Cancun - Crown Paradise Resort.
19-26 Jan 2009
19 Jan 2009 Monday
Barak Obama is inaugurated as President Tuesday. Patti and I leave the country Monday. Coincidence? Possibly.
Got up at 4:15 AM. Dropped the car off at Park and Go. It is getting expensive, maybe we will get a ride from family next time. Flew from Dayton to Philly for our connection to Cancun. Flying again on US Airways. Not my favorite, but there were not any issues this time. We got into Philly a few minutes late because we had to be de-iced prior to departure in Dayton. We hurried to catch a shuttle in Philly. The flight to Cancun was moved to another gate. They downsized the plan and we took off about 30 minutes late. Both us, and the bags made the flight. The plane was not full so Patti and I were able to stretch out over 3 seats.
We had to pay the new baggage fee on the way down (but for some reason, not on the way back). No more movies- they removed the equipment to make the planes lighter. I did buy a snack box on the flight- (5 dollars) and it did have lots of stuff in it.
We landed only a few minutes past scheduled arrival time. It took about 25 minutes to get through immigration. We found our bags right away and cleared customs. We had a “concierge” shuttle to the hotel which was a nice surprise. Rode in a GMC Yukon. No stops-- right to the hotel. It only took about 15 minutes to get there.
Our travel agent had got us a Crown Club package. This put us in an upgraded building and room. The room was great- Jacuzzi, balcony great view. We also had express private check in. We were on the top floor (the 8th) and just a few doors down from the Crown Club members lounge. Sounds kind of snobby, but it was included in the package. We had Champaign and a plate of fresh fruit waiting for us in the room. The room had a mini fridge that had water, soda, and beer and it was refreshed daily.
We ordered some room service for lunch/dinner. I had shrimp salad in an avocado half that was pretty good. We were tired from the traveling and called it a day.
20 Jan Tuesday
We had breakfast in the Crown Club Lounge. Food is ok, fantastic view. The wall facing the ocean is completely glassed. We went and walked around the resort to check the place out. The time share sales people are aggressive, but back off when told no.
Our package included a lagoon cruise. We met the bus at 11:30 am and 10 minutes later we were at the marina. This was a party/drinking trip not a scenic cruise (surprise!) As soon as we boarded drinks were flowing. The entertainment staff from the hotel was hosting the trip. There were no kids on the cruise and they really cut loose. We had about 20 couples on the boat. They were playing music trivia. Get the question wrong-- a squirt of tequila into your mouth, not clapping enough- shot of tequila, not smiling… well you get the picture. Tequila was the operative word.
They were giving out points for right answers to go towards a t-shirt. The big question was at the end. The played a few bars of the Village People- “YMCA”. I was to slow and did not make it to the chair. A guy beat me, but was not ready for the question. It was: Name all 5 characters in the Village People. He could only name 2- the Cop and construction worker. I ran up and said cop, constructions worker, cowboy, Indian and… and… I forgot. At the last second I remembered- the Sailor!! Not bad after 2 hours of beer and tequila huh? Yeah, I got my shirt.
Lunch was included on the cruise. The party came to a break and we all went downstairs to the dining lounge. Had some tasty chicken and shrimp. Back to the resort at 3pm for a vacation nap.
21 Jan Wed
Patti has spent the first part of the vacation with a chest cold that is making it hard for her to breath. We went to the breakfast buffet in the main restaurant. The food is OK, average at best. We are not picky, just being honest as compared to other places we have been.
Got chairs by the pool. Temps in the upper 70’s cool for Cancun but warmer than Ohio! For lunch I got some Japanese take out from a place they have pool side. Patti had a cheeseburger. We had read reviews prior to coming and knew to bring our own large glasses. They poor drinks into little 8oz cups. But if you have your own cup they will fill it up. 8 oz of Corona or 16 oz? Do the math… ha!
Went back to the room. I read on the balcony. Patti took a nap. The walking and stairs have been tough on her breathing with the congestion. Got dressed for dinner and went to the Members only lounge for some pre-dinner drinks.
