by JP the Editor

So what is going on at the Gran Porto Real? Have you seen the huge project being built at the end of Constituyentes? What is the huge expansion all about? Well, like you, we at PMN wanted to know.......... so we sat down with Sales Manager WALLY DAGRI for a little conversation at the Gran Porto Real lobby.

PMN: So What is Going On Across the Street?

DAGRI: Well, we broke ground on a $ 33 million dollar expansion here back in October 2003 on what was supposed to be an upscale wing of our successful hotel. Recently, we’ve decided for business reasons to make it a completely independent hotel separate from the Gran Porto Real.

PMN: What is the name of this new hotel?

DAGRI: The Royal Portal Real and we are adding it to our stable of other fine hotels; Costa Real Hotel & Suites in Cancun, Costa Real in Ixtapa, Costa Real in Los Cabo, Gran Bahia Real in Manzanillo, Caribe Real in Cancun, and our Gran Porto Real right here in Playa.

PMN: I can’t believe how fast your building this place, can you tell me how your doing it?

DAGRI: Actually, the building is the first to Pre-Fabricated modules and thus, they were actually made in Puerto Morelos at a factory and brought to the site for assembly. As far as I am aware, we are the first major hotel to use such a technique. You know we pride ourselves on being a leading edge company. Actually our occupancy here at the Gran Porto Real was #1 in all of Quintana Roo and we knew we have to perform at the highest level to stay competitive. Using the Pre-Fab technique is new and we are all about be new and the best.

PMN: When do you expect this project to be completed?

DAGRI: We expect to be complete and ready for business by July 2004. It will be Luxury the Real way – style, elegance, comfort and service. This project will be the flagship hotel of the Real Resorts chain. Located on the finest stretch of white sand beach in downtown Playa del Carmen, across from its popular sister property Gran Porto Real & Spa, this beachfront resort is built in the majestic style of modern, Mexican upscale architecture offering ocean view from all rooms and large terraces with all the comforts of true luxury.

Just off “5^th Avenue”, the main artery of charming Playa del Carmen, capital of the Riviera Maya, with its quaint stores, restaurants, cafes and night clubs, this resort will offer a difficult choice to its guests-luxuriating within the resort or venturing out. This resort distinguishes itself by its philosophy, one familiar to all Real Resorts guests, how best to please and how best to serve, combining luxury with the warmth and pride of the Mexican people, creating a relaxed atmosphere of genuine well being.

PMN: Will the resort be a timeshare resort?

DAGRI: No, actually the resort will be a traditional resort and operate as an ALL INCLUSIVE. We will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner a la carte or buffet service including fine cuts, shrimp and lobster. A continental breakfast served in a ‘magic box’ built into the door of each room. Unlimited domestic and select international brands including premium brand liquor, wine and champagne by the glass and 24 hour Room Service. 24 hours All Inclusive Club featuring snacks, drinks, table games and more with a Tequila and cigar bar (Cuban cigars $), afternoon tea with hors d´oeuvres and fine pastry, personalized, seated check - in with welcome cocktail and cold towel service, and a stocked mini-bar in room. We also expect live music and evening entertainment nightly. And of course, we will offer Non-motorized water sports - kayaks, paddleboats, windsurfing and snorkeling. For sports, we will have lighted tennis courts, volley ball, mini golf, billiards, ping pong, table games and books, CD and video library. We will have Scuba diving lessons in our professional dive tank and Gym, Aerobics and Yoga classes. For those who prefer, we will have a full service deluxe Spa with steam bath, sauna, Jacuzzi, Polish water falls, cold plunge, relaxation areas (clothing optional) for men and women (massages and beauty treatments extra $) and waiter service at pool and on the beach.

PMN: What kind of accommodations will you provide?

DAGRI: We will have 403 ocean view Junior Suites, 12 ocean front one-bedroom master suites and 2 ocean front one-bedroom Presidential suites. All Jr. suites and Master suites will have a large terrace with table, lounges and hammock; presidential suites have 2 terraces with private pool on terrace and hammock, table and chairs as well as lounges. All units enjoy spectacular views, deluxe amenities including bathrobe and slippers.

All suites are very spacious with entrance foyer, living area, high ceilings…elegantly decorated with furniture designed and handcrafted by local artisans including a Cleopatra lounge chair. We will offer 2 double or 1 king size bed, 29” flat screen satellite and cable TV, DVD, VCR and CD player, direct dial telephones with voice mail, clock radio, in room TV internet connection, safety deposit box and stocked mini-bar. Bathroom with hair dryers, vanity mirror and modern shower stalls.

Master Suites and Presidential 1 bedroom suites can be converted into 2 bedroom suites by adding a connecting deluxe room. The ground floor master suites have terraces that front the quiet side of the activity pool permitting its guests to literally dive into the pool from their terrace and swim up to the bar.

Presidential Suites feature large living and dining areas

PMN: Wow! Will you have eating and dining on the property as well?

DAGRI: We will have several Restaurants serving Gourmet Mexican cuisine, Oriental cuisine including Sushi, and Sea Breeze beach pool restaurant and all day buffet and a la carte restaurant for all day dining, plus late night snacks.

PMN: What will be your price point?

DAGRI: Well, it is not yet set but we expect are prices to be between usd $ 200 – usd $ 300 per night per person for suite – all inclusive.

PMN: How will the new pier directly in front of your hotel affect your business?

DAGRI: Well, we really do not know for sure until it is actually finished and running. We are doing our best to work with the folks that are building and working to manage the pier to insure that we are all on the same page.

PMN: We thank you for taking the time to educate us and our community

DAGRI: Your welcome and we look forward in contributing value to the community.

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