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First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/18/2013 10:07:46 AM
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algooo
Posts: 30
Joined: 2/18/2013
From: Nashua, NH
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Hello everyone.
First post, so please bear with me.
We're staying at a La Sirena condo in HMB for a week in mid-March. We snorkeled Akumal Bay twice last year via colectivo from PDC, but this is our first time staying there. We're not renting a car, and will be using private transfer to/from airport. I have the following options for picking up groceries:
Pay extra to have the transfer stop at one of the larger markets enroute and stock up for the week or,
Have the transfer make a quick stop at a convenience store (free) to pick up beer/few things. Have Turtle Bay deliver food so we have something to eat when we arrive. Walk over to the pueblo that evening/next day, pick up groceries, and take a cab back--I believe there's a cab stand across from the market. I'm leaning towards this option.
Any thoughts/other options would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Al
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/18/2013 11:28:06 AM
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Juan
Posts: 78
Joined: 9/23/2005
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Rent a car. Won't cost much more and well worth the money for the freedom it gives you.
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/18/2013 11:56:45 AM
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SchnauzerDog
Posts: 6349
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Shopping at the pueblo is not even close to shopping at one of the large grocery stores. If you want groceries for a week, I'd pay the $20 they charge to stop on the way in. Also... there are nice restaurants on HMB. You don't have to order in.
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/18/2013 1:16:33 PM
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reefhugger
Posts: 8900
Joined: 8/25/2004
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If you're planning to do any grocery shopping beyond just some snacks and beverages, definitely stop at one of the bigger stores. I always prefer to just get it out of the way and done on the way down. Then I don't have to take any vacation time to go get groceries unless I choose to after that.
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/18/2013 1:47:57 PM
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mevose
Posts: 335
Joined: 12/12/2010
From: Kennebunkport, Maine
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Another vote for stopping at a large store on the way down. It's worth the extra cost (I think it was $30 with USA Transfers last year) to get supplies for the week. It's much cheaper than shopping at the small markets in Akumal and there's way more selection, plus we found it kind of fun to shop in a large Mexican grocery store. And I agree, it's a loonggg, hot walk from HMB to the Pueblo. Another option is to have groceries delivered to your condo and they'll be there when you arrive. We haven't done this, but others have and recommend it. Here's a link: http://www.rivieramayagroceries.com/
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/18/2013 2:22:09 PM
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Johaffy
Posts: 17
Joined: 2/8/2013
From: Rocky Mtn.Hse. AB Canada
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We have used the grocery service several times and highly recommend it.. She does a fantastic job... It is really nice to just show up and throw in your suitcase, grab a cerveza, and just start the holiday... Doesn't get any better than that...
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/18/2013 3:54:20 PM
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SolMan
Posts: 1444
Joined: 1/4/2006
From: Wichita Falls, TX
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Appreciate the info on the grocery service. We may just go this route. I'm all about getting the party started ASAP.
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Gear down, fins up.
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/18/2013 6:55:54 PM
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algooo
Posts: 30
Joined: 2/18/2013
From: Nashua, NH
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Thanks everyone,
We're planning a pretty laid back trip, spending most days at HMB or AB, so we're thinking a car's not needed. I am considering bikes or golf cart though. However, I've read that rental bikes leave a lot to be desired. Is it true that we should bring bike locks? If we take a colectivo, where would we lock up the bikes? Golf carts seem like a fun way to get around, but not inexpensive at $40/day. I haven't been able to get an answer on whether they can be charged at La Sirena.
Looks like the consensus is to stop at one of the larger markets along the way, so that's what we're going to do. We've enjoyed shopping at Mega during previous PDC stays, but "Cancun Transfers," (who we'll be using to get to/from the airport) only offers stops at Sam's, Chedraui, Walmart, and Soriana. Is Chedraui or Soriana similar/better than Mega?
I have questions on other topics (mixed reviews about akumal restaurants, visiting the pueblo, day trip to tulum. . .) about our trip. Should I continue this post or start a new topic?
thanks again,
Al
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/18/2013 8:43:12 PM
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el gran chico
Posts: 355
Joined: 10/21/2005
From: Toronto, ON CANADA
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I've never been to Mega but both Soriana and Chedraui in PDC are huge stores
_____________________________
Returned from Akumal, Feb.12 to Feb 20, 2013 (14th trip to MEX, 11th to RM, 7th to HMB)
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/19/2013 8:16:01 AM
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algooo
Posts: 30
Joined: 2/18/2013
From: Nashua, NH
Status: offline
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Thanks Annie, the Soriana photos look great, so we'll likely stop there on the way. I did look at the grocery delivery website, and think I would prefer doing it myself--just make a list on the plane:-) Have you ever checked out the Wed/Sat fresh produce market--I believe it's by the arches, correct?