Dinner was at the Mexican restaurant ‘Los Gallos’. It was a disappointment. Poor quality food and extremely uncomfortable chairs. We were in and out quick. I always try the local stuff. Note: pass on the cactus salad.
22 Jan Thursday
Patti had a rough morning and slept in while I read on the balcony. Went down and brought some plates from the buffet for lunch. We went for a walk in the early evening and checked out the other side of the resort.
It is definitely a little more worn then our building. Some rusty chairs and hand rails. We saw the adults only pool and hot tubs. Tried to get back to the main floor but the elevator was constantly full to the max. Tried taking some stairs and ended up getting lost in a maintenance area. Eventually we got back to the main lobby. We stopped in the bar for a few drinks.
Buffet for dinner.
23 Jan Friday
We had breakfast on the balcony from the members lounge. We went down to the pool and hung out. I got into the water but the pool was chilly! Cheeseburger and wings from the pool grill- very tasty.
Later in the afternoon we went down to the beach. It was not far, down some steps and onto the sand. The beach is not large. The water temp was n the low 80s, much better than the pool. I went out and played in it for a bit. There were some large waves which made it fun. Sitting there with sand on my toes looking out at a turquoise blue ocean was not a bad way to be spending the afternoon.
Went back to the room and took a shower then had coffee with the balcony door open enjoying the breeze. It was very relaxing.
We went to the Italian restaurant for dinner. The best dinner so far. Patti had lasagna and I had scallops. They also had a very good creamed spinach soup. We went back to the room around 10 pm and watched a movie on TV. We had CNN, a few generic English channels and the major network TV shows relayed from Miami.
24 Jan Sat
Got up and had coffee on the balcony. Every day it has been getting warmer and warmer. With just 2 days left I would say we are finally back to normal temps in the mid 80’s. The regular pool was crowded- no chairs, so we went to the indoor pool area and sat and read. The sun got hot and we had to move to some shade. We played a round of put-put golf then went to the main Lobby bar.
Our bartender was Jamie (Hymie), the J pronounce liked an H. He was very good. He wanted to learn our names. He got close with trying to say Patti- he ended up calling her ‘Party’. As hard as he tried he could not pronounce ‘Dan’. He would say, Stan, Sam but not Dan. I finally told him to call me ‘Julio’. He thought that was hysterical and introduced us to the other bartender as ‘Party and Julio.’
Got a late lunch from the buffet. Then another vacation nap.
We went to “Wayne’s Boots” for dinner. It is a restaurant at the resort decorated to look like an old west salon and had pics of John Wayne on the wall. It was even better than the Italian the night before. I had a BBQ Rib loin and Patti had steak. Baked potatoes and corn on the cob as sides. Great service and good food.
25 Jan Sun
Last full day. Got breakfast from the Crown Club lounge and ate on the balcony. Hung out for a while staying on the balcony it is a beautiful day. We went to the lobby bar. Jamie took care of “Julio and Party” again. A few cervezas and margaritas then we ate lunch at the buffet. The food was better today then it had been. There is an Asian food station- you pick your ingredients and they stir fry them together for you.
Went to the pool and got a couple of chairs overlooking the ocean. Stayed there for about an hour then went back to the room. I had to meet our travel Rep at 4:00 pm to confirm our shuttle to the airport for tomorrow. We were scheduled for an 8:50 am departure from the resort.
Later that afternoon we went and did some shopping. We got some shot glasses and a couple of T-shirts. Not bad prices- only $16 for a long sleeve T shirt. We fixed up a couple of plates in the buffet and took them back up to the room for dinner. Then, sadly, it was time to pack.
26 Jan Monday.
Had room service for breakfast. Took a last look at the ocean from the balcony. Leaving is always so sad!! Did the final few minutes of packing and left the room. We checked out at the main lobby and waited for our ride to the airport. No semi-private ride this time. We were packed into a van.
