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When we stayed in March the music was a little loud at times. It would not stop me from staying in a Mayan Suite.
How exciting ! I hope you enjoy this little Palladium gem as much as we did. I cant wait to see your live posts. We had so much fun with this feature on our last trip.
I think you will find the Palladium in PV a total surprise, in a good way. We went with an open mind but not expecting to like it as much as we did. The food and drinks were outstanding. We did however stay in the Royal section. The Mexican a la carte is not to be missed. Go early in your stay because you are likely going to want to go again ! Make sure to book a ride on the hobbie cat, they take you out and it is so fun.
Hi FlyingCrowes, you can copy and paste the address that appears in the search bar when on your album page. That should allow people to navigate to the pictures. Hope that helps.
Welcome to the Unofficial Palladium family Rosa, I look forward to hearing any input you may have. We will be returning for visit 16 in December, I can’t wait to check out all of the improvements being made.
Brenda Wegert
Hi Pat, we visited in 2014 or 15, I can’t recall. You will need to use the bottled water, we even used it for brushing our teeth. Lots of stairs but if you can walk it is not that bad. There is more than 1 route to get to most places. It really is a unique location on the side of the cliff. Pro’s fantastic food, outstanding service and drinks, also views from almost every room on the PV side. The Royal is to become an adult only section without the Royal name soon. There are ramps and side walks with inclines/declines as well. If stairs really are an issue for your guests I would consider alternatives. We really enjoyed it there and would return.
I agree with all that Anne has said above. I think, if I am understanding correctly that you have confused the Traval Club sales department with what you think is for return guests. Any perks offered by the resort are not with strings attached.( it may be a fruit basket or a bottle of champagne and if you are lucky an uprgrade) The TC sales dept. will leave a note on the door saying to come get your free gift. Once you do they will try get you to attend a meeting. This is your choice and not part of what may or may not be offered to repeat guests.
As to the smoking issue, the fine for those caught smoking is $250.00. If your room smells ask if you can be moved and tell them why. The resort may be unaware there is a smelly room. Availability will play a role, if the resort id booked you may not be able to move to another room.
I hope things get better. Let us know how you make out.
PS. Congratulations on your wedding !
These are from one of our Facebook members, thank you Sandra Fehler
Here are the tips I have on a different travel group (not palladium, but still Mexico). You’re welcome to consider using any of this:
Preparations for before you leave home
• You will be able to use a credit card or USA currency in most touristy areas, but you will generally get a better deal if you purchase in the local currency, Pesos. If you are travelling from anywhere other than the USA, don’t convert your money to US, convert to Pesos. It may very well be easiest to do before you leave home, ordering some large and lots of small denominations (like 20 &50 peso notes for tips) from your own bank (unless your bank charges you a fee). You can convert at the airport and at the hotel as well, and the exchange rate wont be bad (might even be just as good as at home).
• Bring sunscreen. At least one bottle/can more than you think you need. Make sure it hasn’t expired. If you plan to go in the ocean, consider a bio-degradable coral/ocean-life-friendly brand. If you burn easily (heck even if you don’t), bring some aloe or solarcaine just in case. If you havent been in the sun much prior to the trip, bring a chapstick / lip balm with sunblock.
• Bring a sun hat. Or plan to buy one (there is a great selection in local towns).
• Pack essentials in your carry-on (like a swimsuit and any medications). If you are travelling with someone, pack some of each of your things in each of your bags so that if one bag goes missing (it probably wont!), you both have at least a few things when you arrive.
• Keep prescription medications in their original prescription bottle (which has your name and the name of the medication) and have it in your carry-on. If you have a lot of medications that have “street value” like opioids, consider having a note from your doctor (written on prescription pad or similar official document) as well. Bring a few days more than you need for the duration of the trip, just incase there is a delay in getting home.
• Pack more than one bathing suit. Wet bathing suits feel nasty when you put them on.
• Don’t bring brand new shoes – bring shoes you’ve already broken in as you want to be comfy without blisters!
• Winter can be cool at night so bring a light cardigan sweater, jacket or a shawl in case you need it If you travel in summer you might still need this on the plane and when you arrive back home (depending where you live). A colourful sarong can work as impromptu skirt, swimsuit cover-up, or shawl.
