As we get closer I would like to hear more from people who were there last year about advice and tips to make it a better experience. I already heard one about listening out for sound chexk which is cool. What other advice is out there??
Probably best advice I got was on tipping. Someone had a great suggestion on bringing sports related stuff like baseballs, and such, due to space constraints I couldnt do that. What we did do though was bring a ton of $1 and $5 bills with and while tipping isnt required it sure helps.
The resort was MUCH better in my opinion than advertised at that time (there was considerable concern about the changeover to the Hard Rock brand), but for me it was the staff that really made the place. They work their asses off and and do it with a smile on their face and I have no issues with paying a little for good service.
The one other thing we ended up doing was getting the lil woman a plastic tumbler for "to go" drinks.
I'm not adept enough to repost, but there was a ton of good information going in another thread leading up to last years.
Here is the list I've been compiling as far as recommendations when preparing for your trip to Mexico. This has come from people who have ventured off on one or more of these excursions. Obviously it isn't an end all be all and is sometimes relevant to each individual but not to everyone. I hope this helps (and I will post this on the fan forum as well):
- Check your passport early and be sure it doesn't expire before your trip. At the same time make copies of your passport and leave a copy in the States with someone and take a copy with you. Would also recommend copies of your driver's license and maybe a credit card just to be safe. You should also leave a detailed itinerary with phone numbers and locations with someone in the States. And definitely call your credit card and let them know you're leaving the country. I like the recommendation of scanning your important documents to a password protected pdf and then emailing it to yourself. This way you can access these documents anywhere.
- Upload an app for your phone that allows it to be a walkie talkie (i.e. voxer, viber) so you do not get charged international fees for using your phone abroad. The apps are free and the resorts have free wifi. This allows you to stay in touch with other Holiday-ers at the resort. Also, you can use an app like Wickr for texting
- Imodium, Cipro and/or probiotics to help with nausea. Maybe even some pedialyte for the morning after.
- Big plastic insulated cup, tumblr (the resort will fill your cup and you're not mandated to use their cups)
- Emergen-C – If you've never used it, it works wonders. Great when you're starting to feel a "cold" coming on
- Extra sunscreen and cigarettes is highly recommended. Very expensive at resort
- Take a poster tube. I bought a plastic one from an office supply store. The poster is a treasure you won't want damaged.
- Bring lots of $1 and $5. I know it says we're not supposed to tip, but I ALWAYS tip at these resorts. You will get much better service and stronger drinks. They very much appreciate it. I've heard mixed opinions about using US dollars versus Pesos. I believe the locals have better resources for exchange than tourists.
- DEFINITELY use your resort credits. Book early at the spa. Also works for merch in the Hard Rock store.
- Airplane bottles of booze for your flight as your carry on liquids. Their size meet the criteria
- MUSIC FOR YOUR ROOM
- Shoes are an interesting topic. Some don't feel flip flops cut it. Some are happy to bare feet. The resort is really big so be aware you may be doing some walking depending on where you're located compared to the stage. If you do choose to go with the flops, many recommend a carabiner to hold you flops or sandals during the show. You most likely will want to go bare foot in the sand so with the carabiner you can clip you footwear and hang them somewhere safe.
- Take a picture of the instrument on your building and your room number.
- You can get a Hard rock specific shuttle from the airport and if this is what you choose, book it early. Many do recommend getting a cab instead or the VIP shuttle out of customs. Personally I like the chance of riding the HR shuttle with Holidayers and getting to know new friends early.
- Condoms & lube
- Go early, stay late (obviously this is $ dependent). Personally, we're going a day early and staying somewhere non-resorty and cheap to get some culture before lapping in luxury.
- Great tips for your maids and room servants: school supplies, toys and baseballs. Your maids will love you for it when they get to take these things home to their kids. Sometimes these things are better than money.
Thats the list I was thinking of, well said and sage advice G
:beer:
Lots of good info here...
http://forum.mymorningjacket.com/index.php/topic,18569.0.html (http://forum.mymorningjacket.com/index.php/topic,18569.0.html)
Awesome stuff. Thanks for the input.
What about music wise. Is it tough to get by the stage or is everywhere a good view?
Personally we didnt have any issues at all and the views were generally great with allot of freedom to move around generally speaking. The wild card this year to me will be the approximately 1,000 extra people over what we had last year and what that may do to the ability to get closer to the stage.
How is there 1k more??
Quote from: Clarkwork on Dec 28, 2014, 08:58 PM
How is there 1k more??
Last year didn't sell out.
The word I heard last year from a few folks was they were at about 1,500 last year and capacity is 2,500.
That said, honestly I dont think it will make much of a difference for shows. We were moving around freely and had no sight issues to speak of, sound was great and you could see where more would fit going back behind the sound boards.
The few folks I spoke to that had stayed over from the Dead shows had no complaints (on the music anyway) and were raving about that set of shows which of course was sold out.
Bulldog, tipping is indeed important you're drinks will come out stronger. I Tip five dollars the first round one dollar each round thereafter
Did anyone go to Xel Ha last year? We did the ruins at Telum and a Cenote tour last year and were looking to do something different this year. It looks like it gets pretty good reviews, but I would love to hear some feedback from anybody here.
