Neuva Vida and Playa Mambo

[catrina]

We have been to Playa Del Carmen for quite a few years, and decided this year to split our trip up and stay in Tulum for the first week. I have been researching a ton, and have sort of narrowed my search down to two places in Tulum, Neuva Vida and Playa Mambo. Wondering what the preference is between these two? Any big differences?

A couple questions I have about Neuva Vida are, do they have a bar onsite? I don't see one on the website. Also, do they have beach chairs and umbrellas, or some type of shade for the beach?

Thanks much

[beachreader]

Nueva Vida has a full-service restaurant on-site, but it's across the road, not on the beach side. They do, however, offer beach and room service, which is great to have. They have beach beds and chairs as well as umbrella setups, I believe there are enough for every room, and many of the rooms have great covered decks if you want even more shade. Continental breakfast is included.

Playa Mambo is a much smaller place, only 3 beachfront units (and a handful more just behind those). It's only two or three properties away from Nueva Vida, so the beach is basically the same, but since Nueva Vida's property is so large, there's more space there. Mambo is right in between two other smaller properties. You won't feel crowded by any means, it's just a different setup. They also include continental breakfast, but I'm not sure if they have a full restaurant on site or not. Perhaps Lazydog or one of the others who have stayed there will check in.

[lazydog]

Oh I'd like to stay at NV, I just can't afford it! Their decks look gorgeous, open and private. But we had a great time at Playa Mambo last year and with the money we saved and will save this year I can't say no! When we stayed at Mambo last year we were the only ones in a beachfront unit so it seemed really private to us. They are both really great locations, Mambo's units are a bit more squished together but we loved it, had a great time and felt super safe each night.

The restaurant at Mambo served breakfast and dinner. A couple of options for each meal and they also served beer, wine and marg's when we were there last year. They brought us coffee each morning to our deck and then we headed over for breakfast. The continental is just a couple of rolls and the coffee but ordering one breakfast was large enough for two, (about $5 for a very large egg dish, what ever you wanted). I'd stay at both if I could, but I like to move around. We are down for eight days (shortest ever) this trip and will stay in three different cities/towns. I know some others have stayed more recently and might be able to give a more accurate update. Two weeks, I am jealous!!

[last minute]

Here's a view of the cabana (Ola) we stayed in at NV.

http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx283/melbariley/mexico09/100_0203.jpg


And here's a view of the beach bed, chairs and umbrellas, set up each morning just for us.
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx283/melbariley/mexico09/100_0206.jpg


We had coffee in the morning on the beach! (I picked it up from the restaurant, but they also delivered, and had lunch beach service)
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx283/melbariley/mexico09/100_0225.jpg

I would recommend Ola. It's rustic, but in a nice way. And it felt very private, with its own pathway. It's one of the less expensive cabanas at the hotel. Off season, only $115 a night, inc. taxes and breakfast. You didn't say when you are traveling. The high season prices are higher of course.

LD, you mentioned that Playa Mambo is less expensive. I went on their website and they don't have prices. How do they compare with NV's, do you know?

[minniemex]

Welcome to the forum catrina!! I think either one would be a great choice. Check out lazydog's trip report and then you can compare the two and hopefully make a decision.

http://tulum.info/showthread.php?t=3569&highlight=playa+mambo

Found one from amo tulum too! on Playa Mambo ~

http://tulum.info/showthread.php?t=3786&highlight=playa+mambo

[catrina]

Thank you so much everyone, for the pictures and helpful information. I think we have decided on NV, those pictures are great. Now I just have to figure out how to send them a deposit, and I'll be all set. I wish May wasn't so far away!

[lazydog]

Lastminute, the rates at Playa Mambo kind of vary a couple of dollars or so but range in price from highest of $130 (that I have heard of) a night ocean front/high season to $90 and less for the back units so I have heard from reading others reports/posts etc. I have heard that some have got the ocean front for $120 in high season, walk-in rates have also been cheaper etc.(just second hand info. from reading posts) It is probably close to $100 saving per night compared to NV for us as we are three. We can easily eat/drink for $100 per day, so it works out to be our food costs. I also kind of like the electricity in the evening and the outlets in the room to charge stuff. That is the great thing about Tulum, there seems to be a place that everyone can afford, from a private villa to a teepee on the beach!

