Taxi to beach and drinks/lunch without AI or pre reserving?

[MandyMooToo]

We have not been to CM in about 4 years and did a resort for a day with forced AI fees.  It was okay but we do not want to go that route again this cruise.  Would it be possible to just get a taxi to a beach and walk/chill/swim then PAYG for drinks and lunch?  Any beach anyone would suggest?

[c-leg5]

14 minutes ago, MandyMooToo said:

We have not been to CM in about 4 years and did a resort for a day with forced AI fees.  It was okay but we do not want to go that route again this cruise.  Would it be possible to just get a taxi to a beach and walk/chill/swim then PAYG for drinks and lunch?  Any beach anyone would suggest?

Unless you go to one of the out of town locations like Maya Chan, Almaplena, or Hayhu the other beach clubs are all along the same long bay in the town of Mahahual, so no choice of beach just various locations along one beach. All will have vendors to some degree but the ends tend to be quieter. 
 

There are many beach clubs there but unfortunately (for us too) many require AI or at least a limited package price with various options. Our favorite was Malecon21 which has several options on their website but for truly PAYG most people go to Krazy Lobster. It is a large club which doesn’t require pre-booking.

[MandyMooToo]

Just now, c-leg5 said:

Unless you go to one of the out of town locations like Maya Chan, Almaplena, or Hayhu the other beach clubs are all along the same long bay in the town of Mahahual, so no choice of beach just various locations along one beach. All will have vendors to some degree but the ends tend to be quieter. 
 

There are many beach clubs there but unfortunately (for us too) many require AI or at least a limited package price with various options. Our favorite was Malecon21 which has several options on their website but for truly PAYG most people go to Krazy Lobster. It is a large club which doesn’t require pre-booking.

Thank you, we will likely wind up at KL.  About 4 years ago, give or take, we tried Malecon21 and were disappointed.  Granted, they had just opened up so maybe they have improved but we didn't enjoy it as much as we hoped to.  At the time they had one or two AI packages to choose from, we chose the highest priced package even though we knew we wouldn't spend that much PAYG (just didn't want to have to be concerned with any extra fees aside from tips).  When we arrived we were given four chairs that were split far enough away from each other (in different rows too) that we could not hang out with the other couple in our group even though they were not busy yet, and yes, we reserved together.  Then they brought drink menus and each drink we picked they said we could not have.  They said AI packages could only have frozen drinks (Pina coladas mainly) and a rum punch type of drink, can't remember what it was called, and a couple of other single liquor/mixer type drinks.  The food was vey limited too, we could not choose what we wanted off the menu.  When we complained they just said "sorry."  Drink service was very poor too, even though we were tipping well.  Probably got three drinks all day?  So maybe they have gotten it together and are much better now, but I really dislike the idea of AI unless it is a resort with lots to do/benefits that will keep us there all day.  Guess it cannot hurt to try KL and see how it goes this time, thanks again!

[c-leg5]

36 minutes ago, MandyMooToo said:

Thank you, we will likely wind up at KL.  About 4 years ago, give or take, we tried Malecon21 and were disappointed.  Granted, they had just opened up so maybe they have improved but we didn't enjoy it as much as we hoped to.  At the time they had one or two AI packages to choose from, we chose the highest priced package even though we knew we wouldn't spend that much PAYG (just didn't want to have to be concerned with any extra fees aside from tips).  When we arrived we were given four chairs that were split far enough away from each other (in different rows too) that we could not hang out with the other couple in our group even though they were not busy yet, and yes, we reserved together.  Then they brought drink menus and each drink we picked they said we could not have.  They said AI packages could only have frozen drinks (Pina coladas mainly) and a rum punch type of drink, can't remember what it was called, and a couple of other single liquor/mixer type drinks.  The food was vey limited too, we could not choose what we wanted off the menu.  When we complained they just said "sorry."  Drink service was very poor too, even though we were tipping well.  Probably got three drinks all day?  So maybe they have gotten it together and are much better now, but I really dislike the idea of AI unless it is a resort with lots to do/benefits that will keep us there all day.  Guess it cannot hurt to try KL and see how it goes this time, thanks again!

