The Intercontinental Presidente was originally called the Presidente Cancun built in 1988. At that time, it was a premier hotel. Now, with the new all-inclusive hotels and time share hotels in Cancun, it is your typical first-class Mexican hotel. This was my fifth time to Cancun; previously staying two times downtown and two times on the beach. Would I stay at this hotel again – yes.
HOTEL – The lobby is very large; the halls are stucco; and the carpet is not new. Since the walls have no sound absorption, sounds echo throughout the halls and the sound carries into your room. There are two outstanding, very clean pools surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. There is also a gym and ping-pong tables.
PHONES -- Using the hotel phone is expensive. We called home when we arrived and spoke for three minutes and the bill was $9.00 US. You can always purchase a Mexican Calling Card and use a TelMex phone to call home. That is about 29-cents per minute. My AT&T calling card did not work. It has worked in every country throughout the world, but not in Mexico.
Or, if you are in the downtown area close to the autobus terminal, there is a place where you can call the USA for 2 Pesos per minute (13 cents) That’s as cheap as it gets. It is close to the bus stop by the bus terminal, McDonald’s is almost across the street. There are 29 phone booths in it and you pay after your call. There is a meter on the phone to let you know how long you are talking and the amount throughout the call.
BEACH -- This is one of the best beaches in Cancun. It is large with plenty of chairs. If you’ve never been to Cancun, you will be surprised that the sand it snow white, very fine-like powder and always cool. No matter what the temperature is in Cancun, the sand is always cool. This is because the beaches are almost 100% porous limestone, making for cool sand even under the hottest of temperatures.
STAFF -- No problem. The check-in and check-out was efficient and speedy. You will receive a survey when you check out to rate the hotel. The front desk staff spoke English, the maids do not. However, the maid service was excellent. The people selling time shares in the lobby did not bother us or even acknowledge our presence. There is a 10% IVA tax added to your room per night and modest lodging tax per night. I’ve read some of the comments stating there was a resort fee. I did not get a resort fee added to my bill.
LOCATION -- The bus stops in both directions right outside the hotel. It is 6.50 peso per ride ( 14.00 = $1.00 ) However, if you want to catch a bus, just raise your arm (like getting a NYC taxi) and a bus will stop for you. The R-l and R-2 bus will have HOTEL ZONA on the front. They run throughout the hotel zone and downtown. There are also pay phones in the bus stop area. The closest shopping center is the Plaza Caracol. It is a few blocks away to the left of the hotel.
ROOMS -- The rooms have double beds, room safe, and hair dryer. The floors are concrete. The tub and toilet are separate from the sink area. The shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. are very good and plentiful. The coffee is not free and is approximately $2.00 US. for a pouch. You have a coffee maker and a bottle of free water if you use it for coffee. I told the person in charge of the mini-bar I did not need the coffee and he removed it and the water. I brought my own pouches and creamer. If you go out of your hotel, cross the street, turn right, and walk about two hotels, you will find a market where everything is cheaper. It is a small market that includes just about all you need.
The Intercontinental Presidente has an ideal location and an incredible beach. The Discovery Channel ranked this beach as one of the best beaches in the world. We appreciated our stay at the hotel and the personal service we received.
