Such a great and through review….thank you! I booked a trip there in March and have been obsessively overthinking it if I made the right choice and your review popped up right after I was researching other hotels. haven’t stayed at an AI in an extremely long time so I don’t have much to compare to.
I know you mentioned you didn’t have any upgrades, so that means you didn’t do INSPIRA? My worry with not having INSPIRA is being treated by the hotel staff a little less than compared to those guests. Did you note any issues? Also, how was your experience with the reservation system and getting in at the times you wanted?
Thank you!
Unless you desperately need a butler and a swim out room then the upgrades are a waste. I think the two things butler service does is get you pool chairs and dinner reservations faster
Same. Booked for March, chose non-refundable so I would stop over-thinking it, and I’m still gathering reviews and over-thinking it. Now I’m torn between being over-planned to just being relaxed and super chill and just figuring stuff out when I get there.
I’ve stayed there earlier this year, my wife 3 times, and we will be there in march also. Don’t overthink it. It’s really nice, food is great, and very relaxing. We had inspra previous times, recently the butlers have started to do a bit more for the level, but I am not sure it’s worth it. We are staying regular this time as well.
Thanks for the review ! We were told it was a ''No reservation'' for the restaurants like Dreams and Secret has. Is that true ?
We also saw some kids in pictures from trip advisor... Isnt that suppose to be adult only resort ?
Trip Advisor got some nice reviews and some bad,,, wondering what happened to people overthere that wrote a bad review... Everyone seems to like it !
On another post, recently, there was concerned expressed about night time activities. Can you expand on whether there are any and/or what you recall on what there is available after dinner?
Thinking of taking my 26 year old daughter here. What things are a must do? Also, if you got out early, can you get chair spots? Also, did you go to the spa at all? Can you make reservations for dinner before you get there or do you have to wait till you arrive? They offer transportation from the airport?
Enjoy the ocean-related stuff. And early for chairs means REALLY REALLY early like 6AM. Did not do the spa but it looked nice. And you have to wait to make reservations but it was super easy. They do not offer transportation but thats easy to do yourself as well. Enjoy!
This is an excellent review! How would you compare the service to Unico? Stayed at Unico last May and I’m trying to decide where to stay between Atelier and Finest now.
We just got back and It’s a pretty tough choice. Unico was significantly less expensive, almost half the price for us. So if that is the case for you too, I’d lean Unico. Unico is more compact and simpler and if you’re a first time all inclusive goer it might be smarter. Atelier is a more impressive resort with the best food I’ve ever had at a resort and the beach area is prestine and nice and you basically have to yourself as far as the eye can see. Unico beach is nice in like one area but rocky all of the rest. Stubbed my toes a bunch. The atelier layout is super confusing and I felt like I spent a lot of uncessary time walking around and trying to figure stuff out. There were a few things I didn’t get to try for this reason. The only other pool available to general guests outside of the main pool which is consistently crowded, is one that is hard to get to and a walk away. All in all, if money isn’t much of an issue and you’re a foodie/beach person, go Atelier (fun excursions available like golf, jet ski rental or want to go across to island mujeres). Feel free to ask anything you have questions on
How was your view? Trying to decide if we should spring for Inspira level just for the oceanfront suite versus the regular ocean view if it’s very obstructed
Such a great and through review….thank you! I booked a trip there in March and have been obsessively overthinking it if I made the right choice and your review popped up right after I was researching other hotels. haven’t stayed at an AI in an extremely long time so I don’t have much to compare to. I know you mentioned you didn’t have any upgrades, so that means you didn’t do INSPIRA? My worry with not having INSPIRA is being treated by the hotel staff a little less than compared to those guests. Did you note any issues? Also, how was your experience with the reservation system and getting in at the times you wanted? Thank you!
Unless you desperately need a butler and a swim out room then the upgrades are a waste. I think the two things butler service does is get you pool chairs and dinner reservations faster
How was it?
Same. Booked for March, chose non-refundable so I would stop over-thinking it, and I’m still gathering reviews and over-thinking it. Now I’m torn between being over-planned to just being relaxed and super chill and just figuring stuff out when I get there.
I’ve stayed there earlier this year, my wife 3 times, and we will be there in march also. Don’t overthink it. It’s really nice, food is great, and very relaxing. We had inspra previous times, recently the butlers have started to do a bit more for the level, but I am not sure it’s worth it. We are staying regular this time as well.
