too terribly hot.

[Jen_S]

Is there a radio or ipod dock in the room? I thought it would be fun to have fun music when getting ready.

[TATrisha]

Not an ipod dock. There might be a radio, but I never even checked. But you are right, music would have been a blessing!!!

[JoLo908]

You can get a cheap Ipod dock at Walmart... it is about $30 and FI and I bring it anywhere we go (not to the grocery store, but to FL, beach) and it has been so worth the money... it looks like a mini boombox and comes in a few different colors... check it out!

[Jen_S]

Oh cool I am going to have to check it out.

[mrss2010]

Quote:

Originally Posted by heidi_lk Has anyone tried the Coba Adventure?? Any thoughts.

I think we did the Coba Adventure last year. We booked it through the Air Transat rep. We wanted to see ruins, but didn't want to spend two hours getting to Chichen Itza so this was a really good trip.

First we went to a "Mayan Village". It was supposed to be authentic, but it looked fake and kind of gross - luckily we did not stay long.


Next we went to a cenote to swim - this was really nice - we stayed for about 45 minutes.


Then we had lunch and shopping at a market/restaurant. It was pretty tasty, but I suffered later - Warning - do NOT eat raw vegetables anywhere that is not on the resort!

After lunch we spent the afternoon at Coba. The guide showed us all the stuff, like the ball court, etc. The walk in to the pyramid is a whole kilometer - but you can get a bicycle or have a guy drive you on a cart for a few dollars. If you are planning to climb the pyramid wear runners! It was hard to climb, but the view at the top was incredible.


This is my first try at posting pictures - fingers crossed!