We just returned from spending a week at the GR Solaris May 13-20, 2005.
Similar experience as some other reviewers, we thought we were staying at the Royal Solaris, arrived and they told us "you are staying down the road at the other Solaris, the luxury one". We were pleasantly surprised. We didn't get pressured because we are already RCI Members. They did leave a note with us saying "they had missed us" (the Personal Representative) so we just took that as being the "time share guy". They didn't bother us any further after that. We were travelling with my parents and had organized two rooms. Each room was located on the same floor with king bed in each as I had requested. The hotel has only been open 4-5 months so everything is spotless and extremely well taken care of. There are 3 pools, one with the usual swim-up bar where all the activities take place, 1 for relaxing and 1 for volleyball. There is a whirlpool hot tub next to the relaxation pool. The grounds and public areas of the resort were spotless at all times. The buffet meals were excellent with a variety to please everyone. There is a very good snack bar at the pool that serves burgers, wings, nachos, fries, etc. We ate at Marco Polo (the formal restaurant) on our last night, a romantic atmosphere. We were concerned about dress code in there so my husband wore his sport linen jacket, turned out we saw other people wearing jeans and sports sandals in there so they didn't seem too strict. The Entertainment Team organizes activities throughout the day and really become your 2nd family by the time you leave. Very accomodating and very professional. The resort is very intimate and by the time we left we knew a lot of the staff by name. Malena, Chucho, Alex, Beta, MacKenzie, Mike, Caesar.... One thing we suggested to the resort was putting in a tarp perhaps over the arbors for some additional shade or more tables with umbrellas. There isn't a lot of shade around the pool.
The beach is right in front so easy access from the pool and no problems in getting a beach lounge. The water is gorgeous to swim, bright blue, clear to the bottom and warm. Some days it was a bit rocky with waves and thimble jellyfish warnings. We swam despite the jellyfish warnings and we were fine, just dont go out too far into the ocean. Thimble jellyfish are very small and a dark brown color so easy to spot.
Each evening at the resort there is a variety show. Currently the GR Solaris has a professional dance troupe who does the Cancun hotel circuit. In June the Entertainment Team staff will take over and perform nightly in the shows (first one will be Saturday Night Fever), talented bunch so it should be a lot of fun. Theme nights are the usual drill for the buffet. Mexican night, Italian night, etc. The only thing we didn't like was the lack of ambience in the showroom. Only when meals were served did they put candles on the tables, dim the lights... otherwise it sort of felt a bit like a conference room until the show started.
After the show, everyone gathers into the lobby bar for further dancing or games with the staff, it later becomes more low-key when at 10:30 the staff can take you to the local discos. We went to "Coco Bongo" one night with the hotel. If you go with the hotel you pay $35 which includes your cover charge and open bar. The hotel looks after you, you get a separate section in the bar, you sit together and they take you there by bus (you have to make your own way back to the hotel via taxi). Coco Bongo is a wild place, sort of a like a big sound stage with Cirque de Soleil type performances (gymnastic troupe from Cuba hanging from the ceiling), dance troupes and big video screens, its worth going but be prepared for a late night. We left at 2:00 a.m. and we were the first to leave. Note, Cancun is a party town, lots of young 20 somethings hang out in the downtown area to go clubbing. But you can still go with a family, visit Carlos N'Charlies, etc. have a great meal. We were on the all-inclusive plan with meals at the Solaris but the resort did have a day where they would take you to Carlos N'Charlies at 6:00 p.m. and you could order from a set menu. It was very good and fun to get out of the resort to eat somewhere else.
This resort was very intimate and low key but at the same time you could get involved in the pool games and activities around the resort. There is a tennis court also but you have to play early otherwise its too hot and they supply the balls and rackets. They are building another Solaris further down the strip and when that opens it will apparently be geared towards families. The GR Solaris will become an adults-only resort.
The maid service, rooms and showers were all excellent. The shower curtain was a bit flimsy but no big deal. No problems with towels. Beach towels are provided daily and they are nice and big (and brand new).
Air conditioning in rooms worked like a charm, speedy elevators and the fitness centre and spa downstairs were very good.
After our week stay at GR Solaris we stayed at the Crown Paradise for a few more days. We thought we'd save some money by going over there for a few days. To our surprise it was right next door. The Crown Paradise was very nice, although it is much bigger and busier, we preferred the cozy feel of the GR Solaris. Even after leaving, the staff at GR Solaris said, "come see us before you go" so I walked down the beach to say goodbye to them and secretly told them "we liked your resort better". They seemed genuinely interested and touched.
The GR Solaris also picked us up at the airport, it is a free shuttle van if you stay minimum of 6 nights and you can organize it on-line before you go through Sol-Ha Tours (travel office is located right inside hotel), very well organized. When you arrive at the airport, get your luggage and go directly outside. IGNORE all the Mexicans who are asking where you are going. They are timeshare salesmen and they are very pushy. Look for the Solaris driver outside the airport with the lime green shirt and green sign.
To get downtown you can catch the local bus right outside the resort for just a few pesos, its dirt cheap, safe and easy. 5-10 minutes and you are downtown. You can take the bus back or a taxi ride will cost you about $9U.S.
There are good mercados downtown to haggle for the typical Mexican souvenirs, save your money and go down there (there is a good one across from Carlos N'Charlies). An ATM is also located there if you need it.
We will definitely stay at the GR Solaris the next time we travel to Cancun. It is on the higher end scale (not cheap) but just like anything, you get what you pay for. If you are with small children, the GR Solaris is very good, they have a kids club and a kiddies pool. It is not geared towards children but there ARE activities for them. Salsa classes, cooking class, aerobics, tequila volleyball are just a few of the fun adult things you can involved in. But it is also very quiet so a great place for honeymooners or anyone just wanting to kick back for some hot weather and relaxation. As I write this review I'm wishing I could go back to join the 11:15 water aerobics at the pool. Oh well, next time... Enjoy. Adios.
