Lorry Perkins
Writer, Travel Blogger
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How To Find A Deal for an All-Inclusive Resort in Riviera Maya & Travel Tips
If I had a superpower, it would be finding travel deals. By following the suggestions below, you are guaranteed to add more travel bucks to your pocket. Because of these travel tips, we have been able to travel at least twice as much because we’ve avoided paying full price. Since covid, it has been difficult to find deals, so my advice is to book early and schedule your vacation when you find a good price. This will avoid disappointment if you wait and the prices have skyrocketed.
Travel Tips for All-Inclusives in Riviera Maya
- Book during the offseason – September and October, after Easter and spring break to May (ask your travel agent) January and sometimes February are less expensive too.
- Book early during a sale – Sign up for emails so that you are alerted – Apple Vacations, Cheap Caribbean, Travel by Bob, etc.
- Look for last-minute details on travel websites
- Have flexible dates that you can travel
More Travel Tips
- Book your all-inclusive with the charter flight that is included.
- Use the transportation to the hotel included in your package. If you want to avoid traveling to multiple resorts, ask your travel agent to book private direct transport.
- Once you clear customs, bypass everyone else in the airport selling transportation to hotels and excursions. Once you are outside of the airport, you will see a travel representative holding signs with your travel company name. Apple will have flowered shirts. The travel reps will direct you to where to check in for your transport. Be patient, this can be a little chaotic when planes come in at one time.
- If you are concerned about a last-minute cancellation or sickness, buy travel insurance.
When you arrive at your Resort
Most resorts have a check-in time of 3 pm. But you can drop off your luggage and be given a wristband so that you visit the buffets and bars. I usually keep a change of clothes in my carry-on with a bathing suit, cover-up, and flip-flops so that I can go to the pool or walk on the beach if I choose. If you have an early flight, you can get a beach towel from the front desk and take a nap on a lounge chair. I always study the map when I am at a new resort because I like to familiarize myself with the lay of the land and walk around to get familiar with the area.
Most of the resorts are set up with individual villas. Many are about three floors high and may not have elevators. I like to stay on the upper floor for extra exercise walking the stairs, but if you have any issues with steps, ask for a ground-floor room. The villas usually all look alike, but they are numbered, so learn your number and make a mental note of where you are. I’ve seen couples stomping around at night after a few drinks, unable to remember where their room is located. Some of the resorts are set up like hotels rather than villas. Lately, a trend has been toward modern decor rather than the traditional Mexican style.
Once you have your room keys, make your ala carte reservations for the week with the concierge. If you are in a resort with a butler, he may be able to make those reservations for you. Some resorts are becoming more automated with their apps, so it may be easier in the future to make your reservations. If you do not have a reservation for the first night or do not want a formal dining experience, the buffets are open every night and usually have different themes each night. Some resorts have a restaurant or bar where you can get a small meal without a reservation. When you check in, you can ask or usually find these on the map or booklet in your room. If you are exhausted and don’t want to leave your room, most resorts typically offer free or low-cost room service.
Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico We Have Visited – Quick Overview
Smaller
- Blue Bay Esmerelda – Good food, easy to navigate, a short ride from Cancun Airport, but this resort was not up to par during our last visit in 2023. I no longer recommend it.
- Now Jade – Bike ride to Puerto Morelos, good food, convenient
- Ocean Riviera Paradise – Great adult pool and activities, made homemade pizza at a location near the beach
- Puerto Aventuras – Walking distance to a small town, good food, large dolphin area on site
Larger
- Barcelo Maya Grand Resort – Home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, easy layout for a large resort
- Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf & Spa Resort – Fantastic pool and closer to the Cancun airport, fairly easy to navigate for a large resort. Great kids program
- Grand Bahia Principe – Great live music, good food, adult section infinity pool, Luxury Akumal and Sian Ka’an
- Grand Palladium – Favorites are the spa and saltwater pool
- TRS Yucatan Hotel – Excellent service, fabulous infinity pool, outstanding Chic Cabaret Show, and more (part of the Grand Palladium)
- Sunset Princess – Average, but a nice resort
When traveling to Riviera Maya, we always book with our travel agent Jim Lucente. Rest assured that you will know the latest Covid protocols and will have the added layer of a professional that you can contact directly with any questions or concerns. I highly recommend that you contact Jim Lucente, owner of Lucente Travel, at 412-299-7699 or email him at jim@lucentetravel.com to book your all-inclusive vacation.
If you prefer to book online, click on the ad below.
For more articles like this, please go to www.noshoesjusttravel.com
[…] will arrive sooner at your destination. If you need to save a few bucks on your travel, use my travel tips to get a deal instead of booking a connecting flight. Our flight takes 3 ½ hours to arrive in Cancun. We leave […]
Last minute deals are the best! If you can be flexible, I always recommend that to friends!!
We are always looking for a great travel deal. Luckily we have the flexibility to travel almost at a moment’s notice. A great way to head to the Riviera Maya when it gets cold in Toronto. A travel agent makes sense in these days of changing requirements.
I would love to stay there for some nights. It seems to be a gorgeous place to spend time in.
I’ve been dying to visit Mexico! And what’s better than saving money while doing so! Love the tips!
I’m not doing all-inclusive, nevertheless, I’m sure this is very helpful for those who do like to book this way. Since you basically pay for your all-inclusive experience ahead, it’s great to have these great tips on hand before booking.
We love staying at all-inclusive resorts! Everything is set up and ready for you when you arrive at the resort. I agree that last-minute deals and traveling in the off-season are the best ways to save money.
I haven’t visited Mexico yet, but I will definitely use your guide for finding the best all-inclusive hotels in the Riviera Maia once I visit. Thanks for these comprehensive guidelines. You did a great job.
Some great tips here. Would you reccomend going direct or via certain website to find last minute deals?
We use a travel agent now, but in the past have used the Apple Vacations website.