Tropicante Dec 2013 review

Just spent the day at Tropicante and had been asked in other post to put up a review upon my return, so here it is... BTW, we were the only ship in port & lounge chairs were avail (though I had made a reservation).

We LOVED our day at Tropicante! Weather was incredible - water was clear & warm - food was very good - price was excellent!

And Steve's hospitality? SUPERB. we were at Nohoch Kay with Jaime in Jan 2013 & it was lovely & quiet the day we were there, though the malecon and all restaurants/bars were really busy in Jan - including Tropicante. In an effort to save some money, I wanted to book pay-as-you-go at Tropicante (instead of prepay all inclusive at Nohoch).

My dh is disabled (traumatic brain injury) and I was very nervous about booking with Tropicante (was afraid they would be crazy busy and loud)- requested "front row" loungers to put us right on the water's edge to minimize the amount of movement/motion/hustle & bustle happening in front of dh (causes his brain to become overwhelmed processing everything and makes him sick) - also to move us as far away from music as possible. So I asked Steve for the "quietest" spot he had available. Steve was very understanding and assured me he would do everything he could to make sure we had a great day.

The taxi dropped us off in the street right behind Tropicante and Steve has staff members there holding a sign with VIP guests listed. Anyone with a reservation is a VIP. We identified ourselves to his staff who immediately said "Steve said you need a quiet place on our beach and we've got you set up in the front row by the water at the far end of our property where it will be the most quiet". I was AMAZED that not only did Steve remember & take it seriously, but that his STAFF was so informed and conscious of our special needs.

After sitting down, Steve came right over and went over everything with us and assured us he would check on us through out the day to see if we (dh) was faring ok and if there was anyway he could help us out. He was good to his word! DH had a good day (as good as possible, anyway) and was able to stay at the beach with my boys and I for several hours before deciding to head back to the ship before us. When Steve found out dh was leaving, he immediately called his staff over to escort dh to a taxi and get him situated in a taxi headed the right place, etc. This did much to relieve my anxiety and feelings that "I should go back too".

So "THANK YOU STEVE & STAFF" for an outstanding visit to your place. Oh, the food you ask? It was good. The prices? outstanding. 4 of us drank lemonade & bottled water (I had one pina colada which was just ok), had our fill of food which was good and it only cost $55. We tipped $26 and still felt it was a GREAT bargain.

TIP: Heck with sitting on the sandy beach! Do what I did and pull your lounge chair INTO the water and let the waves lap over you as you recline! lol Can you say 'paradise' ???

Blessings to all...

Amy

Thanks Amy for the report. Another rave review for Steve and we look forward to spending a few hours there soon and will also be lounging in the water -

Thanks again!

It's a ways off, but we have a reservation at the Tropicante...Never been there before, so my question is , do they play really loud music there ? If so, we may opt for a quieter place, as we are not the hard rock cafe types..Thanks for your review and any info..:)

It's a ways off, but we have a reservation at the Tropicante...Never been there before, so my question is , do they play really loud music there ? If so, we may opt for a quieter place, as we are not the hard rock cafe types..Thanks for your review and any info..:)

We were there and there was only the NCL Dawn in port. It was pretty quiet and laid back at Tropicante, as well as along the Malecon in comparison to Jan 2013 when we were there with 2 ships in port. 2 ships made for a noisy, bustling area all around Tropicante and along the Malecon. My dh has extreme noise sensitivity since his injury - that is why I originally (in Jan) booked at Nohoch Kay... hoping for quiet (which we definitely got. Others have stated when THEY were at Nohoch Kay it was loud and rowdy). Tropicante did NOT blare music while we were there. If noise etc is a concern, ask Steve for front row lounger on the edge of his property for quieter area. It wouldn't guarantee anything, but I think ANY resort can be loud and noisy based on the people there at the same time as you.

Check how many ships in port with you. If you do NOT want an all inclusive, I'd highly recommend booking with Steve. When you get there if it gets too busy for your tastes, stroll along til you find a quieter location. It's all the same beach and if you want to try the food at Tropicante or Nohoch Kay, both places welcome walk-ups for food and drinks. You could sample things from both places. :D

Happy cruising...

Amy

Thanks a bunch :) Just checked the schedule and so far our ship is the only one there that day.

We were there and there was only the NCL Dawn in port. It was pretty quiet and laid back at Tropicante, as well as along the Malecon in comparison to Jan 2013 when we were there with 2 ships in port. 2 ships made for a noisy, bustling area all around Tropicante and along the Malecon. My dh has extreme noise sensitivity since his injury - that is why I originally (in Jan) booked at Nohoch Kay... hoping for quiet (which we definitely got. Others have stated when THEY were at Nohoch Kay it was loud and rowdy). Tropicante did NOT blare music while we were there. If noise etc is a concern, ask Steve for front row lounger on the edge of his property for quieter area. It wouldn't guarantee anything, but I think ANY resort can be loud and noisy based on the people there at the same time as you.

