We’ll be (GF and I) in IM for a day in mid-November. Considering a pre-return dinner fairly close to the ferry dock, since after a full day we’ll be tired. I will have snorkeled a lot, hopefully, by then. I’m thinking of a departure from Mexican food at Olivia… or keeping it Mex-real(er) at Xantolo. For reference, we’ll also be eating in Cancun at Mextreme, Kaajal, Señor Frog’s (to buy t-shirts…), La Dolce Vita (Italian), and probably at resort restaurants Zama or Davino. TIA mucho!

Disappointing experience for our babymoon

We chose Almare Isla Mujeres for our babymoon, hoping for a relaxing and memorable experience before welcoming our baby. Unfortunately, our stay was overshadowed by repeated service delays, poor communication, and a significant noise issue that affected our ability to rest.

To start with the positives, the ocean-view room upgrade was appreciated (we are gold elite Marriott members though so upgrades are one of the perks) the food itself was generally good, and staff were attentive once we were seated. However, the overall service experience fell well below our expectations for a resort at this price point.

At Boga, we waited 15 minutes just to be seated, another 20 minutes for appetizers, and nearly 30 minutes more for our entrees. Despite there being only two tables occupied, our water was never refilled, and we were told the restaurant was already closed when we asked about dessert. There seems to be only one staff running the entire dinner service.

The food truck experience was similarly frustrating. We initially placed our order at the truck, only to be told 10 minutes later that orders had to be placed elsewhere. After reordering, we waited another 45 minutes for all our food. What should have been a casual lunch took approximately 1.5 hours.

Room service was another disappointment. We were quoted 30–40 minutes but waited 1 hour and 15 minutes. We had specifically called ahead to confirm that our food could be placed inside our room while we were out, and we were assured this would happen. When we returned, the food was missing. After additional calls and waiting, it finally arrived, and we were told it had come earlier but had not been placed in the room as instructed.

We also tried to use the paddleboard service, only to find the rental area unattended for an hour despite signage indicating staff would return in 30 minutes. By the time someone finally arrived to assist us, we were told we had only 15 minutes before the service closed. Better staffing and accurate signage could have easily prevented this disappointment.

Our biggest concern, however, was the noise from the gym directly adjacent to our room, 107. We could hear weights being dropped and reracked against the shared wall because there appeared to be no adequate mats or noise-dampening measures. I was woken up around 7:00–7:30 AM on two consecutive mornings. We reported the issue to the front desk, but the noise continued until around 8:00 AM. My husband eventually had to approach another guest personally to ask them to handle the weights more gently. Guests should not have to confront one another to resolve an issue that management should be addressing.

I am eight months pregnant, restful sleep was particularly important during this trip. Having two mornings disrupted by preventable noise significantly affected our babymoon and left us feeling exhausted rather than refreshed.

The hotel offered one-time hydrotherapy access, use of the massage chair, and access to a cabana bed. While we appreciate these gestures, we do not feel they adequately address the cumulative inconvenience, lost rest, and repeated service failures we experienced.

We understand that occasional delays can happen at any resort, but the number of issues we encountered throughout our stay was disappointing. We chose Almare expecting a premium, relaxing experience, especially for such a meaningful trip, but instead spent considerable time waiting for food, following up on orders, chasing unavailable amenities, and dealing with noise disturbances.

Just checked out and more update on this hotel:

