Let me start by saying I cannot believe how many negative reviews have been written about this resort. I have been to Mexico many times and found this resort to be among the top destinations that I have stayed. Having said that, each trip I try to upgrade a little bit to meet the needs that weren't met the previous trip. I have very few negatives to say about this resort.
Location/hotel Appearance: If you want to be close to downtown this resort is perfect. It is within walking distance to many shops, malls, clubs, bars, and resturaunts. The hotel itself is not accurately displayed in the photos. It is breathtaking. I thought to myself before I went, "wow, everyone posts the SAME pictures.
Well after being there I totally understand, you can't help but photograph the beautiful building and it really is a site to see.
The building is well kept, spotless at all times, and the staff works non-stop cleaning and polishing the furniture,floor, etc.
The rooms are pretty average, there was absolutely nothing wrong with them. Yes, some of the rooms have to double beds pushed together, however, many of them do not. We actually stayed in two different rooms, our first room was oceanview without a balcony and had two beds pushed together. This didn't bother us. However, we switched to another oceanview room a couple days into our stay that had a balcony (the only reason we asked for the switch) and the bed was just a king in that room. Both rooms were set up the exact same. You have a mini fridge with soda, beer, water. You can get more or less of any of it. All you have to do is ask. The bathroom has two sinks, his and hers, which was lovely. There is an ironing board, hairdryer, and shampoo,lotion, conditioner, in every room. They also give you a little sewing kit.
We were in an ocean view room on the 8th floor and then on the 6th. Neither room had a bad smell.
I was expecting a terrible, knock you over type smell when I walked in and I never got it. Thankfully! Yes, there is a MILD MILD MILD smell... if you have ever been to the beach, oceanfront resort, you have smelled it before. Its not bad at all, and if your focused on your vacation and not looking for things to nit pick and write home about, you will not even notice it.
The Food was above average for an all-inclusive. We always go all inclusive and this was the best food we have had. There really is something for everyone. I went with my significant other who is a very picky eater, as well as 5 others. We never had a day where someone wasn't pleased. With that said, we only ate the dinner buffet once, and that was our first day there. We booked speciality resturaunts the rest of the 7 nights and were pleased each night. You do have to book your reservations early to get them, but its not difficult to do if you have atleast one early riser in your group. The spanish speciality was great (get the beef fillet and mashed potatoes!) I also really enjoyed the steak house (ate here twice, the fillet and Rib Eye were GREAT) Steak is available every night if you want it, we had it most of the time, but they also had great other option at every place. The chicken was great at the Japanese too. We ate lunch at the Italian probably 4 or 5 times throughout the week. They have a geat lunch beef fillet, also have good pasta and pizza. The staff is great and is you feel like you need more then the portions they serve, just ask for two. We ordered two steaks several times and they are more than happy to get it for you. At the Japanese, we all ordered to main dishes and they didn't blink an eye. Top of the line service. We also ate the buffets for lunch at our resort and next door at the RIU CANCUN. They also had a great lunch buffet so don't miss it.
We ordered room services and it was pretty good...it is available 24 hours which is great!
The fitness center has everything you need...after all your on VACATION!
The pools are just as they appear in the pictures. The quiet pool, is very quiet, I only saw a handful of people in it everyday and the hotel seemed to be full. The other activity pool, was NOT loud at all. They played bingo, volleyball and had water aerobics everyday. As far as other reviews saying it was wild and crazy..it never was. We had a great time playing volleyball. The entertainment staff works so hard. They start in the morning around 9 and did all the pool sports then you saw the same crew in the theater some nights and they also take a party hopper group to a club everynight if you want to go. They really are great and always keep their smiles on. Say hello to George for us!
We went next door to hang out at the RIU CANCUN a couple days and enjoyed it also, they have a little younger crowd ( 20's -30's) and they have a more lively pool. We enjoyed both aspects.
There are plenty of pool chairs, however, you do have to get up early to get one right next to the pool... I got up at 7 and went down and almost all the immediate poolside chairs were taken.. However, don't get frustrated, you can pull chairs up to the pool whereever you want. We did it nearly everyday, even the pool staff will move chairs for you and get you an umbrella if you want it. JUST ASK.
The beach was the best I have seen in Cancun and Riveria Maya. VERY SWIMMABLE, crystal clear water and it is calm. There are no umbrellas on the beach, but once again if you want one they will get it if you ask for it. They also have drink service on the beach all day long.
We went jet skiing right in front of our beach and it was so much fun, I recommend it. You can also rent snorkle gear for free at the hut on the right side on the beach near the RIU CANCUN.
At night time little venders set up and you can look at all the silver and wooden items they sell. The Theater shows were great.. a couple were a little cheesy, but GOOD. Some of them were really really great though.
There is free WIFI in the lobby and it works great.
The weather was perfect and we didn't have any rain.. I hear when it does rain its only for a short amount of time.
If you are looking for a top of the line above average all inclusive in a great location with good food, great beach, and awesome pool setting, this is the place for you. I always stay at a different resort each trip, but I would DEFINATELY go back here next year.
