Our family of 5, two in their 50's and 3 in their 20's took a 5 day vacation to Playa del Carmen and stayed at the Gran Porto. Everything on this vacation worked to perfection. Our rooms were great, the food was very good, weather was perfect and the help was exceptionally nice. We loved the area and hope to return in the future. We took a 1 day excursion to Chichen Itza and that was a wonder. Great family places to go.

Keep a lot of $1 bills for simple tipping. They are appreciative of a little extra, though we didn't feel pressured to tip in any way. A dollare seems to go a long way for the locals.

We stayed at the Gran Porto Real for a friend's wedding. The wedding was the nicest we've been to, from the ceremony to the reception. The food was the typical all-inclusive type...not bad but gets old after a while. We stayed at a resort in Nuevo Vallarta 2 years ago, and there was no comparison between that one and this one. Playa by far is the better place to stay. All of the staff was super friendly. Our only complaint was that we didn't get animals made out of towels like some of our friends did from the housekeeping staff! The sister resort next door is a step above this one...nicer amenities, more restaurants to choose from, etc. We still have absolutely no complaints with the Gran Porto. We'll definitely return!

Very nice hotel but the room had a few shortcomings (note it was the Junior Oceanview suite -- and the ocean was easily visible, though others were further away). The room was humid without the A/C running, but that seems to be normal around the Caribbean. The A/C sounded like it was on its last leg (re: noisy). No bath tub, only a big shower. The bathroom is only meant to be shared with a significant other. Overall the Real was great and a good value. The Royal was certainly nicer if you demand the best.

Traveler's tip:

We enjoyed our stay here very much. The location is great. We had plenty to do here and around the hotel. They provided wonderful service. The food was good not great but satisfied us. The only draw back was that the beach did not have any snorkeling spots and the activities beyond the area were costly. Overall, we enjoyed our stay immensely. We plan to return.

Traveler's tip:

The Porto Real was amazing the mediteranean look its beautiful.The food was good except that they need vary it a little more but overall the food was good especially the fish.The pool was ok if you like the cold I really don't understand why they turn on the heater but oh well you get over it,its not a big deal.The beach was great clear blue water, the rooms were wonderful I liked the bathroom shower was humongous except that it has a bad drain the water accumulates for a while when your taking a shower but I just laughed about it(We were in Mexico ha ha) Overall the service was great I really enjoyed so much I'm returning with my husband in thanksgiving .So I definitelly would recommend this hotel to everyone.

Traveler's tip:

Hotel was clean, food was good, service was incredible! Staff was serving us with a smile all the way down to the evening chocolates delivered to our room. Perfect location in comparison to town and other resorts. Perfect place to take a walk on the beach or in town. We will return!

I paid for a Jr. Suite room and as soon as I got there (5pm) they told me they didn't have any jr suite available, they gave me a regular room with a "paid dinner w/lobster" but my friend at The Royal in playa del carmen had the same problem, if you don't check in at 3pm or around that time, they give those room to the first people that arrive before you.

Traveler's tip:

The staff was very friendly and helpful, and the hotel is beautiful. The location is great, only a few steps away from 5th Ave. The rooms luxurious, comfortable and extremely clean. The food and drinks were very good, as were the shows. There is plenty happening but if you don't want to take part there is no pressure. We wouldn't doubt to stay again at the Gran Porto Real.

Traveler's tip:

Our stay at this hotel was extremely enjoyable. The entire staff went out of their way to make our stay pleasant. The water activities were fun, the food at all the restaurants was delicious. I would definitely go back!

I arrived at the Gran Porto on Aug 31,2007. The room I already booked and paid for(junior suite) was not available and would not be until the next day so I had to take a standard room (which was not bad at all). For the inconvienience I was given a lobster dinner. I would have rather had the room I paid for. They also gave me the option of staying across the street in their sister hotel which I knew nothing about but after checking it out later I would have chosen it instead. The Gran Porto is a decent hotel. No bugs,etc. Plenty of pool and beachside areas. The food was good and depending on what you drink and what bar or restaurant you get it from some of the drinks seemed watered down. Just tell them to fix it and they will. Overall, it is not a bad as what I thought it would be based on other reviews.

Traveler's tip:

After a miserable experience on our last excursion, I found myself bracing for more battles (a defensive mechanism?). Fortunately, my experiences with the Gran Porto Real gave me no realization of said worries. The hotel was very nice, staff very friendly and helpful, food was pretty good all around, drinks were a plentiful, music was appropriate, and there were plenty of activities for adults and children (although our daughter was not travelling with us). As far as the location of the hotel, the beach was pretty nice and walking to local activities, shopping, and the ferry to Cozumel were all easily within 15 minutes maximum of the resort. The sister hotel "Royal" across the street did have a nicer beachfront, but I have no complaints at all about our stay at the Gran Porto Real. I would strongly recommend, however, the upgrade to an oceanfront room. Some friends travelling with us chose ocean view, which was a bit of a misnomer. The had a view of the street in front of the hotel and the elevator door which happened to be about two feet from their room door. Happy travels!

We really liked this place! Staff was very friendly and helpful, and the hotel was beautiful. We loved the pool and all the activities. It was an active, busy place so don't go expecting utter peace and quiet. This was very fun and happening and in a perfect location on the beach, but also steps away from 5th Avenue. The rooms were luxurious and all the amenities were very nice.

Spacious room, everyone helpful and friendly. Service excellent. Will return to Gran Porto for next Mexican Vacation!!!!!

Our stay at the Gran Porto Real was excellent. It was one of the best vacatins we have had. The whole experience exceeded our expectations. We will return soon.

Our first trip to Playa del Carmen was interrupted by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. We only stayed at the Gran Porto for 2 nights before we were evacuated. We returned to finish the vacation that was cut short by Wilma. The hotel is a very good place to stay. We had a great time. The staff was really friendly and helpful. The food was good, as were the drinks. So good, in fact, that we are going to return next year. This hotel is beautiful and perfect for us. Also, the beach is bigger now than before hurricane Wilma. Had a great time.