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Day 1. Currently in the Riviera buffet dinner as everything went pear shaped with the planning. I just don’t like buffet food. The food quality is good don’t get me wrong but it’s just not me. Carlos was the usual superstar at the adults only pool bar. Mozzies were their usual selfish insects. 21 bites in one evening. Forgot repellent that evening. Still have to see if home made stuff works. Very hot. Pools are boiling hot. Big difference to last February.
I love this place. XxEvening: Karaoke in Colonial lobby
Our last day was everything we wanted it to be as we chose to do all the things we either missed or wanted to do another time before we left the property.
I went for a long walk on the beach towards the north, but unbelievably I was stopped by a Security Guard at El Dorado Sea Suites. I specifically asked him to identify the resort. I was nice about it but let him know that all beaches in Mexico were public, but he would not let me pass. I laughed it off, but was a little upset.
When I got back to the beach loungers, my son was walking up ready to start his day (yeah – mine had already been a few hours in). So we headed to the sea water pool where we hung out for sometime and then hit the bar there as we realized it was one of the only bars we had not had a drink at all week. From there, we hit the hot dog stand as we HAD to try them before we left. I will say that they are soggy compared to what we are used to in the states, but still pretty tasty.
After our second trip to the hot dog stand, we decided to hit the pool bar – big mistake. We ran into some very nice people from Ohio and proceeded to hang with them for the rest of the afternoon. After way too many tequila, fireball (which they brought from home) and some green shots for good measure, we were both down for the count.
We woke up early, packed and our transfer from Canada Transfers was five minutes early as usual. After a nice flight home on Delta, we arrived home at a reasonable hour. Great trip and so glad we went.
Fri from Jeff
We do not have a plastic bag for plastic, recycling, etc. in our closet.
We had a great dinner last night at the Japanese place. Great service, great sushi, delicious dinners. After that we hit Hemmingways. Great service. I will say that it is quite the experience having adult conversations with your child now that he has a year of college under his belt. I enjoy it immensely.
The coffee machine in the colonial lobby is broken this morning, so I had to trek all the way out to the beach bar for my morning coffee. Nice view, but coffee not nearly as good.
Last day – on my way back to the room to see if the kid wants to wake up. We are thinking Ribs n More tonight.”
Thurs:
Hola – we went to Xel-Ha today. Good time. Word to the wise- bring your ID with your credit card. They would not run my credit card at Xel-Ha. As I did not have my ID. That was $60 cab ride back and forth lesson. Zi respect that they had to do the right thing. We had a great time and then hit the pool bar.
We noticed the foam party going on so we had to hit that. It is set up on the “volley ball Beach” section. We had fun and then went back to the pool bar.
Live band at the Colonial Lobby bar last night was awesome. Great music, great energy, great dancing, we had a blast.
Last day tomorrow so if you need to know anything, let me know and I will try to read in the morning.
Another question that was asked was “how many kids my son’s age are here?” Well last night after dinner we went to the Sports Bar and it was packed with kids around my son’s age. We have also spent some time at the pool bar with kids his age that he could converse with.
Also, I have not seen the ice cream cart but did have two ice cream cones at lunch yesterday that we pretty darn good.
The wine question: we went to Portofino for dinner yesterday and it seemed like everyone was drinking both the red and white “house” wines. The waiters were busy keeping all their glasses full so I am thinking it must have been pretty good. Not a big wine drinker myself.
Going to say hi to Carlos today for Geordie.
How exciting Page! We loved the RSY and also the Jungle Place. Although my daughter and I had been going to the resort for years we stayed for the first time together in RSY and it was a treat! So much fun sharing a new resort with “newbies”! We look forward to hearing about it.
Is it any wonder I weight 100 and plenty? Some food samples from my amazing visit to the Grand Palladium Vallarta and Royal suites Punta Mita……Amazing menus everyday. Love Love Love
I’m sure you will love Jamaica We went after it was first opened and had a wonderful time. Very beautiful resort.
Very fun, lightweight read. The Blonde Theory by Kristin Harmel.
A successful Manhattan attorney has it all except a date! Her challenges in finding a date.
I sent this to my daughter who lives in New York and she just shook her head but she read it!
Happy for you Pat! Love the Royal Suites! I have flown AerMexico. Not recently but good experience. I have only read good things!
For those of you who enjoy the Karon books in the Mitford Series, you’ll enjoy Come Ran Come Shine. All the characters come together for Dooley & Lace’s wedding.
