We booked this hotel through Sunwing Vacations who were great about getting us to and from the hotel and sorting out the room problem. We did not want to be right in the Hotel Zone. We were supposed to be in room 186 but the young fellow who carried our bags, put us in room 176 right above the lobby. The room stank of sewage and you couldn't get any fresh air in it. (We arrived quite late). Access cards would not work at this room because we were coded for room 186. Such a pain to ask the staff to let you in your own stinking room. The next day, our Sunwing rep showed up and helped us get a much better room, facing the pool and beach.

I gather they have sewage problems at this hotel, because that's is what the rooms smell like (ewwww!) unless you have the windows open. Bring a facecloth as they don't seem to know what that is.

Food in the restaurant is okay, I found something to eat at each meal, but certainly not the same choice that you get in a 5 star hotel.

If you just want a place to sleep, this could be the place. We would not go back here again as we were somewhat overwhelmed by the smell of it.

I did a lot of research on this hotel before booking and knew what I was getting into. My experiences at the hotel didn't ruin my trip (we are pretty easy goind) but I will never go again or recommend to any of my friends.

We arrived and had requested an oceanview with a queen bed and balcony (i am married, double beds don't do it for me) we received an ocean view, double bed with no balcony directly over the bar area. Once we got settled in I casually asked at the front desk if there was something better, they said check in tomorrow. So I did, and we got bumped to Room 124 (highly recommend it) It was like going from a Red Roof Inn to a room at the Holiday Inn. Nice oceanview, decent balcony and a *gasp* KING bed?!? Woot Woot!

The buffet is bad, plainly put but thats okay because we prefer to eat at local spots anyways. There was always something to eat, always tasty salad or *blech* pasta. The waiters could care less if you were there or not, btw don't try to leave with food...let me explain. The restaurant is tiny and there were no empty seats to eat so why not enjoy dinner on the beach? Try hell no! You would have thought I just stole their children when I tried to leave with their subpar food.

Bring a hairdryer ladies! It clearly stated that there were hairdryers in the rooms so I didn't bring one.......I have a feeling there were hairdryers because I asked for one, they said they will check with housekeeping and only after I declined some timeshare thing (they tried everything including puppy dog eyes and pouty faces to get us to go oh and a free crappy beach bag that changes color in the sun) the woman rudely said 'well no, there aren't any!' lol! Whatever, I went curly for the week. We rarely spent time at the resort, the beach is not nearly as nice as the resorts on the other side of the strip (13 km) we stayed at the Avalon Baccara last time and would have again but its just too expensive! I LOVE YOU BACCARA!

Things to do:

Go to the ADO bus station downtown purchase a ticket (roundtrip) to Playa Del Carmen (70 pesos (7USD) and explore down there. Its sooooooo pretty and the buses RULE!

Take the people’s ferry (Puerto Juarez) to the Isla Mujeres (it’s okay, only worth exploring a day or two at most)

Eat locally! Screw the resorts, Eat at Checandole (food court at the Flamingo Plaza 12 KM) Or at El Cejas in the Mercado 28.

We tried Pizza Rolandi (1st stop in downtown), it was okay, really really thin crust pizza
We ate at El Bodeguita del Medio (on the strip, it is the chain from Havana where Hemingway had his first Mojito……I may be an alcoholic due to those things but it really is true what they say about Cuban cuisine…a bit boring…
After a Mojito fueled night…..Dominos delivers….lol! I know its so bad ordering North American pizza while on vacation but you have to do it.

Not to mention this resort shuts down after 11PM----bar, restaurant, everything!! It’s a literal ghost town.

All in all, it was a fun vacation and if you don’t mind being surrounded by noisy Polish 50 something’s who are party animals (and not in a good way) this resort is for you.

Will I ever go back? HEEEEEEEEEELLLLL no. This resort did its job for $750 CAN for one week but I owe it nothing!

Cheers, the lesson to learn, suck it up and stay at the Baccara, another small resort but immaculate and beautiful!

First of all, this is much better than you would expect by reading the reviews. We received an Ocean front room - 128 - even though we were a day late in arriving due to flight delays. The room had a great view from the balcony. Adolpho at the front desk was very helpful throughout our whole stay. He works evenings.
The food at the restaurant is not the best (but not awful either) but the setting at the waterfront restaurant is awesome. We prefer to eat outside the hotel anyway. There are some great authentic mexican restaurants in the city (take an R-1 or R-2 bus). You can also find many cheap internet cafe's downtown which I would recommend over paying 50 pesos for a half hour in the lobby.
The room was kept clean by housekeeping.
The hotel met all my needs for a vacation which are having a bed, clean room and hot shower. Unlike some, I do not go on vacation to spend time in the hotel room.

Arrived very late and we were the last ones off the bus. Previous travellers had been greeted at the Las Vegas style Hotels by smiling reception personel and when we finally arrived at ours, the lights were out and the doors were locked. Once woken, the front desk person gave us our room key and off we went.
Wife got in the room and said "We can't stay here" It was small and very basic and the side balcony faced what appeared to be the garbage/refuse dumping area.
BUT.....we asked for a better room and within two days, we were in an ocean view, main floor, beach front room with King bed and fabulous. Service was always good, but the front desk people do need some mentoring and guidance in order to properly deal with travellers.
We don't usually go all inclusive but this time gave it a try. Food and staff were great. Always different items and lots to eat and drink.
Remember....you do get what you pay for.For the $1100. for two weeks we paid each for this place it was definitely well worth the minor problems. Beach not great so kids may not like