Hotel Dos Playas Faranda

Unfortunately, with this resort, there were more cons than pros. First of all the food was not great. I more or less lived on salads. The hours of the restaurants didn't allow you to go for snacks anywhere really. They have a pizza place but the people who run it are very unfriendly and do not even acknowledge people standing there. You have to approach them. It takes 15 minutes to get a subpar pizza with a little bit of sauce and a few pieces of zucchini thrown on it. I don't know why they even have this place. When the sushi bar was open, the sushi was very good. Again, the hours are too short. The wait time is long The hotel rooms themselves - where we were in the older part was disgusting. The sheets were threadbare the bathrooms were very old with rusted taps, it took two or three flushes of toilet without even having a bowel movement. Not to mention we had to pay a Not to mention we had to pay a $30 US sanitation fee at the resort. Office was basically just an office. There was nowhere to go and hang out in a bar or lounge anywhere on the resort. It rained for 2 1/2 days and you either have to stay in your room or go underneath overhang that leaked. The pros – the beach is absolutely gorgeous. The entertainment staff was terrific. Even if there weren't many People getting involved, they always were pumped and had smiles on their faces. The pools are really great. However, I would never return this resort, nor refer it to anyone else. I was very disappointed. We usually don't mind a 3.5 to 4 star but this one was a low three. [Details]

The first room that we were booked in had a non working shower. We asked for a different room and received it, a much nicer room at no extra charge. The staff, although they did not speak the English language very well, and I did not speak Spanish at all, we seemed to communicate okay. They were hard working and tried to make our stay enjoyable. Rooms and beds were clean and comfortable. I would stay there again. [Details]

This hotel is absolutely the worst hotel I've ever been to. Yes it is only a 3 star hotel (I'd say more like a very poor 2 star) from the moment we arrived we wanted to leave. We were changed rooms 4 times (1st room looked like it was straight out of the bates motel movie) 2nd room had no locks on the door or balcony the 3rd room would have sufficed but it had no air conditioning. Now let's talk about the food...It was horrible. I thought maybe it would be ok and I would just eat fruit and salad until I watched the food truck show up with all the fruit in the back and flies all over it [Details]

I enjoy smaller resorts and this was a good one. I found alot of families and couples at this resort . It was peacefull good for relaxing not really a party resort for the 20 something crowd. Beach was great ,always a lounger. Lots of pools and A plus staff. The Snack bars were great same with the bars . Really Friendly staff. Thai restraunt and Mexican Restraunt were good. If you are a princess and high matinece this is not the resort for you. If you want a goid peaceful vacation on a budget its great. [Details]

This has to be the worse all inclusive hotel (among dozens) I have been to.
The food is mediocre. The hotel is very poorly insulated and noisy. The small beaches are sub par.
They re-use the thin plastic glasses at the bars ... And NEVER wash them. The glasses are rinced in a bucket of water !!!! No wonder we were sick !
This is NOT a nice hotel even at a discount.
If you want a cheap run down noisy hotel full of Russian and Colombian douche bags, this is your spot! [Details]

PLEASE MAKE TIME TO READ!

Service - Ok...but some of the staff ignore the guess!

Room - Fair..... After taking a shower All the water flooding all over the floor even it has a curtain! The toilet won't flash properly you have to do it 3 times!

Restaurant - Poor...while eating there's a water comming out on the ceiling! so my food is so disgusting to eat! cuz the water is all over my plate and food!

Bar - Ok

Swimming pool - Fair

Beach - fair

Reception - Poor! So my friend visit me on the hotel and no one told him that he has to pay for day pass visitor! and when me and my friend was drinking but he paid on his drink inside the hotel he still get kicked out! and i told the guy that there's no problem if we gonna pay. and the elder guy start yelling that you have to pay! pay now not tommorow! so i went to my room grab my wallet and pay for it so he can stay! cuz my friend didnt bring much cash! cuz he left his wallet on his hotel! its very dissapointing how they handle the situation! like that very unprofessional!

Last but not the list!

*****FOOD*****

7 days in this hotel! from the start to our last stay! the food is pretty much the same! taste all the same!

FRUITS -- is all left over and they still served it! not just the fruits but all the food in there!!

I took a video of it of how disgusting to eat it!!! in the restaurant!!! flies all over the fruits! cockroach on the fucking table!!! its all recorded on my phone!! i will upload the video so the tourist will avoid this hotel!

I will never go back in this hotel!!

