Cancun Hotel and Resorts - Paylessresorts

Mexico is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating countries in the northern hemisphere of the western world. Its history, culture, food and collage of ethnic groups and their languages make an astounding study. One region in particular bears repeated mention; the state of Oaxaca (pronounced wah – ha – ka). The capitol city is also called Oaxaca. So it’s Oaxaca, Oaxaca City and state like New York, New York. About an eight hour trip by land east of Mexico City, you’ll need several days to get around and do the area any justice. It’s a definite “must” on your travel tour list of Mexico. I’ve singled out these two day trips in particular, as essential during your time in this region.

A Day Trip to “El Tule”

A Jewish carpenter named Joseph helped his pregnant wife Mary onto a mule for the long trip to Bethlehem, where their first child, known as Jesus would be born. At the same time, a seedling of the Ahuehuete tree (a type of Cypress) was growing on the other side of the world. Now known as the “Tree of Tule”, this massive growth is located in a 17th century churchyard about 10 kilometers outside of Oaxaca in the small town of Tule.

Claimed to more than 2000 years old and to have the largest diameter of any tree in the Americas, it is more than 176 feet (58 meters) around and 126 feet (42 meters) tall. To encircle the Tree of Tule takes nearly 20 people with their arms outstretched. There is a small fee to enter the churchyard to view both the 17th century church and the fence-protected tree. Gnarled sections of bark on the tree suggest the faces of people or shapes of animals while scores of birds circle and play in its massive branches.

Frequent buses and tours go to Tule so you’ll have no trouble visiting this impressive site. Costs range from 10 pesos on up depending on the bus company or tour which will have other sites included on a typical day trip. Buses from the second class bus station in Oaxaca also go to Tule, but the risks may not be worth it. Check around and at the tourist information office before you go.

A Day Trip to Monte Alban

It would be unthinkable to visit the city and state of Oaxaca, Oaxaca and not go on THE day trip of the area: The Zapotec capitol city ruins on the flattened hilltop called Monte Alban. With absolutely stunning views of the city of Oaxaca along with the surrounding hills and valleys for many kilometers around, a trip here is a must no matter how many other sites you’ve already seen. A well-planned museum (complete with English language bookstore and cafeteria) with local guides available and an extensive number of buildings restored to near-original status grace this once proud city. To get there: Go to the Hotel Rivera del Angel at Mina No. 518. The ticket office of Autobuses Turisticos is in the lobby. Buses (16 pesos round trip) leave every half hour from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The museum entrance fee is 30 pesos (about $3 U.S. dollars).

After a day of exploring, learning, and photos, buses will return to the city from the tree-lined parking lot entrance where you were dropped off. Workers on the archeological site also take these buses, so you can have some pretty interesting conversations if you speak even passable Spanish. A minimum of three hours or so should be planned to really get the most from this world-famous site. Do be careful, however, of buying “artifacts” from locals, as they may be stolen and illegal to remove from the country or copies of very poor quality.

Take one day trip or try them both. Either way you’ll be in privileged company as any dignitary visiting the region is assured of being taken to both of these sites, often on the same day. Each makes an interesting, informative trip on its own. Visiting each site on different days allows greater freedom to soak up the local ambience and choose days on which the crowds are thinnest. This will often depend on the time of year. “El Tule”, you should note, is virtually unapproachable around Christmas time. Enjoy!

What a wonderful experience! Second time staying at the JW. Last November and now! Everything is way beyond expectations!

Hotel is beautiful. Staff is sensational. Service was outstanding!

Craving the bear claws from the pastry shop! Ate at LaCapilla next door. Best filet we ever had! Enjoyed everything! Had the “Kids under 12 eat free” . This was a good choice since they don’t eat much like most kids. Breakfast buffet was over the top!! Even had “Smoothies” to drink! Family members had a grand time and we can’t wait to go back. Why would anyone want to stay somewhere else? Daughter and I were offered a 10 min. free massage by the pool! All I can say is….Keep up the good work! Best place I have ever stayed.

