Any recent stays (within 3 months)? Opinions welcome.<BR><BR>Also, how easy is it to rent a car and visit Tulum/other sites without doing the bus tours?<BR><BR>TIA

Any ideas or preferences for Hacienda Jr suites vs. "run of the house"?

The Hacienda Jr. Stes are newer, so if they are the same price or close, go with them. You can probably get a car and private driver from Lomas Travel for not much more than car rental, and it would be safer. They tend to pull gringo's over and fine them whatever they have in their pockets.<BR>Property has a great beach, nice pool but not spetacular like the Iberostar next door. Food was good, drinks could have been better.

We (family of 4) stayed at one of the hacienda suites in early March. The room was nice and clean, really didn't use the extra sofabed or space. The pool was fine for a short dip or conversation with neighbors. Luckily, we had two friendly couples with kids also, who we shared a few cocktails with around the pool. The Hr. suites are little far from the main pools and restaurants. So, as long as you don't mind a 5 min. walk they are oK. Another bonus at this resort was the free room service and roaming beverage carts that would cruise by the haciendas and offer drinks. We took a public bus into Tulum and it was easy and cheap. If you know a little Spanish, this is the way to do it. Have a great time and enjoy the food, I thought it was good if you picked and choose. Buena Suerte!

Good replies, thanks.<BR><BR>Are the Haceinda suites far away from the beach or main food/activity areas? Are they more quiet then?<BR><BR>How is the beach in general?<BR><BR>TIA

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we stayed at the Gala in April, peak season, in the hacienda suites. they were a bit of a walk to the restaurants/beach, but not too long. the suites were very nice, having the private pool was ok, but not necessary. we spent all our time at the beach. I thought the beach was as pretty as I'd seen in other caribbean islands. food ok, drinks fine and plentiful. <BR><BR>We rented a car -- Avis -- in a little shopping center at Playacar within walking distance of the hotel. We got it without a prior registration. We drove to Tulum and did the tour outselves -- used a guide hired right there. It was an easy drive. We also drove ourselves to Xel-ha and also to Cancun to visit friends. An ok drive as well. all in all a very nice, enjoyable week. If I went w/o kids, however, I'd go to Riu Palace.

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