I'm definately considering Turtle Bay arrival dinner, since we always arrive hungry, and I would prefer to have something waiting--crack a beer (or 2), eat, then scope out the area with a full belly. We really enjoyed the sandwiches that we had at TBC last year.
Do you bring a lock for your rental bike? Is it ok to ride them over to the pueblo across the bridge? if possible, should I reserve them before heading down?
--Al
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/19/2013 9:14:27 AM
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2BVI
Posts: 728
Joined: 5/17/2008
From: Bayfield, WI
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quote:
ORIGINAL: algooo
Thanks Annie, the Soriana photos look great, so we'll likely stop there on the way. I did look at the grocery delivery website, and think I would prefer doing it myself--just make a list on the plane:-) Have you ever checked out the Wed/Sat fresh produce market--I believe it's by the arches, correct?
I'm definately considering Turtle Bay arrival dinner, since we always arrive hungry, and I would prefer to have something waiting--crack a beer (or 2), eat, then scope out the area with a full belly. We really enjoyed the sandwiches that we had at TBC last year.
Do you bring a lock for your rental bike? Is it ok to ride them over to the pueblo across the bridge? if possible, should I reserve them before heading down?
--Al
There are four places to eat within an easy walk from your condo: LBV, Gwyn's, La Lunita and Que Onda.
We park the bikes/lock in the bike rack on the north side of the arches and walk the 1/4 mile to 307 to catch the collectivo. Bikes are not allowed on the bridge to the Pueblo but we have pushed ours over the 307 walkover bridge when we go there. Or just leave the bikes at the arches and walk around the pueblo.
Good to know that Turtle Bay provides an arrival dinner as we won't be getting to our condo until after 10:00pm
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/19/2013 10:26:49 AM
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mevose
Posts: 335
Joined: 12/12/2010
From: Kennebunkport, Maine
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We've rented bikes from both Mexicarte (the pink store) and Vista Del Mar. They both provide locks, so no need to bring your own. The bikes from VDM didn't have baskets or the big "RENT ME!" signs. The bikes from Mexicarte had baskets, which are handy for snorkel gear, purchases from the farmer's market, etc.
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/19/2013 11:11:04 AM
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algooo
Posts: 30
Joined: 2/18/2013
From: Nashua, NH
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 2BVI
We park the bikes/lock in the bike rack on the north side of the arches and walk the 1/4 mile to 307 to catch the collectivo. Bikes are not allowed on the bridge to the Pueblo but we have pushed ours over the 307 walkover bridge when we go there. Or just leave the bikes at the arches and walk around the pueblo.
Confused: is the "bridge to the Pueblo" different than the "307 walkover bridge"? I believe the walkover bridge is where the colectivo drop off/pick up is located. Is it ok to ride bikes from our condo to that bridge, walk them over, then ride around the pueblo? I thought I'd pick up some Naty's chicken that I've read about, as well as, possibly eat at a restaurant (Tequilaville, El Ultimo Maya, and/or Taco Maya)--all depends on time and how many trips we make over there. Anyone know how well Naty's will hold up on the bike ride back?
quote:
ORIGINAL: mevose
We've rented bikes from both Mexicarte (the pink store) and Vista Del Mar. They both provide locks, so no need to bring your own. The bikes from VDM didn't have baskets or the big "RENT ME!" signs. The bikes from Mexicarte had baskets, which are handy for snorkel gear, purchases from the farmer's market, etc.
Baskets on the bikes seem to be the way to go. Are bikes plentiful? Should I try to rent prior to arriving?
quote:
ORIGINAL: 2BVI
There are four places to eat within an easy walk from your condo: LBV, Gwyn's, La Lunita and Que Onda.
I've read so many mixed reviews about these four restaurants (as well as others in Akumal) that I don't know what to think--guess I'll have to try them and decide for myself
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/19/2013 11:20:21 AM
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reefhugger
Posts: 8900
Joined: 8/25/2004
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Odd that they're willing to go to Walmart and not Mega. Soriana's and Chedraui are both a little easier to get in and out in relation to 307. My favorite is Mega, second would be Chedraui. Soriana's is a very nice store, but the couple times I went there I found they didn't carry some of my favorite Mexican brands of things, but they did have a lot of US items, and their prices were a little higher. That was a few years ago so things could have changed.
