November 17, 2004
08-01-2005 9:41 pm
November 17, 2004
color=#0000ff> Iberostar Message BoardMy hubby and I went to the Paraiso Lindo from October 30th - November 6th. It was our first time to an all inclusive resort. We have traveled extensively and tend to stay at upscale places. We were a little concerned about an all inclusive at first but I must say that it exceeded our expectations.
We arrived at Cancun airport on USA3000 airlines and we went through Apple vacations.
The airport: After disembarking you are funneled through a line where a customs agent reviews your passport and/or birth certificate and stamps your passport. Then you go up to a post that has a red light and a green light on it. You push the button, green means you pass through, red means the pull you over to look through your carry on luggage. From there you go get your checked luggage and proceed through the airport. There are timeshare people in the airport but if you just keep walking and ignore them it's not bad at all. In our case our Apple rep took us right to the van and were were on our way. It took about 15 minutes to get to the Iberostar.
The hotel: WOW... beautiful. It is on the same property as the other 2 Iberostar resorts (Del MAr and Paraiso beach) the are next door. By staying at the Lindo you are allowed to use anything at all 3 resorts. The best suggestions I received were:
One you arrive at hotel and check in go to your Concierge and pick your restaurants right then with the times you would like to eat. This will ensure the best chance of getting what you want. If you want to eat at one of the other properties you get put on a waiting list because those resorts (Del Mar and Paraiso Beach) get first dibs.
Restaurants: Ok it's everyones opinion but I liked the Gourmet (we ate there 3 times) we thought it was quite good. The Steakhouse was ok. I thought the Italian was decent for being in Mexico, the Brazilian (at the other property) I would not do again and the Japanese Steahouse (at the other property) was great. You want to get the Teppanyaki style cooking. The breakfast buffet was good. They had everything. The Snack restaurant also served continental breakfast and at noon they serve lunch. It was pretty good as well. The pork tacos made by the cook were tasty. Don't forget the ice cream bar over the pool on the second level. Also there is 24 hour room service but a limited menu. Still enjoyable.
Bars: The lobby bar is the best. That is where all of the primo liquors are. Hector is the main bartender. He is awesome!!! The swim up bar is good too. Irving is the man there!!!! Also the snack restaurant has a bar. In there they made the best tasting Banana Margarita's. There is a bar on the beach as well. No one expects tips but they sure do appreciate them.
If you need anything (more bottled water, beer, towels etc.) just call down to guest services and you will get what ever you want within a few minutes. Ask the maid to restock your mini bar with what you require. We drink a lot of water so I left a note everyday with $2.00 and I always had everything I needed.
You can get massages by the pool or beach ( I had 2 ahhhhh) or at the main Spa up front.
There is a free shuttle that will take you to Playa del Carmen. I personally liked Playa better than old town Cancun. It had lots of quaint restaurants and lots of shopping. The vendors try to get you to come in to their shops and they always start out with high prices. Just say no, or make an offer. They will dicker with you or if you feel they are still not cooperating than start to walk away. They start shouting out cheaper prices. I guess if you are easily intimidated then it may not be for you but they are not mean. There just giving you the experience you've heard about.
One other tip I will share is if you plan on buying tequila unless you know your prices (you do not dicker on liquor) then don't buy. We are tequila Connoisseurs of sorts (we like to collect unique bottles and enjoy sipping them). Several of the tequilas there are made mainly for sale in the U.S. so they are more expensive in Mexico (Don Eduardo, or Lapis for example). If you want a good deal but not a real big selection go to the Supermercado Chedraui in Playa. You will get the cheapest deals there.
Hotel iteslf: Beautiful!!! Super clean. The rooms are pretty and we only ended up with the standard room with a king bed. We had a Garden view in building 53. That building is about the middle of the resort. Convenient to the pool, restaurants and beach. Everything is spotless. They are always cleaning. The Consierge was geat (we had Anna Ruth and Emma). The local people were some of the nicest and friendliest people I have met. Most speak english well enough to understand what you need.
Excursions: We went to XelHa. Worth the trip. We snorkled for hours and went down the river as well. The food at the ecopark is ok. Just don't get a pizza (a piece of bread with sauce and cheese) But you are not there for the food but the snorkleing. It is a huge lagoon!! and some big fish!!! Tulum was cool too. We wandered around by ourselves but if you had a guide explaining the history it is much more facinating.
we went to Cancun as well. in old town the Supermercado 28 is fun to bargain hunt. The main part of Cancun is beautiful but looks like Miami Beach. If you like one hotel high rise after another you will love it.
I loved the riviera Maya better. It is more unspoiled and the resorts are made to fit amongst the foilage while still being spectacular. I ate the fruit at the restaurant, and had ice in my drinks. The only thing I didn't do was brush my teeth with tap water. I used bottled water. I personally have a stomach disorder and I had no problems at all. They have their own water purifaication system at the hotel so you will be fine. I can't say enough about how nice it was. I have provided my email so if you wish more information, want to see pic's or a map of the grounds let me know. I would be glad to help. I will definitely go back!!!!!
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Costa Dorada Bavaro Dominicana Hacienda Dominicus Varadero Bella Costa Tainos Daiquiri Punta Cana
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