Quote from: Derek713 on Jan 02, 2015, 09:04 AM
Did anyone go to Xel Ha last year? We did the ruins at Telum and a Cenote tour last year and were looking to do something different this year. It looks like it gets pretty good reviews, but I would love to hear some feedback from anybody here.
We've spent a day at Xel-Ha, but this was back in fall '06. We loved it. Very relaxing floating around and being able to swim with the aqua life was really cool. We floated around on big tubes and when we saw something like a stingray or a big turtle we jumped off our tubes and dove down to swim around the wildlife. I also remember some great cliffs to jump off. A couple years ago we went to Xcaret which was fun, but we liked Xel-Ha better.
Quote from: gluvmiller on Jan 02, 2015, 11:26 AM
Quote from: Derek713 on Jan 02, 2015, 09:04 AM
Did anyone go to Xel Ha last year? We did the ruins at Telum and a Cenote tour last year and were looking to do something different this year. It looks like it gets pretty good reviews, but I would love to hear some feedback from anybody here.
We've spent a day at Xel-Ha, but this was back in fall '06. We loved it. Very relaxing floating around and being able to swim with the aqua life was really cool. We floated around on big tubes and when we saw something like a stingray or a big turtle we jumped off our tubes and dove down to swim around the wildlife. I also remember some great cliffs to jump off. A couple years ago we went to Xcaret which was fun, but we liked Xel-Ha better.
Thanks!
Those body scanners at the airport can't detect inside your asshole
how big a poster tube?
Quote from: mentos on Jan 20, 2015, 08:50 PM
how big a poster tube?
I carry one I bought at an office supply store used for blueprints. It's plastic with a strap. Good investment.
Quote from: FetusTree on Jan 20, 2015, 04:44 PM
Those body scanners at the airport can't detect inside your asshole
Followed by...
Quote from: mentos on Jan 20, 2015, 08:50 PM
how big a poster tube?
That's. Just. Funny.
one good bit of advice if you want to maintain contact with people on the resort is to add international calling/data to your plan. most carriers will allow you to add it for a month and then cancel... just remember to cancel it after the trip. i am not sure about others, but i think AT&T is about $35/month. one thing most people do not understand is how expensive sending and receiving texts is in MX. this can save you quite a bit of money from your friends texting you from the states.
i believe calls back to the US are free from your room, this is for more of a "are you going to the pool or the lagoon?; what restaurant do you want to meet up for dinner?; where is your spot going to be for tonight's show?" type of stuff.
If you have an Apple device-you can iMessage or FaceTime for free as long as you have wifi.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
there's also a free app called Whatsapp that will allow you to message over wifi for free - works really well!
9 days! :cheesy:
6 inches of snow today and a fore casted 22" on Tuesday. I'm so ready for OBH!
bumpity bump because this thread was very helpful to me last time around as a newbie.
Having been to both I'd say don't forget singles to tip with, coozies, and stuff to decorate your outdoor space. And don't be afraid to leave the Hard Rock as there is lots of cool stuff relatively close to the resort.
Room decorations are a good tip and one we made note of at OBH2. Get creative and make something to hang onto your balcony rail.
Quote from: werduga on Jun 18, 2016, 01:12 AM
Having been to both I'd say don't forget singles to tip with, coozies, and stuff to decorate your outdoor space. And don't be afraid to leave the Hard Rock as there is lots of cool stuff relatively close to the resort.
What type of stuff is there to do relatively close to the hotel? I'm trying to convince my fiancee to do things outside the hotel, but he is kind of afraid because of the security situation in Mexico.
Quote from: nattaragga on Jun 19, 2016, 09:54 PM
Quote from: werduga on Jun 18, 2016, 01:12 AM
Having been to both I'd say don't forget singles to tip with, coozies, and stuff to decorate your outdoor space. And don't be afraid to leave the Hard Rock as there is lots of cool stuff relatively close to the resort.
What type of stuff is there to do relatively close to the hotel? I'm trying to convince my fiancee to do things outside the hotel, but he is kind of afraid because of the security situation in Mexico.
Playa Del Carmen is about half an hour away (bars, shopping, food, parasailing & jet ski rentals) as are ecoparks Xcaret & Xel Ha. There are cenotes and white sand beaches near the Hard Rock (note the beach at the Hard Rock is pretty weak - more of a cove really). The ruins at Tulum are less than an hour away. There are also excursions planned during the day through the Hard Rock and OBH you may want to look into.
What is the situation with posters? I've read on older threads that there are several hundred available during the week of OBH. Is it safe to assume that as long as I show up early to the merch area, I shouldn't have a problem obtaining one?
Just a heads up for anyone booking post nights down in Tulum, 16 hotels were seized by the government..... http://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/one-of-mexicos-hottest-beach-destinations-is-in-turmoil/ar-AAhowhJ?li=BBnbfcL
Quote from: mancityzens on Jun 22, 2016, 02:36 PM
What is the situation with posters? I've read on older threads that there are several hundred available during the week of OBH. Is it safe to assume that as long as I show up early to the merch area, I shouldn't have a problem obtaining one?
