The Sun Palace, overall, was WONDERFUL. I would stay here again ten times over--the best vacation I've ever had. Here are some positive things and some "needs some work" things, in order to offer both sides. I hope everyone finds this helpful:
POSITIVES:
**Food: The food at the Italian and Sushi eateries was great!! Men do have to wear pants, though, at the Italian place--other than that, dress was casual. We had the lasagna and chicken dishes, as well as the sushi rolls and fried rice, respectively.
**Service: The service was beyond exceptional--they work to meet every need, no question.
**Rooms: The rooms were immaculate, and the housekeeping staff was great at making sure everything was taken care of.
**Entertainment: The fire show and Karaoke night was great--lots of fun.
**Excursions: They do not offer all of the excursions that they post on their website--I believe it was only Chichaniza (sp?); Wet and Wild; Xe-Ha/Tulum; and the Zip Line (at a local Eco Park). The Zip Line was a lot of fun!! There is also a Jungle Tour/Snorkeling Tour that is right across the street, and is also great fun; and very flexible w/ times--it is not included, however, and runs about $66 USD per person. The other tours, save Wet and Wild and the Zip Line, are very early in the morning--which is a downer if you want to sleep in. They, also, do take up a full day, I believe.
**Transportation: The city bus is great, and very cheap ($.60 cents per person). I think it runs late into the night, and it does stop by the hotel. Taxis are expensive, so the bus is a good, economical option. Also, Best Day Travel is a good option to take to and from the airport--I paid $36, round trip. It is a "communal" van with other passengers, but I think a taxi may run up to $50, round trip, it not more. The only thing about Best Day is that they make you retrieve a return trip voucher from them in order to schedule your return to the airport--it only takes a few minutes, as they are in the Sun Palace lobby every other day--but they also take this time to try to sell you tours. Just something to be mindful of when you deal with them.
**Value: You literally do not have to spend another dime, unless you want souveniers. Everything is taken care of, and you really do get your money's worth--in food, drinks, atmosphere, and entertainment.
**Atmosphere: This may be a positive or negative, depending upon what you are looking for--this is not a party hotel--we saw mostly honeymooners; those celebrating an anniversary; and retirees. The atmosphere is very serene and peaceful--truly a great place to go to relax. I was told the Cancun Palace was more "lively" for nightlife, although, I never made it down that way. The pool, during the day, is more happening--they have a lot of games and good, contemporary music. Again, it's just not some place I would say is a good place for groups of girlfriends or guyfriends; unless traveling w/ a group of "significant others". Also, this hotel is not in the center of all of the action--it is in the hotel zone--but at the quiet end. If you want to check out the nighlife in Cancun, it is about a 10-15 minute bus ride away to the opposite end of the strip--which is not too bad.
**Beach: The beach was phenonomial--the water was clear and warm--perfect.
**Promotions: When you arrive, ask if there are any promotions on your room--they won't advertise this to you (at least it was not made clear to us)--but it may mean a golf trip or a spa visit!
NEEDS A LITTLE WORK:
**Food: The pool bar and the evening buffet by the pool are okay, but not great.
**Drinks: Drinks flow freely, but they are hit or miss, at times. Some tasted weak and watery, but when you are making that many at a time, it will not be perfect, I guess. Asking for "extra" liquor sometimes helps, and they will ablige (especially for the Pina Coladas!).
**Excursions: Skip Wet and Wild--the whole place smelled like sewage, so we spent all of about 15 minutes there, and left.
**Hidden Fees: Be careful to turn in your beach towels and retrieve the "towel" card they give you--if not, it is $25 per loss. Also, they will give you a bracelet when you enter the resort--this is to identify you as a guest. Do not throw this away, even if you are checking out. You have to turn it back in. Otherwise, they will charge you a fee.
**Membership: When you come into the resort, you have to meet w/ the welcome desk (not sure of the exact term) in order to book your excursions; learn about the resort; etc. The person assigned to you will try to set you up for a meeting to discuss a membership, which I believe is similar to a time share. If you decline, they do pressure you--the lady we spoke to even told us that this is how she makes her living, and asked us repeatedly to sign up.
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