My husbond and I stayed at the Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort just north of Cancun from May 1 - May 6 and I appologize that I am just now getting around to writing a review on it! But, it still seems like a dream, because everything was so wonderful!! We wish every day that we could go back and relive it - it was just amazing! We have been taking vacations for our anniversary every year for 28 years and this trip was by far the best one ever. We have stayed at several all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Punta Cana and been on many cruises, but this beautiful, new resort has the best of everything all in one place.
We had read both good and bad reviews before going and even read about people having their rooms robbed, but I actually left my ipod nano at the pool one afternoon and when I discovered that I had hours later, we called and one of the guys who cleaned at the pool had found it and turned it in and it was returned to me within minutes of calling about it. The resort is like paradise - everywhere you look the landscaping is just beautiful. The hibiscus were in bloom and the grounds are kept immaculate.
When we checked in, we had heard that pretty much everyone was getting upgraded. We didn't get that lucky, unfortunately, and were told that there were no roof top rooms available and that if we wanted to upgrade to an oceanview in the Excellence Club in Block 9 (which was where we wanted to be), we would have to pay $95 more a night. After a while, a girl name Patricia came over and said they were booked up completely but would not look us in the eye, so we knew she was lying. (Steer clear of her, if you see her at check in!) We ended up paying the difference and getting a great room looking out at the ocean and across at Isla Mujeres. This was the only negative thing about the entire stay. It probably was only 20 -50% booked the whole time we were there - we felt like we had the place to ourselves most of the time and never had trouble getting in to any of the restaurants. We always got the same beach bed on the beach and we even made friends with the most wonderful bartender - Abelardo - we will never forget him. We tipped him generously just because he was so great at remembering what we liked to drink and having one ready for us when we returned from kayaking or sailing on the Hobie Cats. The weather was perfect every day and only the last day did any seaweed wash up on the beach, but the guy with the tractor was working diligently at getting it all cleaned up. The food was great and we enjoyed all the choices at breakfast. We could eat something different every morning and most everything we tried was delicious. Our room was always cleaned later in the day, but we were still at the beach or the pools, so this was fine with us. We liked having access to the Excellence CLub lounge where we emailed our daughters each morning. The bed on the balcony was a nice touch and we also enjoyed the flat screen TV. We had heard about channels 49 and 50 and checked them out - this is an all-adult resort afterall!!
Overall, we can't say enough positive things about this resort. We would LOVE to go back again.

Stayed at the EPM with my lovely bride for one full week and we absolutely loved it. (May 26th – June 2nd) I don’t see many guys post on here, so I’ll try and post from a guy’s perspective as much as possible and try not to repeat too many items already addressed by others.

The value in this place is great. Very much recommend it to honeymooners that are both price conscious but still enjoy luxury. Although I will list a few “complaints” I would stay again at this place w/out ANY hesitation.

The resort is NOT in Cancun but actually 20 miles north much closer to Punta Sam, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It just helped me once I could see a satellite view of the place on a map. Also located due East of Isla de Mujeres if that helps.

The resort is a short cab ride from downtown Cancun, but that cab ride can cost you anywhere from $15 to $50 (each way) depending on where you are planning to go.

Although the resort has ample entertainment, we couldn’t resist getting out and exploring more. Just know that with each trip comes a round trip fair of about $30 plus tip.

For the real deal Mexican market souvenir shopping I recommend “Market 28”. That is only $15 ride from EPM and has any and every item you could want to buy. The EPM gift shop is only barely competitive price-wise, but not with selection at all.

Tipping the staff, this is a personal preference, some people told me it was already included in the “all inclusive” cost… but they certainly seemed to appreciate (if not expect) the extra buck or two. The hotel was approx 60% full while we were there so the staff was able to serve us VERY well most of the time. On the weekend occupancy increased and we noticed service time increase as well – guess that goes with territory.

The light switches are really hard to find in the rooms, seems stupid but get the bell boy to show you the ropes on your initial tour. The outlets, American or Euro plugs work fine.

We did not have any issues with theft of personal items but we were quite religious about using the safe in our room – recommend you do the same.

When enjoying beer at the bar… I’d recommend getting draught or “barril” instead of bottle/can because they just seemed colder.

