GVal

We have spent numerous vacations in Jamaica (Lido Negril, Braco, Couples) and are looking for other AI options elsewhere. Can anyone compare them with Royal Hideaway or Aventura Spa Palace in Mexico (we have never been to Mexico, don't want any surprises).

Penpen825

WE are big Jamaica people as well and jsut got back from our first trip to the Mexicain Riveria. The biggest difference we found is that there is alot more cultural diversity which we liked as we met people from all over the world and that the resorts are all so much larger - absolutely huge. Makes GL Negril ook so tiny! Also, where in Jamaica AI means eat where you want - no restrictions, in Mexico we found that you get main buffet with three or so nights at a speciality restaurant. They are not strict aoubt it but thats the deal.

wE went to Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar and we loved it. WE did go with a child however and that did set the stage as it is great for kids. WE toured the Cozumel Iberostar and it ws much more laid back but not he quality or activity level of GL resorts.

I have to admit that after going AI in mexico, it is hard to justify the higher AI prices in the Caribbean but admit I am still partial to them - like the smaller size.

Penney

SSypniewski

I have never been to Jamaica but I did go to the Royal Hideaway last year so I thought I would give you some insight on this AI resort. This resort is one of the small AI's. It is also a quiet resort and not a party resort. If you want to go to a resort that has superb food, accommodations, service, grounds, etc. but not a lot of nightlife then you should stay here. They do have a martini bar and another place to relax after dinner. You can always go into town of Playa Del Carmen for more night life. My husband and I really enjoyed this resort and we're in our late 20's early 30's so we didn't feel that we were "missing" out on any nightlife. We have also done the "Sandals" thing so we were already familiar with the AI scene. However, at the RH you do not feel that you are at an AI. I do highly recommend this resort. I definitely would go back. If you have any other questions regarding this resort let me know. Good Luck! Susan

GVal

Thanks for the information. I received an email recommending the El Dorado Royale because of the Casita Suites (?) and because the resort is a little more lively. Any thoughts on this resort and/or the suites? Do any of these resorts offer CO areas like Couples or Grand Lido's?

JackieMRP

We, also, have been to the Grand Lidos (all 3 of them-love them all!)(going back for our 5th Lido visit to GLN in 10 days!!). A few months ago we went to the Aventura Spa Palace w/ 12 of our friends and we absolutely loved it! We decided that out of our 13 trips to the Caribbean/Mexico that the ASP was our favorite.

This, of course, is just our opinion.... but we thought all of the food @ ASP was better than any of the Lidos. Our room was nicer @ ASP (all of the rooms have a jacuzzi), probably because it's newer than the Lidos. Service seemed better @ the ASP (we think service---bars, restaurants, housekeeping--- is usually better in Mexico). The pools were huge & spotless. The Lido pools sometimes seem not so clear! One of the best parts about the ASP (just like the Lidos) was that it's Adults Only! No CO @ ASP, but ladies can go topless down by the lagoon/beach. Unlike the Lidos, the ASP is HUGE & doesn't quite have that intimate feel to it, but that never bothered us at all. Oh, another great thing about the ASP is that you didn't need reservations for any of the restaurants & there were no limits as to how many times /week that you could eat in any of them.

Anyway, we would definitely recommend the ASP! We stayed @ the Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal in Playa del Carmen last year & really enjoyed that as well, but it just didn't match up to the Lidos or ASP (& there were kids there). Can't wait to try the Royal Hideaway some day!

Good luck w/ you decision!

Jackie