More Newbies with questions

[jen_randy]

Hey all -

Newbies here. We've been to Hedo II umpteen times (actually, probably more than umpteen), but never to any of the Desire resorts. We went to Hedo III once and weren't thrilled with it. We want to try something different, so it looks like we're gonna give Pearl a try later this month. Excited. We've got some questions, so maybe someone here can shed some light.....

1) I've scoured the 'net for comparisons between Hedo II and Desire Pearl, but haven't found much. If you've been to both and taken time to write about it, I'd love to read it if you'll send me the report or a URL.

2) wi-fi at the resort? I think I might tell my boss from my one job that I'm away on business at my other job (shhhhh....) How is the wi-fi if I wanna bring my iPad and answer an email or two? (ugh)

3) Ride from the airport. I understand it's a nice short ride. Is 20-30 minutes correct? What's the best/easiest/safest/most stress-free way to get from the airport to Pearl?

4) Wine at the resort? I'm not terribly picky, but I like to drink "decent" wine in the evening. Hedo doesn't have decent wine, but I can always find something. If I wanna drink chardonnay at Pearl, will I find something that won't give me a huge 3-glass headache in the morning?

I think that's it for starters. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[CokeMann]

1) I've scoured the 'net for comparisons between Hedo II and Desire Pearl, but haven't found much. If you've been to both and taken time to write about it, I'd love to read it if you'll send me the report or a URL

Desire Pearl only opened in April of last year so I doubt there are any Hedo II vs Pearl comparison trip reports at this point - however look for Hedo II vs Desire Cancun(Riviera Maya) comparisons and you should find lots and then most Desire regulars that have tried Pearl end up rating Pearl significantly better than Desire Cancun(Riviera Maya)

2) wi-fi at the resort? I think I might tell my boss from my one job that I'm away on business at my other job (shhhhh....) How is the wi-fi if I wanna bring my iPad and answer an email or two? (ugh)

At this point it is not free, except right in the main lobby. Even if you pay for the all over the resort version of their WiFi it tend to be sporadic throughout the day and you constantly have to re log in - it's also a fairly slow connection.

3) Ride from the airport. I understand it's a nice short ride. Is 20-30 minutes correct? What's the best/easiest/safest/most stress-free way to get from the airport to Pearl?

USA Transfers - $35 one way/$ 60 USD round trip - per couple for Private transfers(direct, no other stops, airport to resort) - very reliable !!!

If you click on the their logo below it will take you right to their booking page for both Desire Pearl and Desire Riviera Maya - same price for either location

4) Wine at the resort? I'm not terribly picky, but I like to drink "decent" wine in the evening. Hedo doesn't have decent wine, but I can always find something. If I wanna drink chardonnay at Pearl, will I find something that won't give me a huge 3-glass headache in the morning?

I personally found all the house wines at Pearl to be OK to good, they have a fairly extensive(for extra cost) wine cellar or you can go into Cancun and by some very good to excellent wines at La Europa and some OK to good ones at the Walmart there.

[jen_randy]

Thanks, Cokemann...... since I have your attention..... I'm gonna ask a couple more questions, if you don't mind.

As Hedo regulars, we're not used to the idea of paying extra for things at the resort (other than spa treatments, catamaran cruises, etc) so is there somewhere I can go on this site to see what Desire Pearl charges an extra fee for?

Also, at Hedo, the "no tipping" rule is strongly urged. (but not always necessarily adhered to).... what's the policy (official and maybe not official) at Desire Pearl when it comes to tipping the staff?

[CokeMann]

As Hedo regulars, we're not used to the idea of paying extra for things at the resort (other than spa treatments, catamaran cruises, etc) so is there somewhere I can go on this site to see what Desire Pearl charges an extra fee for?

There is really no available list, but from memory:

items from the "tuck shop" are all chargeable
resort wide WiFi, extra
spa treatments, extra
massages, extra
catamaran cruises, extra
optional menu items - ie fillet, lobster,etc - extra
specialty imported wines, extra

Also, at Hedo, the "no tipping" rule is strongly urged. (but not always necessarily adhered to).... what's the policy (official and maybe not official) at Desire Pearl when it comes to tipping the staff?

