Reviews of Catalonia Riviera Maya Hotel, Mayan Riviera, Mexico

Two brilliant weeks spent at...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mr A Hopkinson

Comments:

Two brilliant weeks spent at this location with wife and two friends. From the second you step from the coach at the hotel entrance, the staff can't do enough for you. Rooms are basic but comfy, up grades are available if wanted. Excellent food with wide choice in buffet areas (Get to know waiters and they will wait on you hand and foot), Steak bar, Sushi bar a must. Drinks are the real stuff and in ample supply, Try a 'Coral Reef' from Juan in the tequilla bar !! Entertainment team are brilliant. All day long they make you feel welcome and are always willing to have a chat and even lunch with you. They also do really good shows in the evening. Enjoyed the holiday so much we have booked for next year only two days after returning home from this one. A GREAT PLACE I would recomend to anyone.

Fantastic holiday! we spent 10...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs J Marshall

Comments:

Fantastic holiday! we spent 10 days in this resort, myself, husband and son (aged 17).

The flight with Thomson was on time both ways and the flight was only 9 hours 20 minutes instead of the 10 1/2 hours we were expecting. We also booked premium seats which were definately worth the money. The transfer to the hotel took around 1 1/2 hours which was probably the worst part of our trip.

The resort itself is fantastic for the money we paid. Very clean, lots of staff and every facility you could wish for. The drinks are premium brand drinks and in large measures, with numerous bars all with different ambiences. Our favourites were the beach bar during the day and the lobby bar in the evening. My son preferred the pool next to the animation team though because it was busier and noisier so we alternated between the two.

We had no problems booking at the a la carte restaurants, we tried them all twice and ate in the buffet restaurant for breakfast and lunch. There was a large choice at every meal and plenty of fresh fruit and salads. There was also doughnuts, pancakes, omelettes and fantastic desserts. You could also have a bloody mary with your breakfast made with absolut vodka but we declined!

Our room was a standard room on the fourth floor overlooking the lobby and ponds. The room decor was quite basic with two double beds and very flat pillows, we asked the thomson rep for more pillows on the first day and they were in our room when we went to get changed in the evening. There is a hairdryer and toiletries in the bathroom which was a good size and very clean. Plentiful supply of towels and pool towels were provided.

Overall we felt that the hotel should have 4 star status for its facilities but the rooms were definately 3 star. Fantastic value for money and would be happy to recommend it to a friend.

After a long 10 hour flight (the...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss L Mellor

Comments:

After a long 10 hour flight (the longest that I've ever been on), and on my first trip outside of visiting the Mediterranean, I was blown away by the beauty that the Mayan Riviera has to offer. The Catalonia definitly deserves the excellence award from Thomas Cook for customer service as nothing at this hotel was too much for the staff. The rooms were basic, but they were absolurtely spotless, which was OK with us as we did not spend anytime in our rooms other than to shower and sleep. We were amazed by the variety of food of available for an all inclusive resort as there was plenty available and definitly plenty of choice - we would definitly recommend the grill house (Bamboleo), and the Italian restaurant (Bella Vista). What also impressed us was the cocktails and the international brands of spirits that were available at no extra cost. After staying at the resort for two weeks we found that there was plenty of entertainment to suit everyones needs - from shows in the theatre (a different one every night), to live musicians playing outside on the beach. There was also plenty of activities on offer during the day from Yoga, to free scuba diving sessions in the pool. In the area itself there is plenty to see - we would definitly recommend going to see Tulum (however organise this yourself by getting a taxi there as it is so much cheaper than going throught the tour operator), Chichen Itza, and do go to Cozumel. If you enjoy snorkelling and water life the variety at Cozumel is amazing as it is the second larget reef in the world, and you will be amazed by the variety of life just out in the bay in front of the hotel - we saw some turtles hatching! All I can say is after visiting Cancun for a Captain Hook / Pirates of the Carribbean theme night - DO NOT GO - IT IS MEXICO'S ANSWER TO BENIDORM!!



Overall I cannot recommend the resort of Puerto Aventuras or this hotel enough - it was definitly worth the 10 hour flight, and we have decided to even look into the cost of buying a property out there we enjoyed it so much. ENJOY!

This complex is very nicee,...

Overall Rating:

7/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs J Small

Comments:

This complex is very nicee, extremely clean and the staff absolutely wonderful,nothing was a trouble for them. However that rooms were extremely basic. We had requested a sea view and athough is not always possible the room we were given had no view at all except a neighbouring room about 12 feet away. We seemed to be next to kitchens which were still washing plates etc until 2 and then the generator kicked in!