[beachreader]

Alas, Lazydog, I've heard that Mambo's high season rates have gone up rather significantly. I think someone said the Penthouse was $190? Not sure if that's true, always best to send them an e-mail and ask.

I forgot about the outlets in the rooms thing. At Nueva Vida, you have to go to the reception area to charge your stuff.

I think the finishes/decor at Mambo are nicer than the comparatively-priced units at NV (i.e., their rustic beachfront rooms), and the beds are probably better, but the decks at NV are pretty great. It's a tough call between them!

[minniemex]

I was quoted $160 for Naranja in February. It truly is a hard choice what to pick!! :beerchug:

[lazydog]

Wow, when I asked for a quote recently it was much lower. But he did mention that he was giving us a special return guest rate. Phew!

[beachreader]

Wow, when I asked for a quote recently it was much lower. But he did mention that he was giving us a special return guest rate. Phew!


Sometimes it pays to patronize the same place! Even at the new higher rates, Mambo is pretty affordable for the beach road and offers a lot of bang for the buck.

[ildipoo]

oh boy. beachreader thanks for that report and photos. I had not seen it before booking Playa Mambo. I think I will have to reconsider where we're going to stay. I dont like the looks of that large structure right next to the Oranja cabana and they just look too rustic to me. I have never slept with a mosquito net and I would probably be way too creeped out if I came across a rat or whatever that was. Too bad because the rates are ok, the beach looks great, the place has good reviews and the beds sound comfy but I think its back to square one for me.

[mehitabel]

ildipoo (http://tulum.info/member.php?u=2431), for what it's worth, I think you'll be hard pressed to find a cabana type beach front accommodation that doesn't include a mosquito net. But why wouldn't you want one? We'll be staying at Nueva Vida on an upcoming trip, but came very close to booking Posada Lamar -- the Zafiro cabana looks amazing.

[beachreader]

I think I will have to reconsider where we're going to stay. I dont like the looks of that large structure right next to the Oranja cabana and they just look too rustic to me. I have never slept with a mosquito net and I would probably be way too creeped out if I came across a rat or whatever that was. Too bad because the rates are ok, the beach looks great, the place has good reviews and the beds sound comfy but I think its back to square one for me.


I think the decor/design at Mambo is pretty cool, kind of eco-chic (did you see the stones in the sink?), so if that's too rustic for you, I'm not sure where to send you.

The animal probably got in through a door left open, but it's not a rat, not in the sense of dirty, icky places that have rats. Tulum is built along the edge of the jungle, and there are animals there, but I have never personally seen an animal like this and this is the only instance I have heard of an animal like this coming into someone's room. Lazydog was just lucky! :)

You don't have to sleep with the mosquito net; I'm not a fan myself and usually leave mine tied up and out of the way. If the mosquitoes do show up, though, you'll be glad to have it! Most of the time, though, when you're right on the beach, the constant sea breezes keep the skeeters at bay.

I don't know what the deal with that building next door is, but Lazydog said she never really noticed it.


If you really are going to start over, maybe look for places that are up on stilts or on a second floor; that would certainly limit opportunities for larger critter visitors.

[SunBaby]

I can't comment on Playa Mambo, but my husband and I just returned from Nueva Vida last week. (Today my husband reminded me that we were there just five days ago!) We also stayed in Ola and loooooooooooooooved it! It is pretty bare bones, but it has a ton of charm. We liked the "separateness" of the cabana- it felt like we were there alone, even though there were obviously others staying at NV.
There is not a "bar" per se at NV, but the restaurant, Casa Banana, is wonderful. We loved their coffee and their drinks and the service is top notch.
You can't go wrong with Nueva Vida!
Good luck making your decision and have fun. :)

[PhyllisB]

oh boy. beachreader thanks for that report and photos. I had not seen it before booking Playa Mambo. I think I will have to reconsider where we're going to stay. I dont like the looks of that large structure right next to the Oranja cabana and they just look too rustic to me. I have never slept with a mosquito net and I would probably be way too creeped out if I came across a rat or whatever that was. Too bad because the rates are ok, the beach looks great, the place has good reviews and the beds sound comfy but I think its back to square one for me.

