The Grand Mayan, a Vidanta Resort
Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
March 23-March 30, 2016
Overview:
Vidanta is a large timeshare and vacation resort with many locations throughout the country of Mexico. Despite the issues described in this review, I consider the overall stay a 5-star experience because of the outstanding food options, nightly entertainment and many other factors.
At this location, there are many hotel resorts: Sea Garden, Mayan Palace, The Grand Mayan, The Grand Bliss and The Grand Luxxe. Each resort hotel consists of several towers. There are approximately 20 swimming pools, 14 restaurants and three golf courses for guests to enjoy. Electric carts are available for transportation to all hotels, restaurants, swimming pools, golf courses and beach. Alternately guests can use the wooden boardwalks to go from one part of the resort to another. Meal plans are offered for a set fee and includes vouchers for six buffet breakfasts, and six vouchers for lunch or dinner. The guest chooses to use the voucher for lunch entree or for dinner, which includes an appetizer, entree and dessert. Meal plan can be purchased after check-in.
We recently had an opportunity to stay at The Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta from March 23-March 30, 2016. Upon booking the reservation, despite emails and phone calls to Concierge staff, we were unable to get information regarding wheelchair accessibility for the room and the overall resort. While the resort offers a Concierge service to arrange accommodations, there was a significant language barrier which made it nearly impossible to communicate my needs prior to check-in.
This review will encompass all aspects of transportation, The Grand Mayan hotel and the overall resort accessibility. It is based not only on our experience but also from speaking with various staff members, including the sales team at the resort. We intend to write a review of The Grand Luxxe after our next visit.
Transportation from airport to resort:
As part of your resort fee, transportation is provided from the airport to the resort. Guests are required to pay for the return trip to the airport.
Vidanta uses a company called Gapsta Transportation to shuttle guests. Disabled guests are required to transfer into the provided transportation vehicle and the mobility device is then lifted into the rear of the vehicle. For many disabled guests, this is not only a safety issue but it is not feasible with regard to transporting heavy powered wheelchairs and scooters.
Fortunately there is another option. The sole accessible transportation in Puerto Vallarta can be provided by Rafael Maldanado, owner of Paradise Tours & Transportation Services. From our research, he is the only person who has a van with wheelchair lift and we hired him to transport us to and from the airport. He can also accommodate a party of up to 6 people. The resort will not reimburse guests for the transportation as it is considered private transportation. He also offers private tours with a minimum of a 3-hour commitment. For current rates, guests can reach Rafael or use our consultation service to secure a good rate.
Resort Accessibility & Accommodations:
Once guests arrive at the resort they will be delighted about the ease to get around. The resort uses electric carts to transport guests from the transportation area to the hotel. There is an electric cart that has been adapted so that disabled guests can get around the property.
As an alternate to the electric carts, it is very easy to get around the property by walking or driving a powered wheelchair. Boardwalks and paved paths are common throughout the entire resort and will connect you to great restaurants and nightly entertainment. During the day, we enjoyed Happy Hour poolside and explored the wooden boardwalks around the resort. The shopping area is accessible which includes a grocery market, Mexican collectibles, clothing, etc.
Concierge staff can assist in reserving a manual wheelchair or beach chair; guests can reserve prior to or upon check-in.
There are several areas where the resort could improve to accommodate those with disabilities.
First, none of the swimming pools have a lift to assist disabled guests getting into, or out of, the water. We were told this amenity has been requested from many owners.
Second, there is no “family bathroom” if someone needs assistance. We had to go back to our room which frequently interrupted our day. Bathrooms do exist throughout the resort, however most are so small a wheelchair cannot be accommodated.
Third, there are many tours offered by the resort. However, as mentioned earlier, there is no accessible transportation. Disabled guests can arrange a private tour with Rafael Maldanado. Those guests not requiring a van with lift can book excursions through the Travel Desk.
Hotel Room:
During our stay, we were in a studio unit. Originally, we were not given an accessible room. We arrived on a Wednesday and were not able to move rooms to an accessible unit until Friday due to limited availability. Throughout the week, it was determined that there is only one accessible room on each floor and all accessible rooms are reserved for Owners first. This means if you are reserving through a company (e.g., RCI, Interval International, etc.) you are not given priority for an accessible room. It is recommended by the resort that guests book at least 4 months in advance to reserve an accessible room, knowing that priority for an accessible room will be given to the Owners first.
It is also important to note that The Grand Mayan does not have any rooms with roll-in showers. The “accessible” bathroom features a roll-under sink for wheelchairs and a bathtub. The resort does not offer a bench to be placed over
the bathtub. Fortunately, my wheelchair has a “tilt” function so I was able to tilt over the bathtub, thus allowing my care giver to wash my hair. The entire bathroom and studio room had tile floor. All guests should take precautions to dry their feet after bathing as the tile floor is very slippery when wet.
The “accessible room” had a balcony with a ramp which was wheelchair accessible. This was a welcome surprise as we enjoyed being outside on our balcony.
Finally the biggest issue I had with the room was actually getting in and out of the hotel room. The resort requires all guests to wear a wrist band. This indicates where you are allowed to go and also provides access to your room. To enter, guests simply hold their wristband to the sensor on the door lock to allow entry. The problem arises when a wheelchair user cannot get close enough to the sensor. In addition, because there is not enough turning space within the inside entryway, those having large wheelchairs will find difficulty exiting the room. The resort should provide automatic doors for accessible units.
Final Thoughts:
The Vidanta resort, in a general sense, is a lovely place to vacation. The staff at the resort will do everything to try to make your stay memorable. We do recommend that guests plan well in advance and work with the Concierge at The Grand Mayan to ensure your needs can be met.
The Grand Mayan Resort, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Photo by Jake Fitzpatrick