Check in was very quick. We had some time to kill so we hit a gift shop, I needed another book. We went to the ‘Air Margarita restaurant’ It is a knock-off of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurants. We had some fresh table side made guacamole and a soda. The plane left on time. We had a 3 ½ flight back to Philadelphia. Immigrations and customs went quick. Got the bags (yeah, US Airways always makes me nervous).
We took the bus shuttle over to the other side of the airport. We landed at about 4:30 PM. We had a long layover, our flight to Dayton did not leave till 8:30 pm. When we got to Concourse F there was a food court. We got something to eat and checked in with all the kids with my cell phone.
The flight to Dayton was on time. By the time we got to baggage claim, our bags were ready. Took the shuttle to the Park and Go and got the Mustang and headed home. Temp when we left Cancun about 80. Temp when we got home about 22. We walked in the door about 11:00 PM.
Two days later we got 9 inches of snow. I am ready to go back to Cancun
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: How would I rate the resort? First I think to be fair, I have to rate it in context. It was a very good value. It was the least expensive resort trip we have taken so far. Not as good as the rest, but ok for the price. It helped that we had a “Crown Club” room with Jacuzzi and the members lounge down the hall with private dining room and lounge.
So not up to 4 or 5 stars, but again we did not pay those prices.
Room- 4 stars. Great view, Jacuzzi tub.
Food-
Mexican rest. 2 stars, bad food, and uncomfortable chairs
Italian Rest- 4 stars
Wayne’s boots (steak house) 4.5 stars. Good food and service
Main Buffet- 3 stars. Limited variety
Room service- 3 stars
Japanese- (lunch take out) 4 stars
Pool side grill- 3.5 stars
Bars- 3.5 stars (Jamie at the Lobby bar, 5 stars)
Resort appearance- 3.5 stars
Staff- 4 stars
Entertainment-
Pool side- 2 stars
Lagoon Cruise- 5 stars
Nightly shows- did not go.
Beach- 3 stars, small area
The weather was unusually cool the first few days.
The room safe was with a key, I would have preferred an electronic swipe card.
19-26 Jan 2009
19 Jan 2009 Monday
Barak Obama is inaugurated as President Tuesday. Patti and I leave the country Monday. Coincidence? Possibly.
Got up at 4:15 AM. Dropped the car off at Park and Go. It is getting expensive, maybe we will get a ride from family next time. Flew from Dayton to Philly for our connection to Cancun. Flying again on US Airways. Not my favorite, but there were not any issues this time. We got into Philly a few minutes late because we had to be de-iced prior to departure in Dayton. We hurried to catch a shuttle in Philly. The flight to Cancun was moved to another gate. They downsized the plan and we took off about 30 minutes late. Both us, and the bags made the flight. The plane was not full so Patti and I were able to stretch out over 3 seats.
We had to pay the new baggage fee on the way down (but for some reason, not on the way back). No more movies- they removed the equipment to make the planes lighter. I did buy a snack box on the flight- (5 dollars) and it did have lots of stuff in it.
We landed only a few minutes past scheduled arrival time. It took about 25 minutes to get through immigration. We found our bags right away and cleared customs. We had a “concierge” shuttle to the hotel which was a nice surprise. Rode in a GMC Yukon. No stops-- right to the hotel. It only took about 15 minutes to get there.
Our travel agent had got us a Crown Club package. This put us in an upgraded building and room. The room was great- Jacuzzi, balcony great view. We also had express private check in. We were on the top floor (the 8th) and just a few doors down from the Crown Club members lounge. Sounds kind of snobby, but it was included in the package. We had Champaign and a plate of fresh fruit waiting for us in the room. The room had a mini fridge that had water, soda, and beer and it was refreshed daily.
We ordered some room service for lunch/dinner. I had shrimp salad in an avocado half that was pretty good. We were tired from the traveling and called it a day.
20 Jan Tuesday
We had breakfast in the Crown Club Lounge. Food is ok, fantastic view. The wall facing the ocean is completely glassed. We went and walked around the resort to check the place out. The time share sales people are aggressive, but back off when told no.
