My husband and I are thinking about takeing a trip here in May 2004. Does anyone suggest which side to stay on and why? Thanks!

We are visiting this hotel in January, and I can tell you what I've learned from others (not first-hand experience though!)

People say that the Akumal is smaller, newer, and a bit nicer. The pool is better (it is similar to a river, instead of just a huge pool), and the beach is better. The Tulum side is much bigger, and so has a bigger (and more varied, some say) buffet. We have chosen to stay on the Akumal side. I'll let you know in January if that was the right decision!

We were there in May 2003 and stayed on the Tulum side. The rooms are quite large on the Tulum side and, quite frankly, preferred to Tulum side. The beach is the same all the way along, except for the one area on the Akumal side that has no rocks. The water is wonderfully warm and we only had one day of rain. Feel free to e-mail me at ddefrance@goodmans.ca if you have any questions. We were a group of 12 and had an absolute marvelleous time

We're going in Jan. Anyone up to emailing me with some info?

connie
coleman@sunwave.net

Akumal is good because it is a small area, great snorkeing area, and close to Playa del Carmen where you can go for dinners, and music. Playa is a nice
busy area with low rise hotels. Many canadians and europeans go there .
Tulum area nice but very quiet.
Very similar beaches but I think Akumal
for quiet and close to Playa.
PS-We also have time shares in both places that are very reasonable if you are interested. We've been down there 4 times in 8 years.

My daughter and I have stayed at both sides. The Tulum side at Christmas and The Akumal side middle of March. Akumal side is a bigger room, we had a jacuzzi tub in our bathroom, we were given extra water, candy and fresh fruit. We also checked in immediately. That could of been because of the time we came though. We thought the food was better on the buffet too. Both sides are nice, and you can use the restaurants on either side at any time. We did not like how far from the Hacienda we were on on Akumal side. Either side is very very nice.