 

Check how many ships in port with you. If you do NOT want an all inclusive, I'd highly recommend booking with Steve. When you get there if it gets too busy for your tastes, stroll along til you find a quieter location. It's all the same beach and if you want to try the food at Tropicante or Nohoch Kay, both places welcome walk-ups for food and drinks. You could sample things from both places. :D

 

Happy cruising...

Amy

We were at Tropicante in April and we are going back on Christmas Day :D

We love Tropicante. Steve is so friendly and wants to make sure everyone has the best time. I don't remember hearing any music - and loud music irritates me. So, I'm sure if it were loud - I would have requesting it be turned down. This place is so much nicer than the loud all inclusives - I don't think you could eat or drink enough at Steve's to exceed the all inclusive price. The food is very reasonably priced. BTW, the restaurant and restrooms are spotless.

Thanks! ;)

Great review! I've got my reservation request in. Can't wait.

We just returned yesterday and also went to Tropicante and would highly recommend it. Great food, great prices. Friendly and great hospitality. Beautiful beach. Unfortunately for us it was raining. Would definitely go back if we were ever in Costa Maya again.

I think you all have sold us on Tropicante for the spring. Probably in a month or so I will email and reserve chairs and arrange for an offshore snorkel excursion.

we're currently reserved with Steve but we were also considering renting a cart and heading south for something different, maybe hitting Maya Luna or another spot to check out for a future stay. But looking at videos it looks like a dune buggy/golf cart parade there! :p

Don't wait too long if you want Tropicante! I tried to make reservations 3 weeks ahead of our travel date and the loungers were already full. Steve said he may be able to get us into the place right next to him that does not have a website and is more of a local place, which is great, but doesn't make me super comfortable since I don't know what they serve or anything about that establishment.

Just spent the day at Tropicante and had been asked in other post to put up a review upon my return, so here it is... BTW, we were the only ship in port & lounge chairs were avail (though I had made a reservation).

 

We LOVED our day at Tropicante! Weather was incredible - water was clear & warm - food was very good - price was excellent!

 

And Steve's hospitality? SUPERB. we were at Nohoch Kay with Jaime in Jan 2013 & it was lovely & quiet the day we were there, though the malecon and all restaurants/bars were really busy in Jan - including Tropicante. In an effort to save some money, I wanted to book pay-as-you-go at Tropicante (instead of prepay all inclusive at Nohoch).

 

My dh is disabled (traumatic brain injury) and I was very nervous about booking with Tropicante (was afraid they would be crazy busy and loud)- requested "front row" loungers to put us right on the water's edge to minimize the amount of movement/motion/hustle & bustle happening in front of dh (causes his brain to become overwhelmed processing everything and makes him sick) - also to move us as far away from music as possible. So I asked Steve for the "quietest" spot he had available. Steve was very understanding and assured me he would do everything he could to make sure we had a great day.

 

The taxi dropped us off in the street right behind Tropicante and Steve has staff members there holding a sign with VIP guests listed. Anyone with a reservation is a VIP. We identified ourselves to his staff who immediately said "Steve said you need a quiet place on our beach and we've got you set up in the front row by the water at the far end of our property where it will be the most quiet". I was AMAZED that not only did Steve remember & take it seriously, but that his STAFF was so informed and conscious of our special needs.

 

After sitting down, Steve came right over and went over everything with us and assured us he would check on us through out the day to see if we (dh) was faring ok and if there was anyway he could help us out. He was good to his word! DH had a good day (as good as possible, anyway) and was able to stay at the beach with my boys and I for several hours before deciding to head back to the ship before us. When Steve found out dh was leaving, he immediately called his staff over to escort dh to a taxi and get him situated in a taxi headed the right place, etc. This did much to relieve my anxiety and feelings that "I should go back too".

 

So "THANK YOU STEVE & STAFF" for an outstanding visit to your place. Oh, the food you ask? It was good. The prices? outstanding. 4 of us drank lemonade & bottled water (I had one pina colada which was just ok), had our fill of food which was good and it only cost $55. We tipped $26 and still felt it was a GREAT bargain.

 

TIP: Heck with sitting on the sandy beach! Do what I did and pull your lounge chair INTO the water and let the waves lap over you as you recline! lol Can you say 'paradise' ???

 

Blessings to all...

Amy

I second this 100% :D:D:D:D

We were there last week and had a great time. We were also there in April.

Don't forget to bring Steve a newpaper or magazine from you hometown.

Also don't forget to bring a book to donate to Nancy.