• Bring a small flashlight. One with red light is useful for turtle season. Little glow sticks are helpful if your kids are anxious at night in a strange room. You might also put one in the bathroom.
• Consider with your doctor if you think you need any vaccinations or medications. Hep A & B is recommended for travel anywhere. Tetanus (usually is combined with diphtheria and pertussis) is good to have up-to-date regardless of travel. Typhoid and Rabies might be a consideration if you’re going to leave the resort or see wild animals. Depending on time of year and your personal level of wellness, you may want the current flu shot.
Some people take Dukoral. The resort food and drink is safe but it doesn’t hurt to pack a stomach upset remedy anyways (chewable Pepto Bismol tablets, Immodium ). You will be eating differently (possibly richer and more of it than usual), potentially drinking more alcohol than usual, likely not drinking enough water (people don’t realize how ill dehydration makes you or what the effects of too much coconut and pineapple are), and you will be around a bunch of people (their germs) both on the plane, in the airport and at the resort.
• Bring bug repellent (that contains Deet) especially if travelling in the wet (summer) season or if leaving the resort (away from the ocean breeze). Mosquito born illnesses such as Malaria, Dengue, and Zika are all possible (if unlikely).
• Bring a few Band-Aids, a few Aspirin/Tylenol, couple safety pins, nail file, and ear-plugs.
• If you have kids, bring a package of wet wipes.
• Bring a safety flotation device for those who are not good swimmers. There are lifeguards, but better safe than sorry. Reduce anxiety and enjoy the ocean!
• A few zip-lock type storage bags (useful for many reasons, including taking a few pieces of fruit or cookies from the buffet for a snack on a long beach walk etc)
• Some people bring insulated mugs from home so their drinks stay cool longer. If you do this, consider also buying a dish sponge, squishing dish soap into it, letting it dry then cutting into two pieces and putting those in a baggy. You’ll be able to use this and hot water in your sink to clean it.
• Pack a small amount of laundry detergent powder to swish out your swim suit or in case of a spill on your favorite shorts.
• A trash bag to put your dirty laundry and wet swim suit in for the trip home.
• Bring a blue or black ink pen in your carry-on, so that you can complete your FMM security /customs /immigration /tourist cards on the plane or immediately after you get off the plane (they will give these cards to you). Bring the hotel address, as you have to put that on the card.
• Make a photo copy of your passport information page and carry that separately from your real ID. If you lose your passport, having a photo copy of the info will assist you when replacing it. Give a friend at home a second copy of your passport plus a copy of your itinerary. Some people prefer to scan and email copies to themselves or some easily accessed online or secure flash drive storage.
• Telephone your credit card company and bank to inform them you’ll be in Mexico, so that they don’t put a hold on or cancel your card due to “suspicious activity”
• Bring a small back-pack or canvas/cloth shopping bag to make carrying things easier if you are going serious shopping.
• Leave your wedding rings /any sentimental jewelry at home and put on an inexpensive replacement (or plan to buy souvenirs). Many people lose their rings in the ocean because fingers swell in the heat then shrink in the water.
• Always be aware of roaming fees and surcharges of your cell phone service. Make an inquiry prior to travel to find out what rates will be, if you can add an upgrade to your plan for your time there, and other important information regarding your cell phone service while out of your home range.
• Bring a power bar / strip if you are going to be charging devices – there are limited outlets (north american standard type A/B) in the rooms.
Airport Arrival
• Complete your FMM immigration/tourist card (there is a family one plus the individual one) while on the plane or shortly thereafter while in line. Do not lose the part they give back to you, as you need this when you leave; keep it safe with your passport.
• After you pick up your luggage, customs security uses a random “traffic light” system. You press a button, and if the light is green you move along. If the light goes red, your bags are searched. Red light is no big deal except your nicely folded stuff gets messed up.
