Grand-Sirenis.com

BWH54 · Joined: 24 Oct 2008 Posts: 14

We just return from one week at GS, Nov 9 to 16th, flew with Air Transat so stayed on Mayan Beach side. We followed the recommendations we learned from forums such as this and e-mailed our room preference 5 days before and upon checking was offered exactly what we had asked for, 3rd floor building 29, king size bed. A great location for beach, pool and breakfast buffet. Room is huge and had the frosted glass panel in the infamous “hole in wall”.
Was told the resort was about half full, so service was incredible, literally an army waiting to serve you. They only opened one of the two main buffets for any given meal, but no big deal as they are connected and even then window tables or outside on patio was always available. Not like dinning at Caesars in Vegas but decent food, my wife says she has been spoiled as I have 5 years of experience in the kitchens, at a 4 star hotel in London, England. But still a great selection of food, nothing fancy but well cooked and presented
We booked the a la carte meals, when we arrived 6:00pm on Sunday and had no problems with either time or dates on our 3 picks, Japanese good food/show, Brazilian a carnivores delight and Cajun a welcome change and real close to our room which proved handy as it was the only time we had rain.
Beach bar with it’s taco buffet, was right on the path back to room and proved to be a great spot to have a snack and drink after a hard day at the beach. So our day typically went morning swim with fishes, breakfast/brunch by 10am, back to beach, various liquids, 4:30pm at bar nachos and beer while it got dark, back to room snooze, shower and off to supper by 7. Not big on shows and didn’t even dream of the disco. Kinda boring but exactly what we needed.
Yes the resort is huge and a little far from the beaten path but that was part of the appeal for us. The walking helped burn of the extra mojito and no beach vendors. If mobility is an issue then perhaps this is not the place for you, otherwise relax, stroll the many walkways and enjoy.
We saw no bugs and didn’t need to have brought the spray, again that could be either time of year and or the fact we only had rain on our last night. The resort is built in a jungle with lots of natural vegetation and standing water, I suspect they spray at night as we saw very few insects of any kind, lot’s of lizards though and maybe they keep the bugs in check.
Yes the beach sand is on the coarser side; however we had no beach shoes and had no problems getting into the water and no damage to toes. The cove set-up really provides for sheltered swimming. Snorkeling was fantastic just off beach, before 10am when they start-up the seados is best.
Would we return? Yes in a heartbeat, would we recommend this resort to friends? Depending on which, party animal’s type, not so much, more so for those who can stop and smell the roses.
I could go on for ever so fire away with any question and I will do my best to answer.

MayaTripper · Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 1024 Location: Northern Exposure

Glad to hear you had such a good time.
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MayaTripper

PWalker · Joined: 17 Sep 2008 Posts: 54

Thanks so much for the review! I can't wait to get there myself.
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Mustang · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 2163 Location: Central USA

Thanks for your review.

Twisted Evil

Mustang

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Dreams Riviera Cancun 12/09
Barcelo Palace 6/09
Grand Sunset Princess 12/08
Barcelo Palace 7/08
Grand Sirenis Mayan Beach 7/07
IB* 00,01,02,03,04,05.06
Robinson Club 99
Windjammer (Fantome) 81,82,83

Carefree Highway!!!

bgarhan · Joined: 17 Oct 2007 Posts: 2187 Location: alberta / phoenix

so glad you had a wonderful time thanks for letting us know!!

admin · Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 4:30 pm Post subject:

Sounds like a good time!

Thanks for the review

-Deven

KelownaTravellers · Joined: 08 Oct 2008 Posts: 31 Location: Kelowna, BC

Thanks for the great review!

akuma_kh · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 26 Location: Memphis, TN

So glad you had a good time! How was the wheater while there? ans the sea condition? (weaves). greetings!

BWH54 · Joined: 24 Oct 2008 Posts: 14

weather was great mid to low 80s each day dropped down to low 70s at night, no humidity. Sat the last night it briefly rained then was humid and the Sunday we left was overcast and cooler. A few days we had a mild onshore breeze waves occansionaly had whitecaps but nothing serious. The cove and outer reef at GS realy calm things down so swimming or snorkling was never realy affected. in general we couldn't have asked for better, luck of the drw I quess.

simpo · Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Posts: 4

Thanks for your review. I'm going in Dec. Where did you email to book bldg 29 for your room? I tried the contact form on the hotel's own site and got no answer back. Question

BWH54 · Joined: 24 Oct 2008 Posts: 14

I e-mailed my request on the Tuesday before our Sunday arrival. I read else where that the hotel does not recieve a name on the booking till a week ahead of your arrival date. Heres the address that worked for me and good luck infomexico@sirenishotels.com

simpo · Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Posts: 4

That's good to know. I will email just a few days before I go then. Thanks again!

nickelback1 · Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 23 Location: Surrey, BC

Read MANY reviews during my research in deciding which resort to go to. Well I JUST booked the Grand-Sirenis Mayan Beach for Feb.26/09. I see lots of requests for Bldg 29. Is it special in any way? Closer to...? Any help wuld be awesome. This is my first AI trip! Can't wait!!!!

BWH54 · Joined: 24 Oct 2008 Posts: 14

No all buildings looked the same, it is a little closer to dive shop, beach and lazy river. However the differance between that location and other buildings in hindsight would not be a trip spoiler. We very quickly got into vacation mode and whats a few extra steps? Just means more exercise and that requires another mojito as compensation, relax and enjoy what ever building you get.

nickelback1 · Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 23 Location: Surrey, BC

Thanks for the FYI. Just saw a lot of posts in various sites mentioning bldg 28/29 specifically. Yeah, I agree, what's a few extra steps, right? Relax & enjoy the wonderful scenery I keep reading about.

One other thing, I forgot to ask when I booked my trip (through Airmiles!). It's a bad habit, I know...but what's the policy for smoking there? Do I need to call back to request a "smoking" room. Can you smoke on the general resort property? Saw a YOUTUBE flick where one lady with lit smoke in her hand walking from one end of the (lower?) lobby to meet some friends at the front entrance. Just curious so I cover all my bases. Like I said, my first AI trip, so I wanna do it right the first time 'round. Thanks for any help possible!