We decided to upgrade and paid $50 per night for 13 nights for a suite which was very nice and had the tea and coffee facilities and the fridge which in the brochure seemed to be standard for every room.

Six restaurants were advertised in the brochure which there was but we were only given six vouchers for the fortnight to eat in five of them!

Despite this we did have a nice holiday as it was for our wedding anniverary we felt slightly let down.

Wow what a fab hol!!! This was...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2008

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss S Patton

Comments:

Wow what a fab hol!!! This was our first time to Mexico and it was fantastic. I cant understand the people that write bad reviews about this hotel, please do not listen as they are wrong!!



We were a little concerned about going to Mexico in June incase of bad weather and on our second day there was a thunder storm which lasted all afternoon but after that the weather was perfect with just a few 1 hour storms which quickly pass and then the sun is back out all day.



The hotel is so clean and well kept, the staff work so hard to make sure the hotel is well maintained. The staff are so friendly, and I definatly believe in tipping as they work so hard and always make sure your glass is never empty. The looky bar was our favorite hang out through the day which overlooked the beautiful sea.



The entertainment staff are also brilliant although we didn't get round to seeing many shows but the one's we did were excellent.



Make sure you visit the local marina, which is a 10 minute walk out of the hotel. There is loads of dolphins here and the marina is very nice with little shops and restaurants all around.



We will definatly be returning to the Catalonia Hotel in the future but our next holiday is Cuba in 2010 for our wedding.

I went to the Catalonia in July...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss S Collins

Comments:

I went to the Catalonia in July 2005. The staff at the hotel were very friendly and always met the customer’s needs.



It was a clean hotel and rather pretty. 3 swimming pools one with a swim up bar with a large choice of local and international alcohol!



Steak restaurant, Mexican and Italian and a buffet restaurant, all with a large choice of food!



Overall a good holiday.

I cannot sing the praises of...

Overall Rating:

9/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs J Johnson

Comments:

I cannot sing the praises of this hotel and area high enough. The long flight from the U.K. (10 1/2 hours) was worth the wait.



The location of the hotel was beautiful, right on the beach, the weather perfect, (April is a good time to go). The staff are the most courteous and friendly people I have met, (English Hotels take note) they couldn't do enough for you.



The food was fantastic, anybody who claims the food was boring must be mad. There was something to satisfy everybody's need, even vegetarian.



Plus they have three other restaurants to chose from at night, Italian, superb. Mexican, fantastic, and the grill, the steaks are out of this world, T-bone, rump, rib eye, delicious. The creperie is also a must.



The drinks are very varied. I had baileys, yes real baileys plus the most wonderful cocktails imaginable, plus all the usual good quality beers and spirits.



Do give this resort a try, you won’t be disappointed.



Will I be going back? Well, off to Thailand next year but I will definitely go back sometime. Happy Holidays.

Just overall fantastic. Great...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Apr 2007

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Miss Lt Taylor

Comments:

Just overall fantastic. Great location, people, hotel, beach, food and weather.



A place you can watch dolphins for free everyday just a 4 minute walk. So much to do around the hotel and also in Mexico.



We run out of days to do everything. Everything is included like archery, bikes, kayaks, snorkels, all drinks, milkshakes, and cakes. The amount of games they do all day. Certainly a place for families of all ages and couples.



Also includes a free bus to Playa de Carmen where you can get another bus for $3 to Cancun.



You will not regret going. It is so safe and friendly.

I have just returned from what I...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

Full Board

Date of Holiday:

Sep 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss M Smalley

Comments:

I have just returned from what I can say was the best holiday of my life.



After a terrible time when we had to fly home from a holiday in st Lucia. it was a total shock when my parents told myself and my 8 year old sister that we were off to Mexico, when we arrived the staff were amazing and made us feel so welcome. The bag boys were very happy and polite and don’t expect a tip but very grateful for one. Have to say the A team were so amazing they worked so many hours but still had smiling faces.



I fell in love with Cesar also have to say how wonderful the A team were with the kids my 8 year old sister loved it when one of them took herself and me to dinner and treated us like angels. Also the A team offered my sister a chance to dance in one of their shows she was totally over the moon as she loves dancing although she was nervous the workers helps her relax and she was amazing every1 was shocked at how good she was!