• Near the airport building exit are time share and tour excursion reps who will be super friendly, possibly pushy, and who will try to entice you to listen to their pressured sales-pitch, possibly even pretending to be with whatever company is providing your transport to the hotel or even suggesting to be your hotel guide. Ignore them – walk right passed them. If you feel the need to be polite, just say “no gracias” but avoid making eye contact. Wait until you are right outside of the airport building before looking for your transport.The colectivo to Playa del Carmen stop is on the same side of the highway as the resort just outside the gates. They come by pretty often , 10 to 15 min wait at most. The stop for Akumal and Tulum is across the highway. For safety reasons, I suggest using the employee tunnel to get across the highway. (Walk towards the gate from Colonial lobby and take a right before you get to the gate.) Very easy. I always use pesos so cant comment as to if they take USD.
Here is a link to some more info from a great article.
https://unofficialpalladium.com/forums/topic/mayan-riviera-transportation/#post-4456
Chocolate Bliss
Every Saturday starting at 6pm at Hemingway’s you can indulge in a chocolate evening.
Gracias Duane & Brenda Gordon for these fantastic photos.
Sea turtles, one of the world’s current endangered species, have found a safe haven in Mexico. In order to make our contribution to saving the environment, a few years ago the Grand Palladium Resorts in Riviera Maya developed a program for the conservation and protection of this species which now includes a brand new Turtle Camp.
According to Felipe Martínez Verde, FHG’s Director of Operations for Vacation Hotels in the Americas, “This year, the hotel has increased its efforts for the protection of this thousand-year-old species with a turtle camp that will help female turtles, and the hatching and care of their young.”
Every year, from April until October, female turtles come to the shore to lay between 100 and 120 eggs per nest. After a 45- to 60-day hatching period, the baby sea turtles come out of their nests onto the beach. Those who manage to survive and reach adulthood might come back to the same beach to complete their biological cycle. That’s why the Turtle Camp performs night outings to move nests at risks to the fenced hatching area, protect nests in situ and secure hatching, revision and release of baby turtles to the sea.
The Grand Palladium Resorts in Riviera Maya also provide guests and visitors detailed information about the program, including a series of recommendations for the protection of the turtle hatching area.
If you’re planning to visit our Resorts, join our efforts to protect these amazing creatures!Don’t forget your turtle safe flashlight !
Feel free to book through any place or agent you feel comfortable with. We travel from Canada so unless we get a great seat sale or use miles for airfare packages are often more affordable. We have booked through orbitz, cheaptickets, expedia and various Canadian tour operators as well as PHG. On our last trip we booked via a friend and traveled under his TC membership.
I always remind people of the price guarantee because if booking air and hotel separately you can possibly save an addition 10% by using the PGH booking guarantee. It pays to shop around.
I think a Jr. Suite in either the Colonial or White Sand section would be a good option for your family. Both have had recent updates and are centrally located.
I think the biggest reason for people loving Punta Cana is the endless beach. However if snorkeling is your thing Mexico is better. I have also heard the food is better in Mexico. We have not been to PC in years so cant comment on the Palladium resort there, although it looks lovely.
Welcome,
If you are planning your trip in June you will not be affected by renovations. They are schedule to start July 1st.
Palladium Hotel Group offers a price guarantee if booking room only.
https://www.palladiumhotelgroup.com/en/palladium/info/best-price-online/
I added some addition info to help out.
To message a member you must know their screen name. The main directory is not visible. This is to protect our members from receiving spam or other unwanted messages.
You can contact either “Anne” or “Blueskies” for any questions you may have.When you have a new message a notification will show across the top of the screen when you login.
It has been awhile and it is time for updates. Please add any of your new favorites or old and they will be added to the playlist.
Grand Palladium Rainy Day Schedule
Riviera Maya
10 am:
Stretching Colonial
TexasHold um Riviera
Casino Colonial
10:30 am:aerobics Colonial/Riviera
games
11:00 am:merengue lessons Colonial/Riviera
11:30 am:games Colonial/Riviera
12:00 pm:salsa lessons C/R
darts
12:30 pm:ping pog
Spanish lessons C/R
1:00 pm:Bingo C/R
3:00 pm:
pool
football Sports bar
trivia C/R
4:00 pm:karaoke C/R
Don’t forget all that the resort has to offer as well. Check our the Activities Page
I love these maps ! I still have mine from 2003, they make wonderful souvenirs. It is crazy to see how much has changed over the years. Many, many more hotels now.
