I am tring to decide if I want to stay at the Gala Beach resort. I've stayed at the Rui Yucatan and loved it. My travel agent keeps trying to push the Rui Playacar but almost all the reveiws say ...it smells! I will not be bringing my children. Just looking to mostly relax, maybe dance one night. Any suggestions?

Just came back from Gala on 4/10. Way too many kids!! I didn't notice any "smells" and I would not rate it a 5 star (4 maybe...not 5) The food in the buffet was ok...the Italian and Mexican Rest. were great. They have a "disco" but it doesn't open until 11 after the kids are in there and by then I went to Playa Del Carmen and went to Frogs or Capt. Tulix or the bars on the beach. If you get a good deal, it is ok.

I too just got back from Gala (4/19 - 4/26). I posted a long report on the playa board:
http://mytravelboard3.com/playa/. The Gala is a great value but just an average hotel. The beach is absolutely spectacular. From the reviews that I have read on the RIU properties, the hotel itself may be a step down for you. You might want to check out the Ibeostar Tucan, which was right next door to the Gala. We did not see the rooms but the property is beautiful. I have submitted a trip report to this website so you might check back in a few days.

Have a great time. Feel free to email me with any questions about the Gala.

have been to gala resorts for the past 4 years, three times in Huatulco which was warmer and the pool was fine to swim in for warmth i mean. This was our first year at Playacar and we found in January the pool was freezing( and I come from Canada) and we could not use it. The rooms were lovely, the food was fabulous lots of choice, we have one boy aged 11 and he loved everything, if you couldnt find something to eat at the restaurants then I would say there was definately a problem, so the food was five star for us, the service amazing, no funny looks at our requests,
and we own a hotel in Canada so we had our magnifying glasses out for cleanliness!! We were not impressed with Cancun Airport though it was so busy it was dangerous cos if there had been afire or other emergency one could not move an inch. You will be pleased with The Gala and say hello from us.