Don’t bother packing beach towels, they have an ample supply already down by the pools & beach. Also don’t pack hangers you’ll have a huge closet stocked w/ as many hangers as you need.

It is the tropics, stay there long and it will rain for sure, bring along some fun items you’ll both enjoy while locked up in your room – cards, DVDs, etc.

Guys if you are going to eat dinner at the EPM restaurants at night, bring long pants as that seems to be the only dress code requirement. You don’t want to look like a dolt by getting turned away at the door.

Speaking of dinner at EPM, we got a nasty bug we THINK came from The Flavor Market. Could have been an issue w/ that food being left out too long, but who really knows. At any rate, we had to buy meds for various reasons while AT the resort like anti-nausea, Pepto, Imodium AD, and Dramamine. They really jack up the prices there, so bring your own just in case you need them.

There are Tx Hold’em Tournaments everyday by the pool, they are friendly cash games dealt by EPM staff and are winner take all. Buyin was $20.

The spa thing might sound girlie, but let me just say it is WELL WORTH going. No worries, they are not going to paint your nails or do your hair… Fantastic and professional, this is a great activity to enjoy w/ your significant other.

Really want to go back soon. Overall, our stay was stress free & dreamlike… resulting in a top notch honeymoon!

The whole experience was excellent.... Service outstanding, facilities & food amazing. Great choice of restraunts & bars. Well equiped gym. Room was fantastic with all the mod cons. Planning to return again in November.

Would most definetley recommend!

My husband and I stayed at EPM the week of May 31-June 7. We booked thru allinclusiveoutlets.com (great experience) and with the package came private transport to the hotel thru American Express Travel (again, great experience). It was about a 40 minute ride to the airport and we were received with such gracious hospitality. A couple of weeks prior to arriving we requested a specific RTT room in building 1 (away from construction) and we were happy they were able to fulfill our request.

After a quick tour of the property, we got to our room which was so amazing (as mentioned many times on this site) and the terrace was huge. We could have had a party for 50 people out there.

Given that I read all the Trip Advisor reviews prior to booking and up to the day of departure, my expectations for service was fairly low compared to the other offerings at the resort, but I was pleasantly surprised. We ordered room service 3 times and each time our food came as requested and within 20 minutes. Our room was cleaned by 4pm everyday and turn down service came every night except the last night, but we didn't call to complain. Service around the pool was also very, very good. Someone was always there to get you a drink. Speaking of drinks, they are usually pretty light on the alcohol, but just ask for more and they will oblige.

Our only negative service experience was when we went to the spa for our appointment that was made via email prior to arriving. When we showed up they said they didn't have us booked. I brought the confirmation with me, but they didn't seem to have any room that day so they told us that they would let us go thru the marine wellness circuit and that we could reschedule later in the week and they would give us 50% off for our trouble. We thought that was generous and agreed. If you go, I recommend trying the marine circuit, it was really nice and comes with any spa service. Anyway, after we returned and got our Excellence Massage (very excellent indeed), the bill did not reflect the 50% discount. We went to the spa's front desk and talked to the exact same lady who offered us the discount and she acted like she did not remember talking to us at all and would not grant us a discount. We were so relaxed from the massage and didn't want to tense up by arguing about it we didn't fight it. So, I'm only relaying this to you because if you are offered a discount, make sure you get a voucher that day!!

Food for an all-inclusive was great. We tried every restaurant for dinner except The Grill and we loved Agave, Spice and Chez Isabelle. For breakfast we enjoyed Barcelona's buffet and for lunch liked The Grill.

Pools were great with plenty of rafts and towels and lounge chairs for everyone. The hotel did not seem crowed at all while we were there (I think it was at 60% capacity). The beach was nice and again, plenty of beds/lounges, but the water seemed a little rough, but this was probably due to the fact that there was a tropical depression the first few days we were there!

Nightlife, as many have noted, was sparse. We typically hung out for a quiet evening at the X Lounge or just went back to our terrace to lay on one of the 3 beds out there and watched the stars. We caught the magic/circus show one night, but it was pretty lame.

All in all, it was an absolutely beautiful resort staffed with very friendly people. We also met some wonderful travelers while we were there. My husband and I agreed it was the best vacation we ever had and would definitely go back.