Based on this, I'd probably say Tulum isn't the right place for you. It's terrible to get somewhere with expectations that don't really match up with reality, so better to know that Tulum, while becoming more and more developed, is still connected to a jungle. There are critters. I've never had one in my room (aside from mosquitos), but there have been known to be critters around.

I'm not sure how many of the trip reports you've read but they should give you a good idea of what to expect in Tulum.

Sounds like Suenos or Ana y Jose might be more comfortable for you, but if I recall correctly you're doing this a little last minute so they probably don't have availability at this point.

Don't mean to be harsh, but don't want you to be surprised either. I don't think there's a place in Tulum that doesn't have mosquito netting.

[minniemex]

Thank you so much everyone, for the pictures and helpful information. I think we have decided on NV, those pictures are great. Now I just have to figure out how to send them a deposit, and I'll be all set. I wish May wasn't so far away!

Your thread got a little hi-jacked!! Have you booked Nueva yet?? Let us know!:wave:

[pepper]

oh boy. beachreader thanks for that report and photos. I had not seen it before booking Playa Mambo. I think I will have to reconsider where we're going to stay. I dont like the looks of that large structure right next to the Oranja cabana and they just look too rustic to me. I have never slept with a mosquito net and I would probably be way too creeped out if I came across a rat or whatever that was. Too bad because the rates are ok, the beach looks great, the place has good reviews and the beds sound comfy but I think its back to square one for me.

Just because there is a mosquito net doesn't mean that you will need it. The better places do have screens on the windows...I have never used mosquito netting even though it is there in case you do need it - many places have it for ambiance.

And to back up Phyllis...she's right that Tulum in general might not be for you. Often you will find other critters in your room - crabs, lizards, giant moths, cicadas (once I had a bird in my room). An iguana might be on your deck (and hopefully not leave behind a cat-sized dropping!). You have to remember that Tulum is a very NATURAL place with nature all around you.

[catrina]

Your thread got a little hi-jacked!! Have you booked Nueva yet?? Let us know!:wave:

I did book NV! I narrowed it down to the two places and then had my husband look at them. We booked the Suspiro cabana at NV, he likes the idea of a second floor balcony overlooking the ocean. I am really looking forward to this trip; this one more so because we are doing something different.
It's a long way off though, have to get through a whole winter first.

Thanks again for all the great information, it really helped us make a decision.

[beachreader]

Oh great, I love those new units at NV. I think you're going to love it there!

[lazydog]

I just want to mention in regards to the little critter we found in our bathroom. The staff had advised us to keep our food in "their" fridge, which we didn't and also advised us to keep our doors closed, which we didn't. We didn't listen.

I am sure if I was someone else reading my trip report it might have freaked me out, but in real life it didn't . Our family must be weird or just bored because it was kind of exciting and funny. Javier running in half naked, us up in the loft with our umbrella for a weapon. And of course throwing the camera at Javier and insisting he take a photo before he scooted the little guy out. We still laugh about it.

Who was it that figured they had an iguana in their cabana the whole week? That was a couple of years ago but that also made for a great photo and story. This year I'll listen to the staff when they give me suggestions.:rolleyes:

[beachreader]

Lazydog! You had food in your cabana? :eek: Poor little guy was just hungry!:homer_sub:


I'd have completely freaked out too, so I'm glad it happened to you guys instead! :p

[ildipoo]

hey everyone! I didn't mean to give the wrong impression. I am quite adventurous (really!) and I dont mind most critters. I love love love the beach in Tulum but actually have only been to El Paraiso. I think I am going to switch to Nueva Vida however. The suggestion to stay in a place above ground a little is a good one. I'll let you all know what happens!