Our package included a lagoon cruise. We met the bus at 11:30 am and 10 minutes later we were at the marina. This was a party/drinking trip not a scenic cruise (surprise!) As soon as we boarded drinks were flowing. The entertainment staff from the hotel was hosting the trip. There were no kids on the cruise and they really cut loose. We had about 20 couples on the boat. They were playing music trivia. Get the question wrong-- a squirt of tequila into your mouth, not clapping enough- shot of tequila, not smiling… well you get the picture. Tequila was the operative word.
They were giving out points for right answers to go towards a t-shirt. The big question was at the end. The played a few bars of the Village People- “YMCA”. I was to slow and did not make it to the chair. A guy beat me, but was not ready for the question. It was: Name all 5 characters in the Village People. He could only name 2- the Cop and construction worker. I ran up and said cop, constructions worker, cowboy, Indian and… and… I forgot. At the last second I remembered- the Sailor!! Not bad after 2 hours of beer and tequila huh? Yeah, I got my shirt.
Lunch was included on the cruise. The party came to a break and we all went downstairs to the dining lounge. Had some tasty chicken and shrimp. Back to the resort at 3pm for a vacation nap.
21 Jan Wed
Patti has spent the first part of the vacation with a chest cold that is making it hard for her to breath. We went to the breakfast buffet in the main restaurant. The food is OK, average at best. We are not picky, just being honest as compared to other places we have been.
Got chairs by the pool. Temps in the upper 70’s cool for Cancun but warmer than Ohio! For lunch I got some Japanese take out from a place they have pool side. Patti had a cheeseburger. We had read reviews prior to coming and knew to bring our own large glasses. They poor drinks into little 8oz cups. But if you have your own cup they will fill it up. 8 oz of Corona or 16 oz? Do the math… ha!
Went back to the room. I read on the balcony. Patti took a nap. The walking and stairs have been tough on her breathing with the congestion. Got dressed for dinner and went to the Members only lounge for some pre-dinner drinks.
Dinner was at the Mexican restaurant ‘Los Gallos’. It was a disappointment. Poor quality food and extremely uncomfortable chairs. We were in and out quick. I always try the local stuff. Note: pass on the cactus salad.
22 Jan Thursday
Patti had a rough morning and slept in while I read on the balcony. Went down and brought some plates from the buffet for lunch. We went for a walk in the early evening and checked out the other side of the resort.
It is definitely a little more worn then our building. Some rusty chairs and hand rails. We saw the adults only pool and hot tubs. Tried to get back to the main floor but the elevator was constantly full to the max. Tried taking some stairs and ended up getting lost in a maintenance area. Eventually we got back to the main lobby. We stopped in the bar for a few drinks.
Buffet for dinner.
23 Jan Friday
We had breakfast on the balcony from the members lounge. We went down to the pool and hung out. I got into the water but the pool was chilly! Cheeseburger and wings from the pool grill- very tasty.
Later in the afternoon we went down to the beach. It was not far, down some steps and onto the sand. The beach is not large. The water temp was n the low 80s, much better than the pool. I went out and played in it for a bit. There were some large waves which made it fun. Sitting there with sand on my toes looking out at a turquoise blue ocean was not a bad way to be spending the afternoon.
Went back to the room and took a shower then had coffee with the balcony door open enjoying the breeze. It was very relaxing.
We went to the Italian restaurant for dinner. The best dinner so far. Patti had lasagna and I had scallops. They also had a very good creamed spinach soup. We went back to the room around 10 pm and watched a movie on TV. We had CNN, a few generic English channels and the major network TV shows relayed from Miami.
24 Jan Sat
Got up and had coffee on the balcony. Every day it has been getting warmer and warmer. With just 2 days left I would say we are finally back to normal temps in the mid 80’s. The regular pool was crowded- no chairs, so we went to the indoor pool area and sat and read. The sun got hot and we had to move to some shade. We played a round of put-put golf then went to the main Lobby bar.