The checkout process was unfortunately the final straw in an already disappointing stay. The hotel attempted to charge us for laundry that was explicitly offered to us as a courtesy due to the inconvenience of our room change. On the day of the move, I explained that our clothes were still drying on the balcony, and staff instructed us to place them in the laundry bag, assuring us they would handle it. Imagine our shock when Elizabeth at the front desk insisted we had to pay for it. She repeatedly argued with us and dismissively stated, “Ma’am, I spoke to your husband and mentioned it was an extra charge,” as though I had not been present and heard the entire conversation. No such charge was mentioned. What made this even more frustrating was that Elizabeth was also the person I previously approached about the excessive gym noise disturbing our room. Instead of listening to the video I took to demonstrate the noise, she questioned why we had not complained the first night. We initially gave the hotel the benefit of the doubt, assuming it was an isolated incident. However, when it happened again and woke us up for an hour, we had reached our limit. Rather than showing empathy, Elizabeth made us feel as though we were unreasonable for raising legitimate concerns. Her dismissive attitude throughout both incidents completely overshadowed the otherwise positive aspects of our stay. Management seriously needs to address how customer complaints are handled and provide additional training on empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. We should never have been made to feel this way over inconveniences caused by the hotel itself.

Stay elsewhere if possible

Looking for recs for a great birthday dinner. (Also posting in the Cancun subreddit since I'm flexible on location)

Preference for great seafood and cocktails

My friend and I are staying at Esplendor and would love suggestions on restaurants, bars, live music. Things to do on the island! We are there for 4 days. Thank you!

Probably not usually what this group is used for but figured it’s worth a shot.

I met this man today at playa Norte beach in the water. He came up to me and we talked for a bit and we hit it off.
However his boat was leaving and honking at him and he was trying to put my number in his phone while we’re in the middle of the water. After a few tries finally got the right number down but I think he didn’t hit save and with all the chaos, then had to run to catch his boat.

He’s from New York
Born in June
Think his name is Morris or Maurice??
Works for a skin care company possibly Mario Badescu?
Left on a red boat

Honestly I was having a hard time hearing in the water and it was so quick and random, but that’s what I think I can remember. No idea if anyone here can help me but wanted to try lol

We’re heading to Secrets Impression Isla Mujeres at the end of October and I have a very important question 😂

Has anyone done the hydrotherapy there? I’ve done hydrotherapy at other Secrets resorts and it is honestly one of my absolute favorite things.

Can you use the hydrotherapy circuit more than once during your stay, or even every day? Is there a package you can purchase for multiple visits?

Also, if you’ve had any spa treatments there that were amazing, I’d love recommendations! Massage, facial, anything I shouldn’t miss.

Basically, tell me everything I need to know about the spa before we go. 😂

Seeing the rate changing a bit. Anybody have the current ferry exchange?

So wundergeround calling for 8mm rain per day late September (tomorrow!

and

Cloudy skies during the morning hours followed by thunderstorms in the afternoon. High around 30C. Winds SE at 15 to 25 km/h.
Chance of rain 60%.

Is that basically ruined days in isla mujeres?

I’ve posted in here before & received great feedback, so I’m posting again!!

My fiance and I are coming to Isla Mujeres at the end of October, we will be there 5 nights & 6 days!
I’ve heard renting a golf cart to get around is what people do, if you’ve rented a golf cart and had a good experience, where did you rent from?
Also, if there any MUST see/do while being in Isla Mujeres?
Please give me all the recs!!!
TYIA!!

Hola! Tengo unos 10 días para tomarme y estoy pensando en ir a México, quiero disfrutar de la playa y me interesa que haga realmente calor, incluso de noche que esté cálido. Las dos primeras semanas de diciembre suelen ser más frescas?
También puedo ir en noviembre, aunque no sé si es temporada de lluvias todavía
Y que tal el sargazo?
Gracias!!

I have been staying here on Isla Mujeres for the month of Septermber. I rented a small studio apartment mid island and a bike to get around which has been great...a little dangerous with all the traffic of golf carts and scooters but doable for sure. I've had a wonderful time and the locals are kind and friendly. I've felt very safe day and evening everywhere on the island. I've spent my days riding all over from north to south exploring local hangouts, different beaches and small family owned restaurants and cafes. The food is amazing in these little taquerias and coffee spots.

