The Grand Sirenis Resort REVIEW by - Leisurepro
"Good holiday"
We stayed here from the 18 Feb. to 4 March and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. So much has been written at length about this resort that I'll make shortish points and only highlight pluses and minuses. Overall it was an excellent holiday.
Signing in was easy and a golf cart took us to our room with our luggage arriving promptly. We did have a concern about a musty smell on arrival and tried to get our room changed. This wasn't possible but the housekeeping team was sent up very quickly to check and re-clean and to change bedding etc and this largely eliminated the problem. At the end of the day, this is essentially the tropics and the resort is beautifully set in an area of mangroves therefore the atmosphere is to be expected.
The room was large with good quality furnishing and an excellent bathroom. The problem of the 'designer hole in the wall' was not one of privacy, as far as we were concerned, but more with the disturbance caused to the other partner when one had to get up in the middle of the night and put on the light in the bathroom. Housekeeping was done daily and excellently.
The food was remarkable, considering the size and scope of the dining room. We never had a problem with 'tired' food from the buffet as it was always hot and freshly prepared. The speciality restaurants all had a different theme and were nicely decorated with waiting staff dressed appropriately. Generally they were good but we were a little disappointed with the Japanese and, ironically, the Mexican. The ribeye steak in El Rancho was a revelation!
The bar areas are not 'intimate' areas and consequently queues do sometimes build up at the counters, particularly as many of the drinks served are cocktails and have to be prepared individually. Bar staff work extremely hard, and quickly, though.
The entertainment was remarkably good considering that the team is essentially amateur. Costumes and scenery are superb and the Lion King was excellent. The A-team work very hard throughout the day and are extremely nice people. The evening musicians and singers are very good. The only negative from our point of view is that children are encouraged onto the stage and dance floor at the end of shows at 10.30 pm so there is no time, or area, where adults can relax, dance etc on their own.
The pool areas are superb. Large, well maintained and each with their own character they attract people with differing needs.
The beach is lovely, albeit not long enough for people like ourselves who like to walk along a beach ( getting on the local minibus, for 20pesos, to Akhumel or Tulum, where the beaches are superb, soon solves this issue however)
Activities are generally good, although timings can be a bit 'Mexican'! Between us we participated in Yoga/Pilates classes, salsa and aquarobics as well as using the Fitness room, which is reasonably well equipped. Just walking backwards and forwards between rooms, restaurants and pools tends to be an activity in its own right! A few days familiarisation does lead to learning shortcuts, however! This is a huge site!
The only organised trip we went on was to Chiccen Izza which was well worth the long drive (if you're interested in Mayan culture and history). All other outings were done on public transport whch is cheap and frequent. Playa del Carmen is busy, Akhumal has a really nice beach and Tulum has its ruins and a fantastic beach about 800 metres away from the ruins.
All in all an excellent holiday helped by caring staff who were unfailingly courteous and always greeted us with a big smile. What more could you ask for?
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