Ola, My gf and I stayed in Cancun the week of 7/16 and this was our first time in Cancun. I’m a researcher and believe in knowing as much as I can b4 booking my place of travel. My gf is strict when it comes to her staying in nice hotels, so I wanted to ensure I got something that wasn’t too classy, but yet elegant. I was booked at the Gran Melia at first, but begin to read mixed comments about it, so I immediately changed (3 days b4 our travel date) and went with the JW Marriott (my first choice, but Gran Melia offered a better pckg through AAA). I’m soooo glad I changed. The JW was perfect! Our flt fm the states was good. Once we got to the airport, the comment about Time Share people trying to offer u packages is correct. They come at you after the baggage area like they are trying to help you find your transportation. We stopped for a while not realizing the guys in uniforms were TS agents, but quickly went on to the AMEX counter after taking his brochure. Luckily we had a arrange for transportation to the hotel by AMEX (travel agency), so we immediately were taken care of and off to the hotel. No waiting. Got to the hotel and believe it or not, it was the best looking one fm the street. The bellmans were alert and ready to greet with a “Welcome Home!” Check-in was a breeze and we were escorted to our room by a bellman who gave us a tour as we walked through the hotel explaining all the details and ammenities of the facilities. We had an oceanview room and it was a nice view. The room stayed clean. Loved the turn-down service (where the maid [same one throughout the time stayed] comes into the room during the evening and pull back your sheets, fluff up your pillows, change out all the towels and turn on the flat screen to a soothing tune for your arrival back to the room). Spa was good. My gf and I got the couples massage and liked the access to the spa facilitiy afterwards. Food was a bit pricey at the hotel, so we ate out most of the time. Out in town the food wasn’t so good (def. not what we are accustomed to in the states) and it was pricey as well. We kept close to the hotel area zone and venture out a few times downtown. Oh yeah, they have a Walmart dwntwn which was great for buying snacks and a jug of water. Even their Walmart was a bit pricey than the states. We couldn’t believe the people of Cancun only made on an average of $400 a month (according to a bellman we caught on the local bus - showed us around downtown). i could go on telling u guys about the trip…. JW made it worth while! Everyone knows your name and address you properly with a smile EVERYTIME! The hotel is clean, elegant, not too classy to take away fm the fun, but if u or looking for this type of place, JW is the spot! I recommend and told them I would! If I ever go back, JW will be the place. Don’t have my pic’s on my now, but will upload to show. I have video too!

I picked the JW Marriott after reading the reviews on trip advisor……….I couldn’t have picked a better hotel. I would absolutely stay there again. I liked the little touches such as when the staff would open the door for you and offer you a cool towel for your face. I thought the decor inside was very nice and on the upscale side. The service was impeccable. The staff was very friendly and they always had a smile. I am very picky about the rooms being clean. The rooms and bathrooms were spotless. The beds and pillows were very comfy and I felt as though the bed linens were truly clean!!

Simply Seafood had exellent food as well as the Grill. I liked the way you could order lunch and drinks on the beach and they delivered it in a timely manner.

The gym had high quality equipment with great views. The spa facilities were very, very nice. I had one of the best massages ever from “Valentine”, she was from Russia.

“Can’t wait to go back”!!!!!

My mom and I stayed at the JW Marriott Cancun from 8/2/07 - 8/7/07. It was truly a wonderful experience. The hotel was beautiful and very well maintained. Arrived right at checkin 4:00pm and had no problems. Received the exact type of room we booked through the hotel’s website. Received the 5th night free and a $100 food & beverage credit. Requested airport transportation on their website, and a rep called to finalize the arrangements. $14 per person, one way. Walked out of the airport and straight ahead to find the Marriott Rep.

ROOM: Our room was awesome! Deluxe Ocean View on the 10th floor facing the main pool area. Great view of the ocean and hotel zone. Request a room ending in odd number to face the main pool area. The lower the number, the closer to the ocean. Rooms ending in even numbers face Casa Magna Marriott, which is still a good view facing the private pool area with swimup bar. All rooms have a private balcony and great views of the pool, ocean and hotel zone. Bathroom was very spacious with double sinks and a separate shower. Button on side of the toilet was a little hard to flush! Housekeeping and turndown service was great.

POOLS: Pool is great and big! There are plenty of cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas if you need shade. Get to the pool early (7am) to pick out your chairs. Pool Concierge will help move umbrellas, chairs and bring extra towels, etc. Plenty of waiters to order drinks and food. Great infinity edge pool to hang out and watch people on the beach. Neat shallow platforms in the water to layout. No music and very relaxing to hear the ocean waves. There are a couple of areas around the pool for oceanview massages. Ate chicken quesadillas poolside for lunch from Beachwalk Cafe’ and were very tasty. Marriott cheeseburger is huge and good. If you want a refreshing cocktail, try the Frozen Monkey! There is another pool on the Casa Magna side with a swimup bar and waterfall.

BEACH: The azul waters are beautiful! Truly breathtaking. Sun is bright so wear plenty of sunblock! Beach area is great and clean. Plenty of lounge chairs, palapa huts and a beach bar. Water is a little rough at times but there were always people swimming. We enjoyed the waves. Very salty. No rocks.

