We spent four nights with our friends in mid january sunning and relaxing by the pools. As previous posters have mentioned, the cancun beaches were severely damaged by hurricane wilma in october of 2005. According to the hotel staff, the beaches were rebuilt but then hit again last august. The result unfortunately is a very narrow, steep beach that in most places prohibits the placement of chairs. Therefore, we spent the days by the wonderful set of pools which are built onto a series of terraces overlooking the ocean. Late afternoons were spent in the spa and fitness facility which is outfitted with new lifefitness cardio and weight machines. The spa treatments were wonderfully delivered by a professional staff. The breakfast buffet served at the hotel was comprehensive and provided enough sustenance that lunch was not needed. We took a taxi into old cancun 3 out of 4 nights (20 dollars each way including tip) and enjoyed meals at Perico's (music, dancing, etc.) and la Habichuela (romantic outdoor dining). If staying at the le meridien, I would highly recommend a room with a balcony which provides a very pleasant setting to sit and relax in the mornings and evening. The hotel staff were very pleasant and professional. The hotel was less than half occupied so lounge chairs and pool service were never a problem.

We stayed at the Le Meridien Jan 6-10th using Starwood Points and were extremely pleased with the resort. We choose Cancun because it was the cheapest airfare available from KC to a beach destination using our Starwood points (with the exception of Puerto Vallarta). We visited Cancun several times when we were in our twenties but now are mid-thirties and I wasn't so excited but the Le Meridien was a real jewel in the middle of Cancun. Chairs were always available around the pool all day. Service around the pool was very good. By the end of our trip the waiter knew our names and what we drank (much better pool service than the Ritz Carlton Naples last June). The food was good for by resort pool food standards but not over the top. The other guests were classy with out being pretentious. There were some families with children but not many. I wouldn't feel out of place with a well behaved child at this resort but the overall atmosphere is quite and relaxed. A kids club is available during the day off the pool area. Many of the guests appeared to be staying for buisness related travel. My husband and I both had relaxing massages. Make sure the use the spa facilites such as the steam shower and sauna. The health club appeared top notch but we didn't use it. The one downside if you are a beach person there is no beach. Personale at the resort claimed this always happens in January but I am not so sure that is accurate. The Grand Parnassus and Ritz to our north had some beach and people were able to set up chairs. However the Cancun Palace south to JW Marriot/Marriot Resorts were without a beach to speak of as well. Additionally if you are a Starwood member you can trade points for cash at the end of your stay to use against your bill. I would stay at the Le Meridian anyday.

My husband and I just returned from the Le Meridien after a 7 day stay on Jan16. We had booked this repreive from the cold 9 months ago with Starwood points after reading the review on Trip Advisor. We got a little nervous when alot of the reviews around the holidays were so negative so it was a wonderful relief to find this resort so wonderful.
For us therre was never an issue with staff--they were above reproach and never failed to speak to us and help us in any way. Yes, the concierge was not the best--mainly menus for restaurant recommendations but otherwise fine. We were worried about the people who said the only TV they had was on CNN--bull, we had NBC and at least 6 other channel--plenty to keep us going. Beds are firm but not hard and we loved them. Every night we sat out on our patrio and watched the ocean to the left and the lagoon to the right, Wonderful, beautiuful rooms (we were on the 4th floor overlooking the pool. Gym is great, nice equipment. Loved the restaurant at the pool. As stated in other review--get the chicken nachos and chicken quasidillas. Service great. Would we go back? We meet two couples who were on their 2nd year and we are planning a longer return next year.
Now for our advise. Cancun is very expensive for food so if you can do club level (we will next year) that gives you light breakfast and nice cocktail time (5-7) with free drinks and appetizer. Good reaurants we encounterd--Le Distillere and Ruth Chris. Hated- Le Doche Vita. Crab House OK. We took the shuttle to and from the airport and it worked fine but found out the last day that the hotel has a shuttle also--look into it. Yes they are building next door but not a problem now but stayed alert to Trip Advisor for the future.
Go and enjoy .

We recently stayed at Le Meridien over Christmas using Starwood Points and loved our stay with one exception-rock hard beds(however we were told that new beds were going to be installed within the next couple of weeks and would be of Westin quality). Overall the Hotel has an elegant feel, with all common areas being very nice. We ate at Aioli Restaurant twice and were impressed that the wait staff remembered what we ordered for drinks the previous time. The food was very good at Dinner(just so-so at Breakfast) and priced comparitvely to restaurants at the JW and Marriott that we stayed at last year.As mentioned by others, all the chairs are occupied by 7:00 Am though we were always able to find something on the beach and by mid afternoon around the pool. As long as they change the beds, I would highly recommend this hotel