Kane (our waiter) thanks for taking such good care of us and take care of that new little baby of yours :D

How is the water at Tropicante? Caribbean blue and clear or darker and sea grassy?

Thanks,

Gina

How is the water at Tropicante? Caribbean blue and clear or darker and sea grassy?

 

Thanks,

Gina

Here you go

Spent the day at Tropicante Beach Bar with Steve and his crew of wait staff. Steve

provided excellent directions and when we got out of the cab, walked about 50 feet and someone

asked what we were looking for? Being hesitant because I was forewarned about hawkers trying to

steer you into their beach bar, I did not answer at first and then blurted out Steve at TROPICANTE!

The gentleman held up a chalk board and asked if my name was on it and sure enough, there we

were listed as VIP quests. He walked us to the front (beach side) of Tropicante and introduced to

Steve how is very gracious and offering to assist in what we needed/wanted to for the day. We were

given front row beach loungers with large umbrella, and a breathtaking view and aqua blue water

and white powdery sand. Steve down not charge for the chairs/umbrella/views, only asks that you

spend some money with him. We had 3 Bloody Marys, 1 strawberry frozen drink, 2 local beers,

2 pina coladas, 2 appetizers (plenty of food) and the bill came to $64 plus a nice tip for the great

service, for 5 hours of beach time. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Tropicante and Steve for a great beach

day!

Spent the day at Tropicante Beach Bar with Steve and his crew of wait staff. Steve

 

provided excellent directions and when we got out of the cab, walked about 50 feet and someone

 

asked what we were looking for? Being hesitant because I was forewarned about hawkers trying to

 

steer you into their beach bar, I did not answer at first and then blurted out Steve at TROPICANTE!

 

The gentleman held up a chalk board and asked if my name was on it and sure enough, there we

 

were listed as VIP quests. He walked us to the front (beach side) of Tropicante and introduced to

 

Steve how is very gracious and offering to assist in what we needed/wanted to for the day. We were

 

given front row beach loungers with large umbrella, and a breathtaking view and aqua blue water

 

and white powdery sand. Steve down not charge for the chairs/umbrella/views, only asks that you

 

spend some money with him. We had 3 Bloody Marys, 1 strawberry frozen drink, 2 local beers,

 

2 pina coladas, 2 appetizers (plenty of food) and the bill came to $64 plus a nice tip for the great

 

service, for 5 hours of beach time. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Tropicante and Steve for a great beach

 

day!

Thanks for the review. We've reserved with Steve for May and are looking forward to it. Did you do anything extra such as a snorkeling excursion?

We were there last Thursday on Carnival Dream. It was a great day! Definitely glad I reserved our chairs ahead of time because he was booked for the day with two other ships in port. Definitely recommend this as a relaxing beach day. $2pp taxi each way. Great ceviche!

Thank you for the review! :)

How is the water at Tropicante? Caribbean blue and clear or darker and sea grassy?

 

Thanks,

Gina

Clear and emerald colors and we saw no sea grass when we were there first week of Feb. Some coral that broke off and floated in so watch your step with that. And the bits of paper and plastic that hit this coast as well. But otherwise the water was very pristine and very comfortable! ;)

And although most recommend walking all the way out to the taxi stand we took the bus just outside the main plaza for $3pp and got to Tropicante before others made it to the taxi stand. So just not as bad an option as some make it put to be, especially if you have someone older in your group as it is a good walk to the taxi stand.

Clear and emerald colors and we saw no sea grass when we were there first week of Feb. Some coral that broke off and floated in so watch your step with that. And the bits of paper and plastic that hit this coast as well. But otherwise the water was very pristine and very comfortable! ;)

 

And although most recommend walking all the way out to the taxi stand we took the bus just outside the main plaza for $3pp and got to Tropicante before others made it to the taxi stand. So just not as bad an option as some make it put to be, especially if you have someone older in your group as it is a good walk to the taxi stand.

Tell me more about the bus. Where do you get it? Do you tell them which stop or does it stop every time no matter what? Also, do you remember which stop for tropic ante?

You will see the bus lot just as you walk past the restrooms and exit the cruise ship port, can't miss it. We had to wait a few minutes until he had 10 - 14 ppl but it was quick.

We asked for Tropicante but had to remind him. It was the 2nd stop he made, Tequila beach was first.

For $1 less pp take the taxi rather than the bus.... That way its all yours and the driver gets there immediately.

Plenty of security outside the tourist area.

Hey Wang the difference I mentioned is the walk. Not a big deal but the bus is right by the exit. And as I said we passed others still walking to the taxi stand and we were at Steve's place in a few minutes.

If you want to save $1 head for the taxi stand. Our time was limited and this worked well that day.