BREAKFAST: Ate the breakfast buffet at Simply Seafood. $22 USD. It has everything you can imagine and then some. Omelette station, Mexican food items, variety of fruit juices, fresh fruit, pastries and much more. The waiters will carry your plates to your table. Great service. The orange juice was a little bitter for me and did not taste well with food.

LOBSTER/PRIME RIB BUFFET at Simply Seafood: It was good. $50 USD. Must make reservations. Wed, Fri and Sun nites. They will bring as many lobsters as you can eat. Great service. Variety of salads, vegetables, bread, baked potatoes, desserts and much more.

ACTIVITIES:

1. Rode the Skyrider. Booked onsite through Aquaworld at the towel station. Similar to parasailing but you sit in a seat rather than dangle from a harness. Great way to see the hotel zone and take pictures of your hotel from the sky. It is not scary. You just float in the air. Rode a waverunner from the beach to the boat and the waves were big. Fun! Bring a water camera and money for tips. Aquaworld staff was great.

2. Stopped at Carlos ‘n Charlies to relax and have a drink after a long walk. Beware! This place is a huge party! Great margaritas, plenty of shots, fun music, audience participation, dancing in bar stools, more shots, then dancing ON the bar! We met some great people and had a lot of fun, until the shots caught up with us. My recommendation is stay away from the shots, especially tequila shots! Seriously. You will thank me the next day. Carlitos was a great bartender!

3. Took a taxi downtown to Puerto Juarez ($22 USD) and rode a ferry to Isla Mujeres. About 20 minutes. Go on your own rather than a guided tour so you can go at your own pace. Rented a golf cart across the street from ferry. $45 all day until 5pm or $30 for 2 hours. They will need your driver’s license. Rode around exploring the island. On the southwest end in the hotel zone (very secluded area), we stumbled upon Zama, an open air Lounge & Spa with pool, open to the public. It was a neat place to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. Rode back to North Beach where everything is happening. Open-air dining, shops and a public beach. It is very hot in August so drink plenty of water. The only relief we found from the heat was the breeze when riding the golf cart. Ate lunch at Miramar, toes in sand. Ate chicken fajitas and grilled shrimp and were fresh and tasty. Miserably hot though and sweating while eating. Couldn’t wait to get back to Cancun and cool down at the hotel.

RESTAURANTS: Outside the hotel, we only ate at La Madonna, Italian/Martini Lounge, in La Isla Mall. It has a neat, swanky atmosphere with music to match. Service was great. Food was a little expensive but good. The decor gives you plenty to look at.

CELL PHONES: Prior to vacation, I signed up for International Dialing through Verizon and had no problems calling and receiving calls from the US as well as sending and receiving text messages.

Overall, we had a great time in Cancun and an amazing experience at the JW Marriott. The hotel was very clean and the staff was truly “at your service” the entire stay. Everything was beautiful. We loved our room, breakfast, and relaxing at the pool. I will definitely stay at the JW Marriott Cancun again in the future! You will not be disappointed with this 5 star resort!

All inclusive resorts are the latest buzz in the tourism circle. Spending a vacation in a resort is a dream come true for many. Everything is taken care of for you, and you just lay back and relax. It might cost you more than a typical vacation, but when you stop and think that everything like drinks, food, accommodations, airfare, etc., are all included in the fee - you might not be spending as much as you might think.

Couples only all-inclusive resorts are perfect romantic getaways. These resorts provide couples with the privacy and comfort they are looking for. The resorts include luxurious rooms, fine restaurants, spas and private pools. The main idea is to provide couples a relaxing and refreshing time by providing every mode of comfort and the much-needed isolation to enjoy their intimate moments. The “all inclusive” package takes care of most of the paper work before hand. All arrangements are made before the holiday, thus taking away the unnecessary hassles that couples usually go through preparing for a vacation.

These resorts give the opportunity for couples to relax, unwind and pamper themselves. There are numerous options to choose from. They can c go to lush green mountains or white sandy beaches to have the perfect holiday. The resorts also provide various recreational facilities. Couples can go on a mountain trek, scuba diving or forage through a tropical forest. Sports like pool, beach volleyball, and golf are also available. The most popular destination is usually the Caribbean. There are resorts in Europe and Asia that are also often visited by couples to get the exotic feel.

The various options one can choose from are hillside suites, beach houses, tropical cottages or even villas if money is not a problem. The resorts have gourmet restaurants that provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. A couple can have the privilege of having their meals in their rooms. Most resorts provide massage parlors, sauna and private pools apart from other facilities. There are many hotel groups like the Sandal resorts, Hilton and Marriott that couples can choose from. Log on to the Internet and select from resort review sites. But before selecting a resort, be sure of your budget and the destination. Once the formalities are taken care — go ahead and have a wonderful time.