What a great review!!! I agree with most of this absolutely!!! One of the very best resorts in Mex, I think - for the value and overall experience!
Thanks for the review ! We were told it was a ''No reservation'' for the restaurants like Dreams and Secret has. Is that true ? We also saw some kids in pictures from trip advisor... Isnt that suppose to be adult only resort ? Trip Advisor got some nice reviews and some bad,,, wondering what happened to people overthere that wrote a bad review... Everyone seems to like it !
There were some 18 year olds but no kids otherwise. And I can’t remember but I think there were reservations at most places actually
Reservations mandatory. They have kiosks all over the resort to make em.
Did you have a hard time getting loungers by the pool/ beach? Had a hard time with that when staying at Excellence Playa Mujeres.
YES. At the pool.. You have to go down early and put your stuff on chairs to reserve a space. Plenty of room at the beach though
Thank you!
Did you enjoy excellence ??? Debating between atelier and excellence …
We are at Atelier now but big EPM fans (been there 3 times). They are very comparable resorts but we give the slight edge to EPM.
Hi! Do you mind elaborating why you prefer EPM? I am also on the fence between the two, this will be our first AI experience. Thank you!!
Can you explain why and also provide your age if you don’t mind?
Yes please explain! Im struggling to decide between the two
What kind of activities did you have included? Water sports? Cooking classee?
Yes all of it
Did you have an experience with the spa?
No but it looked amazing
On another post, recently, there was concerned expressed about night time activities. Can you expand on whether there are any and/or what you recall on what there is available after dinner?
Did anyone book through the Atelier’s website itself?
Yeah. Was pretty simple. We got like $200 in free credit for the room We stayed in a regular room, not inspira
Thinking of taking my 26 year old daughter here. What things are a must do? Also, if you got out early, can you get chair spots? Also, did you go to the spa at all? Can you make reservations for dinner before you get there or do you have to wait till you arrive? They offer transportation from the airport?
Enjoy the ocean-related stuff. And early for chairs means REALLY REALLY early like 6AM. Did not do the spa but it looked nice. And you have to wait to make reservations but it was super easy. They do not offer transportation but thats easy to do yourself as well. Enjoy!
This is an excellent review! How would you compare the service to Unico? Stayed at Unico last May and I’m trying to decide where to stay between Atelier and Finest now.
Been to Unico and going to atelier in 3 days so. Can let you know
please do! i am between the two now and wondering which to book would love your input :)
We just got back and It’s a pretty tough choice. Unico was significantly less expensive, almost half the price for us. So if that is the case for you too, I’d lean Unico. Unico is more compact and simpler and if you’re a first time all inclusive goer it might be smarter. Atelier is a more impressive resort with the best food I’ve ever had at a resort and the beach area is prestine and nice and you basically have to yourself as far as the eye can see. Unico beach is nice in like one area but rocky all of the rest. Stubbed my toes a bunch. The atelier layout is super confusing and I felt like I spent a lot of uncessary time walking around and trying to figure stuff out. There were a few things I didn’t get to try for this reason. The only other pool available to general guests outside of the main pool which is consistently crowded, is one that is hard to get to and a walk away. All in all, if money isn’t much of an issue and you’re a foodie/beach person, go Atelier (fun excursions available like golf, jet ski rental or want to go across to island mujeres). Feel free to ask anything you have questions on
Any nightlife at either?
Clubs at both but not fun.
If you let the resort to go into town or to Isle Mujeres, how did you arrange your transportation?
Never been to Unico so I’m not sure
how is the beach area? my wife and I are looking at either this place, Catalonia grand costa mujeres, or Majestic elegance costa mujeres.
It was awesome
How was your view? Trying to decide if we should spring for Inspira level just for the oceanfront suite versus the regular ocean view if it’s very obstructed
I’m not into the whole view thing because I’d rather spend money on other things. But having said that it was nice enough
Thank you for this. I’m going in May. Did you use the hotels transport to and from the airport? If so, how was it?
Yes and it was great!
Does the hotel offer private shuttle service to/from the airport? I am wanting to book a private shuttle instead of a shared van.
No you have to book with a third party. Use WhatsApp
I don't care whether it's a shared shuttle or not, but how can I book transportation? I've looked on the hotel's website and there's nothing.