A few more trip reports…
A summary of the exchanges I’ve had with travellers over the past few days…
Dima Glushkov took this photo (right) poolside at the Riu Cancún on January 29th… "the colours of the sea were incredible," he says.
Katherine Welton wrote me a long email following her week-long stay at the all-inclusive El Dorado Royale from January 21st – 27th. The resort is located on the Punta Brava beach a couple of miles to the south of Puerto Morelos.
"With the exception of the palm trees, you’d never know that there had been a hurricane," Katherine wrote.
Earlier in January, Rebecca Lupton stayed at the same resort. She echoed Katherine’s observations: "Roughed-up palm trees told the story [of the hurricane] to those who were looking for it, but otherwise our resort looked pristine."
- Pre-Wilma aerial view of the El Dorado Royale
While she is by no means the first to tell me how impressed they’ve been by the recovery and reconstruction efforts, Rebecca expressed this very warmly in her email to me:
"Speaking to the staff of the hotel we were to find out that many people had feared they would lose their jobs when the hurricane struck. On finding themselves re-employed they were quite joyful. Indeed, spirits in Mexico seemed quite high… lots of optimism about the future."
Edited by 
February 7th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
We are planning to be at the Moon Palace resort on 03/24/2006. We have not heard anything about this resort or any of their sister resorts. Is there anyone with information about this resort that you can relay to us. This is our honeymoon and we truly need this information. Thanks Gary Redmond.
February 7th, 2006 at 8:38 pm
Hi Gary – just to clarify… is your reservation at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, just to the south of the Hotel Zone?
See this page for more info. I’ll contact the resort myself, just to make sure.
February 8th, 2006 at 8:03 pm
We’re staying at the Barcelo Tucancun in the middle of Hotel Zone 26th March. Believe it to be shut til 22nd April. Is this true? Our tour operator can’t say yet.
February 8th, 2006 at 9:53 pm
Diane – that’s what their website says. Awaiting clarification.
February 9th, 2006 at 4:29 am
Thank you very much for creating this website. As a part time playa del carmen inhabitant, it is important to maintain proper documentation and communication.
While I was there I saw very little damage. Far less then I had thought there would be. I did not see Cancun however and have been told by many that Cancun suffered the most.
However there were definately reminders scattered where ever I went that a hurricane was definately present and that recovery efforts were well under way.
I encourage people to explore the whole area, venture far from your resorts. The gems are found with those of the people who have come from Mexico and afar. Together they are producing some really amazing results.
It’s an amazing place.
February 9th, 2006 at 11:39 pm
Dear Steve – Yes our vacation is at the Moon Palace Golf and Spa. We have heard from some sources that the hotel is almost back to normal. We would love to here from your expertise about the hotel. We hope that when we arrive on March 24, 2006, the Cancun hotel zone and its hot spots will be open and jumping. Thanks for any information you have.
February 10th, 2006 at 9:51 am
Diane – the Barcelo Tucancun will definitely not re-open until April 22nd, so you should contact your travel agent pronto. The Barcelo Hotel Group has used the ‘down time’ following Hurricane Wilma to conduct an extensive remodelling of the Tucancun – new reception area & lobby bar, new restaurants, a new pool + deck area…and new lounge with hammocks, etc.
February 10th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Chantelle – gracias! I appreciate your support.
February 10th, 2006 at 5:04 pm
Gary – it seems that the Moon Palace is open, although not yet fully operational. See the recent reviews on TripAdvisor.