I enjoyed it so much I am already looking at booking for March to celebrate my 18th birthday along with my friends. Then in the summer my family are going back to meet up with the friends we made out there. I am looking at getting a job with the A team.

I’ve learnt so much Spanish and staff are very happy when we talk their language! Rooms are ALWAYS clean and seeing the workers around the hotel shows how much pride goes into this hotel you deserve more stars!!!



I would recommend this hotel to any 1 they made my year. Missing it already!

Well done to all staff.

Well what else can I say? This...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2006

Tour Operator:

Thomson

Submitted By:

Mrs B Turgoose

Comments:

Well what else can I say? This hotel is absolutely fantastic. So much to do I cannot possibly tell you it all. All of the staff were brilliant but had a soft spot for Will and Sebastian. The days they work are incredibly long but they never tire of you. The shows in the theatre are magnificent. The a la carte restaurants are superb the Italian especially.



They do, do kids menus with chicken nuggets etc if they do not want anything from the main menu. The creperie that is open from 5pm is to die for. All with fresh fruits. The milk shake there is like heaven too. This is the best holiday I have ever been on by far didn’t think I would like anywhere better than Jamaica but I did this.



Would love to be back right now (no harm in dreaming is there) Go and see for yourself what it is like you wont be sorry.

Lovely resort, fabulous local...

Overall Rating:

4/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Aug 2006

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Ms J McSloy

Comments:

Lovely resort, fabulous local staff. However, in our wedding party of eighteen, sixteen of us came down with vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.



Most of us had never eaten outside of the hotel. Still uncertain of cause. Also lot of building work being carried out at hotel. This was very disturbing when confined to apartment with illness.



Rooms were kept very clean. Security staff, of which there were many, were extremely efficient and helpful. Guest services were spot on and their local knowledge was very useful. Visits to Tulum and the island of women are highly recommended.

I can only echo the other...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jun 2006

Tour Operator:

Portland Direct

Submitted By:

Leedslassie

Comments:

I can only echo the other reviews on here and that’s what a place to stay. The hotel definitely deserves its 4* rating and could almost be working its way to a 5*. The rooms are spacious and cleaned daily. The restaurants again very clean and the food is plentiful and varied to suit all tastes.



All the staff at the Catalonia are well mannered and very polite and sociable. A quick Ola is never too much trouble even for the maintenance people when passing you. The hotel is situated right on the beach and has its own lagoon filled from the sea which is full of fish and great for snorkeling on or trying out the kayaks which are available from the hotel.



This hotel is a definite must for anyone thinking of visiting a quieter part of Mexico as there is not much to do locally i.e. bars, shops etc as it is all hotel based.

What a great place. We traveled...

Overall Rating:

8/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Mar 2006

Tour Operator:

Funjet

Submitted By:

GF Facca

Comments:

What a great place. We traveled with our 2 young sons (age 5 and almost 3). The resort was great for kids and adults alike. Rooms were extremely clean, service at the bars and around the pools was fabulous.



Tipping is certainly not expected but is much appreciated when provided. The entire staff is wonderful with little ones (especially since my 3 year old learned the Spanish they taught him). There is a kids club which is great for kids 4 and up. I would however strongly recommend that you NOT let your children go to the pool with the kids club as we witnessed the caretaker leave the group of children several times.



The kids club is great if your kids want a break from the sun - they have movies, lots of toys, colouring books, games, etc. Children under 4 can also go in as long as a parent is with them - Janet is great. We did not frequent the a-la-carte restaurants as we didn't think that they would be "kid-friendly".



There was certainly enough on the buffets each night to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters - and there was always pizza, bologna, salad, etc. At the pool buffet, hot dogs, pizza, French fries (amazingly good ones) were always available.



Loved this place and would definitely return....prior to having children we would never have returned to the same resort, however, this one was so kid-friendly that we would definitely return to a sure-thing rather than take a chance with something new.

Also, I would have brought Peanut Butter with me had I known it wasn't available there (strange), but may be a staple for some kids.

What a brilliant place to go!...

Overall Rating:

10/10

Board Basis:

All Inclusive

Date of Holiday:

Jul 2005

Tour Operator:

Thomas Cook

Submitted By:

Miss S Collins

Comments:

What a brilliant place to go! All the staff are so friendly and caring and there is so much to do!



I was there when hurricane emily hit.. The hotel was wrecked and we had to stay there for two days after the hurricane as we couldn’t get out as trees etc were blocking the road but still they were so helpful and caring and managed to feed us!



The staff were excellent and I would like to say a big thank you!