Travel vouchers are like pacifiers. Extenuating travel setbacks make for a host of consumer inconveniences, concerns and complaints. To quell these flight, cruise and other excursion glitches, companies issue travel vouchers verisimilar to the way a parent heaves a pacifier into an earsplitting baby’s mouth.

Despite the travel industry’s eagerness to appease yammering consumers with travel vouchers, it seems many companies are not as zealous about redemption. As airlines continue to overbook flights and the winter weather brings more imprmptu flight cancellations, travel companies will be doling out more vouchers with stipulations, restrictions and fine print. Whether it’s a travel voucher for a complimentary flight, cruise or hotel stay, these pacifiers have different terms:

• A potentially free travel product

• Dollar credit toward future purchase

• A percentage of discounts on a future trip

Review these travel voucher facts, fixes tips provided by the free online consumer portal, ConsumersStrikeBack.com:

Limited Trip Inclusive Complimentary discount vouchers given by resorts or cruise lines as a compensation for a trip gone wrong come with a major setback. In order for the traveler to redeem the trip, they must purchase another airline ticket.

>>Travel voucher fix

Prior to excepting ANY travel voucher, always inquire about the limitations, restrictions and other stipulations.

Short-term Validity As nice as it seems for airlines, resorts and cruise lines to offer free to discounted travel voucher offers, it appears a little ingenuous that many of these specials are only valid for six months. In many cases, travelers are unable to travel within the stringent time frame of many vouchers.

>>Travel voucher fix

In cases where a company has overbooked or cancelled a trip, instead of accepting the six-month voucher request that the company issue a 12-month one.

Discount Delusion

Various resorts, and cruises try to compensate guests with discounted vacation vouchers. Generally, these vouchers are not worth the value of the discounts offered online and via cruising agencies.

>> Travel voucher fix

To avoid the discount delusion try to haggle for a full to partial refund.

Off Peak Seasons

Many travel vouchers are limited to off peak days and seasons. Regardless if the original trip was booked during the peak of Spring break, a voucher rain check maybe redeemable only during unappealing days.

Negligible Inventory

Quite often complimentary (fly free) vouchers are applicable to a very small, limited inventory of future flights. To maximize their bottom line, airlines strictly curtail the number of seats allocated for travel vouchers. In many cases, free flight vouchers are merely negligible inventory.

>> Travel voucher fix

Instead of opting for a worthless, free flight voucher, request a cash credit. Cash credits should not have any stipulations or limitations. After all, a cash credit will outdistance the restrictions of most travel vouchers.

As tourism is one of the most promising industries in Cancun, there has been a growing demand for travel agencies over the past few years. There are a number of family-run and private travel agencies throughout the coastal city.

Cancun travel agencies are solely committed to provide you the most enjoyable vacation experience. They compile information from different sources and organize travel itineraries. Based on your budget and preferences, the travel agencies suggest the best tour and related activities.

Both inbound and outbound tours are organized. They make necessary arrangements for your hotel accommodation, transportation, car rental, and recreation. All necessary international travel information such as your entry requirement, custom regulation, and currency exchange rates are provided. Most travel agencies offer travel insurance for their customers. Travel protection is also ensured, that is, they provide reimbursement if you are dissatisfied with their services.

Travel agencies offer their services using telemarketing, direct mail, and the Internet. They provide exciting discounts, when a reservation is placed online. Tailor-made tour packages are also offered, which suit both budget and luxury travelers. Apart from these, many hotels, cruise lines, and travel companies use Cancun travel agencies to promote their travel packages.

A number of sources are available for finding Cancun travel agencies. The best way is to search them online. You can go through message boards, which will have information about the local travel agencies in your area. You can also read reviews. Another consideration is to ask around to your friends and family members.

Before depending on any travel agency, you must make sure that it is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Such travel agents can work with other society members and find the best deals for the travelers. Some travel agencies in Cancun are accredited by the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) also.

Always choose experienced travel agencies, which maintain a good relationship with other recognizable companies in the travel industry. Such agencies will be capable of getting special deals on hotels, airfare, and other ticket reservations.

When traveling to Cancun, it is advisable for potential vacationers to make enquiries regarding local culture and food habits in order to be able to settle in at this popular tropical island region. A remnant of the ancient Mayan civilization, the Mexican government initially required financial aid from America to transform the region into a major revenue-generating region. Cancun vacation advice is available through a number of worthy reviews, articles, business magazines and subscriptions. This information can also be found online, from tour operators and travel agents.

