Hi,

We were in building #19 at the Maya.. arrived Sunday afternoon. Our concierge was not there so went to building 18. We booked before we even got in our rooms.

Had no problems booking for a group of 7.

While we were there the Italian was always full, Mexican empty and steakhouse 1/2 full. This was the 2nd week of February.

Maybe harder now that spring break is coming up for some schools and I'm sure every week is different depending on the taste of new people! Have fun!

Hi Tia,

I have been to the Grand Sirenis twice....once in December and then again in January. Both times were with a group....first with 10 and then with 14. In December we had no problems booking the restaurants. We sat together as a group at all but the Mexican, where there was a miscommunication and we were seated at 3 different tables.

In January, we arrived late on a Monday and found it almost impossible to book anything. A few of us did get one reservation...but the biggest group they could do was 6. We were told the reservations fill up on Sunday and we were too late. There was only one concierge in the Mayan Beach area (where we stayed in January), so the lines were really long to make reservations.

So, I guess it depends on what day you arrive and leave. Our January trip was only 5 nights, so we didn't get a chance to be there on Sunday to make reservations.

We were all from Michigan too.....you're really going to love the weather there!

Visited The Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach Resort February 2007 for 2 weeks with my partner - no children with us but there appeared to be lots for children to do night and day.

Had a fantastic time, everything about the hotel was excellent, accommodation, food, location, service and the cleanliness was second to none.

We were a little apprehensive before going due to the earlier reviews on this site but I'm glad to say they were proven unfounded to us. Maybe the problems encountered by others was due to the fact the hotel is brand new and had it's teething problems.

We originally decided to book this hotel as we had previously stayed at the Sirenis Tropical Suites in the Dominican Republic in December 2005 and had a fantastic time there aswell. The service at the Sirenis Tropical Suites was excellent that is why we decided to try the new Sirenis in Mexico.However, The Grand Sirenis exceeded our expectations and we feel well deserves the 5* Deluxe rating applied for.

The 'Lazy River' is certainly a relaxing way to cool down after coming off the beach on a hot day.

The next best way to relax after a hot day in the sun was the jacuzzi in the bathroom.

The themed restaurants are all excellent but our favourite had to be the Japanese where the food was cooked right in front of you, the chef cooking the food was very entertaining.

The animation team were very good and the entertainment was extremely good considering none of them were professionals. The only critiscism there would be that they only appeared to have a 1 week programme, therefore people visiting for 2 weeks practically saw the same shows twice but they always appeared to be slightly different so it was no great problem. I think they are hoping to create a 2 week programme shortly, again this is probably due to the fact this is a brand new hotel and they have to start somewhere.

All the staff at the hotel were very friendly and accommodating.

I would not hesitate in going back to the resort in the future. Well worth the money.

Thank you so much for the replies to my questions (so far!)

We are currently reserving at the Mayan Beach (we thought we had booked at the Riviera Maya side). Can you tell me what kind of walk we will have from that side of the resort to the restaurants, pools, beach, etc.? Does it seem like that side of the resort is removed from the main resort? It is so hard to tell from the jpeg maps and satellite pictures. Are we worrying about this needlessly or should we really push to be moved to the RM side?

Thanks again!

Tia

The walk is really not bad at all. There are a couple different ways get to the restaurants. It is really not as bad as some make it sound. I imagine the elderly might have problems, but it is a very short walk to the main buffets. We did it several times a day and were fine with it.

Reply to an earlier question about the Bayou restaurant at Grand Sirenis. We ended up with an "Extra" ala carte so we decided to try the Bayou. Yes it is Creole / Cajun. And we thought it was great! The service there was top notch and the food was fantastic. I had a blackened steak with Jumbalaya and my wife had a stuffed pork loin which was out of this world. If we were to go again, the Bayou would be one of our 4.

ski2112

I've been waiting for your trip report!!! Thanks for the response on the bayou. Kinda wondering how you got the extra booking???

SO how did you find the resort, night life, excursions???

Was it you earlier on trying to find out about nightlife?

I've been checking over on grand-sirenis.com just to see if any of that whole group of you guys meeting had anything further to add...

I'll definately book that restaurant I'm a jambalaya fan!!

j

Trivial questions here, as a newbie to the area, all inclusives, and beach resorts of any kind, I get the gist that they provide beach towels for you. Can you exchange them as often as you want? Can you take them offsite when you go on an excursion? Do I need to pack my own towels for anything?

I love all the information I have read on this thread. You guys who are sharing are all terrific.

Yo mama, (no offense)

Most places give you a plastic towel cards that you exchange for towels, and you can switch them for dry ones all day at the towel huts. As you check-out, they get the card or charge you. (usually a hefty $25) They don't care if take them out, since they're your responsibility.

p.s. Leave your towels home.