oooh I have to check this post more often lol

The Gourmet restaurant is very elegantly decorated and is pretty dressy. I would say to most restaurants women wore sun dresses or nice pants and tops, men casual khakis and collared short sleeve shirts. At night it can be cool so I would suggest bringing along a sweater or light coat.

It is very safe for 14 year olds to walk around during the day. My son joined in a few activities and had no problems but he is 6'2". He also had no problem in the evening. Now if I had a 14 year old daughter I would not reccommend her walking alone at night because the resort is very large and there are areas that there are very few people around. Again during the day there are so many people around it should be okay.

The buildings are fairly close to one another but there is a great distance from the first one to the last. It is nice to walk through the courtyards of the buildings because they are all different. I don't really know how big Atlantis is but I think it took us about 10 minutes to walk to the front lobby. But that is just to the Maya lobby. There is still the Lindo, Beach and Del Mar that are still farther. There is a little train trolly that takes you to the different lobbys or you can get them to pick you up in golf cart. As far as what building is better than the other it depends on your own personal taste. If you want to be closer to the beach and buffet restaurants pick #60 if you want to be close to the front lobby and a la carte restaurants, childrens play area pick #65. #62 and #63 are more central.

We did not go to any ruins but people we had met did. They did Chichen Itza ruins. They said it was interesting but a very long and hot day.

The best pictures I found on the internet are at http://bill-and-val.com

For those who like to walk on the beach you can walk quite a long way to your right. Every morning I walked 1/2 hour down the beach then back. I could have gone further if I wanted and you can find different small shells along the way.

We just returned 10 days ago from the Maya, and here is my input...

Building 63 is right in the middle of everything. Go higher, and you are closer to the lobby, and lower you are closer to the beach. Middle is good to meet all of your needs. All of the restaurants are good. It's nice to experience them all, good or bad. If if you aren't pleased with that nights selection, the buffet is always wonderful. Give a good look at all of the menu's at the consiege when you arrrive, and go from there. The resort is safe, and unavailable to the general public 24/7. I still believe that safety is in numbers and would send my 14 year old out as long as someone else was with him/her. Can't say I would walk alone by myself if I had a choice, but I did it lots, and felt 100% comfortable the whole time. The walks to and from on the resort were a welcome amount of exercise given the amount of food and drinks availble. It's what probably helped me fit into all of my clothes from start to finish. My husband and I have stayed at this resort twice, and will plan our next trip here as well. I'm sure you will enjoy it. Say hi to "Yardida" at the pool bar from Chad and Tammy from Canada, and have a wonderful time!!!

Oh yeah, dressy just means long slacks for guys (& golf shirts or t-shirts, and anything goes for girls, although sundresses or a skirt are more appropriate).

HI, Was the Gourmet Restaurant really good? I am trying to decide which restaurant to have my reception at. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

My recollection of the restaurant was a theme based on Paris and Can Can. Beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings, textured walls (not sure if it was wallpaper or material), long heavy drapery with tassles. There was a small replica of a stage with mirrors and life size mannequins dressed in the era above on a balcony. I remember commenting on the beautiful crystal chandeliers . There were so many beautiful things to see at the resort it is hard to remember. I am sure there are others on the forum that have some additional input.

How was the food at the Gourmet Restaurant?

Gourmet was our favorite it was delicious! I also had a very nice white wine my husband had a nice red wine and champagne. They also had a cart with different liquors.

Thanks for your help.

The gourmet restaurant at the Maya is very nice, as is the gourmet at the Lindo. They have very similar menus. The one at the Lindo has art on the walls and has a very warm feeling to it. The one at the Maya (L'etoile) is like an old ballroom/theatre with a few creepy looking manequins staring at you. I would suggest the Marina for a wedding reception. The food was amazing (Steak and Lobster), and it had the buffet for appetizers, where the gourmets are straight off the menu. The 2 gourmets are very small, but if you like the menus, the Lindo one is more appropriate. Good luck. Oh, and my husband pointed out that it is "Yarida", not Yardida. She may not remember our names, but Chad (bleached blonde hair) always had LTD and Coke, and I (red hed) was a usually a marg on the rocks/stawberry marg. Oh well, not important. She was just soooo amazing and friendly that I wanted to thank her again. She was off the day we left, so I couldn't do it in person. Anyway, have a wonderful time!!!

What is the Marina? Is that at the Lindo?