Potential vacationers may also choose to discuss with family, friends and acquaintances that have experienced similar vacations. They may offer details that can reduce travel costs. It is advisable to have all travel documents and paperwork categorized along with authentic duplicates. This helps initiate smooth negotiations with customs and immigration officials. It is also advisable to have access to adequate financial resources. When deciding what to carry, travelers need to be judicious in their selection and need to carry an adequate quota of personal medication. Travel advice offers information regarding choice of clothing to match local weather conditions, use of currency, accepted credit cards, travelers’ checks and information regarding money exchanges. Advice regarding local languages spoken, time zone differences, tipping etiquettes, local customs and Cancun landmarks is also available.

Before venturing to Cancun, vacationers need to plan carefully or hire the services of reputed agents. This helps ensure a hassle free trip and potentially reduces the chances of an unfavorable holiday experience. Cancun travel advice helps vacationers understand travel needs and make plans accordingly. This includes advance preparations and prompt arrivals at departure points. Vacationers can gather information on Cancun landmarks and activities they want to indulge in. This allows vacationers make their preferences known to agents who can help slot these provisions. An important Caribbean travel advice requires tourists to be flexible in order to accommodate travel delays and extensions.

Cancun Vacations provides detailed information on Cancun Vacations, Cancun Package Vacations, Cancun Inclusive Vacations, Cancun Discount Vacations and more. Cancun Vacations is affiliated with Family Adventure Vacations.

One of the top questions people have regarding going to Disneyland concerns where to stay. There are a ton of hotel reviews to be found on the internet. Simply do a Google search on Anaheim hotel reviews and you’ll be off and running. I personally really enjoy reading the reviews at trip advisor. They are written by travelers and both good and bad comments can be found on pretty much any hotel researched. Some will love it; others will hate it - but the individual experiences and reasons for their opinions are great reads.

Where to stay is not exactly what this article is about though. Instead, I wanted to highlight 10 great things about staying off the Disneyland Resort property and 10 great things about staying on the Disneyland Resort property. Reflect on these lists and consider which reasons are most important to you.

Reasons to Stay Off the Disneyland Resort Property

1. Generally, this is a much less expensive option.

2. It is possible to find lodging where breakfast is included.

3. The hotel may have its own shuttle which will take you almost to the Main Gate, which will be a shorter walk to Disneyland than staying at the resort hotels.

4. You can find a room with both a microwave and a refrigerator. Most Disney Resort rooms have refrigerators, or they are available upon request, but they do not have microwaves.

5. Better views of the parks and fireworks on some off property rooms than some on property rooms.

6. Some hotels have nicer pool areas, especially for kids, than Paradise Pier does.

7. You may be closer to fast food and other restaurant options than staying on the Resort.

8. It can be relaxing to get away from the Disney crowds, especially if you stay a little ways away from Disneyland and find a hotel with its own shuttle.

9. You can find rooms bigger than the Disneyland Resort hotel rooms, and some even have separate bedroom suites available. This is really nice if you have kids. (Note: Disneyland Hotel does have very limited number of suites.)

10. Lower expectations means less likelihood of being disappointed. People may build such high expectations of staying on the Resort property that they will not be happy with minor imperfections and inconveniences, and will ultimately have a better experience staying off property.

Reasons to Stay On Disneyland Resort Property

1. You will constantly be immersed in the Magic of Disneyland. All Disney – all the time!

2. Disney themes greet you around every corner – the bedrooms, bathrooms, restaurants, public restrooms, music, and more.

3. The Disneyland Hotel has a great pool area – The Never Land Pool, plus two other pools that include a sandy “beach” area.

4. The Disneyland Hotel features a great shady waterfall area with caves to explore and a wonderful mist to cool you off. Even in the middle of August, this area tends to not be crowded.

5. The Grand Californian has a private entrance into California Adventure. Guests at any of the Disneyland Resort Hotels can use this entrance.

6. Purchases made in the parks can be sent to your hotel.

7. Paradise Pier has wonderful views of California Adventure, and the Grand Californian is essentially in the California Adventure Park.

8. Disney character wake-up calls.

9. Disney character dining experiences available in your hotel.

10. Child activities and childcare offered on-site.

So, there you have it, 10 great reasons to stay off or on the Disneyland Resort property. Really, unless you are a person that needs to get away from “the Disney of it all,” the choice generally comes down to money and room availability. Staying at the Disneyland Resort is going to cost you some serious bucks, especially when compared to some of the budget-oriented options available in Anaheim. Is it worth the extra money? For me and my family, it’s been worth every penny.