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Playa Sonrisa Traveler Review :: "Good in Theory, Terrible in Practice"

Re: Good in Theory, Terrible in Practice - by: 427435
This reviewer complains about the lack of internet access, but it must not be very good in Chicago either (or he didn't read all the information that a search for Xcalak and Playa Sonrisa provides). At 63 years of age, I'm no X Generation techie, but (through use of the internet) I had a pretty clear idea as to what we were getting into when we made reservations at Playa Sonrisa. The only surprise was that Playa Sonrisa and their owners greatly exceeded our expectations.

I can only hope that you (and people like you) won't be there when we're there!!!!

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Re: Good in Theory, Terrible in Practice - by: Randy & Tammy
Wow. I don't know what to say. We have visited Playa Sonrisa twice, and are wanting to return so much that we sit around reading about it until we will be able to once again afford a Mexico vacation. Just a couple of remarks about your review. You rate the water clarity at 0. We have snorkelled many places, and Xcalak is at the top. If you were out on a windy day, then what would you expect. Otherwise the reef is great an unspoiled, and the clarity very good. You rate ease of transportaion a 3, and if you didn't know that before you left, then you didn't want to know. You rate several Hospitality factors much below average, and I don't think those even deserve a response. You rate local dining a two. I presume that means that you couldn't dial up and have a Dominoes Pizza delivered tou your door. We have eaten at several of Playa's "neighbors" and were never dissapointed in quantity, quality, or price. Last, but not least, you rated the property at 0 for privacy and quietness.??? I think the only way you could have had more quiet and privacy in the Carribean would be in a Villa. If you wanted a private villa, I believe they are available in the area. That being said, the grounds at Playa Sonrisa were far from crowded the last time we were there, and I believe they were full. As far as quiet, all you can hear outside after 10;00 most nights is the ocean.
Sorry you had a disappointing experience, but I think it is a bit unfair to blame Xcalak or Playa Sonrisa for not meeting YOUR elevated expectations.
Oh well, back to reading about our favorite vacation spot, and being thankful it isn't everyones Idea of paradise.
Sincerely
Randy and Tammy

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Re: Good in Theory, Terrible in Practice - by: Kim & David Calkins
My husband and I are also hotel owners and operators in Xcalak. What astounds us sometimes is that we all try very hard to disclose every single little thing that a potential guest might have an issue with. I have read each and every page of the Playa Sonrisa web site. In several locations on their web site, they tell their guests that the air conditioning is part time and they give the hours of operation. If they ran their generators all night long to accommodate a guest that didn't read their web site and didn't do their homework, they would be driving 2 hours every other day to purchase fuel for you. Generators use fuel. Cindy is way more than a mediocre cook and the prices at Playa Sonrisa are so far below what any of us charge for our meals and drinks, that I am sure that they are offering you meals as a SERVICE TO YOU, certainly not to bilk you in any way. You have every opportunity to ask questions and do a minimal amount of research on Xcalak before making a reservation. ALL THE HOTELS ARE OFF THE GRID. On the Playa Sonrisa web site, the owners tell you this and ask you to be mindful of your water and electricity useage. WE NEVER FLUSH FOR YELLOW! While it sounds like this offends you, you obviously don't have the kind of spirit to embrace this, because it sounds like you don't have a very good idea as to how much of nature's offerings you use. We depend on rain for our water. When it doesn't rain, we purcahse water and it's very expensive. It's VERY expensive. My husband and I are always surprised when someone stays with us and some of the first questions are, "Do you have internet? May we use your phone? Why is your internet connection so slow? Playa Sonrisa as well as all of the hotels here go into quite a bit of detail about all these things. While we may have internet, it is usually for our business and often located in our own quarters. Sometimes our phone works and sometimes it doesn't. Most of the time ours is receiving a Belize signal. And the reason our internet is so slow is because it's a satellite connection and it's the best we can receive here. We all feel fortunate that there are two locations in Xcalak that provide public internet and phone service. Too bad you couldn't appreciate that, too. You sound very young to me. Perhaps with a little more life experience you will learn how to "be in the flow." It sounds as though you had Cancun expections but wanted something far and away from the throngs of people. Well, there's always a trade-off when you choose a beautiful, pristine and remote location like Xcalak. It's one of the least spoiled locations in Mexico. We hope to be able to maintain this level of authenticity here for a long, long time. And our wish for you is that sometime in the future you might find your authentic self, too, that kinder, more understanding, more willing to experience something that really is authentic... part of you. Until then, visit Cancun or Playa del Carmen or Puerta Vallarta. They have lots of phones, all-night air-conditioning, and street vendor food that's really, really cheap. Just a side note. It's been my experience that people who write rather scathing remarks and do not sign their name, preferring to remain anonymous, are those very people who are cowards and who will never take personal responsibility for anything. Murph would never, ever do this. He is stand-up and honest. He's one of the good guys.
Sincerely,
Kim & David Calkins

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Re: Good in Theory, Terrible in Practice - by: Maggie
I was at Playa Sonrisa at the same time as "Chicago;" we called the couple that as they never introduced themselves nor interacted with the other guests. They barely even interacted with their dog, which was cooped up in the cabana most of the time. I've stayed at PS twice, for a total of 20 days, and can testify that Murph and Cindy are very accomodating hosts. Their Web site is very thorough and accurate. Anyone who chooses to read it will have a very good sense of what to expect. It is clothing optional, and no one cares what you choose to wear or not wear. I don't know where Chicago got the idea there was a grill available for guests to use, or that A/C was available 24/7. The guest fridge is in the bar, which is on an honor system. The restaurants in the village are mostly excellent and reasonably priced for a remote location. Chicago comes across as a spoiled American weenie who wants to "get away from it all," but not TOO far away--he has to have his WiFi and be able to use plastic to pay for everything. It's no one's fault but his he did not research the location and come prepared with extra cash. He would probably be much happier in the paved-over, Disney-version Mexico of Cancun.