I always back my reusable grocery bags and use them. They take up very little space flat in my suitcase. The baggers are used to people bringing their own bags, and I hate getting so much plastic if I don't. Their plastic bags are too small and you end up with only a couple things in a bag.
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/19/2013 12:23:28 PM
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mevose
Posts: 335
Joined: 12/12/2010
From: Kennebunkport, Maine
Status: offline
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I don't think you'll have a problem finding bikes. You might reserve the day before, or get there first thing in the morning.
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/19/2013 1:10:07 PM
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el gran chico
Posts: 355
Joined: 10/21/2005
From: Toronto, ON CANADA
Status: offline
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Gwyn's??? I think you mean Gynn-ak across from Villas Flamingo
_____________________________
Returned from Akumal, Feb.12 to Feb 20, 2013 (14th trip to MEX, 11th to RM, 7th to HMB)
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/19/2013 1:19:52 PM
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2BVI
Posts: 728
Joined: 5/17/2008
From: Bayfield, WI
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: algooo
quote:
ORIGINAL: 2BVI
We park the bikes/lock in the bike rack on the north side of the arches and walk the 1/4 mile to 307 to catch the collectivo. Bikes are not allowed on the bridge to the Pueblo but we have pushed ours over the 307 walkover bridge when we go there. Or just leave the bikes at the arches and walk around the pueblo.
Confused: is the "bridge to the Pueblo" different than the "307 walkover bridge"? I believe the walkover bridge is where the colectivo drop off/pick up is located. Is it ok to ride bikes from our condo to that bridge, walk them over, then ride around the pueblo? I thought I'd pick up some Naty's chicken that I've read about, as well as, possibly eat at a restaurant (Tequilaville, El Ultimo Maya, and/or Taco Maya)--all depends on time and how many trips we make over there. Anyone know how well Naty's will hold up on the bike ride back?
quote:
ORIGINAL: mevose
We've rented bikes from both Mexicarte (the pink store) and Vista Del Mar. They both provide locks, so no need to bring your own. The bikes from VDM didn't have baskets or the big "RENT ME!" signs. The bikes from Mexicarte had baskets, which are handy for snorkel gear, purchases from the farmer's market, etc.
Baskets on the bikes seem to be the way to go. Are bikes plentiful? Should I try to rent prior to arriving?
quote:
ORIGINAL: 2BVI
There are four places to eat within an easy walk from your condo: LBV, Gwyn's, La Lunita and Que Onda.
I've read so many mixed reviews about these four restaurants (as well as others in Akumal) that I don't know what to think--guess I'll have to try them and decide for myself
The bridge is for vehicles only. The 307 walking bridge is for peds and bikes and you can use youir bikes in the pueblo.
We have never had a bad meal in Akumal with one exception and that happened to be at Gynn's. But my wife's was very good. Dining out is part of the experience.
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/19/2013 6:32:48 PM
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juan rojo
Posts: 691
Joined: 12/13/2010
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Algoo , first of all welcome .
Do the Soriana grocery stop . Split up with two carts and have assigned tasks , I'm not kidding , we can spend hours in Mexican grocery stores , stay focussed . If you need pesos use the Santander ATM outside the store in the mall hall , it gives some smaller bills . Pay seperately to each break a 500 peso note if you need to .
Go big and buy lots of heavy fluids of all kinds . It's a hot country and a thirsty place . Juice in tetra packs and one or two of the steel bottles if you see them . We partially freeze them for instant frozen blender drinks and half fill the steel bottles or empty pop bottles for our beach cooler the next day . Bring a one gallon soft sided cooler bag with a strap if you can find one . Wine is very expensive in Akumal . Liquor selection and prices are better in PDC as well . Liquor prices in the pueblo are only marginally better than by the arch .
Specific products to enjoy . Some Yucatan Kalani coconut/honey rum and Xtabentun anise/honey liquour , Kahlua and some milk or almond milk in tetra packs for mix , new mixta canned tequila cooler products - Paloma is a grapefruit flavour to use as a beer alternative , beer , Conch Y a Torro chilean red wines , yogurt , various cheeses in handy small packs , portabello mushrooms are very cheap and so good with some melted cheese , bacon , fantastic fresh baked and deli goods fresh pizza , croisandwiches yummy - go heavy on these too , whole iced cakes , cofee , just bring some filters in case there aren't any in the condo . There is a by the kilo salad bar and regular whole roast chicken for that first night as an option . Que onda is a natural choice as well .
