I'm not heading there until Tuesday but I found lots of pictures at playadelcarmeninfo.com. Maybe you've already been to the site but if not it's loaded with candid photos by vacationers.

(my toes are frozen too. up to 10 degrees today! woo-hoo!)

Hi frozentoes, just got back from the Maya yesterday. The beach was a little bit of a disappointment, it caused substantial crowding of the beach chairs. I'm one of those people that like to follow the sun and move my chair accordingly, and it wasn't easy, we were lined up in rows, pretty close to others, not a lot of personal space. BUT it was not horrible either. I'd say it was about a 4 foot gradual drop to the water, and the water was still wonderful, it just wasn't as nice as the beaches further south, but better than the ones up north. The beach at the Gala was beautiful, and the Iberostar and Riu next to that was good too. Walked as far as we could north towards the pier, the beach was totally gone at the south end of "phase 1" of Playacar, with the water crashing up against the seawalls of some of those small resorts. Hope it repairs itself soon. Heard a lot of conflicting info on how long it would take to get better, everything from 3 months to 3 years! It did not affect our vacation, still had a great time, the Viva Maya is a great bang for the buck!

Thanks for the info. How was the food? Did you eat at the Viva in town?

For the money we paid, I was very satisfied with the food, always had plenty to eat. We ate at the Portofino one night (which was very good, though not "gourmet", nice atmosphere, great pina colada, great service), we did not try either the Mexican at the Maya, or the Azteca restaurants. We ate at the Viva Cafe in PDC on Valentine's, had a very nice meal. We were given a limited "Valentine's Menu", so I am not sure if you are limited to a certain menu when you go as a guest of the Viva hotels, I think they had a different menu for people coming off the street? The restaurant was very modern and airy, the waitstaff was great, and I had a fantastic Filet mignon, very surprised for Mexico!! We all had beer with dinner, so not sure if additional liquors or wines cost more, you may want to ask when you make your reservations.

The buffet does serve a lot of the same, but like I said, I was very satisfied. I am a big fresh fruit and veggie fan, which they had plenty of, their papaya is to die for!! Breakfast offered most every breakfast food you can think of. Lunch and dinner offered pastas, salads, meat dishes, and the like, they had a nice taco station at dinner. I think my biggest disappointment was the snack bar by the pool, too much "junkie" food, no fish or veggies. But if they're serving the guacamole, have some---yummmmmmm!!

Any other questions, frozentoes, feel free....

Whantogoeverywhere; Thanks so much for the info. It has been very helpful. Can hardly wait till we go in April.

<<<Thanks for the info. How was the food? Did you eat at the Viva in town?>>>

We ate there and thought it was great. Definitely the best of the restaurants. It's an Italian theme and they give you portions that rival any restaurant you would go to at home. The second time we went, some in our party ordered appetizers for their main course.

Don't forget to tip if you go to Viva in town. Check out the menus at the entrance to see what "fair" tipping would be (your menus won't have prices).

Have a great time!

Shaky

FROZENTOES/- DO YOU HAVE ANY PICTURES OF THE VIVA MAYA? We leave Saturday and have never been. I'm nervous! How was your room?? Heard I should bring an extension cord, alarm clock, and glade plug in? we are signed up for wyndham by request how ever. Do I need to bring bug spray? How's the night life at the Maya?? anything I should need to know would be GREATLY aprreciated.

ascott, Sorry we haven't been to viva maya yet, we don't go till April. Went to Copacabana, a little further south last year and brought a scented candle for musty smelling rooms and never used it, but probably a good idea anyway. There are some decent photos of Viva Maya on www.webshots.com. Go to community photos and put in Viva Maya in the search box. Hope you have a good time and post a trip report on your return.

<<<We leave Saturday and have never been. I'm nervous! How was your room?? Heard I should bring an extension cord, alarm clock, and glade plug in? we are signed up for wyndham by request how ever. Do I need to bring bug spray? How's the night life at the Maya?? anything I should need to know would be GREATLY aprreciated.>>>

It never hurts to be prepared, but if you are a member of "Wyndham by Request" you should have an alarm clock, refrigerator, safe, etc., in the room. No problems.

Nightlife isn't overwhelming at Viva Maya. There is a show at 10pm (nothing too great) and the disco starts getting going around midnight. Other than that, there's a lot of hanging out in the bar - live music in the evenings. Mostly people hang out with families and friends that they've made during the week.

Shaky

Unless things have changed since November, you will NOT have an alarm clock in your room. The rooms just don't have them. You will have a safe in the closet and a refrigerator if you are a Wyndham by Request member. We loved the Viva Maya and are returning next week.