Mexico

Travelling to Mexico

We flew to Cancun in Mexico from Los Angeles. As we had not booked a package holiday we arrange a private transfer to our hotel which was in Playa Del Carmen which took about 40-50 minutes.

Accommodation

We were staying in the Iberostar Grand Paraiso which is a 5 star adults only hotel. Surprisingly check in was very quick and easy as we were the only people checking in at this time. Later we were taken to our room by one of the porters. He explained where everything was and numbers to call if we needed anything. Eventually we started to unpack our cases before venturing out for an explore of the hotel. There was a knock on the door which was our butler for the duration of our stay who was introducing himself. We had a separate number which went directly to him if we needed anything. He called each evening to ask if there was anything we needed. All the rooms were a lot larger than a lot of hotels we had stayed in.

The bathroom was the biggest bathroom we had been in in an hotel apart from the one at Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas. The Jacuzzi bath was huge. The rooms appeared to be modern but also traditional. There was a mini bar of wines, chocolates, biscuits, crisps, peanuts and spirits which were all included in the price of the all inclusive. . This was replenished every day without fail. Additionally the hotel also provided a turn down service which was a nice touch.

Accomodation – Location

The hotel isnt near anything so you need to get a taxi or go on an excursion if you want to see or do anything. Playa Del Carmen is approximately 13 miles from the hotel. Although it isn’t near anything it is on a lovely white sand beach.

Accomodation – Food and Drink

The hotel is 24 hour all inclusive and there is entertainment throughout the day and evening. There are 6 restaurants and 7 bars in this hotel. The food here was absolutely amazing in every one of the restaurants we hate in. The Hiku Japanese restaurant was fun watching the chef with his show cooking. At the beach bar you can order from a menu or go in to the buffet restaurant. We have never been to a beach bar in an hotel that is of the same standard as this beach bar. The range of food and quality was fantastic. The chef would even prepare fresh lobster for you if you wanted.

The waiters/waitresses were all in waist coats and bow ties. You may expect this in the Al A Carte but I have never seen this at a beach bar. There is a dress code for all the Al A Carte restaurants (Men must wear long trousers). There is also 24 hour room service so you can order food at anytime to your room. We often came back to our room after a few drinks and felt peckish therefore would order pizza, nacho’s, chips etc. The room looked like a bomb had hit it the following day lol.

The cocktail bar was very quiet on an evening but we liked to go in there and try some of the different cocktails that we had not heard of before. The lobby bar did get quiet busy so we always ended up in there. All the drinks were branded drinks and all included in the all inclusive. Even in the lobby bar the cocktails were great. Our favourite was a Mud Slide which consisted of chocolate sauce, Coffee liqueur, Bailey’s, Vodka and cream.

Accommodation – Pool Scene

Altogether there are 3 swimming pools and a swim up pool bar which was lovely to sit at and where we met a lot of nice people. There are sun lounges built in to the swimming pool to so it was always easy to cool down. There was entertainment around the pool each day including bingo with a fun twist which was a good laugh. On one day they put a large inflatable in the water and you had to try and run across it whilst the entertainment team were shaking it. This was great fun but we didn’t manage to run the full length of it.

Wildlife

The grounds of the hotel are immaculate with some wild life which was lovely to watch. We saw coati’s, agouti’s and Iguana’s. One of the Coati’s practically came in our room it was so tame. The Coati’s we saw in Brazil were vicious not like the Mexican Coati. Mexico does have a lot of high standard hotels. We have been to a couple of other hotels in Mexico in the past but this is on another level but the price does reflect this. A true saying “you get what you pay for”.

Excursions

In Playa Del Carmen there is the famous Coco Bongo’s show/night club. This is an amazing show and a must see if you are in Playa Del Carmen. This show has you captivated at all times. The atmosphere is amazing too. It is party time well in to the early hours. The price of a ticket starts at about £60 depending on where you are sat and the amount of drinks that are included. The drinks are very strong and are all branded drinks.

There are lots of tour operators in Playa del Carmen that offer excursions to Chichen Itza for around £40. It is a very long day of around 12 hours which includes a buffet lunch. The journey via coach from this hotel is around 3 hours. It is a lot quicker via car but a lot more expensive.

Summary

We have been to a couple of other hotels in Mexico in the past but this is on another level but the price does reflect this. A true saying “you get what you pay for”. We would definitely go back to this hotel which we don’t usually do as we like to try different places but this is hotel has luxury written all over it.

Images

Things to do

• Visit Tulum
• Visit Chichen Itza
• Go to Coco Bongo’s
• Visit Cozumel by ferry
• Visit Xel-Ha Park

Top Tips

• Pre book the Al A Carte restaurants we did this via our butler
• If booking excursions read reviews of the tour operator before booking
• If you like a good show and nightlife book Coco Bongo’s
• This hotel is a lot more expensive than other hotels in Mexico so do your research.
• Check out safety and security when visiting Mexico on the Government website https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico
• Check out other destinations in the Carribean that we have visited. Please click on the following links Cuba , Jamaica
• Check out the weather in Mexico below for best time to visit. Remember hurricane season is from June – November.

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	28	29	30	31	32	32	32	32	32	31	30	28
Low Temp	19	20	21	23	25	25	24	24	24	22	21	19
Rainfall	17	15	6	14	16	173	156	164	173	114	29	21
Number of days	3	2	1	1	1	2	3	3	3	3	3	2