Category Archives: Riviera Maya News

New Adults-Only Section at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort

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The plan is still on for the new adults-only section of the Barcelo Maya Grand resort to open either this Dec. 2019 or Jan. 2020.  Those who visit the wonderfully informative site of Unofficial Barcelo Maya take note–there is a newer entry dated Dec. 2018 by Phil in Ottawa (look in the discussion section) that has recent pics of what the construction looks like.  If you haven’t yet registered to post/respond in the discussion section, it is worthwhile to do so since you can then ask questions and get info from vacationers who have spent multiple trips going to this resort and are quite knowledgeable.

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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.

New Valentin Resort Approved

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Fans of the adults-only Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, take heart–final approval has been given for the completion of the originally planned complex conditionally approved back in 2005.  While only the Valentin was built and eventually opened in 2007, the rest of the originally planned complex consisted of two additional resorts (745 guest rooms in the second resort and 704 guest rooms in the third).  The second originally planned resort is supposed to be called Valentin Playa del Secreto and will be located north of Playa del Carmen.  No official opening date has yet been set.

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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.

Barceló Maya Palace Premium Jr. Suite Video

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Once we finished our stay at the Caribe’s swim-up suites, we moved over to the Palace for the rest of our stay.  Here’s a short video of our room in the Oaxaca building–it’s a Premium level Jr. Suite with pool view.  What do you think of this room?

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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.

New Ventus Section at Marina El Cid

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The Marina El Cid Spa and Beach Resort near Puerto Morelos opened a new family-friendly upgraded section in Nov. 2017 called Ventus.  While Ventus guests have full access to Marina El Cid, it is classified as a resort on its own merits with the following amenities: Continue reading →