SO TELL ME!!! How you gonna fix this complain.?

i dont know why i couldnt upload the videos and pictures! [Details]

My wife and I came to this resort with some mixed feelings. Past reviews were in some cases dismal; we took advanage of a discounted "last minute" deal; and we normally frequent 4 & 5 star resorts only.
To our surprise this 3 star villa/resort was a very positive experience. We could always find good quality food and reasonable variety. It was apparant that our section of the resort and room were recently refurbished with beautiful tile work. We had heard that in other villa areas guests were not quite as well-off. Clearly the management was making significant efforts to bring the resort up to a consistent standard of quality.
The room was refreshed every day with sheets and towels and thoroughly cleaned. The staff were friendly, professional, courteous and even remembered your name.
The nightly entertainment was as good if not better than a 4 and 5 star resort. The entertainment staff were very engaging enouraging you to participate and join in the fun. [Details]

Entertainment and restaurant/bar staff were very friendly and hard working. They did an excellent job!
Joseph, Rene and the girl (not sure about her name) were truly interested to entertain hotel's guests, demonstrating very good people skills. We were shown a part of Mexican culture and inheritance. Great job guys!
The visit to Chichen-Itza was also well organized and informative in regards of Mayan's culture. Excellent job Moto and Jamie!

On the other side we had a negative experience with front desk and housekeeping staff. We were placed in a room without a balcony, facing a very noisy road, so we could not sleep at all. We expressed our concerns to the front desk. They told us to pack our luggage and to come the next morning, they would try to find a room for us in a newer building that is deeper in the resort and further from the road noise. We had to wait for check out time at 12:00. When we came back to the front desk around 11:45am we were told they got a new room for us, but in a different building. We ask if possible to see the room before we move in. We were told to wait, the room was still in use. Finally, at 12.10pm we got the room key and we moved into the "new" room. As soon as we unpacked our luggage, we started to feet a very bad smell that was coming from the bathroom, it looked like the bathroom had a terrible sewer problem. The smell was so stinky, we could not stand it. We went back to reception desk to report the problem. We were told again to wait for the next morning to see if they could find another room for us again. We advised them that we had booked our visit to Chichen Itza for tomorrow and it would be very inconvenient to move. They asked us to pack our luggage and they would move it to another room, while we were on the tour. The next evening, when we returned from Chichen Itza, we were given the key for same room we got when we arrived to the hotel on the first day. The new guy at the front desk (name Abraham) was confused, but he still did his best to help us. He advised that he had only two rooms available (in the same building) if we want to have a look. Finally, our third evening in the resort, we ended up in a room without a balcony, further from the busy road, happier that it was a little quieter and no bad smell. Still the housekeeping service was very poor. If housekeeping lady did come, she would not leave towels and toilet paper. So in the evening we would come back to the room to shower before the dinner, but would need an hour to track down towels. We phoned the front desk every day several times to get towels and the last day we had to go and pick them up along with toilet paper (after calling the reception desk several times, and each time they would tell us "the room service is on the way"). This was the first time in our life that we experienced such a bud service.

The place, beach, and landscaping are interesting, there is potential in it. Restaurant/bar staff are friendly and hardworking. Once again, all bravos to entertainment staff Joseph, Rene and "the girl".
Still, if they want customers to come back, they would have to work much more to improve customer service on the front desk and room service. [Details]

I just wanted to write to you about our experience in cancun with the Dos Playas resort.
Please bear in mind that although I do not hold you in any way accountable for this experience I do believe that you should be informed as to what happens to the people who book travel thru you.
First off we arrived at the hotel at approximately 8 am, we were not really greeted with any pleasantness. The office staff told us that we were free to use the facility but if we wanted food or drinks we would have to pay as our "all inclusive" did not start until 3pm. We were told to return after 10 to see if any rooms were available, so we did and then were told to return again after 12. The first room they put us in were very small, our airconditioner was not working properly and was covered in mold on the outside of the unit. I did call the name on the "welcome" letter we received at the airport as there was no representative at the resort to welcome us or provide us with any details about the resort and the front desk was not informative either. He called the front desk and made arrangements to have us moved. The second rooms were better. The resort had one restaurant and one bar, these were only open during specific times. The resort was also almost fully booked with russian guests, the resort seemed to cater to them over any other guests, serving them at the bar when it was "closed" to the rest of the guests. On many occasions there were no clean cups or bowls at meal time, the food was just ok, the drinks were very low quality but there was the option to purchase higher quality drinks. I have to say that not only will I never stay at this resort again I am also very hesitant to book thru itravel2000 again as this was our first time booking with your company and the lack of service once in Mexico was very disappointing. [Details]

