Tulum Hotels Shut Down?

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by PlayaWithMe

So can we still get to the beach at Paraiso?

Yup, drive JUST past the Paraiso and take the next driveway, it is a driveway straight to the beach, directly beside Paraiso. But if you don't go early, it fills up with cars taking up all the parking at the sides. We got a spot right up at the beach.

[Ginger]

FWIW, talking to a few people here, from what we can ascertain it is just a change in gov't (Tulum becoming it's own City) and new palms needing to be greased.

It was explained to us that the hotels that had all their paperwork in order and weren't instead just greasing palms up in Playa are the ones that have reopened upon proving with their paperwork. But those who went about things on the side (they way much is done in Playa, as we now understand) are the ones who are still closed, either until they finish the required paperwork (read: months) or grease someone else's palm.

We were also told that El Paraiso in particular was in trouble for encroaching too far onto the beach (towards the sea) by placing structures closer and closer to the water (namely a snorkel tour hut).

[PlayaWithMe]

Originally Posted by Ginger

FWIW, talking to a few people here, from what we can ascertain it is just a change in gov't (Tulum becoming it's own City) and new palms needing to be greased.

It was explained to us that the hotels that had all their paperwork in order and weren't instead just greasing palms up in Playa are the ones that have reopened upon proving with their paperwork. But those who went about things on the side (they way much is done in Playa, as we now understand) are the ones who are still closed, either until they finish the required paperwork (read: months) or grease someone else's palm.

We were also told that El Paraiso in particular was in trouble for encroaching too far onto the beach (towards the sea) by placing structures closer and closer to the water (namely a snorkel tour hut).

I guess thats the same Snorkel Tour that gave Zoom a ride in after he swam out to the reef.........Well We will give it a shot...I really like the reef out there and want to see whats around it this trip.

[Ginger]

Originally Posted by PlayaWithMe

I guess thats the same Snorkel Tour that gave Zoom a ride in after he swam out to the reef.........Well We will give it a shot...I really like the reef out there and want to see whats around it this trip.

I haven't blogged that day yet, but the snorkel tour guys are taking people out for next to nothing because of lost business. All four of us went out for 2.5 hours in two areas of the reef, for $30 US (300 pesos). We were very impressed with the trip, and then tipped each guy 50 pesos, but it was still a bargain.

[PlayaWithMe]

Originally Posted by Ginger

I haven't blogged that day yet, but the snorkel tour guys are taking people out for next to nothing because of lost business. All four of us went out for 2.5 hours in two areas of the reef, for $30 US (300 pesos). We were very impressed with the trip, and then tipped each guy 50 pesos, but it was still a bargain.

Was the reef active? Was there alot to see.....And that is a great price.....For two and a half hours.......Two areas......Nice. I just swam out to it........Was OK but would be nice to have someone take you around for sure.

[melliedee]

Originally Posted by PlayaWithMe

Was the reef active? Was there alot to see.....And that is a great price.....For two and a half hours.......Two areas......Nice. I just swam out to it........Was OK but would be nice to have someone take you around for sure.

Where do you go to get this snorkel tour? Is it right on the beach and do they rent gear?

I think it would be fun to have someone take us out too. Last year in Alumal we just swam out...

[Xamach Ron]

Tulum is the same as the entire coast regarding the rules and the unwritten rules but, the amount of enforcement was negligible.
When nobody comes around to check up, the properties expand to accomodate the needs of the touristas, often encroaching the federale zone which makes some people upset.
The federal zone is easily checked from the air and the sea thus the trouble begins.
Now that the government is changing, big money is moving in, the airport on the never never plan, everyone is trying to slice up the pie.
Downtown Tulum, the developers dream property may or may not go ahead but the key is always money and the new guys(governent) need money. Maybe the taxes from this developement, right or wrong, will happen because of the required financial input.
The Tulum park is across the road, that may be why the struggle has begun.
Ah life in the Wild Wild Maya, ain't it grand?

Ron