We stay at Le Meridien en route to Isla Mujeres on May 23. They let us check in early (10:30am) on a Saturday and then let us check out late on Sunday (5pm). The concierge guy was fantastic and gave us great recommendation for restaurants (he has personally dined at almost all the restaurants up & down the strip). The smoothies at the pool were natural (no sugar) and great. The work out gym area was nice, clean and the equipment was top notch. When we went down to the sea, the staff followed us and asked us if we wanted towels (we never even had to asked). On Saturday night, we went out on foot and got caught in the rain. When we walked back towards the lobby door, the bell boy had fresh towels in hand to help us dry off (again, we didn't even have to ask). And, we were able to get this all for an amazing internet rate booked direcly online with www.spg.com. This hotel by far exceeded our expectations. It was really great and we would go back again to this hotel, even if we had to pay more for the stay. Oh, and the front lobby staff were super nice and friendly too.

Good: As SPG guests we were upgraded to a suite with living room, however, they didnt give us an ocean view room despite the fact they were only 2% occupancy due to flu scare (that was cheap of them). The hotels inside lobby and Aioli restaurant service staff was excellent. Violete in the lounge, Aracella front desk, and Antonio manager were the best. Also, as SPG members we usually get breakfast and evening snacks and drinks in the club lounge, however due to low occupancy hotel gave us breakfast (cold food only) in the restaurant and allowed us to order anything we like 5-7pm from the basic lobby lounge menu which was an awesome deal. We tipped them always based on what our actual bills would have been. BAD: the beach is really small and has big waves so you will end up tanning and being in the pool mostly. Despite reports we had no problems with the sun being blocked by nearby hotel contruction next door. The bed was very firm and the pillows were hard, overall sleeping experience was poor but since we came home each night tired we just slept like babies. The wireless internet never worked although we called for service and they said it was fixed. Worst: Maid service was not consistent, some days they refilled everything other days they didnt do anything but make the bed and empty garbage. The towel guy in the cabana who always has shades on and is really dark skinned was very rude, never says hi, and always tried to hustle us on renting motorized sports. Everyday we saw him when getting towels and everyday he kept asking and after we said no over and over, each day he was crap faced over and over..never a hi or bye. The hotel security is very poor-one day around noon we came back to the hotel and as we approached the elevator a girl stood facing it as if she was waiting for the elevator. As we got in, I pressed for our top floor and sensed something fishy because she didnt press for any floors. I cautioned my spouse that she may be checking us out. And exactly as feared though she was in front of the door she waited till we left the elevator first and we intentionally went left to a wrong room and she noticed us noticing and pretended to go to her room towards the right but she kept turning back to see which room we went to. You can imagine all the possible scenarios here what could happen at that time or later when she tells her comrades which room we were in. I immediately called security and no one showed up or followed up on my report. I went to the front desk and asked to switch rooms and floors I also told them I can ID the girl on the hotel camera and they never took up my offer or even called the police to investigate.

Overall the hotel service was excellent, hotel was good for the rate we got it for $115nite due to Flu scare. But if we paid $150+ for it we would be quite disappointed as it is not worth the value for all the negatives above. In addition for a cheap place like Mexico and being in their worst tourist season for years we have stayed at Sheratons in the US for $150 and they are so much better, safer, and more comfortable.

We have been coming to Le Meridien in Cancun every October for several years now. We had a bad experience in another hotel on our first trip, and moved to Le Meridien during that stay. That is how we found this jewel. The staff is wonderful, and they remember us from year to year. (Of course, leaving tips all around doesn't hurt.) We travel to other Mexico destinations a couple of times each year, but they cannot compare with the beautiful turquoise blue water and white sand beaches that Cancun has to offer.
The hotel is wonderful, and the food out by the pool is excellent. We eat most of our meals there, as we are not real "fancy" diners. The chicken fajitas are the best, and so are the nachos. There are three pools, and the temperature seems to vary slightly, so you have a choice. Every now and then, a staff member walks around with cold towels, or small glasses of fruit juice. The staff serves you around the pool, so you don't need to move unless you want to.
Take the time to rent a car and drive to Playa del Carmen for a day. BE SURE TO GET INSURANCE PROVIDED BY THE RENTAL CAR COMPANY, AS INSURANCE FROM THE USA WILL NOT COVER YOU IN MEXICO. IF YOU ARE FOUND DRIVING A CAR WITHOUT THE INSURANCE, YOU WILL BE TAKEN TO A MEXICAN PRISON. We found this out after we had rented a car without insurance several times in Mexico. We were lucky, but we will never do it again.
Be careful at the gas stations, as they will try to steal from you. If you give them a big bill, they will try to give you half the change you have coming. They are hoping you don't yet know the value of Mexican money. The best way to pay, is to get as close to the amount as possible, then they CAN'T keep your money. You are better off to change your money to Pesos, and pay with Pesos, rather than with American money. You always a lose a little in the "translation" if you pay with American money. One gas station attendant tried to get me to look the other way, and the dollar amount on the pump miraculously jumped to over double the amount...this was AFTER the nozzle had been replaced. When I pointed out to him the pump showed 000 gallons pumped, and it showed "No Sale," he finally figure the gig was up. We were on to them and did not pay the higher amount, but trying to report them to the police was a joke. After a runaround, we gave up.
While staying at the Le Meridien, there are some great places within walking distance. There are a couple of malls about a mile towards town, and the Crab House restaurant towards the airport is great. There is also a Champions Sports Bar at the Marriot, just two hotels down in the direction of the airport. They have the NFL games on, if you are trying to catch a game while on vacation. There is a little convenience store in the same block as the restaurant which is handy.
We love this hotel, and although we alter the locations on the other three vacations we take each year from October through April, we ALWAYS come back to this one. Unlike Ixtapa and Acapulco, (don't go to Acapulco,) Cancun is pretty Americanized. Most of the people speak American, and they don't play music at full volume through the night the way they do in the more "Mexican" cities. We always have a relaxing time when we come to the Le Meridien, and look forward to our return.

We had a wonderful time at Le Meridien. We used Starwood points and got a great deal on the room. The pools were beautiful and the crystal blue water was amazing. I highly recommend reserving a cabana by the pool. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. It is definitely worth it to pay the extra $100 per day to have access to the Royal Club. They are open in the morning for breakfast and from 5-7 for hors devours and cocktails.
We have never been to Cancun before and we will definitely go back next year. My kids loved it (8 and 9 year old) and said they would rather go back to Cancun than go to Disney next year....