It's been done here before, but after just getting back from MX I felt I needed to write a comparison between TTR/Desire RM/Desire Pearl. There's a lot of mis-information out there, so I'll do what I can to clear some of that up. A little background on us: We have been to Temptations six times over the past three years, for a total of 37 room nights, and Desire Pearl once, for three nights. This year we split our trip between Temptations and Desire RM (5/3, respectively). I would consider us to be fairly wild when it comes to partying, and those that have vacationed with us would probably concur. We are often times the last ones to bed. If you've read any of my recently-deleted trip reports, you have an idea of what our vacations usually look like. I say this only so that there can be some perspective as to the types of people we are, which will make the content of this comparison more meaningful. For those who prefer a more low key vacation, you can find that at any of these resorts. However, not all offer the party atmosphere. If you're the type that likes the "bottom line" instead of reading a length comparison, I'll start by saying that Desire RM blows away Temptation in every single category except price. Yes, we like it that much. I'll try to break this down a bit into categories so you have an idea of what exactly the differences are: Food and Beverage: Desire RM's food offerings, whether it be formal dining or buffet options, far exceeds that of Temptations. This was to be expected, with the price point being much higher. I'd say the food at Desire RM is even better than Desire Pearl, especially where portion sizes are concerned. I could go on and on about how good the food is, but in the interest of keeping this short, I'll just say, it was fantastic across the board. I didn't have a single bad bite of food while there. It's also been stated here before, but worth mentioning, Desire offers a much higher quality alcohol lineup. This translates to better drinks, especially when you start talking about shots. Temptations pours some unlabeled bottle into a shaker and stacks shots in plastic diner cups. Desire makes much better shots, often served in actual shot glasses. Shots like a lemon drop are served with a sugar-rimmed glass. All nice touches that add to the experience. Rooms: Our room at Desire RM was small, but was in considerably nicer shape than any room we've ever had at TTR. Things are much better maintained. There is cold A/C. We did have some issues at Desire regulating the temperature of our shower, but that's the only problem we experienced there. Temptations is literally falling apart, it's sad to watch. It's deteriorated significantly even in the few years we've been going there. It's hard for me to even believe that all three of these properties share the same owner. The level of neglect at TTR is exactly the opposite of what you see at the Desire resorts. One other quick thing to add about the resort itself. The beach at Desire RM, WOW! What a difference. Not only are you treated to an expansive view of the gulf (sans Marinas on both sides) but the beach is lined with huge beach beds. We spent part of a day just laying there and relaxing. And late at night after you've left the jacuzzi, it's pretty awesome to go use the beach beds for other activities. Use your imagination. Entertainment: Our last two trips to Temptations have been extremely disappointing in this area. This past trip, the pool party really never got going, because the music being played was terrible, and the volume too low. One day, they even had a singer come in (no band, just one male singer) basically singing to a Karaoke musical score. It was a train wreck and a total buzz-kill. Even harder to believe is the fact he started at 2:30 and played till nearly 4PM. Peak pool-party time! Nightime DJ's at TTR were better this trip than last year, but they still had the awful Mexican music DJ one night which is a bit of a party-killer. Desire RM had mostly good pool music, not at a super loud volume, but this is by design. Around 4PM or so people migrate to the upstairs jacuzzi (the single best thing about Desire in my opinion). We also had a raging awesome foam party on Friday afternoon in the pool. Better than TTR's foam party by a long shot. I also really enjoyed daily pool volleyball at Desire. Oh, I should mention the pool was perfectly heated there, something we did not experience at Pearl, and many times, at Temptation. The nighttime Disco at Desire RM is great fun, too. This is an area where perhaps the resorts are on equal footing. TTR has a fun night party at Paty-O's most nights. But when the Disco starts to slow down, you quickly realize it's only because people have moved back over to the roof top jacuzzi to get even more wild! Staff/Service: Absolutely no comparison here. The staff at TTR is good, but you quickly realize at Desire they are taking service to a whole new level. Desire staff and service are worlds better than Temptation, full stop. After experiencing Desire Pearl last year, which was a very low key atmosphere and not much of a party, we were skeptical that Desire RM would be able to match the fun we have at Temptation. To our pleasant surprise, I'd say that party at RM was even BETTER than Temptation this year. We've always tolerated the shitty accommodations at Temptation because we like the party, but moving over to RM showed us that we really can have the best of both worlds. Great food, great resort, great drinks, and great party! The only downside is the higher price, which I understand is a meaningful issue, but the difference isn't enough to keep us from going back. I'll close by saying THANK YOU Temptation for the memories, but we've moved onto something we absolutely love, and I doubt we will be back. I have my fingers crossed that many of the Week 8 Shitshow crew will follow our lead!
Great TR - we haven't been to either, but decided on TTR simply because neither of us are into the lifestyle, and she isn't really comfortable with the idea of being naked, or seeing the wrong people naked for that matter. We definitely like to party too, and have pretty high standards. This trip we're splitting it between TTR and Secrets Maroma, which hopefully will give us the luxury side as we recover, before we head home.
We have been to both and I think your report is spot on. TTR is still fun for us and a bargain that can't be beat. 2,350 us for a week of partying is unbelievable. Desire is twice that.
Very nice TR. we are trying Desire RM for the final four days of our trip after our time at TTR. Looking forward to comparing the two resorts ourselves.
Thank you! We were 95% sure we were going to spend a few days at RM at the end of Octoberbreast this year and I think your trip report just solidified our decision. I'm happy that you guys had a blast! Nikki
We did 5 days at TTR and then 2 nights at DRM. I would add 1 more night to Desire because 2 nights just was not enough.
Good report and it is pretty inline with our thoughts. We tried Desire RM for the first time last year and loved it! We are doing a split again this year, but less time at TTR and more time at Desire. We were hoping more of our friends would follow like you said, but it is more $$ then TTR and some of our friends are single. Wish Desire would allow you to bring a single female all year like they do in August. We are hoping the renovations at TTR that they are planing help out the resort. If they do, we will continue to do the split else we may be in the same boat and be spending more time at Desire and less at TTR.
Drew and I would LOVE to do add a fews days at the end of our TTR trip to visit Desire RM. Cant wait to hear how you guys like it...maybe next year Desire RM! See you guys in a few short months!
I have been to to Desire RM many, many times and would absolutely agree with you. The overall quality is excellent and it has consistently improved since I first went on 2003 (as the price has increased). I do enjoy TTR as a single but when I have a willing partner I will always go to Desire. Both are a good time and each fits in its own niche. Couples who want to try it should do a split just like you did...and remember, just like TTR, some weeks are better than others. Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
:S is TTR really that bad ?? Never been! I hope we're spending our money at the right resort.... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