Our bartender was Jamie (Hymie), the J pronounce liked an H. He was very good. He wanted to learn our names. He got close with trying to say Patti- he ended up calling her ‘Party’. As hard as he tried he could not pronounce ‘Dan’. He would say, Stan, Sam but not Dan. I finally told him to call me ‘Julio’. He thought that was hysterical and introduced us to the other bartender as ‘Party and Julio.’
Got a late lunch from the buffet. Then another vacation nap.
We went to “Wayne’s Boots” for dinner. It is a restaurant at the resort decorated to look like an old west salon and had pics of John Wayne on the wall. It was even better than the Italian the night before. I had a BBQ Rib loin and Patti had steak. Baked potatoes and corn on the cob as sides. Great service and good food.
25 Jan Sun
Last full day. Got breakfast from the Crown Club lounge and ate on the balcony. Hung out for a while staying on the balcony it is a beautiful day. We went to the lobby bar. Jamie took care of “Julio and Party” again. A few cervezas and margaritas then we ate lunch at the buffet. The food was better today then it had been. There is an Asian food station- you pick your ingredients and they stir fry them together for you.
Went to the pool and got a couple of chairs overlooking the ocean. Stayed there for about an hour then went back to the room. I had to meet our travel Rep at 4:00 pm to confirm our shuttle to the airport for tomorrow. We were scheduled for an 8:50 am departure from the resort.
Later that afternoon we went and did some shopping. We got some shot glasses and a couple of T-shirts. Not bad prices- only $16 for a long sleeve T shirt. We fixed up a couple of plates in the buffet and took them back up to the room for dinner. Then, sadly, it was time to pack.
26 Jan Monday.
Had room service for breakfast. Took a last look at the ocean from the balcony. Leaving is always so sad!! Did the final few minutes of packing and left the room. We checked out at the main lobby and waited for our ride to the airport. No semi-private ride this time. We were packed into a van.
Check in was very quick. We had some time to kill so we hit a gift shop, I needed another book. We went to the ‘Air Margarita restaurant’ It is a knock-off of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurants. We had some fresh table side made guacamole and a soda. The plane left on time. We had a 3 ½ flight back to Philadelphia. Immigrations and customs went quick. Got the bags (yeah, US Airways always makes me nervous).
We took the bus shuttle over to the other side of the airport. We landed at about 4:30 PM. We had a long layover, our flight to Dayton did not leave till 8:30 pm. When we got to Concourse F there was a food court. We got something to eat and checked in with all the kids with my cell phone.
The flight to Dayton was on time. By the time we got to baggage claim, our bags were ready. Took the shuttle to the Park and Go and got the Mustang and headed home. Temp when we left Cancun about 80. Temp when we got home about 22. We walked in the door about 11:00 PM.
Two days later we got 9 inches of snow. I am ready to go back to Cancun
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: How would I rate the resort? First I think to be fair, I have to rate it in context. It was a very good value. It was the least expensive resort trip we have taken so far. Not as good as the rest, but ok for the price. It helped that we had a “Crown Club” room with Jacuzzi and the members lounge down the hall with private dining room and lounge.
So not up to 4 or 5 stars, but again we did not pay those prices.
Room- 4 stars. Great view, Jacuzzi tub.
Food-
Mexican rest. 2 stars, bad food, and uncomfortable chairs
Italian Rest- 4 stars
Wayne’s boots (steak house) 4.5 stars. Good food and service
Main Buffet- 3 stars. Limited variety
Room service- 3 stars
Japanese- (lunch take out) 4 stars
Pool side grill- 3.5 stars
Bars- 3.5 stars (Jamie at the Lobby bar, 5 stars)
Resort appearance- 3.5 stars
Staff- 4 stars
Entertainment-
Pool side- 2 stars
Lagoon Cruise- 5 stars
Nightly shows- did not go.
Beach- 3 stars, small area
The weather was unusually cool the first few days.
The room safe was with a key, I would have preferred an electronic swipe card.
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