I am sorry to hear that and sounds very different to our numerous experiences there. I presume from your timeline this was pre-Covid which seems very out of character. 
 

We have never done AI at Malecon21. We went several times from their early days shortly after opening until cruising halted. Initially it was PAYG and then we took the minimum package to use a lounger which required a minimum purchase but credited towards food and drink. We never had a problem ordering food or drinks. We always had excellent service and enjoyed the menu which was limited but different from the typical beach club offerings. We enjoyed the quieter location and quieter live music. We only went ever as a couple but one time did join some local ex-pats and members of crew that we knew from the ship and didn’t have a problem sitting together.

 

When cruising resumed we were glad they had survived shut down with business from local expats and land vacationers but they obviously were understaffed and unprepared for coping with the influx of cruisers. We only stopped by on our first return to Costa Maya while doing a scouting trip to see how the town was doing. Again we did PAYG, which is still possible if you sit in the lounge area and don’t require a sun lounger. We were disappointed in the service on that occasion and haven’t had chance to return again. Hence my original statement that Malecon21 was our favorite. To be fair our return was very early on after cruising resumed when many places had closed down or were struggling.
 

Other times we revisited Maya Chan and tried Krazy Lobster a couple of times for short visits mainly by default as they have taken over so much of the frontage now and are one of the few truly PAYG locations. Prices are reasonable and honest (which isn’t the case everywhere on the malecon). It was fine for a short stay, drink and a snack,  it just lacks the ambiance that we personally prefer for a longer more relaxing visit with a lounger.  Lots of people enjoy KL so as you say it can’t hurt to try it. 
 

Overall we are very disappointed in general with Mahahual since cruising resumed and would be quite happy just to spend a couple of hours at the port and return to the ship now - something we would never have done pre-Covid.

Edited May 2 by c-leg5

[MandyMooToo]

9 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

I am sorry to hear that and sounds very different to our numerous experiences there. I presume from your timeline this was pre-Covid which seems very out of character. 
 

We have never done AI at Malecon21. We went several times from their early days shortly after opening until cruising halted. Initially it was PAYG and then we took the minimum package to use a lounger which required a minimum purchase but credited towards food and drink. We never had a problem ordering food or drinks. We always had excellent service and enjoyed the menu which was limited but different from the typical beach club offerings. We enjoyed the quieter location and quieter live music. We only went ever as a couple but one time did join some local ex-pats and members of crew that we knew from the ship and didn’t have a problem sitting together.

 

When cruising resumed we were glad they had survived shut down with business from local expats and land vacationers but they obviously were understaffed and unprepared for coping with the influx of cruisers. We only stopped by on our first return to Costa Maya while doing a scouting trip to see how the town was doing. Again we did PAYG, which is still possible if you sit in the lounge area and don’t require a sun lounger. We were disappointed in the service on that occasion and haven’t had chance to return again. Hence my original statement that Malecon21 was our favorite. To be fair our return was very early on after cruising resumed when many places had closed down or were struggling.
 

Other times we revisited Maya Chan and tried Krazy Lobster a couple of times for short visits mainly by default as they have taken over so much of the frontage now and are one of the few truly PAYG locations. Prices are reasonable and honest (which isn’t the case everywhere on the malecon). It was fine for a short stay, drink and a snack,  it just lacks the ambiance that we personally prefer for a longer more relaxing visit with a lounger.  Lots of people enjoy KL so as you say it can’t hurt to try it. 
 

Overall we are very disappointed in general with Mahahual since cruising resumed and would be quite happy just to spend a couple of hours at the port and return to the ship now - something we would never have done pre-Covid.

I am certain the timing of our visit, shortly after they opened and not long before Covid, has a lot to do with the situation.  This will be our first trip back to Costa Maya since and I wanted to try something new, without having to do the AI thing.  CM may become a port that we remain on the ship for in the future.  Thank you for the feedback!