We were pleasantly surprised at the upkeep of the grounds and buildings. We would return. The food and service were great. [Details]

We had a beautiful view from our deck, the beach was gorgeous, the ferry terminal was right there which was great for access to the ferry or other marine transport, party boats. The food in the resturants where good and lots of choices, the bartenders were very inconsistant, sometimes the drinks were great other times you couldn't drink them. The iguannas were everywhere which was fun to see. [Details]

i would give this hotel a good 2.75-3 star food is good, small resort about 125 rooms but nice place for relaxing vacation [Details]

If you simply go with no expectations then you can not be dissapointed. Everyone has there own level of comfort, if you are looking for a clean room to sleep in with great beaches it will work for you. Just because you are in an all-inclusive does not mean that you have to eat like a pig. There was always someone to eat just as you would eat at home. Some of the dishes just lacked flavor. Best food night was Mexican night! This is a 3 star hotel not a 5. There is no entertainment in the evening. We usually left during the day to visit other beaches so can not comment on what happens during the day.
Hotel is in great location to the ferry dock and bus service. Ferry to Isla Mujures costs $17 US per person round trip, will worth the money for the day. Location of the hotel is more in with the locals then the young boozing party scene. Small market and bar beside hotel.
Bus service is amazing for 8.5 peso's per person runs 24 hours, never have to wait more than a couple of minutes for the next bus. Drivers are very helpful, take R1 or R2 marked with Walmart on the windshield to go up and down the hotel strip.
Playa Dolphinsus beautiful beach south of the hotel about 20 minutes on bus.
Third visit to Mexico, fist time in Cancun would go back again but would try a different hotel. [Details]

This is not one of the posh resorts you see pictures of. However, the service is excellent - especially the waiters, they are phenomenal. Every day our room was cleaned and they did a great job. The food was good. The beach was a little small, due to Hurrican Wilma, and a boat dock that is now close by. There is pretty green grass that is well maintained. For entertainment, you are expected to go to Cancun. All in all, if you want to just get away, and pay a lower price, it is still an excellent vacation. [Details]

First the room: We had to switch rooms as our air conditioner was not working, also the curtains were torn in our ground level suite, facing the tennis courts. I had read a review that stated- if you get this type of room ask to switch. We asked to switch and staff moved us happily to another room. The next room had all items intact and the air conditioner did work well.The TV remote- There wasn't one. The toilet did not flush and we had them back to re-fix 3 times. Finally it was fixed for good. Room cleaning times were unpredictable. It did get done daily however and the sheets were clean without holes or stains. Would have been nice if the bottom sheets fit the bed as my feet were constantly on the mattress pad because the sheets ran out 12" before the end of the bed. There does not seem to be a program in place for the reuse of towels (floor replace- hanging- do not replace) We called regularily to get towels. They took them away but did not replace them.
It is suggested we leave 20 pesos to see improved maid service. Maybe if you are a slob. We are neat and so left 10 pesos. On the bright side our room was clean. They have 2 options for item safety- 1 at the reception a safe deposit box or for 20 pesos a day you can use the safe in the room closet. Now for the food: The kitchen is under new management and the food buffet is less than expected. Food groups were all accounted for, and from other guests we found that food kitchen hygene is good. We did see incident of under cooked pork chop which my husband noticed too late and is now still on medication for his bowel trouble.Food was not kept warm even though it was over hot water. Alot of it was deep fried in batter or burnt or under cookedand cold. There were no fresh juices and coffee was constantly running out. Only one purified water station in the whole hotel in the restaurant made it hard to get water during kitchen close times.
The kitchen was open 7am - 10am, 12:30-3pm and then 7-1030pm. There was a snack bar that offered burnt burgers, chilli and chips during these off times but lacked condiments and utensils.
Poolside:Pools are clean and in good repair- there were minimal activities, like yoga, volleyball and quiz questions. Snorkel gear is offered for the beach. We did utilize this and found some small fish near the hotel by the rocky area- this was neat :)The hotel is located next to the docks where ferries come and go to Isla Mujeres which was not too bad- always something to watch. The bungee jump was a bit noisy but another good spectator activity.Cancun is windy and our hotel location was windy most of the time. The wind is warm and so not so much a problem and as well, a barrier has been placed to prevent sand from blowing into the snack bar pool. Swimming is fine if you do not mind the sea grass which washes up on the beach in sometimes large quantities. A gardener is in palce to rake up the grass most days for a fairly clean beach. There was enough beach loungers however, most were in need of replacement or repair. The grassy area was nice but not good to lay on because of the ants which are small but bite. The Wireless internet is offered for free if you have your own device and can be picked up in the lobby. There is a charge to use the one computer in the lobby if you do not. Reception was typical no frills Mexican with reception desk, seating area and then 2 more desks for the sales people( condo/hotel)and Tours. More space is given to them than to the guests waiting area.
In summary: This all inclusive holiday was comparable in price to what we have taken before in Mexico. What was not included but should have been: 24/7 H2O,the Room safe. This older small hotel, although clean with friendly staff, was needing repairs to the outside and restaurant. Tile floors were very slippery when wet and there are lots of stairs around the property. 2 common washrooms on the property- one poolside and one at reception were not fully functional with taps not working and poolside always smelled like an outhouse.
Consrtuction going on at the front of the property seems to be common with these best deals as was the case this time. We liked the Iguanas and geckos. We liked the view from the grass beach side.We liked the outdoor restaurant seating area. [Details]

