We stayed at the Gran Porto Real. We have two young children and found it to be a good all-inclusive choice. The food was not great but was decent for an all-inclusive. There are two a la carte restaurants – one Mexican and one Italian, and the food is good. We heard earlier complaints about the beach at this resort, and the comments are true – there are lots of boats tied up in the area immediately to the south (right of the resort beach). However, there are still about 100+ yards of decent beachfront. And if you want a nice walk, just cross the pier to the north and you can stroll for miles. We liked it because, with two young kids, the water in front of the resort was shallow and safe. So our kids were able to play in the sand and in the water without us having to worry too much. Other things to consider if you’re looking at this resort - if you booked or are looking to book an ‘oceanview’ suite, be advised that this provides a very limited view of the water. If you really want a decent view of the water, book an oceanfront suite. I guess their definition of oceanview differs from ours. If you have young ones and/or you like to be in bed early though, be advised that these rooms over look the pool and there is a pooside show every evening from 9-10pm.

Other comments:

Location is excellent; service was good. Staff was for the most part friendly and helpful. There were lots of activities for the kids, the shows at night were ok, the pool area is fairly large and nice. One further note, if you want a decent spot by the pool or especially by the beach, get up early, get your towels and go reserve your spot. Our first morning we went down to the pool after breakfast at about 9am and almost everything was taken. Towels are available at 7am.

Overall a good experience and we will probably return to this resort again.

In spite of the all-inclusive, we did venture into town for some dinners. Our last night we ate at Casa Mediterranea – on 5th Avenue between Calle 6 and Calle 8. It’s in a courtyard just off of 5th (east side) atnd is best identified by a small yellow sign on the wall. Food and ambiance are excellent. Service good as well. Highly recommended. No pizza, so if your kids want pizza, try Las Mananitas, also on 5th, in the same area.

For a sweet treat, go to Ah Cacao, NW corner of 5th and Constituyentes. Honestly the best chocolate ice cream I’ve ever had. My wife is addicted to their brownies and chocolate mousse. Good drinks also. We passed on dessert at the all-inclusive to go there.

If you’re looking for a decent massage, but don’t want to shell out $75-80 for a 50 minute rubdown, there is a place on 5th, right next to the 100% Natural Restaurant, that gives one-hour massages for $33. Several types offered – sport, relaxation, hot stone, etc. My wife and I both had a relaxation massage and were pleasantly surprised. Not the best massage I’ve ever had, but not the worst either and definitely worth $33.

If you like strolling 5th Avenue, don’t stop at Constituyentes, it’s less crowded North of Constituyentes, but there are still several good restaurants and shops for several blocks.

As for airport transportation, we were going to take the ADO bus ($8pp) to the station in PDC and then a taxi to the resort, but my wife (a good negotiator) was able to make a deal with the Greenline taxi group for a private van to take us straight to the resort for $50. A little more expensive that way, but not by much for a group of four or more, and it was much more convenient. They're all barking back and forth for your business so don’t be afraid to try to haggle on price with them.

Last note, I was somewhat surprised to see two Starbucks in PDC now. We were there just last February and I don’t remember seeing any. I hear they’re putting one at the top of Chichen Itza (just kidding – but I wouldn’t be surprised).

Hope all this helps.

Enjoy your time there!!