Hi Transcend & Welcome,
They still have it on their fact sheet. I’ll ask someone there to check it out.
Lobby will not close:
Hola Anne. No the lobby will only change the generators for Air Conditioning. For 15 days no A C at all while the first part is changed.
The reception will be relocated within the same lobby and the same with the bar the last 15 days
All services will be available. Even the lobby with the limitations just explained.Welcome Lion King!
Based on the note on their website it should be completed by the 6/30
Palladium Hotel Group http://www.palladiumhotelgroup.com/en/punta-cana/the-royal-suites-turquesa-by-palladium/coming-soon-punta-cana/
So happy for you Alina! We loved Jamaica and our first choice would be Lady Hamilton. Gorgeous views I haven’t been there recently so look forward to hearing about it.
I love Miami but thankfully my daughter graduated so I don’t have a reason to go there. Love the vibe there.
Hi Alina, Welcome back!
When we went we stayed on the Palladium side. If price were not an issue I’d choose LH but only for convenience. Both side have beautiful ocean views. LH is just a little closer to things. It really wasn’t an issue with me being on Jamaica as were were steps to the Roselle Relax pool which was nice at the end of the day. My daughter would have preferred LH at night as that is where her new friends were and the kids mainly hung out on the LH side, i.e. theater, sports bar, and other bars. So Palladium side involves a bit more walking but it’s nothing like the walking in RM!
Pool day today. Sun felt great on my face!! Started
Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende. Outstanding writing. Allende wrote a number of best-selling books
Brenda is correct. La Cuevo de La Pescador in Akumal will do this. It is free if you use their boat but probably a small fee if you don’t.
As I recall the walk is not really “short”.
I have mixed info on cooking a fish that was caught. When I asks Guest Services I was told that they could not do it for safety reasons. I did read a trip report somewhere from someone who said he had the chef cook his fish. I would lean on the no side but you can email Guest Services and ask. Let us know. acliente.riviera@palladiumhotelgroup.com
Tips for newbies
Lobster in Portofino!
Steakhouse
El Jardin has lobster cappellini on Fridays. Never had a bad meal there. I think I mentioned that Abby likes the lunch offerings at Punta Emilia beach bar. I preferred lunch at Kabah (WS/Riviera buffet). They now have two grills and offer chicken, 2 or 3 kinds of fish, beef, etc for grilling.
I don’t really have a favorite a la cart.I always enjoy El Jardin and always enjoy Punta Emilia for the atmosphere. Although it is mostly seafood Abby had a good steak there.
Looking forward to your impression of all the improvements.
Kern, I know you are leaving soon and curious about La Lola. We didn’t try it as we didn’t find the menu to be very exciting. I have to admit I have read more so so reviews than good on this. Maybe they have improved it. Just thought I’d give an update. Have a wonderful trip!
Summerlove,
I am sorry to hear of your husband’s health issues. This truly is a gift that the company is giving you both! How wonderful that your hsband has chosen the Royal Suites as his first choice.
Did you check more than one site for availability in the Royal? If it turns out you want to go at a time that there is no availability let me know and l’ll see if I can help. Management has great discretion and as Brenda said they often go beyond the call of duty to assist their Palladium guests. BTW there is a private message option on here or you can emal me if you need help.
If you have tried the info@segway address then now try the felipe address
Please tell them to write to info@segway-funtours.com
If they have please ask them to write to felipe@segway-funtours.com
Thanks!
Great article.
I wanted to elaborate. The collectivos are now newer vehicles with AC. From P to PDC or Tulum it’s aout 35 pesos.
When we walked out of the resort from Colonial lobby there was a colectivo waiting out front. It sat and waited to fill up. All the passengers were hotel guests going to PDC so we had no stops. If you go out and there is not one waiting walk to the right where the palapa bus stop is. (This goes to PDC) The next collectivo that has room will stop there. If you are going south then cross the highway via the tunnel and walk to the left where the bus stop is.
Taxi rates have changed and are now kept “behind the counter” on a sheet. If you want to save a few dollars cross the highway nd negotiate but not sure if it’s worth it as PA is close. It’s just not on the highway so a taxi is best.