no hot water
booked 2 double beds but gave us queen
can't use phone to contact local representative for help
no lift, no handicap pathway access(rough stone pavement hard for pulling luggage)
fly & ant on dining serving counter
no entertainment
beach lots of seaweed
toilet hard to flush(no pressure?)
door lock couldn't open one day and we walked to office back and forth 5 times(spent 3 hours finally to find out it needed new battery)
we couldn't(not allowed) use office phone to contact our local representative. [Details]

When you look at the pics, you will be impressed. The pool is not huge, it is maybe 30' across. The beach is part of a marina and blocked with large party boats at all times. Due to the boat traffic, the beach is always covered with seaweed. The landscape on the property is well maintained but my room was not. The electrical socket in the bathroom had some 'home' wiring for a hairdryer and offered sparks and a shock every time the light was turned on. Almost all the pathways and stairs are cobble stone and very rough to walk on. The first day I was there, I tripped going up the stairs, broke my glasses and opened a gash under my eye. If you have mobility problems, this is not the place for you. The buffet had plenty of variety at each meal but was almost the same each day. There is inadequate seating through the entire hotel.
There were maybe 50 loungers available for the entire resort. Also, the restaurant didnt provide enough seating at meals so if you werent first in line, you had to wait until the next wave. For my tastes, the supper was offered too late 7pm. If you didnt make the first wave of eaters, you didnt dine till 9.
The 'all inclusive' should say 'as available'. They often ran out of wine which to me is unacceptable. Not everyone drinks beer and liquor.
I also found, once I was sunburnt, that there is really inadequate shaded areas.
Now for more positive. When I injured myself, the staff literally chased me down to make sure I was ok. I was impressed with the level of concern. Also, when I had problems with my toilet, it was fixed IMMEDIATELY (within an hour). Any issue I brought to the attention of the front desk was dealt with in the same manner. [Details]

A good holiday for the price, but wouldn't pay much more. The staff was very good and tried hard, except the night staff at the front desk. She ignored my requests to stop the party in the next room that went on till 4 am. She even stopped taking my calls and lied about sending security and the manager. Lots of noise from the ferry dock and public beach next door. The room was very basic but clean. No hot water for the first 3 days, then all of a sudden abundant hot water all the time. Food was a bit repetetive but could always find something to eat. Breakfast was the best. The Thai restaurant was excellent! The chef cooks in front of you and explains what ingredients he is using. Fresh, hot and delicious! The beach was small but they own the hotel next door so you can use the bar, restaurant and loungers there.
Don't expect anything fancy, but good for the price we paid. [Details]

My overall experience was made much more enjoyable because of the other people. Although I did have a good time I would not reccomend this hotel to anybody. The menu is very limited and the rations were low. Can't beat the price though, but I will never go back. [Details]

After being at this hotel 16 times, I would say we enjoy every minute of it. [Details]

3 star, very good staff, sunquest rep very bad [Details]

The staff and the manager were very helpful with getting a new room .They upgraded us to a suite at no charge after the original room had some problems .The resturant was OK . The pool for the children was great. The entire Hotel was clean and well kept. [Details]

The location is really good, but the servers at the restaurant is poor. [Details]

