Allegro Resort Playacar, So much to offer, it's just that.....
Written: Sep 12 '02 (Updated May 03 '05)
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Pros: Great family destination with so much to offer.
Cons: Small little nagging things. They didn't get it just right
The Bottom Line: The Alegro was a lot of fun, especially for the kids. There were however constant lapses.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Allegro Punta Cana By Occidental - All Inclusive |
For a summer family vacation we all packed up and went to the Allegro Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I have so many great things to say about it but yet there were little nagging things that bothered my wife and me. This review is a bit longer than I generally like but I thought it important to give you a fairly complete assessment of the place.
We went with my next to oldest son 20, and my three girls ages 18,14,12 at the time. This was two years ago. Though my feelings were mixed the kids LOVED the place!!
The family arrived in a rented van. We had done some sightseeing for a few days in the Chichen Itza area about two and a half hours away. We originally came in at Cancun airport. It is about thirty five minutes north of the Allegro. They supply transportation to and from the airport. It is included with the stay.
We were quickly checked in. The lobby was a dark and very busy place with people checking in and out. We were soon hustled down to our rooms. My wife and I stay together and the kids share the other room. This resort makes you feel safe enough so the kids can have run of the place. My children know that they can have a great time, but must always act like young ladies and gentlemen.
The resort is set up vertical to the beach. It has a lovely but not huge beach. Just enough to feel comfortable and tropical. The resort is set up to look like a polynesian village. Thatched roofs abound. The lobby and main dining room are located at the top of the hill. As you go down toward the water you will find the huge two story huts, that are your rooms, on each side of the main paths with pools bars and another restaurant in the middle.
There are some people on the beach trying to sell you things but it wasn't a major bother. There was a nearby market on the beach to make purchases.
The rooms, we were upstairs, were large and very nicely decorated in bright colours. It was air conditioned and also had a ceiling fan. The thatched roofs did have a bit of a musty odor we had to get used to. Downstairs rooms didn't have this problem. We also had little trails of the tiniest ants I have ever seen constantly paying visit. The bed and furnishings were very comfortable. We had a king. The kids had two doubles. The were in a different hut, but close by. We asked for it that way. You can be together if you like. Officially one adult must be assigned to a room with kids. So I was "officially" in one room and my wife in the other. Each room had a small deck with a hammock. I made very good use of it. The bathrooms were nice sized and clean with a full bath with shower. They had plenty of towels and the usual shampoos, rinses, soaps, and shower cap. The rooms do not come with a safe. It is available for a charge. They do have an iron and ironing board and hair dryer in each room.
This is an all inclusive resort. They offer a lot!! For the kids they had programs, and contests, and games going on all day. There were resort personal who ran these programs. Most of the help spoke English. It was a bit tiresome listening to directions in both languages but that's the way it must be. They were young and energetic people with whom the kids attached. The kids had the freedom to go to where ever they liked. My kids stick together. They did make some friends there. There was plenty to do.
The Allegro has two pools. One the active pool and the other the relaxing pool. It was posted on small signs and on literature we were given. Unfortunately people didn't read, or care about the restrictions. Both were active pools. One pool had a constant volleyball game going. Kids of all ages enjoyed it. Official games were set up also with personal keeping score.
One of my big problems with the hotel was lapses in cleanliness. Most was VERY clean but you would go past one or two areas that just never got attention. The grounds were nicely kept up and groomed but in a few places there was overgrown plants and grasses that were collecting trash blown by the wind. Go back the next day, still there. Another problem was that one of the pools had a too be closed a day because the water was too dirty. One of the pools has a bar in the water. Thankfully this pool got a lot of attention and was clean.
Meal time at the place was always different for our family. We set it up with the children that we would all have at least one meal together as a family every day, otherwise they took care of themselves. They enjoyed "dressing up" and going to the restaurant on their own.
The main buffet restaurant was a bit of a distance back up the hill. It was upstairs above the lobby area. It was very, very dark. I have a problem with that. While at a beach resort I like openness and air. You did have to wait in line to be seated. It was minimal, a minute or two.
The food they offered was very good and varied. All the usual American foods and then a mix of other fare, something different each day. It was always fresh, well maintained and the platters full. With each meal a waiter would take your drink order. Sometimes they were slow coming back.
On the way to the main dining room upstairs is another bar. They frequently had a pianist playing there and it was open nightly. Remember this is an all inclusive. Most of the drinks are part of the package, what they call "local" drinks. There are a few imports and most top shelf that are not included. They will tell you what isn't included as you order. You wear wristbands for your stay.
Each night they had entertainment at the main stage at the top of the hill by the lobby area. They had some local entertainment that was very good. Most of the entertainment was done by the game and contest leaders of the day. They would put on dance and singing reviews. The kids really loved this. They became attached to some of the leaders and wanted to see them perform. Some of the talent was very good and some was laughable but fun. Kind of like watching your big and funny looking uncle John trying to do a hula dance.
They also made good use of us by getting "volunteers" to help entertain. They urged on my wife and I up to do a Mexican skit. I was Pedro, trying to impress upon the beautiful Maria (my wife,) that I was the man for her. My kids had a great laugh and I was told my supposedly Mexican accent was actually a Jewish one!! Living in NY I have many Jewish friends. I suppose the accent stuck. This entertainment area is outside. We were rained out one night. Otherwise the weather was great. A constant 90 degree day and slightly cool at night.