Always a great article to read. With all of the new people being hired to improve services, I wonder if there will be more on-sight staff accommodation added..?
More from our Facebook group:
“Lynn Shallenberger – I love the beach and strolling to nearby. El Corticito…. And the staff is so friendly…”
“Peter Gittinger – My favorites are breakfast at Royal Gourmet wit Claribel Adames-Morel and the gang and just relaxing at the TC lounge. I’m a pretty boring guy.”
Well… It sounds like the staff providing the information and taking the orders in the restaurant should be updated then. We asked for the Coconut shrimp at El Jardin and were told no. The TC rep who did our reservations said only at Punta Emilia. Either way we had fun.
I also can’t wait for the new improvements and all new resort in Playa Mujeres. We have stayed at the RS Yucatan and the RS Punta de Mita.
While the resort in Puerto Vallarta is smaller the service and food are comparable. The rooms are similar but more like the junior suites in the White Sand section. The bathtub is in the room, open concept, there is no tub on the balcony. The pool is gorgeous and offers amazing views of the Pacific. The sunsets and whale watching (time of year?) are worth a visit all on their own.
While I am but one voice those are my thoughts..
When are you planning to travel ? If you wait until after Nov 15th 2017 the renos will be done at the RSY.
Good Luck !
Although we never made it there this trip (will go twice next time. LOL) That is what we were told when making dinner reservations.
Lots of fun stuff on the Activites Page.
Lynn says : ” During turtle season, walk the beach with my red flashlight late in the evening…Segway…take a trip every visit…
Ride the train to tour the resort or just to get from lobby to lobby. It also passes by the sports center and Zentropia Spa.
There is nothing in life we should cherish more than our memories. I am happy you have so many to carry you forward.
Hugs
I hope to test a couple of these dishes out soon, they sound great ! It appears a lot of every ones favorites are on this menu. I LOVE how the Palladium is going for quality vs quantity and still offering a great value.
Happy Friday ! Most of my painting is complete, the sun is shining here and I am ready to get going on that next trip to the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya.
Cheers !
Great trip review ! I loved seeing your pictures on facebook. I’m glad you never had any mosquito issues…bugs seem to love me and I always try to be careful.
Welcome !
All pools on the Kantenah/Colonial section are 160 cm (5 foot 2 inches) deep.
The Royal pool and all pools in the White Sand / Riviera sections are 150 cm (4 fooot 11 inches) deep.
Any other questions please ask away.
My pleasure ! If anyone has something that you think should be added, please post here and let us know. We try hard to provide you with as much info as we can to help make your vacations all that you want them to be.
Beautiful ! I hope to get out of bed earlier next trip to see a sunrise. The time change seems to mess that up for me.. lol
Although I am not a TC member, I believe you would be required to upgrade your existing membership level to get access to higher level rooms.
I hope the rain has stopped. Happy to hear you are enjoying yourself. How do you find the food quality ?
Anne, how excited are you getting as you look at Peters posts about PC ? The food, rooms and beach really do look great !
I have always wanted to visit here… sigh..one day.
Welcome Larkin,
Here is a picture of the Palace Junior Suite after renovations. It appears to now have a sliding frosted glass panel for privacy. So you could have open or closed as an option.
There are more pictures here: https://unofficialpalladium.com/grand-palladium-punta-cana-resorts-information/
I hope this helps. I am sure Peter will have more details soon.
Hi Carver, I have never been to P PC yet but people really seem to enjoy the Royal Suites Turquesa. I like that they offer a swim up room option if that is something you might like. Have you checked out the info here https://unofficialpalladium.com/grand-palladium-punta-cana-resorts-information/
As for transfers I have read that Dominican Transfers is good. I think they charge around $60 USD. You should confirm that though. There is a link on the PuntaCana FAQ Page. https://unofficialpalladium.com/palladium-pc-faq/
Happy Planning
I know how you feel with regards to our Canadian dollar. I don’t see it changing anytime soon. If you have a points reward card or airmiles you may consider redeeming for airfare to offset the cost. I hope it all works out and you will get to the beach this year.
Travel Club, regular one time visitors and repeat guests are all treated well at the Palladium resorts.