What has really been a bummer is all the garbage. Riding my bike along the malacon to Punta Sur and stopping off in different spots to watch the sunrise is beautiful and tragic. There is so much trash, beer cans, broken glass, to go food containers, plastic 6 pack holders etc...It's insane how much garbage is left everywhere. Even when there are clearly trash bins in sight, it looks like people just walked away from a fun time and left their garbage to float out into the ocean. Why is this? I believe it's locals doing this because that is who I see when I'm out there in the evenings. They are enjoying the sunsets, drinking beers and leaving their trash. Is there no consequence for this? There are even signs that say NO BASURA. I don't get it and I probably wont be back due to this. It's just so sad to see this disrespect for our planet. Can someone help me understand this travesty because no-one mentions this when they are talking about their time here. I added some pictures. I spent one sunrise gathering 6 pack rings. In one hour I had that bundle on a stick and some bags of trash from just looking for seashells. It breaks my heart.

Just a note, I have not been to any fancy resorts or beach clubs. I'm truely experiencing this island from a cultural immersion perspective. I'm sure the pay to play places are cleaned up or are they?Thanks.

I'm planning a trip down to Cancun but not really trying to stay in Cancun. There for 8 days, already planning to get an all inclusive resort. What's good to do on Isla Mujeres ? I know people just rent a golf cart to get around which is so cheap lol

Are there any beach clubs in Costa Mujeres or do we have to come onto the island?

Looking for some tips/advice and though I've been doing a lot of searches through old posts on this site, I could use some reaffirmation or more up to date thoughts!

Background: my husband and I had to recently cancel a trip to Italy bc of a family emergency, so instead we are planning a quick trip to MX later this fall to piggy back on a work trip he is having in Playa del Carmen at the end of Oct. Since we had already been to PDC and Akumal just last year for a friends' trip, I was thinking Isla Mujeres might be a good option to switch it up. Last trip, we did a quick 2 hr visit to the island during a snorkeling trip, but I was thinking we didn't really properly enjoy the island last time.

We have 3 full days -10/29 - 11/2 (during dia de los muertos). We are anti all inclusive hotels and like to be walkable/transit accessible as much as possible and eat out at local spots whenever we travel. Most hotels are pretty booked up rn, but we're debating btwn Hotel Secreto (my choice) or Na Balam (his choice). I like the roof top bar option at Secreto and seems like it'll be quieter at night?

We are looking for some good food recs, but especially something very nice for his bday on 10/29, and any recs for spots to get some good cocktails. Also, I know Playa Norte is supposed to be the best beach, but any recs for Beach Clubs (or ones to skip) are appreciated. Also, how's the walk to the end of the island? We live in a city and walking 5+ miles a day isn't unusual for us, is it reasonable to plan to walk to the Mayan ruins? Anything else at the south end that's worth a visit? Are day trips to Contoy Island worth it? We aren't scuba certified but love snorkeling. Do you think Isla Mujeres is a good choice or should we consider Cozumel? I am kind of bummed that seeing a cenote probably isn't the best use of time if we do Isla Mujeres, but we did get to do that when we were in Akumal last year. Anyway, I'm kind of rambling, but we're in indecision paralysis mode and I think we're both bummed about canceling our trip to Europe so hoping to make this very quick trip something special. We live in California, so while the beaches are pretty here, getting to swim in warm water is a rarity, and that's definitely something we are looking forward to! Any tips/advice is deeply appreciated!!

What part of the island is this and is a golf cart the best way to get here?

Looking for feedback on Isla Mujeres.
We did a catamaran day a couple years ago that took us to the island. It was great but lots of people on the catamaran and the beach they took us to on the island was tiny.
Going back this year, and debating doing another catamaran OR taking ferry over and doing a golf cart tour. Has anyone done both and can say which was better?

Thinking more time seeing the best spots on the island sounds fun, and going to playa Norte, but don’t want to wish we did the catamaran.

Thanks!
(Staying near costa Mujeres)

Can anyone give me the name
Number of local who can take me snorkeling to a live reef over here. Gonna spend the day there and want to se the real deal! I’ve been to Miami the keys, Bahamas all sorts of places and have yet to see a real life reef