We're considering a one week stay at the Imperial Fiesta Club at Hotel Casa Maya in Cancun. Any comments on the location and service at this site. Thanks

I'm hoping to get the same info that you're looking for on the Casa Maya.<BR>We have transferable reservations there for a week in December.<BR>I have only seen it from the Hotel Zone street as we went by on the bus. It is centrally located on the strip. I have previously stayed at the Cancun Palace and the Grand Oasis. We are returning this November and staying at the Grand Oasis again and hope to check it out then. Things we have learned about staying in Cancun are that it is better NOT to stay on the Laguna Nichupte side.<BR>It smells like sewage and has gators! The baked goods at Wal-Mart are fresh and good. Xcaret and Xel-ha are great places to go. Pack a rain poncho. Have your fare ready when you board the bus - it takes off - ready or not. Any suggestions you have or find out will be appreciated. Got any leads on airfare? Have a great trip!

Denise,<BR>How is the beach at the Grand Oasis?<BR>Are their any waves, or is it safe for the kids to swim in?<BR>Thanks

Mario<BR>The beach is beautiful at the Grand Oasis. They have an abundance of lounge chairs and the help carries full size pads to your chair for you. It is nice to be spoiled. As far as swimming the waves are usually stong. I like to walk along close to shore; but, it only takes a few minutes to tire out if you are trying to swim. Not really for children. The pools would be a better choice. I don't remember seeing any children at the Grand Oasis. It is a little on the stuffy side. We like the botanical gardens inside and that it is quiet. We enjoy the weather and the beauty of Cancun, not the drinking. You and your children would probably like Xcaret and Xel-ha for swimming. Hope this is helpful. Email me directly if you wish. Put your name and Cancun in the subject so I don't consider it spam.

We are considering the Riviera Maya for our next trip. We stayed in the Hotel Zone in Cancun during our last trip. The bus system was very convenient from the Hotel Zone to the city. Would it be difficult to get around without a car if we stay at one of the hotels in Riviera Maya? Thanks.

Lucy,<BR><BR>Yes, it will be more difficult to get around in the Mayan Riviera depending on where you are staying. That area is jungle and the hotels can be a mile or two apart unless you're staying in Playa Del Carman which is the small town there. What I don't know is what the bus situation is like though as I've never stayed there.<BR><BR>Denise,<BR><BR>I've never heard anyone describe the Grand Oasis as stuffy. We stayed there twice and it's more of a party place and it has a younger crowd. We took our son there a couple of years ago and he really liked the winding pools. They're beautiful.<BR><BR>As for the ocean, we were just in Cancun in August and we'd never seen the ocean so calm but I'm sure that's not the case at the moment with all the hurricanes. Regardless, the ocean is absolutely beautiful in Cancun but if it's rough they may have the red flags out and advise you not to swim. You probably won't be able to really find out about the wave situation until you get there.

My husband & I have been to Cancun many, many times. If you're looking for calmer waters, stay at a hotel on the side facing Isla Mujeres. The surf is not wild like it is on the open side.