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Re: Good in Theory, Terrible in Practice - by: Heike Bauer
by: Heike
My husband and I stayed at the same time at PR than "Chicago" did and the only nice thing about this couple was their really cute American Pitbull named Angel. However as Maggie said, the poor dog was almost all day long logged into the room. This couple didn't even talk to anybody but they dare complaining about cindy and Murph which is just pathetic.
Hopefully they won't come back for Xcalak's and Playa Sonrisa' sake.
Regards
Heike

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Re: Good in Theory, Terrible in Practice - by: Original Poster
As the original poster of the review I wanted to respond to some of the comments.

This was our first time to Xcalak. As such, we was not aware of the issues of vacationing there. Even after internet research, which we conducted, the issues were not comprehensively addressed. For example, while we knew the air conditioning was not 24/7 I presumed that the temperatures were cool enough at night that this was not an issue. Unfortunately, this was not the case for us. My assumption was based on average weather data. I felt that potential visitors should make an informed choice in regards to visiting Xcalak. However, something I did not mention, which I should, is that the Leaky Palapa was an excellent restaurant there. Generally, however, the cuisine choices were extremely limited in Xcalak over a 2 week period. I'm sure that repeat visitors and residents of Xcalak are aware of the extent of the inconveniences of Xcalak. We were not. On Tripadvisor the owner posted a response in which he largely agreed with my comments. I'm not saying that no one could ever enjoy xcalak. But I am conveying what I wish I knew in advance of my stay. My comments were not meant to offend repeat visitors or criticize anyone's preferences.

In addition, unfortunately, the owner and us simply did not get along, for reasons largely addressed in the review. My objection with Playa Sonrisa are separate from my issues with Xcalak. Perhaps I did not sufficiently separate the two. I do acknowledge that had we stayed elsewhere in Xcalak that our stay would likely have been far more pleasant.

In regards to the two comments regarding our "anti-social" behavior, we did not intend to offend anyone. We certainly were not offended by any of the other guests. Unfortunately, we did bring some work with us (yes, a big mistake but it was unavoidable), and we were looking for a quiet, private getaway. I hope no one got the impression that we were intentionally avoiding them. At the same time, we do acknowledge that socialization was not a goal of our vacation. Still, if anyone had approached us and started a conversation (as some had), we would have been happy to talk (assuming we were not working or not off to go diving).

Regarding cash, unfortunately I got two pieces of advice. First, bring cash. Second, don't bring too much cash - its not that safe. Striking a balance proved extremely difficult. The personal anecdote was meant to convey that an ordinarily simple action was extremely difficult. You can call me a "spoiled American", but with all due respect, I came to Xcalak for a vacation. I am not blaming resort owners, but blaming me for writing about what everyone acknowledges to be true also seems unfair. As to individuals telling me to visit Cancun and Playa del Carmen, I respond by saying that we are not disagreeing. That was the entire point of my review - that those unwilling to "go without" should visit alternative locations. I'm failing to understand the hostility directed towards my review. I am merely recording my experiences.

Finally, as to water clarity, that is honestly a mistake. That should not be 0. That should be more like an 8, and then only because the water was pretty stormy when we were there. Unfortunately, I have no way of editing my review. Hopefully, people will read in between the lines and realize that overall diving experience cannot be a 9 when clarity is 0.

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Re: Good in Theory, Terrible in Practice - by: david ciarcia
( I am not blaming resort owners, but blaming me for writing about what everyone acknowledges to be true also seems unfair. As to individuals telling me to visit Cancun and Playa del Carmen, I respond by saying that we are not disagreeing. That was the entire point of my review - that those unwilling to "go without" should visit alternative locations. I'm failing to understand the hostility directed towards my review. I am merely recording my experiences.)

having visited there, i dont understand how you couldnt know about the conditions there, everything i ever read proir to my first trip (which predates power to town) it as perfectly clear what to expect , yes its a town of 300 people or so there are only a few small places to go to for food . every one of them the food was good - and i am very picky eater ! go to xcalak if you want to be off the beat path on a road less traveled you will find world class fishing, diving and snorkling. but you are going to a place where its "off the grid" and that means more than just power , it a place to step back and see the world in adifferant light , things have a new meaning , its a sunrise to sunset life , no worrys , no rush , if not today then tomorrow, very differant that chicago or even the beach town i live in here in florida -- we go again for the 3rd time in may.

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Re: Good in Theory, Terrible in Practice - by: Original Poster
FYI - I went to Cozumel later, which was a much, much better experience. I highly recommend it!

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