We went to the Gran Melia for a week the end of March 2009. The service is wonderful be careful they will try to sell you a time share for the first day just be firm and remember you are there to relax and have fun. They stop pressing you after the first day. If you want to go on tours do not sign up in the resort there is a hut in front of the resort that really has the cheapest prices in town. No really I tried everywhere and cash talks.

Once you check in ask to be in the main building (Building #3) we were in room 3822 it is a corner suite with two huge balconies. Ask for that room you get more room for your buck.

The breakfast was wonderful and across the street there is a place called the Shrimp Bucket................OMG.......outstanding.

The only downfall was there is no beach at all......a Stormed named ....-who cares- destroyed it.

This was me second stay at the hotel, the first was a nightmare; shower/tub overflow water was all over room. That was 10/08. This second trip 05/09 was a complimentary of my horrible experience the first time around. Still having nightmares from this second one. We were offer VIP we got SST (Sucky Sucky Treatment). The two best restaurants were closed, leaving only the lousy outside dinning, the service was slow because of the HINI virus, and many staff members were laid off. At check out I paid cash but by credit card used at check-in was still charged which I am still in the process of dealing with. I will not stay at the Gran Melia again even if it was FREE!

This was my first trip to Cancun and when I go back I would like to stay at the Gran Melia again. First of all the hotel (lobby, rooms, pools, everything) is absolutely beautiful. The style is modern, not colonial. The sushi restaurant, the bar and hotel in general is very romantic. We didn't notice a lack of entertainment because we spent most of our time at the hotel in the huge pool and at the excellent beach. We did not try the spa or the golf course.

Every experience with staff was positive, they consistently offered excellent and friendly service. They were very helpful giving directions, helping us book our tour to Chichen Itza, and all the usual things a guest needs in a hotel. The location was great, with a convenience store right across the street for cheaper snacks and booze. Hop on the bus right on the street and 75 pesos and a few minutes get you anywhere you wanted to go in the hotel zone for restaurants, night clubs, shopping, and adventure. The buses run all night and every few minutes. It was very easy to get around.

As for the food, my boyfriend and I are vegan and were able to find good things to eat for breakfast at the Café Quetzal, from Nami, the sushi restaurant, and from room service. They were very accommodating of our special requests. We didn't try to the other restaurants, because Tempo seemed too gourmet for our budget, and a few others seemed too meat/seafood centered. The Mexican one never seemed to be open. We had the most delicious vegetarian sushi, pizza without cheese, and vegetarian spaghetti. The abundant fruit and veggies were pretty good.

My only complaint would be that the prices of things in the hotel's convenience store (bottled water, snacks, booze) is almost twice that of the convenience store across the street. But price variance is pandemic in Mexico in general, so if you care about getting the best deal you have to shop around. In a shop in the mall one guy tried to sell us earrings at "60% off" for "only $75 USD," by the time we left without buying anything he came down to $5 USD.

this hotel is pure luxe just along the beach, not far from the center by bus, the hotel is beautiful and needs to be tried. Just perfect to club and get back home safe. the hotel is close to a place to rent scooter, forget insurance and safety on your machine. There's no rules....