We bring a sharp sheethed paring knife for fruit prep .
When you get to Akumal have the van driver swing through the pueblo and cross the vehicle bridge mentioned instead of using the retorno as he would normally do . This will let you see some of the pueblo and takes no more time .
We also have never had a bad meal . Que Onda by far the closest to you is open and the closed seasonally and so the quality may vary but I have faith that they will still be awesome . Other food reviews may consider relative values to higher priced places but I usually am satisfied or very satisfied with the lower priced offerings at the more expensive places .
Bikes would be very useful from the far end of Halfmoon Bay . Bring a back pack for your snorkel gear and goods while riding . We bring a backpack as a beach bag anyway . Keep asking away .
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Please be happy always
PARTLY CLOUDY = MOSTLY SUNNY
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/19/2013 8:05:20 PM
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algooo
Posts: 30
Joined: 2/18/2013
From: Nashua, NH
Status: offline
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Reefhugger: I contacted Cancun Transfers, and they will stop at Mega. I've decided to go with Mega on the way down since I visited them a couple times last year. Thank you for the tip about bringing my reusable bags.
Mevose: I have friends that live part time in KBP, when the weather's warm. I'll look into renting bikes at the Mexicarte the morning after we arrive. It sounds like we have choices near the condo that we can walk to on our first night--probably be an early night.
Juan: wow! thank you for all the info. I have questions, but have to call it a night.
Thanks again everyone,
Al
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/20/2013 9:13:41 AM
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algooo
Posts: 30
Joined: 2/18/2013
From: Nashua, NH
Status: offline
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Looks like a plan is coming together.
R/T transport using Cancun Transfers, stopping at Mega for beer, liquor, wine, various food items, and enough produce to last until Sat, which is when I'll check out fresh produce market in Akumal.
Use TBC for arrival dinner--have a couple beers (or margs), eat, relax, clean up, check out the condo and surrounding area, and play by ear the rest of the night. I've never used Controy for margs. Is that the orange liquer of choice in Mexico (outside of Contreau or Grand Marnier)?
Rent bikes. I plan to snorkel HMB in front of the condo, as well as, AB. I don't typically use a vest, but I've read different opinions on the subject, so I've purchased a snorkel vest to bring along. If we bike to AB, is Lol Ha the place to rent chairs? Can you take them a bit south--I understand it gets pretty crowded in front of (and around) Lol Ha? We only really need one, as I'll be snorkeling most of the time--Ed's not a big snorkeler, but does enjoy relaxing on a beach with a book/beverage. Are bottles allowed on the beach?
quote:
ORIGINAL: juan rojo
Pay seperately to each break a 500 peso note if you need to. Great tip!
. . . Juice in tetra packs and one or two of the steel bottles if you see them . We partially freeze them for instant frozen blender drinks and half fill the steel bottles or empty pop bottles for our beach cooler the next day. By steel bottles, do you mean empty thermos type bottles?
. . . Some Yucatan Kalani coconut/honey rum and Xtabentun anise/honey liquour. What do you mix with these? I was considering picking up some rum to try to make pina coladas. I'm not typically a PC drinker, but thought it might be refreshing after snorkeling--any recipes for simple PCs?
. . .When you get to Akumal have the van driver swing through the pueblo and cross the vehicle bridge mentioned instead of using the retorno as he would normally do . This will let you see some of the pueblo and takes no more time--another good tip, will do.
We also have never had a bad meal.--good to hear. I was getting concerned.
Just realized we're heading out 3 wks from today--coming fast
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RE: First time staying in HMB--getting around/groceries - 2/20/2013 11:18:41 AM
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2leftiesdoinitright
Posts: 131
Joined: 4/4/2011
From: Eastern Iowa
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I see Dos Lefties got their first advertising gig! Rent Me! Annie I never knew you were shooting an ad! LOL!
You've got a lot of great advice here. A couple of things I'd like to add. There are a couple of stores in HMB. Both Midway and the Corner Store can take care of small needs and beer, juice, salt, pepper. We've used them and the vegtable market on Wed. and Sat. We've also bought flat iron chicken, and pork meals to go in the pueblo. Don't paint yourself into a corner by pre shopping all your food needs. The eating establishments of Akumal Playa and Pueblo have so many great choices to offer. Enjoy your time there.
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Some Things Under Heaven Are Just Cooler 'N' Hell
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