Catalonia Riviera Maya - Riviera Maya, Riviera Maya Review

ok, Catalonia Riviera Maya isn't fancy.  In fact, the room kinda irritated us - tile floor, little 19" television, most of the channels in Spanish.  3rd floor walk-up - no elevator.  A weird smell coming out of the bathroom for half a day.  But those are little things - the rest of the resort makes up for this. 

We went in December, early, the minute I got out of my nursing class for winter break.  Vacation tip:  the first and second week of December are the BEST time to travel.  Rates are low, and nobody is there!  The Catalonia was no exception - never busy, perfect weather, and very reasonable.

They've got 3 restaurants with buffet dining.  3 pools, but the water was pretty cold - we actually preferred going into the ocean (bay?).  Plenty of bars - and in fact, this was a highlight.  We met lots of really nice people, which is kinda unusual for us - these weren't perfect party people, these were regular, friendly normal looking people.  It was nice to feel normal at the pool in December, even when you're from Chicago!!  My pale skin looked typical compared to the rest of the folks. 

Not sure I'll go back.  I really liked the laid back relaxed place at a bargain cost, but I think it's a been there, done that moment.