Grand Mayan Riviera Maya

My son and his wife and two friends are going to the Grand Mayan Riveriera Maya in April. They have never been to this area before. I have been to Cancun but stayed at the Royal Mayan and it was 5+ years ago. I know this place is a little remote. They dont drink alcohol so the meal plan would not be beneficial to them??

How do they get to the nearest Walmart or grocery store? Is there anything they should pack and take with them? What is the best way to sign up for any tours (Tulum, etc). What are your favorite places to visit?

They are all in thie late 30's and very athletic, walking isnt going to bother them. My son is fluent in Spanish.

I understand the beach at the resort is not real good, what are some other beaches they can get to that are close by that would be better?

Any information you can give me, Im sure they would appreciate it very much.

The Grand Mayan is about 35 minutes from Playa del Carmen where the nearest grocery stores are located. There are good restaurants on property. In Playa del Carmen we love El Fogon, which is a local taco restaurant. It's very inexpensive and good. Also Yaxache in Playa has good Mayan food. In Puerto Morales our favorite restaurant is John Gray's Kitchen.

On a side note, we always rent a car.

If I remember correctly, they offer a shuttle service to a major grocery store.
I did fine without a car. I even rode the 'collectivo' into Cancun. You stand out on the road and the van will flash their lights if they have room. You put up your hand if you want them to stop. So there I was, sitting in the first seat saying to myself, "I have no idea where I am going or how much they are going to charge me."

I like an adventure and this was a good one. I think it was like 25 pesos into downtown Cancun. It is primarily a service provided for employees of the resorts and runs all the way down to Tulum.

As for the beach, Mamita in Playa. Further off the path is Playa Norte on Isla Mujers.....its a bit of a schlep but I've never met anyone who didn't love it there. Maybe even bring an overnight bag and spend the night. Wide price range for an accomadation. Isla is like Playa was 20 yrs ago.

Don't forget to warn them about the sales pitch....its not worth the discounted or free tour.

Regarding grocery stores, there is a Super Chedraui in Puerto Morelos, right on the local bypass of 307 and Calle Jose Maria Morelos. Have shopped there a couple times - convenient when heading from airport to northern PdC resorts (like Royal Haciendas) - we can grab a few things on the way to the hotel to check in, and not have to drive out of our way.

-john-

Thanks for all the information...

How does one book trips to Tulum, Chichen Itza, etc.

I have discouraged them from renting a car but if they did, can they do it at the resort for like one or two days?

In the past few years, I have stayed three times at the Grand Mayan Riviera Maya. It is beautiful. When they go to the beach in front of the resort, if they walk north (left) for about 10-15 minutes they will find an amazing section of fine white sand and a beautiful swimming beach. It is located at a resort but as long as you don't try to use the lounge chairs you can use the beach (they will need to bring their towels). I have spent several days at this beach and love it. They will need shoes of some sort to walk to this section of the beach though. The beach itself is amazing but they will have to walk over a section that is quite pebbly to reach the beach.

Regarding groceries, there are two wal-marts, one in a residential area and one downtown in a touristy area. We have taken cabs to both but find that the one in the residential area doesn't have taxis waiting to take you back to the resort, so if they take a cab to a wal-mart insist on going to the one downtown.

About booking tours, we usually take collectivos and do our own thing, but once organized a tour through the resort to Chichen Itza. The booking agent at the Grand Mayan was great to work with and the tour was fabulous.

The Mega grocery store on Constitiones is very good. That is in Playa.

talkamotta said:

Thanks for all the information...

How does one book trips to Tulum, Chichen Itza, etc.

I have discouraged them from renting a car but if they did, can they do it at the resort for like one or two days?

Click to expand...

Yes, they can rent a car and/or book an excursion at the resort. The concierges are all very helpful.