Category Archives: Cancun news

New Security Measures for Isla Mujeres Ferry System

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Be prepared for “red light/green light” security procedures prior to boarding the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.  Starting April 1, 2019, passengers will be subject to a random search of their belongings using the antiquated system once very popular at the Cancun airport–push the button and get a red light, your belongings are searched prior to boarding.  Get a green light you are good to go.  Authorities are contemplating using the same procedure when taking the ferry from Isla Mujeres to Cancun.

AM Resorts To Re-Brand Several Oasis Hotels and Resorts

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AM Resorts (re. Secrets, Now, Breathless, etc.) is going to take over two Oasis brand resorts–Grand Oasis Sens will become Now Emerald Cancun, while Grand Oasis Tulum will become Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort and Spa.  Renovations will be done and the rebranding is supposed to take effect June 1, 2019.

Chichen Itza Entrance Fees Increase in 2019

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Starting Jan. 1, 2019, the entrance fee to Chichen Itza will double going from USD $12 to $24.  There is some speculation this huge increase will negatively impact tourism to this famous site, but only time will tell.  Would you still go given the new fee?

New Water Park Opens at Hard Rock Riviera Maya Location

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Anyone looking for a Mexican all-inclusive resort with a new water park feature?  The Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya just opened one–the minimum height requirement for slides is 3′ 5″.  All kids under the age of 8 must be accompanied by their parent(s).  Looks like there are three sections with a total of 23 water slides.  Here’s the link.

THE Royal PDC Is No More

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While THE Royal Playa del Carmen will still be welcoming guests, it will now be doing so under the Hilton brand name.  Playa Resorts and Hilton have now partnered in order to expand both businesses–Playa Resorts hopes to benefit from being part of Hilton’s global portfolio/78 million Hilton Honors members, while Hilton hopes to become a known name brand in the very lucrative all-inclusive resort market.  Guests who stay in the PDC resort can now accumulate or use their Hilton Honors points, a definite plus for those who are Hilton Honors members.

Webcam Views–Look No Further

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I ran across this compilation on a Facebook page, Fans of Hotel Xcaret, posted by Suzanne Haire (I would highly recommend this FB page for anyone looking for updated, detailed info about Hotel Xcaret Mexico, but you have to ask to be added).  For those looking to get a day-to-day look at the beaches and the sargassum issue, check out these webcams according to the area or resort you will be visiting. Continue reading →

Fire at the Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal

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Fire at the Bahia Principe Akumal last night has temporarily closed the Arlequin a la carte restaurant and the nearby main buffet.  The reason for the fire has not yet been disclosed (although it’s thought to be due to a short circuit of some kind) and luckily no one was injured.  While the entire restaurant was gutted, the buffet is expected to reopen within a short period of time.  Here is a link to the story.

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Riu Tequila Finishes Renovations

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Riu fans take note–Riu Tequila is now reopen for business since its closure in April.  There have been lots of major renovations including the pool areas; take a few moments and read the Riu blog post complete with pics.  Click the link here.

Colectivos Becoming Unsafe?

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Use caution when choosing to take a colectivo/combi in the Riviera Maya; there has been a recent report of a robbery of a driver/passengers in the route from PDC to Puerto Aventuras on a Saturday night around 9:15 p.m.  Three individuals reportedly stopped the vehicle on the pretense of wanting transportation, got inside, then threatened to use force/guns if valuables including cell phones/purses, etc. were not handed over.  The robbers got away, so if they were successful once they may decide to do the same crime again.  Others may also see this as a quick way to make money and follow suit.

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