Newbies with questions

[E&Ptoexplore]

We are going to Pearl for the first time, and also the first time to a resort of this type. Very excited and have a few general questions. First is there cell service so we can keep in touch back home without going through the hotel phone system. Next, I always worry about eating raw vegetables, drinks with ice etc. in Mexico due to the water issues, is Pearl americanized to the point that you don't have to worry about this.

We are staying for a week and can't wait to get there, I hope that the recent bad reviews are not typical of what happens there.

Thanks,

E&P

[kirkster5]

No probem on either front. We use AT&T and phone works just fine. We do pay $5 for a Mexico plan and that cuts the cost of the calls by 50%. Texts are 50 cents each.
As for the fruits/vegtables/ice all are fine. I do not drink the water out of the room tap(they provide bottled water in your fridge) but I do not hesitate to have it with meals and have never had a problem.

[NCVETTE]

Is this $5 plan thru At&T? going in two weeks and have Sprint also. Sprints usage is high

[kirkster5]

Yes that is an AT&T plan

[C2C]

Sprint does not offer a Mexico plan - ensure you turn your data off. Texts are reasonable, cheaper incoming than outgoing like $0.25/0.50. Data is crazy expensive.

The resort offers free wi-fi so you can use Skype - spotty service in the rooms but fast in the lobby. Other option is to buy a Mexico calling card.
Admin Note: at this time the Wifi at Pearl is NOT free

The water in your room is not potable - use the bottled water to brush your teeth. The resort uses a water-filtration system for the food/ice and rarely will someone get ill. You should be fine!

[NCVETTE]

I am going to set up the sprint phone and AT&T. Don't plan on using them much, also got the family friendly number from the resort.

[couple469]

we were reading this last post...which left us a bit confused ....there is a note in the middle from Admin...which says says WIFI is not free....will some one please elaborate..so is WIFI Free or is it not free?

[NWWACouple]

From the official Pearl FAQ http://desirepearl.originalresorts.com/faqs.asp:
DOES THE RESORT HAVE INTERNET SERVICE?
We have wireless internet in the lobby, rooms and pool with an extra charge per night.

Compared to the River Maya FAQ http://desire.originalresorts.com/faq.asp:
IS THERE INTERNET SERVICE?
Computers with high-speed Internet service are available at additional charge, in the computer room in the Lobby area. Wireless service is available in selected areas of the property with no additional charge.

We have not been to either yet, so the actual policy on site may be different, but that is what they list.

[Do it Man]

The wifi at Pearl is free to use. Two different networks, Pearl & Pearl Lobby. The signal strength and speed in the lobby is acceptable if You're not planning to download large files.....

Mr & Mrs Do it Man



Just remembered - - There is a computer in reception that is available at a charge (sorry, I don't know how much). If You need boarding passes printed then talk to Carlos in reception & He will let You use His computer.....

[heavyG]

we were reading this last post...which left us a bit confused ....there is a note in the middle from Admin...which says says WIFI is not free....will some one please elaborate..so is WIFI Free or is it not free?

Just returned yesterday from our 3rd trip to Pearl - WiFi is free all over the resort. It can be spotty, and the lobby is your best bet, but I work creating / distributing internet video and had no trouble connecting and watching video content for early morning work meetings. I even did a video chat with a client from the beach.

[David Donna]

We are going to Pearl for the first time, and also the first time to a resort of this type. Very excited and have a few general questions. First is there cell service so we can keep in touch back home without going through the hotel phone system. Next, I always worry about eating raw vegetables, drinks with ice etc. in Mexico due to the water issues, is Pearl americanized to the point that you don't have to worry about this.

We are staying for a week and can't wait to get there, I hope that the recent bad reviews are not typical of what happens there.

Thanks,

E&P

Back to the hotel phone: The staff answer the hotel phone with the name Original Resorts, NOT Pearl Desire. So it is "safe" to give out the hotel phone number.