Geoff poste, “was there from feb16th to Mar 1st, this year, we stayed at Palace, room/block 9712 friends in 9708, can recommend PC. 97 is very handy for Buffet, Quiet pool, Reception & reception bar. staff very helpful, however, Those wanting the “Sports Bar” this is a train ride away! and NO toilet, toilet is in the next building 50 yds away. A-La-Cartes we went to and enjoyed very much Asian & Sentori, especially show table in sentori. well worth booking ( book from 5-30pm day before ) Beach is white sand and gets quite crowded, and shelves quite quickly to deepish water ( 3 feet ) to the right you come to the local village, made up of shops and trading stores, so, if you go out of the complex turn left and walk to the village, its quicker to go from the beach, as you end up there anyway. Would i go back, try keeping me away!”
Hi Marianne,
I emaled them twice in the past and never heard back. I would just go to their table when you get there to confirm your reservation or PM them on FB as Brenda suggested
Response from Felipe: “Hi Anne, Despite there isn’t any reported incident in the area, since a few months ago we increased the frquency of what we always do.”
Great to hear from you Caroline & John! Welcome to our updated site. We are fortunate to have the huge technical assistance from Blueskies Brenda and continued support from “old timers” as well as newbies.
I’ll email the resort and ask.
Looking forward to hearing about your next trip.
Great report Lots of detail. Trip report
Thanks Jason Great balanced report. How did your daughtr enjoy herself?
Note to others on gluten free beer: I have personally worked with the resort to facilitate the availability of gluten free beer. It is not easy to find in Mexico but they found it! If you need it in your room fridge they will provide it. Best to get a manager’s email address from me and email them ahead.
On other fridge items best to leave a note (in Spanish if possible) requesting other items in the fridge. Sounds like maybe you had a “new” fridge Jason.
Agree. as a wine person (and though the wine is acceptable for an AI (I have had some undrinkables at AI) would ike to see it improved, even if it’s at Hemingways and Royal.
Funny Jason there was a time when the portions were so large that many of us requested smaller portions to avoid waste!
Thanks again. Great review.
restaurants PDC restaurants
Susan,
Looking forward to your report of “what’s new” since you were last there.
Note for beer drinkers they now serve Coors.
All the Light we Cannot See by Anthony Doerr “a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.”
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac says goodbye to her husband, Antoine, as he heads for the Front. She doesn’t believe that the Nazis will invade France … but invade they do,
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes You brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heartbreakingly romantic novel
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins Psychological thriller
Come Rain Come Shine by Jan Karon The most recent in the Mitford Series
Jason, Have a wonderful trip.I know you’ll be there over Easter so would love to hear about it when you get back.
If you get a chance pick up some small chocolate Easter eggs before you leave. Staff love them as they can’t get them in MX
I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
No I don’t see this as feasible. Some of the paths are smooth but they are narrow and often have guests on them. The path around the perimeter of the resort is wider but not smooth; sort of like cobblestones and those are traversed by trucks, trains and other vehicles. Sorry to tell your 12 yr old. Best way to get from Colonial to Riviera is to take a train from lobby to lobby or walk down the beach and meet at the White Sand beach bar (not far for either along the beach) or salt water pool. I feel comfortable letting my daughter wander around, especially in daylight. When she was younger we brought a friend and had them use the “buddy” system at night.
Hi Susan,
I just read a TR from someone back yesterday. She wrote: “Our favorite restaurant by far was the Spanish Tapas restaurant. It’s great when you’ve been snacking and drinking all day and do not want a huge meal late in the day. It was also the most delicious. “
Here is the previous list
We always enjoy La Adelita, Punta Emilia (my daughter had a great steak here at dinner) and of course El Jardin which you should have access to. Last year we enjoyed the Japanese but once every other year is good for that. My daughter really enjoys the updated food at Punta Emilia for lunch and we also enjoyed Kabah for lunch.
When we were there in Dec,it was still fairly new and reviews were mixed. We looked at the menu and decided that there were too many other good choces so we didn’t try it. Reviews remain mixed.
Ha The people either love the buffets or hate the buffets I think they upgraded the food but don’t have the”themes” They still have the grilling stations so not sure that the complaints are valid
Welcome back from Paradise!
Just read that they now place small coffee pots on the breakfast tables in RM..Nice touch. Another “wish” off our list.
Some rooms on Colonial have been handicapped equipped. Also: new beach amphibious chairs.This one is in PC
Have a wonderful last 2 days.Wow that went fast.
Actually there was some discussion on Facebook about how there are fewer whaes seen in PV now.Too bad.