Tips are not required or expected, however most of us do tip and tip well because of the outstanding service by all the staff there - you will understand why we do once you have been there for 15min - most from Hedo who visit Desire are shocked at what real service is rather than "soon com M'on"

[heavyG]

They say that WiFi is extra - but didn't charges us for it last time we were there. They just smiled at check out and said "No extras".

[twofunnewfs]

You'll find that Hedo is more of a Spring Break feel and Pearl is the same people but with a more grown up attitude, ie. not getting drunk all day long.
The resort itself is FAR nicer than Hedo.

One thing about the tipping thing... while I agree that tipping impeccable service is good, some of us have to save every penny to go to a resort like this and the extra 'costs' can be stretching the budget. We left about $100 at the end of the week, splitting it up amongst a few who really stood out but some of the patrons were literally tipping $20 every time they were served food! I find that to be a little much. However, I was pleased that even though we didn't tip all week long, our service was always just as good! (Maybe it was because of the hot, naked blonde always by my side!)

[jen_randy]

You'll find that Hedo is more of a Spring Break feel and Pearl is the same people but with a more grown up attitude, ie. not getting drunk all day long.
The resort itself is FAR nicer than Hedo.

One thing about the tipping thing... while I agree that tipping impeccable service is good, some of us have to save every penny to go to a resort like this and the extra 'costs' can be stretching the budget. We left about $100 at the end of the week, splitting it up amongst a few who really stood out but some of the patrons were literally tipping $20 every time they were served food! I find that to be a little much. However, I was pleased that even though we didn't tip all week long, our service was always just as good! (Maybe it was because of the hot, naked blonde always by my side!)

Thanks so much, twofunnewfs!

That's kind of what we've heard about Desire RM compared to Hedo II. I do like the spring break type of frat party vibe at Hedo, but I think I'd enjoy the more grown up thing too.... at least to see if I like it!

Thank you so much for your honest reply about tipping. This is def a budget stretcher for us as well. I wish I could say we tipped $20 EVER when we're served food, but we're just not at that point. My husband will have a hot naked blonde by his side as well. Looks like we're going to pull the trigger on this, so I really, really appreciate all the great information we've gotten here.

[JnCwis]

To all that go to RM or Pearl we have been 6 times. 1 to Pearl rest to RM. These two places are by far the most wonderful resorts we have been to in the world. We have met a lot of extremely great people at both places. We are not swingers but to meet all the beautiful people that come to both places is fantastic. My wife and I love to go. The people that run these places are the best. I should say that 6 times is within 3 years. Go For It, The Best. J $ C
..

[teaueson]

As we have never been to an all-inclusive resort before, we are trying to decide on what to bring as tipping money. We know tipping is not required, but we do like to recognize good service. For all of you who have been before, what would be considered appropriate for bar tips as opposed to room cleaning or restaurant? Would pesos or USD be better to have on hand? Or both??

[Jh1061]

We tipped the staff on several occasions and it was always very much appreciated. I think you might be surprised at how little they make. Certainly, no need for exorbitant tips. Unlike some places where staff assume tips, at Desire, where it is not assumed, I think it means a lot more to them, and they don't take it for granted.

[CokeMann]

Would pesos or USD be better to have on hand? Or both??

Since you are from Canada it only makes sense to pay for just one money conversion charge - get Pesos - that is the national currency of Mexico

For those coming from the USA, most but not all will accept US dollars although you will get ripped off by using USD since most only offer
a $1 US = 10 Peso conversion rate when the real rate is much much higher.

[teaueson]

Great, thanks, that answers our question perfectly.

[Voluptuous51F]

We always tip along the way... it's aways great service so I feel the need to tip for that... if I don't some days; I make up for it other days. It's not expected so I tend to tip more. Great service at RM; expecting the same at Pearl upcoming.

[Betterforyou747]

You will get great service if not better at pearl! I also agree , stock up on pesos we went 01/05-12 and the conversion was 12 pesos.
We spent 200-275$ on tips during the full week and we were treated like royalty...literally !
I've been to Europe and the service was marginally in comparison and the tipping was double!
The service is comparable to the great north American hotels! And they don't remember your name and favorite drink, or if you like bread or not with your meal or if you like your bed turned down at night. Service was impeccable .