Gran Porto Real Resort and Spa

We stayed at the Gran Porto May 7 - 13, 2011. The property is exceptionally clean, and is very beautiful. The service is excellent, and the staff are very friendly. The food is very good with a large variety on the buffet. Maria's and Il Pescatore are both very nice,with excellent food and great atmosphere. The beach is nice. Beautiful clear water with a wonderful, large shallow area to cool off in. When we first got there, we saw there are alot of sandbags to prevent erosion of the beach and alot of fishing boats in this area. We thought that might spoil the view, but by the time we left it really was no big deal, it was just part of the uniqueness of this property. Besides there is plenty of wide, beautiful beach to walk in either direction. The only complaint we have is when we first checked in, we were offered an upgrade ($50.00 per night per couple). Benefits being a room that we could walk out onto the beach, a private cabana, and the privilege of eating at the 3 restaurants at the Royal, the sister property of the Gran Porto, located next door. Sounded good, so we upgraded. Big mistake. The reason we chose this property in the first place is because it is an ocean front property. We like to see and hear the ocean, part of what is so special about being there.Yes, from our room we could walk right out onto the beach (the maid locked it and we had to go around anyway) but the only view we had from this room was the dozens of cabanas right outside our door. It was also very noisy in this lower floor room. We tried the cabana, but there are so many crowded side by side that there is no breeze. The only good thing about this upgrade was being able to try Asiana restaurant next door. EXCELLENT. We moved to a 3rd floor room after the 4th night and it was everything we had wanted in the first place. BEAUTIFUL! Will go back and take family and friends but will definately request upper floor, ocean front and no upgrades.

There service was outstanding. When u walk past someone in the hallway that worked for the hotel i was always greeted. The food selection was just a little too "Americanized" for my liking. Plus the fact it was very difficult to talk a shower. The hot water would work...then not work....work then not work. Come to find out that the people who were staying on the Ocean front view places didn't have a problem at all with there hot water.

After staying 11 days at the Gran Porto Real we did not want to come home. We read before we left that it is not as Grand as some of the other hotels in Playa, but the service and welcoming atmosphere make up for it. By the end of our trip they knew us by name, knew our drinks, and went out of their way to help in any way. If you are going with a family this is a wonderful resort to stay. The childrens program is outstanding. We would certainly go back.

I must say we were apprehensive about going to Mexico with its problems of late, but we felt totally safe at the Gran Porto Real in Playa del Carmen! The hotel was gorgeous, our junior suite, extremely clean, water was fine to drink! The food was exceptional in all three restaurants as well as out on the beach. The wait staff was always nearby to take our orders and keep us hydrated! We especially enjoyed the entertainment staff of young people who led water aerobics, water basketball, dance lessons, bingo, took us on a bike ride one morning. We also took advantage of a relaxing massage in the spa which was wonderful! Our party of 20+ at the hotel for a wedding had a wonderful time together! The entertainment outdoors every evening was exceptional, as well as the band inside int he evenings. I would totally recommend the Gran Porto Real as a wonderful place to stay! Thank you for the good arrangements in getting us from the airport to the hotel and back. Everything was perfect! Muy gracias!