[PlanoTim]

On 5/1/2024 at 8:52 PM, MandyMooToo said:

Thank you, we will likely wind up at KL.  About 4 years ago, give or take, we tried Malecon21 and were disappointed.  Granted, they had just opened up so maybe they have improved but we didn't enjoy it as much as we hoped to.  At the time they had one or two AI packages to choose from, we chose the highest priced package even though we knew we wouldn't spend that much PAYG (just didn't want to have to be concerned with any extra fees aside from tips).  When we arrived we were given four chairs that were split far enough away from each other (in different rows too) that we could not hang out with the other couple in our group even though they were not busy yet, and yes, we reserved together.  Then they brought drink menus and each drink we picked they said we could not have.  They said AI packages could only have frozen drinks (Pina coladas mainly) and a rum punch type of drink, can't remember what it was called, and a couple of other single liquor/mixer type drinks.  The food was vey limited too, we could not choose what we wanted off the menu.  When we complained they just said "sorry."  Drink service was very poor too, even though we were tipping well.  Probably got three drinks all day?  So maybe they have gotten it together and are much better now, but I really dislike the idea of AI unless it is a resort with lots to do/benefits that will keep us there all day.  Guess it cannot hurt to try KL and see how it goes this time, thanks again!

We went to Malecon21 last week and enjoyed it.  We did the AI option.  It was very chill.  The food & drinks were very yummy and service were great.  My wife loved the spicy margarita and the Pina Coladas I had were superb - not icy at all.  There was a good selection of drinks that we could choose from (and 5-6 beer selections).  It's a small thing, but I like that the drinks were served in a real glass.  The food was not your normal grilled chicken and rice, quite tasty.  There were a few beach vendors, but it wasn't bad.  It was deserted till around 11:30, and never got more than 50% full - probably less.  The one downside for me was the French psych-punk type music that was played (la Femme, Lockhart, etc.).  It was mostly in the background and my wife didn't mind it.  But it isn't what I think of as beach music.  We really enjoyed our day.

[c-leg5]

13 minutes ago, PlanoTim said:

We went to Malecon21 last week and enjoyed it.  We did the AI option.  It was very chill.  The food & drinks were very yummy and service were great.  My wife loved the spicy margarita and the Pina Coladas I had were superb - not icy at all.  There was a good selection of drinks that we could choose from (and 5-6 beer selections).  It's a small thing, but I like that the drinks were served in a real glass.  The food was not your normal grilled chicken and rice, quite tasty.  There were a few beach vendors, but it wasn't bad.  It was deserted till around 11:30, and never got more than 50% full - probably less.  The one downside for me was the French psych-punk type music that was played (la Femme, Lockhart, etc.).  It was mostly in the background and my wife didn't mind it.  But it isn't what I think of as beach music.  We really enjoyed our day.

Glad you enjoyed the food and location. 
 

Sorry about the music I wouldn’t have been keen on that either depending on how loud it was.  I assume it was piped and perhaps louder towards the bar area? We enjoyed pleasant sessions of live guitarist but that was a few years back now and I assume it comes down to who is available.

 

I think the place has become popular with European backpackers and maybe it has a new vibe?
 

We have certainly enjoyed the drinks and different food choices and the “fusion” food. Do you know if the Italian owner is back onsite now - we felt his absence made a big difference in service, post-Covid?

 

We will certainly give it another chance if we get back to Costa Maya.

 

[PlanoTim]

2 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

Glad you enjoyed the food and location. 
 

Sorry about the music I wouldn’t have been keen on that either depending on how loud it was.  I assume it was piped and perhaps louder towards the bar area? We enjoyed pleasant sessions of live guitarist but that was a few years back now and I assume it comes down to who is available.

 

I think the place has become popular with European backpackers and maybe it has a new vibe?
 

We have certainly enjoyed the drinks and different food choices and the “fusion” food. Do you know if the Italian owner is back onsite now - we felt his absence made a big difference in service, post-Covid?

 

We will certainly give it another chance if we get back to Costa Maya.

 

The music wasn’t horrible, but it did get old for me.

 

There was plenty of non-English being spoken by the other guests, so maybe it is popular among Europeans.  I got the feeling that some of the afternoon arrivals (at the beach) were people that were staying there.

 

One other thing we liked was the abundance of shade.  I like a palapa as much as the next guy, but shade from palm trees just seems nicer.

 

Nobody introduced themselves as the owner, so I’m not sure if he was there.  The staff seemed pretty attentive, so maybe he or a good manager was there.

 

We will return the next time we visit Costa Maya.