Dec 22 2010

Our Riviera Maya Trip At The Valentin Imperial Maya Was A Success!

Laura,

We just got back from our trip Mexico so I thought I'd send this off before I forgot what my impressions were.

First the property-Valentin Imperial Maya, is very large. Future clients should be prepared to walk a lot. This is based on a comparison of my other 12 Rivera Maya trips. The resort is located fairly close to the airport-about a 30 minute bus drive.

The rooms were very nice but we had been upgraded to the silver level for some unknown reason, so maybe all the first level rooms were less commodious. Each room had two TVs but they no longer provide DVDs. The food was very good, there were five specialty restaurants and we tried all but the oriental. This is an all adult facility but you should know that they had some XXX TV shows on the TVs. Some customers may object especially if the group includes some 18 year olds.

Most of the beach is rocky and unfit for swimming. If you walk north on the beach you come to an area of the beach that is OK. By north I mean just turn left while facing the water.

One nice perk, at least in the silver room category, is the terry cloth robes provided for each guest. I didn't sample any of the evening shows as I feel that over the years I've seen them all. Others in my party did attend and said they were OK.

They do not provide arm bands to identify clients and you do not "sign out" towels nor do you need to return them-just leave them in the room. If people start stealing them they may change this policy.

To go to Playa del Carmen, consider taking the local bus-which stops at the resort entrance- rather than a taxi. The taxi costs about $20 while the bus is $2. The resort will drive you to the resort entrance and pick you up on your return. It is probably a mile walk from the resort to the entrance. If someone does this they should find out the bus schedule.

Apple rates them as a 6 golden and I think this is accurate. If I had to choose between this resort and the Iberostar Maya, I think I would choose the Iberostar. I would recommend this resort particularly for younger adults because of the walking.

We did use a portion of the $100 per room for wine purchases. The French restaurant's wine prices were out of sight-for American brands as well, but the other restaurants were better. We did not use the $100 for a room upgrade as the rooms we were given were very nice. The lobster dinner did not seem worth the extra cost.

Trip was definitely a success- we all agreed on this.

-Mike

Contact a Riviera Maya Specialist at 800-300-4567 or click HERE.

About Laura Bonchonsky

Prior to becoming an agent, I was a Legal Secretary. While booking a cruise with a local travel agent, I asked what they thought about attending a travel school. The answer was "save your money," find an agency that will train you. And so I did. I've now been in the industry for 18 years. I've traveled to Australia, French Polynesia, Hawaiian Islands and Alaska. Most of my early travels were with my mother to her birthplace, San Luis Potosi, MX. I have traveled throughout much of the country that she lovingly referred to as "Mexico Lindo". From mainland Mexico to Baja California, including the Colonial Cities, to the beaches on the Pacific, Yucatan and the tip of Baja Peninsula, plus very busy Districto Federal, Mexico City. Cruising has taken me to such ports of call as the Bahamas, Aruba, Barbados, Grand Cayman, through the Panama Canal and Costa Rica. While in the Mediterranean, I visited unforgettable stops at Palermo, Barcelona, Tunisia, Malta, Monaco and several Italian ports to name a few. Land travels have taken me to St. Lucia, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Ireland, The Eternal City and more.

I've sailed on Crystal, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and most recently the newest Celebrity ship, the Silhouette...modern Luxury at it's best. If you'd like to chat, I specialize in Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Contiki Vacations, SuperClubs, Escorted Vacations and most cruises. I've received award certifications from Sandals, Club Med, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, Regent Crystal and Cunard. I enjoy this industry and it's satisfying to know you're the vehicle that helps people realize their dreams…Travel – who doesn't love it?