We stay at Playa Grande 3 weeks every year. We have stayed on the Ridge and in the lower
section. Have been going there for the
past 12 years. We own 3 units there. Plan to get up earlier than 9:00 am and you will have no
problem getting a chair at one of the
pools. If not then go out to the beach with your beach towel and sprawl out there. The waiters
will serve you there. Service is always
good but I make sure I tip well right up front and I never have any problem getting fast and
friendly service for the whole week. Just
tell the guy when he first takes your order that you will be there all week and stress the
phrase "BIG TIPS, BIG TIPS", he will get the
message. Just don't do this when someone wearing a bikini is walking by. It may cause some
confusion. Once this message has been
established you will be treated like royalty from that time on. They will even remember you on
your next visit. Also you need to keep
in mind that these guys only make $8 a day so of course they are going to cater to you if you are a
good tipper. I would do the same.
Why should they come running to get a drink or lunch order from a cheap-o in a thong. Be
generous and these guys will treat you like
family. Hey they are supporting families just like us so pony up the denairos bud and you will be a
happy vacationer. I also tip the pool
guy at the ridge and he makes sure I get a pool chair in the morning. Hey, that's how things work
down there so part with a few bucks
to make sure your visit is a great one.
It's also nice to learn some basic Spanish. You would be surprised how they will warm up to you if
your speak some of their language.
After all some of their English may be poor but then again how is your Spanish? Something to think
about. Food was great and I must
always remember that the Mexican deserts are not sweet.
The time share push in Cabo can be irritating but if you are just up front with them and say, I
can't afford it, they usually will leave
you alone. I think the problem tourists have is that they want everyone to think they have lots of
money so they have a hard time
admitting they can't afford the time shares. This only prolongs the agony and wastes your time as
well as theirs. If you do get caught
by the time share push just make sure they make it worth your while. It’s not out of line to ask
for 1000-2000 Pecos ($100-$200) for
you to sit through their presentation. I also have gotten fishing trips, Dinner, Golf, booze, Tours,
ETC. Remember, this is the resort
and they do have the money so make them make it worth your while. After all it is your time and
your vacation. Try the Regina, they
give the most in prizes and the pressure is minimal. Stay away from the Mayan Palace unless you
enjoy pain. The time share guys
there are pros and you will get the grilling of your life. You will feel like you are on the "Walk of
Shame" when you go over to get your
prizes. Always one of my proudest moments. I strut the whole way. LOL, Also keep in mind that
the guy that originally books you gets
around $50 for having you show up. If you don't show he isn't paid.
As for the Playa Grande, well we enjoy it immensely. The happy hour at the sports bar is the best
with 2 for one stiff drinks and good
food. I would wait until happy hour to buy a drink from the pool as they are quite weak. We
usually take our own bottle and add to
the ones we buy there. (It's the same everywhere you go in Mexico). Hit Costco on the way in
and stock up and you will be just fine.
The Mexican Fiesta night at the Solmar is a must on Saturday night. It is owned by Playa Grande
and you can book the dinner in the
lobby.
Let’s see, the coffee cart is the breeze way is good but not a Starbucks. The restaurant is good
and moderately priced, but you do
have the choice of going into town which is a 10 minute walk and we always feel safe day or night
making the trip. You can get
anything there from Subway, KC, Mc Donald’s to Johnny Rockets 50's burgers, Sea Food places,
lots of Mexican food places, several
moderately priced outside restaurants and of course several high end restaurants. One of our
favorite is the Office over on Redondo
Beach. Like I said lots and lots of choices.
Only interesting experience we had was a cab ride to the airport last Christmas. The driver was
stoned out of his goard and I had to
keep punching him in the shoulder to make him slow down. I think I grabbed the steering wheel
twice but we always weaved back
onto the highway and continued on. We arrived safely but my wife was a little tense and my
cheeks were sore from grabbing the
upholstery, but we made it ok and I did enjoy the ride. LOL. I could have given the driver a
banana peel for the payment and he
wouldn't have known the difference. LOL - All part of the Mexico experience. LOL
Just a little tip. When you are away from the club the street and beach vendors will hammer you. I
found that if you can catch them
right before they ask you if you want to buy something and say, "Do you want to buy my hat" this
usually startles them and they walk
away. If not a "No Gracious" sign pinned to your hat or shirt does the trick too. LOL
We rented a car a year ago and drove to Todos Santos to go to Hotel California. I had never done
this before but we were able to get
a car right at the resort. I actually asked for a free one day rental in exchange for the time share
presentation there at Playa Grande.
Saved me $100. We found that driving in Mexico wasn't that bad but were a little disappointed to
find out that the Eagles have never
really been to Hotel California in Todos Santos Mexico. I bought the T-Shirt anyways.
Take some hand cleaner with you when you go and use it frequently and you will not have any
health problems. Do this especially
after you handle the money and after you have shopped in the craft markets and handled the
merchandise. We also drink bottled
water although the water at Playa Grande is purified and OK to drink. There is a doctor on the
premises but plan on a hefty bill if you
need a tetanus shot or other treatment. Say, not much different than here in the States Huh!
Make sure you exchange your greenbacks or travelers checks at the front desk of Playa Grande.
Usually $100-200 a day is acceptable.
They will take your greenbacks in town but the exchange isn't as good. At the club you can just
charge everything to your room and
their receipting is very accurate. Ask for receipts and see for yourself. The extremely nice mall at
the marina and most of the
restaurants in town will take your major credit cards and the exchange is done automatically by
your bank. There are also ATM
machines around town, specifically one at the Swim with the Dolphins building right outside Playa
Grande but make sure you pay
attention to the ATM screen. Twice I have pressed the $100 button only to get 100 Pecos ($10)
out of the machine, and there is an
ATM transaction fee. LOL Talk about a size 2 hat for me, LOL I still feel stupid about that one.
All in all we feel that Playa Grande is the best resort in the area for the money. Have a great time
and be generous with the Staff. It
will come back to you 100 fold in quality service and friendship. The Mexican people really are
wonderful family oriented people and
you will enjoy them.
Just a little tip. Print your boarding pass off from the computer center at Playa Grande the
day before you leave. Will make the airport experience much more tolerable.