You won't have a problem. For both OBH trips, I showed up about an hour before merch time. Probably 30-40 deep at that point, but no problem getting what I wanted. I do believe posters sold out both years, but the poster run for OBH2 was in the 800s. Go early, talk to your line neighbors, have fun. They'll even have a waiter bring you drinks!
Quote from: nattaragga on Jun 19, 2016, 09:54 PM
Quote from: werduga on Jun 18, 2016, 01:12 AM
Having been to both I'd say don't forget singles to tip with, coozies, and stuff to decorate your outdoor space. And don't be afraid to leave the Hard Rock as there is lots of cool stuff relatively close to the resort.
What type of stuff is there to do relatively close to the hotel? I'm trying to convince my fiancee to do things outside the hotel, but he is kind of afraid because of the security situation in Mexico.
The Riviera Maya has less crime than some parts of the States. Food, drinks, and everything else off the resort costs just as much as most tourist areas in the US, so due to the amount of revenue generated, crime is low. Really all you have to worry about is pick pockets, but that's mainly if you're in Playa Del Carmen or Cancun. Tell your husband to grow a pair and venture off the resort, he'll be okay! Jaja, jk jk. I'd even recommend renting a car and driving yourself, but there are taxi's to take you wherever, it's just more expensive. We did a tour with a local company that took us to the Coba Pyramid(last one you can climb), a roadside taco stand with the best Cochinita Pibil tacos I've ever had, a cenote/cave snorkel, a lagoon snorkel, and finally a dinner by the beach. It was around $200 per person(included dinner), but I thought totally worth it. The ruins at Tulum are also a must, and when you're done if you walk south down a lil' road there are multiple beach entrances with amazing restaurants and dudes with boats who will take you out to the reef to snorkel and see the ruins from the water. Xpu Ha beach is also like 10 minutes away. Use every opportunity you can to eat off the resort also, as the food sucks balls and seriously, some of the best seafood you'll ever have is off the resort. If I can think of any other stuff I'll post later!
Quote from: Crayton09 on Jun 22, 2016, 04:28 PM
Use every opportunity you can to eat off the resort also, as the food sucks balls
god bless folks with an adventurous spirit and the money to indulge said spirit, but i'm already paying a lot....A LOT....of money for this trip, as are we all. that includes the ability to eat free at the resort, ball-sucking be damned. here's one traveler who can't justify going out and searching for a way to spend more $$$ on food when there's unlimited grub available on demand.
I'm with the get out and explore crowd. I spend a lot of money to travel to another country and I'm going to spend another $50 to get off campus and look around a bit.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: slappymoe on Jun 22, 2016, 04:57 PM
Quote from: Crayton09 on Jun 22, 2016, 04:28 PM
Use every opportunity you can to eat off the resort also, as the food sucks balls
god bless folks with an adventurous spirit and the money to indulge said spirit, but i'm already paying a lot....A LOT....of money for this trip, as are we all. that includes the ability to eat free at the resort, ball-sucking be damned. here's one traveler who can't justify going out and searching for a way to spend more $$$ on food when there's unlimited grub available on demand.
Honestly the food is not that bad, it's not high end restaurant quality but it is not bad. And if you time and plan properly to go to the actual restaurants for dinners, it's pretty good really! The buffets are obviously going to be, well, buffet quality food. But even that isn't that bad! For a quick bite during the shows they are perfect drunk food :)
Quote from: slappymoe on Jun 22, 2016, 04:57 PM
Quote from: Crayton09 on Jun 22, 2016, 04:28 PM
Use every opportunity you can to eat off the resort also, as the food sucks balls
god bless folks with an adventurous spirit and the money to indulge said spirit, but i'm already paying a lot....A LOT....of money for this trip, as are we all. that includes the ability to eat free at the resort, ball-sucking be damned. here's one traveler who can't justify going out and searching for a way to spend more $$$ on food when there's unlimited grub available on demand.
Fair enough, I understand money will be tight for lots of folks attending. I will say this, you can do Tulum and a few other things off the resort for relatively cheap and I'd say you're really missing out if you don't being that it's so close and accessible. We took a taxi van with a group of like six and I think it cost us around $10 per person roundtrip. Tell your cab driver you want some Cochinita Pibil(whole pig slow cooked in spices) tacos on the way, there are roadside spots that look like dumps, but are the bomb. The tacos cost around 50 cents apiece. Paid around $25 for access to Tulum and for a boat ride to see the ruins from the water(certain ones you can only see from the water) and to snorkel on the reef. The place we ate at on the beach near Tulum had amazing seafood and the entrees were priced around $10-$15 which is pretty reasonable. Also, the staff are cool with giving you basically as many beers as you want, so if you pack a soft cooler or stop and pick up a big cooler(there are big box stores on the way in Playa) you could essentially drink just your resort beer while out and about. There's also bottles of liquor in your room that you could always bring with you as well. So there you go, something kind of adventurous and on the cheaper side.