» Iberostar Paraiso Maya Review - 02232007 - Vacation Addicts | All Inclusive Resorts

Iberostar Paraiso Maya Review - 02232007

My husband and I just returned from a week at the Maya. First of all, I have to compliment the Iberostar staff on their fine service. Everyone treated us with the utmost concern and wanted us to be satisfied guests. The entire staff works incredibly hard and therefore, we tipped EVERYONE we encountered. They were all so gracious.

Our room was nice, although I will admit it was not as nice as I had expected for the price. (Bedspread and throw rugs were a bit worn, etc.) We paid about $4,500 for our week (including air fare) so this was not exactly a cheap vacation. However, our room was immaculate and we loved all the ceramic tile. I did request a non-smoking room prior to our arrival by e-mail, and our travel agent had phoned in a request as well, yet we were not given a non-smoking room. The concierge assured us at check-in that the room had been “cleaned” and we would not smell any smoke. At first our room did not smell of smoke, but as the week wore on, the bathroom began to reek of stale smoke.

Our maid was phenomenal. She kept our room spotless, did all kinds of towel and curtain art, left tequila when we asked, plenty of beer, Coke and water for our mini-bar. Also left us a bubble bath with flower petals and other small touches, like flower petals on our bed, etc. We did tip her every day.

Had breakfast every morning at La Marina. The cook prepared us our omelets and the chocolate donuts (often served warm) were a nice treat. (There is also a buffet with bacon, eggs, potatoes, French toast, waffles, fruit, cereal, etc. every day.) Lunch was at the Lindo (Italian restaurant) for the buffet. This was the nicest lunch buffet which a huge selection. (There were soups, salads, hamburgers, kabobs, fish, meats, vegetables dishes, Mexican dishes, Italian dishes, vegetarian items, etc.) We checked out a few other lunch buffets and even ate at the Mexican restaurant buffet for lunch and was disappointed after doing the Lindo buffet. Many more options here…nicer setting. But hamburgers, hotdogs, nachos are also available on the beach if you want a quick lunch.

We had dinner at El Rancho (Steak House) a few nights and only recommend the tenderloin. Tried some other cuts and were seriously disappointed but the tenderloin was always decent. They serve a blooming onion. Dinner includes a baked potato and corn on the cob. But you can get french fries if you ask. Also dined at the Italian restaurant (Lindo) and had the fillet. Definitely not worth recommending. Pick a different option if you choose that restaurant although we heard quite a few people saying they were disappointed in what they ordered. Also dined at La Marina and had surf and turf…rock lobster and a cut of beef. It was okay. Liked the rock lobster. Beef was tough. (Every restaurant has an appetizer buffet, with shrimp, salmon, crackers, breads, rolls, cheeses, vegetables dishes, ribs, salad items, etc.) We did not do any buffets at dinner. Always made a reservation in advance…BOOK EARLY. The 7:00-8:00ish seatings fill up fast, and it’s best to book all your dinners the first night when you arrive. You can always change your reservations.

We tipped everyone who served us at breakfast. lunch and dinner. The wait staff is excellent.

Keep in mind this is Mexico. You are not going to get the same cuts of meat you get here in the U.S., but I think you get the best they can offer. There is always a variety of appetizers and desserts. The ice creams is always delicious, no matter what flavor you choose.

The pools are lovely, but a bit cold. The “hot” tubs are cold too. There are plenty of chairs to lounge on, and you can find spots to sun in or if you prefer to sit in the shade, you can find that too. The pool bar is fun to visit. Kids seem to enjoy the wave pool. The lazy river is too small for a resort this large. It’s also too lazy…barely moves! The beach is very nice, lots of chairs. Bring water shoes if you are going in the ocean. There are sharp rocky areas. You can paint pottery and get a massage on the beach. You can do some archery and play soccer here too. Walk the beach. It’s great exercise. Check out the new hotel that’s coming it…The Iberostar Grande.

The nicest bar is in the lobby of the Maya. It’s not smoky and the drinks are premium. You can get just about anything you want here. There was not much nightlife the week we were at the Maya 2/14-2/21. We did dance under the stars to a band playing in the gazebo at the Commercial Center one night. It was beautiful. The Shows in the Lindo Theatre were kind of lame, but if you are bored, sit here and relax with a drink.

Overall, we really had a beautiful week and hated to leave. Never saw the whole resort and we did lots of walking. Bring comfy shoes. Also bring your own hair dryer. There is one built in the bathroom but it is more like a vacuum hose…As a women, I thought it was terrible.

Note: We flew USA 3000 and were served breakfast on the flight down and lunch on the flight home. We were shown a movie on both flights. Had bad weather and both flights were delayed 3 hours but the airline was very good overall.

WANT TO GO BACK AGAIN!!!