{"id":4105,"date":"2014-05-28T02:31:46","date_gmt":"2014-05-28T06:31:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/projects\/blog\/?p=4105"},"modified":"2018-06-01T20:02:06","modified_gmt":"2018-06-02T00:02:06","slug":"reef-coco-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/reef-coco-beach\/","title":{"rendered":"Reef Coco Beach Hotel Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Reef Coco Beach is one of the most affordable all inclusive hotels in the area.<\/p>\n

I wanted to see for myself<\/strong> what kind of service and quality of hotel you would be getting for so little money.<\/p>\n

This hotel was formerly the Grand Coco Bay and was rebranded to a Reef Resort in 2013. They have made a few modifications, but from what I have seen, all for the better.<\/p>\n

Here is my review of the Reef Coco Beach Resort in Playa del Carmen.<\/p>\n

TOP 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING<\/h2>\n

1. This is a small hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n

202 rooms total. By resort standards, this hotel is tiny. This does affect the ambiance, the number of services on site and the variety of the food.<\/p>\n

You can’t expect a hotel of this size to have the same quantity of services that a 1000 room resort would have.<\/p>\n

The buffet was smaller, but that being said, there was still quite a few food options available. Then again, with the low prices you pay, you can afford to head out and explore a few local restaurants if you are really craving something different.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

2. Time share\/ Vacation Club<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Once you check in you are invited to see the concierge who will give you the hotel information. They will also try to rope you into a hotel tour<\/strong> or a “free tour” of the sister property The Reef Playacar. If this is your thing, go for it. We just didn’t like the roundabout way it was presented.<\/p>\n

3. All inclusive with Extra Charges<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The price is really low – so they compensate by adding optional extras. $2.50 per day for the safety deposit box (really? is safety an option?). $4 per person for the specialty restaurant. $15 \/ day for access to wireless Internet.<\/p>\n

So the biggies like food, drink and activities are included but expect to get dinged for some extras.<\/p>\n

\"Standard<\/p>\n

4. Premium bracelet option<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Like premium brand drinks? You can get a cheap hotel and still drink the good stuff for an under $20 a day. The premium bracelet is for sale at reception, you can ask for it at time of check-in.<\/p>\n

5. There are boats anchored right off shore<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Personally, this did not bother me in the least but some clients complained it affected the cleanliness of the water.<\/p>\n

That being said, the reef is also visible from shore so snorkeling is readily available<\/strong> and accessible. This is one of the only areas in Playa del Carmen where you can access the reef without having to take a tour. Bonus for snorkelers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"reef<\/p>\n

MY PERSONAL TOP 5 LOVES<\/h2>\n

1. Hotel Ambiance<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Due to the fact that this is a small hotel compared to most all-inclusives, the ambiance is quite different.<\/p>\n

It is cozy and extra friendly and almost family-like. The staff knows you after a day. You have a chance to get to know other guests. You can get a group of fellow travelers to hang out with and the kids can make new friends.<\/p>\n

Forget something in the room? No problem! Everything is within 2 minutes walk<\/strong> and close by. Personally, I loved this, but I know it’s not for everyone.<\/p>\n

2. Proximity to Playa del Carmen<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This hotel is located near CTM street down by the beach.<\/p>\n

This area of 5th avenue is quite new and not as developed but is part of the area known as the “new Quinta”. Walking distance to 5th avenue is about 5 minutes. The location is prime!<\/p>\n