Great little find. Booked because of price and went in with 3 star expectations. Pleasantly surprised. Bathroom recently renovated. Room tight but did not spend much time in it. Food was great- flavourful and a changing selection. No they don't offer 500 choices for each meal like a Canadian Chineese buffet but there is a cooking station where they always prepare something fresh plus the rotating buffet. Breakfast for example: egg station where they cook your eggs any style (omelette, fried, over easy) plus scrambled, poached eggs, pancakes, waffles, french toast, hash browns and add fresh fruit, veggies and baked goods. Lunch and dinners similar. Thai restaurant is a five course meal with only 10-12 people. Book it! It's a cooking class, intimate meal. Resort only has 100 rooms so it's not overwhelming. The beach is wide and very close to the water and resort. Iguanas will pose for pictures. Beer cold and drink service is quick. Drinks from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. only but always found that 12 hours was long enough to get my fill. OXXO store two minutes away for after hours beverage purchases. Cllubs and discos a short bus ride away if need be. Daily activities are sporadic but fun. Advertised 3 nights of live music which did not happen. No real options for activities on rainy days but we had 7 days of sunshine. Lots of Canadian and European travelers which created a fun atmosphere. Your own attitude makes or breaks a vacation and we had a great time. Resort at km 6.5 - El Rey Mayan ruins at km 18. Take the $1. bus ride and pay the $3. entrance fee especially if you can't afford the $77. trip to Chitzen Itza. [Details]

C'est un 3* ou le personnel est plus qu'adéquat, toujours de service... seule déception majeure, la plage qui n'est pas très large avec beaucoup d'algues mais compensé par les activités qui sont situés à côté de l'hôtel... la bouffe bien que pas grand choix est très bien apprêtée... l'animation est presque qu'inexistante vu la grande majorité de jeunes qui compose la clientèle mais partante pour la tournées des clubs en soirée...donc, pour le prix payé, très belle semaine surtout si l'on y va pour le soleil... [Details]

The room was tastefully decorated, Mex style, very clean. The food was great. Variety of vegetarian and ethnic foods. Many fruits and vegetables. Dining hall is welcoming. The stuff was friendly and responsive. The beach is GREAT. Perfect location, close to all amenities, bus stop near the entrance. At the same time quiet place. Entertainment: dance, open bar, Bingo, scuba diving demonstration. Every night thematic dinner - Mexican (with live music),Italian and so on. I relied mostly on myself and trips for entertainment. Many young people 18-20 . Babysitting? I did not need one, so I don't know. [Details]

The place was slightly above what I expected for a 2 star.The employees were fantastic and super-friendly.Resort was very clean. But.. u have to be an early bird to get a lounge chair. There's enuf for 40-50% of the resort. If you havent put your towel or a rock on your chair by 7:30am you are camping on the grass. Definitely check out the xcaret bar at the north end of the resort. It doesn't look like its part of the resort but it is and there are 3 more pools,and other than your room, its the only other place to go when it rains. Sure the place is a little rough around the edges, but for what I paid.. i'd go back in a second!!! The buffet style food is quite repetitive, but who cares, you r booking a 2 star. Its hot, clean, safe and the food is pretty good! The remote on my tv didn't work though! lol [Details]

We booked this resort for a cheap price so I honestly can say that I got what I paid for. This "resort" is at best a 2.5 star. Dont expect anything fancy. I would equate the rooms to a cheap motel in Canada.

It is a very small resort and the restaurant is tiny (expect long line ups). You will need to wake up super early to get chairs and beach towels as they run out fast.
Not a terrible experience but I would not stay here again. This resort makes it easy to meet new people and has a smaller setting.

The food is ok- edible but nothing great. The snack bar makes better food than the main restaurant and there are only 2 small bars to get your drinks.

The staff is very nice with the exception of the reception staff. They are rude and sneaky.

When it comes to book ing day trips and excursions, I would search over at the neighboring pier as opposed to the people in the front desk because they will definitely rip you off (they make a commission off of each ticket). I bought the sailing trip to the Isla Mujures for $69 US and found the exact same trip next door for only $40 US. [Details]

worst experience ever.No hot water,toilets work on occassion,no chairs,line up for food i could go on and on...gist..stay away.... [Details]

we were given a bad room and after a few days of arguing, and a talk with our sunquest rep, we were given something a bit better.

overall id say it was good. the bar closed wayy too early and the food should be open for longer hours. would be nice if the beach was groomed, and seaweed was taken away. [Details]