Overall, this was a great place to go and fit the price and mood of the vacation we were looking for.
Check-in/accommodations: Easy transport from the airport, booked through Gray Line. We were offered a $30/day ocean view upgrade at the desk, or a $70/day ocean view with a terrace and a hot tub for 2. $40 cash tip to the clerk and $40/day on the room bill got us the terrace room (1128), which was really worth the upgraded price. Amazing view (see pictures) and a private place to hang out added to the vacation. There aren't a lot of these rooms, so ask if they are available. As far as the harassment for time shares, we barely encountered this at the airport or at the hotel. Really easy check-in!
Room: Our room was very clean and well appointed. Most importantly, the AC worked really well. That has not been the case at other all inclusives where we have stayed in Cancun. There are 2 areas--Caribe and Royal...we were in Royal b/c Caribe was still closed due to low occupancy. They looked to be getting it ready to reopen when we left.
Pools/daytime culture: The main pool is the "party" atmosphere. Bar, snack bar, DJ with games all day. Plenty of shade with umbrellas if you look early enough, and the whole area is shaded by mid-afternoon by the building itself. If you like quiet, then go to the Caribe side pool (were there is no shade), but quiet music and adults hanging out. Also, if you access the beach from the Caribe side pool, immediately to your right is a shade structure and a row of umbrellas and chairs. This is a great place where you can only hear the ocean and can read or nap in the shade. We spent most days there with only a few other people around--everyone else stayed at the pool! You will be approached by locals selling their wares, but they take "no" well.
Food: This is my main point of complaint. You should know that the food is very institutional and very mediocre. Your only options for lunch (with the closings we experienced) are outside by the pool. Rosmarinus has buffet and sit down service (get the fish from the guy carving it), and the snack bar has ll manner of fried food--none very good. Self serve soft drinks here all day. Breakfast is the main buffet, and of the buffets, it's probably the best (but still not good) We tried to eat a lot there to make up for lunch.
At night, you'll have at least 2 choices. The buffet and Rosmarinus (which is always Mexican fare). We ate at Marco Polo (one of the 2 no shorts places) on steak night. If you're used to American chargrilled steaks, you'll be sorely disappointed. It's more like well done carved pot roast. Veneto (in Caribe tower) was open for dinner only nights we were there. We went on Mediterranean night, and I mistakenly ordered veal for something different. This was not veal--more like tough pork tenderloin. The prawns my friend ordered were served heads on, overcooked, and in their shells, so they were difficult to eat. Room service is convenient, if you want to hang in. It's only a 50 pesos charge, plus tip, but the food was just as bad. Cold hamburger.
The service makes up somewhat for the bad food. Everyone in every restaurant or bar tries really hard. My advise is to eat Mexican--even at breakfast! the quality of local food was much better.
Drinks: House beer is XX (Dos Equis) and is plentiful. At bars, they'll make anything you want, but as others have said, it's low shelf. You don't notice it in blender drinks, but I couldn't drink the gin and tonic! The pool bar is the only place to get drinks before 5, so, as with lunch, you have to go outside. After 5, if you go to the Lobby Bar, you'll be lucky to get Irma as your server. She's great--very friendly--please tip her!--but beware that she is very persuasive with the tequila! Get a "Miami Vice"--half pina, half strawberry dacquri--cheesy to order, but perfect vacay drink. TIP: bring an insulted cup or 2 from home for the larger serving of beer or soda. They are just as willing to fill them, and your drink stays a lot colder. Many people approached us and said they wished they had thought of it.
Entertainment: They have a show every night--cheesy but fun. Most were appropriate for kids, as well. And if you're bored, there's bar service there, too.
Tips: If you can afford to go on vacation, you can afford to tip. These folks work very hard for about $12/day. Although the service and housekeeping were great, a few dollars a day to housekeeping and a dollar to whoever brings you a drink goes a long way. We always had beer, bottled water in the room, and a very clean place to stay. Service was great, regardless of tipping, but I was surprised by how many people did not tip.
Spa services: We did integrated massages and facials, both very good. The prices are comparable to US to similar services. Very relaxing, if you're looking for a break from the sun.
Shopping: Don't be afraid to take the buses. The R-1 and R-2 will take you anywhere in the hotel zone or all the way into Cancun. We paid $1/person/each way. The driver tells you when to exit. One day, we went to La Isla, which is a open-air mall. It has a movie theater and some familiar restaurants if you need a meal off site. Another day, we went into Cancun to Market 28. This is where you can haggle with the local merchants. If you're not into being hasseled, stick with shopping in the hotel zone.
Overall, this was a great vacation. Terrible food, but wonderful service and plenty of time laying by the most beautiful water you'll ever see.
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