OK- this is a long detailed one... but what the f. Stop reading now if you have ADD. On a whim Joyce and I booked this trip in October. We already had a trip to TTR booked for next April (see April 2010 thread) but thought what the hell… weather in Cancun over the new years holiday has to be a lot warmer than Baltimore. For us this was trip #7- and it was just what we needed. We chose not to do any off site trips this time (we usually do the catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres, Sergio’s friday nite booze cruise and at least one evening TTR venture to a nite club) and spent the 6 days and 6 nights on the resort. Weather was cooler than our previous trips (mostly occurring in April and October) and the pool alot chillier (or should I say nipplier). Although it was cloudy our last 3 days there it was still a very relaxing trip. Travel: For the first time since our first trip back in 2003, we flew non-stop on AirTran. Air times were nice in both directions- 10:30 AM flight out of BWI to Cancun and 2:30 PM return flight back to BWI. Non-eventful except for the hand pat down prior to getting on the return flight (although the extra security is well worth it). Room: Asked about an upgrade when we checked in but the resort was booked at capacity and we settled for a 2nd floor room overlooking the quiet pool. We’ve stayed in that section before and have enjoyed it each time. We were able to get an upgrade for our last 3 remaining nights there (many thanks to Azucena (spelling?) who works at the front desk) to a Jacuzzi room and it was well worth it. Enjoyed it so much, that we’ll try to do the same for our April 2010 trip. Staff: in our opinion as good as it gets- From the servers in the restaurants (such as Rudy and Javier) asking you to sit in your section (we tend to tip probably more than others) to the amazing bartending staff (Pablo, Oliver, Pedro, Alfredo, Javier, etc… etc…)- recognition (welcome back, how are you?) upon first seeing us, and always a great smile. After the first day, the veteran bartenders knew what Joyce and I each drank. I did my fair share of trying to deplete their inventory of Bacardi Anejo as well as Johnny Walker Red; Joyce loves her vino blanco as well as cosmos. And what’s not to like about the rainbow shots?? Food: Above average in the buffet and for the most part excellent in the specialty restaurants. We were able to make New Years Eve reservations in the Tex Mex and also the Italian Restaurant our next to last nite there. The lobster tail was free on NYE (normally an additional $25. USD and was excellent. At the Italian, I had the veal and joyce had some type of chicken dish- both were excellent and the preparation of the Mayan coffee at table side was enjoyable. Of course we had to have an omelet each morning for breakfast as well as a couple of mimosas (what better way to start the day?). Most of the days we ate at the Tex-Mex for lunch- couldn’t get enough of the shrimp cocktail, the nachos and the “fish-fingers”…. And then there are the infamous mid-nite cheeseburgers in the Paty O’Bar…. NYE: Amazed at how much effort they put into the plans. Since I haven’t seen a TR from others who were there at this time I’ll go into a bit of detail (like I haven’t already..). The main event was held in the area around the sports pool. A wooden stage was erected in the sports pool- two shows (a lot like the evening shows in the nice shoes bar) were held there. Between the shows, a band was playing (up on the roof of the buffet restaurant). During the countdown they had fireworks (about a dozen fired up individually- not like some displays we’ve seen here but a nice touch… And of course, champagne for all. Downside- they moved tables from nice shoes and put them around the sides of the pool- and also erected the outside beds in other areas… AND they CHARGED $75. USD for a table and $200. USD for a bed. We were not only told about them at check-in they were all reserved by the time we got there at 9p. Standing room only- and since we both have bad backs and knees we bopped back and forth between there and the Paty O’ Bar where we could sit at the bar. However, still a fun night and we finally got to bed at 4am. When we woke up at 10a- everything was taken down- the staff must have worked all night….. Entertainment: Daytime- fun as always although we miss the games that were held at nite at the old and new nice shoes… Chinos and T were at the top of their game and made for a great week. I only participated in the pool table tournament only because T needed one more person to round out the field of 8. I actually went to the finals only to lose… (damn- didn’t get the high quality t-shirt and chain…). The lingerie-casino night was moved up to Wednesday nite since NYE was on Thursday. Of course we brought the obligatory clothing. Different twist this time- Two tables up on stage- one manned by Chinos and the other by T. Chinos was women only and only topless. T’s was birthday suit. Of course Joyce and I just HAD TO participate. The lingerie contest was smaller than normal but still fun. Field of 10- 8 ladies and 2 men (one still in his birthday suit), and Chinos asked 3 people to pick one person for the finals. T asked Joyce to pick the 2nd one and she picked Paul (see next section). Chinos turned to me and said- “he’s been here like 80 fuckin times so he’s gotta pick one”. I picked the only female who flashed her nice shoes. Out came the dance pole… and after the votes (cheers) were in- Paul won hands down. Gotta see a 6 ft 200 lb something guy go horizontal on a pole….. Downside is the taming down of the other nights entertainment. Yes the dance troupe does a nice job, but once who’ve seen them one time… People: Met some of the cancuncare regulars (Rob and Diana briefly, Barry (and of course forgot his lovely wife’s name and a guy nicknamed Jabba) as well as a lot of first timers (Brian & Barbara, Al & Jan and Heidi & Bruce). Of course we met many others but thanks to the alcohol, their names have left our minds. Two other notables: Joyce from Canada (who won the Miss Temptations contest) and Paul (who won the lingerie contest- wearing an old fashioned floor length sleeve less night gown) both made our trip that much better. All in all a great trip. T will definitely be missed and Brenda has big shoes to fill. Can’t wait for April 15. PM us for pix… (only if you post regularly… lol). Fondly Ken and Joyce
Really great trip report; thanks! And just the right length! T will of course be missed greatly. Brenda was just starting when we were there in October, she seemed like a fun girl who has a lot of potential. A good sport too. And we'll see you both in April!
Steve and all- thanks so much. TTR is all about what you want it to be. Every trip we make the most of it no matter if we go down by ourselves or with a group. K&J
Hey,nice meeting you guys.I see you called me Jabba,lol,funny but whatever.Great report and nice to meet you guys