At night there was a disco for kids. My children went a couple of times. It was a good place to meet the friends they had made.
Another place for food and very popular, yet never overcrowded, was the poolside grill. Pizza's, burgers, fries and such were available every afternoon. The kids loved it and we mad a couple of stops there ourselves.
The beach was pretty, well maintained, and had a lot of lounge chairs. The problem at this whole resort was the "reserving" of chairs with towels, books and such. It seemed worse than other places.The place really did have a good amount of lounges it's just that so many sat there unused with a towel.
Here's your chance somebody to make a lot of money. Design a flag that a person sets as they leave their lounge. It's on a timer. If the person does not return with a certain amount of time the flag goes up and the lounge becomes community property. Please send me a few dollars every month of the profits you make on this idea. Thanks.
Towels were available at poolside. They did run out a few times. We were told that was because a lot of people were using them. Well, you booked a lot of people in the place, keep up!
One very early in the morning, after doing some relaxed reading, I went to my room to get something. When I returned to my lounge my sandals were missing. I never saw them again.
On the beach was the water sports area that included in the package, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boats, and a few other things. Sailing was available for a fee. The help was always around and keeping a watchful eye on those in the water. I rented a hobi and loved it. The breezes there are perfect.
We went snorkeling in a couple of places near the resort. Not much to talk about. I will say though that a side trip to Xcaret is a great experience. It is a man made Aqua park that was amazing. The place is fantastic. Go very early and come home very late. Do all it has to offer. It was the best theme park experience we ever had. Sorry Disney, move aside. I'm not kidding!!!
Other side trips include Mayan ruins. Tulum, the only Mayan site on the water is very cool looking. Bring your bathing suits also. There is a beach on the grounds where you can cool off. Another place is Coba. This is a much more remote destination. There are tour buses that go there. We went by car. We were told it could be a bit dangerous driving on your own, banditos, but we were fine. Do know though that on the way there is an extremely remote dirt road passing through small towns and villages with very poor people and begging at some. We actually had a little girl climb onto the car at a well designed "speed bump", holding onto the mirror looking for a handout. We knew of these places and people. My wife, an art teacher, brought half a suitcase with drawing supplies. We stopped at two places and distributed them to the kids.
Cosemel is also another destination you might try. We didn't. It's a ferry ride straight out from our beach. You can see it in the far distance.
The town of Playa del Carmen was a special treat. It's a ten minute taxi ride from the hotel. My wife and I went there a couple of nights. It gives you a real Mexican feel. Lot's of shops, festive atmosphere, and open air bars with live entertainment. They close the streets to traffic for a few hours every night. We felt comfortably safe there, but as with any traveling, know where you are walking and stay with the crowds. My wife did a lot of "haggling" on prices. It was fun and you can get good deals where both the merchant and you make out well.
I really enjoyed the places that were very close to the Allegro resort. It was well situated for what we liked to do. This was a big plus for the place. One thing I didn't like was the personal at the place trying to sell you time shares. They were a constant thorn. On the third day I finally told them "I do not want to approached again" The woman told me. "I just entered you in a drawing and you could win something." As luck would have it I did win a Swiss army knife and watch at a raffle done every night in the entertainment area. The next day the salesperson came to congratulate me. I said thank you and walked on. We were never approached again.
The very last evening we were invited to the Mexican restaurant by the beach. It was terrific! They gave you a great send off dinner. It was fun with photo opts wearing big sombreros and colorful wear. Now in all my years I had never had or tried a Margarita. This was the very first place. They offered pitchers of the stuff. Since then my wife and I rate places by how well they make their Margaritas. My wife and I enjoy them very much.
As I stated earlier, there was so much I enjoyed and liked about the place and a few things that bothered me.
I hope I have been helpful to you in trying to make a decision on this place.
We paid about $125 each per day to stay here. My youngest was a third of the price. For more info they do have a toll free number. 1-800-858-2258
One other thing I have to state. The Mexican people were wonderful. They were very helpful, hard working, friendly, and I found, quick with a smile.
Mexico is a great destination, maybe the Allegro Playa is for you.
other warm weather reviews by popsrocks
A bit more in Mexico
Discovering the Yucatan Peninsula Ancient Ruins, Culture, and Relaxation
Cozumel A short ferry ride frm Playa del Carmen
CHICHEN-ITZA, the Grand Ancient Site of the Yucatan
Coba, the ancient city A site that is just being excavated.
Tulum, Mayan Temples on the Sea
Xcaret, an Amazing Park dedicated to Nature and Culture
Hotel MayaLand A wonderful, highly recommended, place to stay near Chichen-Itza
Allegro Resort, Playacar A halfway decent all-inclusive in Playa del Carmen. Just six miles from Xcaret.
Viva Wyndham Maya A good choice
Other warm weather destination reviews by popsrocks
Barcelo Bavero, Dominican Republic Ya gotta love this place.
Sandals Negril A good romantic place for couples
Renaissance Jamaica Grand Perfect for the family.
Jamaica, one man's view Jamaica me laugh, Jamaica me cry
St. John, US Virgin Island Now this is paradise!!
Westin Resort, St. John, Virgin Islands The price was right.
Recommended:
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