Last Updated on June 22, 2020 by Laura Cooper

The Hard Rock Maya Riviera

Upon arrival at the Hard Rock Maya Riviera, one of our travel agents was warmly greeted by the gracious staff in the Hacienda section lobby with some delicious lemonade. In the lobby you could already tell you were in a Hard Rock, as there was music memorabilia scattering the walls and floors of the place. Check-in was a breeze as they scanned our passports and swiftly looked up our reservations; I was in my room within 20mins of arriving at the resort.

Amazing rooms, Hard Rock quality service

The room was amazing! I have never seen anything like it. I was checked into the terrace jacuzzi suite. The king bed was firm, yet comfortable. The bathrooms and showers were spacious and clean. There was even a small eating area with a two-seat dining set that can be enjoyed for some breakfast room service. Out onto the balcony, a comfy hammock is there just begging for an afternoon siesta. The view from my balcony was more of a partial ocean view with a view of some of the grounds. Behind the bed headboard were stairs leading up to the private terrace. The terrace was quite spacious; you could easily throw a little party up there. The jacuzzi tub was quite large; it could probably fit 4-6 people comfortably. The terrace is also a great spot for sun tanning as it was quite open and well equipped with beach chairs.

I had some time to kill before the events got started, so I grabbed a bite at the Market buffet. The buffet had a good selection of appetizing items. I really loved the taco and pizza station where a chef made your requests to order. If that wasn’t enough to fill your belly, you can enjoy the self-serve ice cream bar.

Entertainment, Beaches and Attractions

It was a scheduled first day on the FAM (familiarization tour for travel agents.) First up, a special performance by the Hard Rock BDMs! They performed a rock tune up on stage that they had just learned within an hour with the Hard Rock Music Lab workshop. The Music Lab is a great activity for all ages that allows guests to be taught how to use various musical instruments like drums, bass, guitar or DJ equipment and to perform songs they have learned for an on stage performance!

 

Next was a tour of the Hacienda section. There was a large open common room next to the lobby that was quite active every night. Entertainment by the staff and live music was performed here. A few a la carte restaurants were accessible from this common room. By the way, no reservations are required at the Hard Rock restaurants! The Sun Bar was also a great spot to meet other guests and have a few rounds.

Then we came across the Hacienda pool area. Pools were quite spacious, clean and active. There was a swim-up bar and a grill that served pizzas and steaks. The beach here had a natural rocky break that made it into a cove. This place isn’t really great for beach lovers but it’s still enjoyable to swim in!

Heaven is for Adults Only

Next stop was the private adults-only section called Heaven. Only Heaven guests have access here. Beachfront was nice, but again with the natural rocky break in place. Guests are allowed to go topless here if they are so inclined. The Eden pool by the beach is a large jacuzzi pool that could fit many guests. Restaurants and swim-up bars are also in this section by the pools. Stairs leading up from the pool area to the main building was called the ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ a very appropriate name paying homage to the rock legends Led Zeppelin. In the main building is another common room for nightly entertainment and live bands with some comfortable seating. Here you have access to more a la carte restaurants and a bar.

The Hard Rock Heaven nightclub was enjoyed several times during the FAM; we had no choice, it was in the itinerary! In the club was a shallow indoor pool surrounded by seating and two sections of bars. This is a great place to let loose, dance and have fun.

Food Heaven

The first dinner took place at the Zen Garden in the Hacienda section. I thought the menu was small but still diverse enough to cater to everyone. Another agent on the FAM was allergic to nuts and made it aware to the restaurant staff. The staff were very attentive and accommodating regarding the allergy. I thought it was quite sincere and thoughtful how they handled it. Overall, the food was great here! Décor and atmosphere made it for a very comfortable experience.

The food at all restaurants experienced at the Hard Rock Maya was actually quite good. Servers were always attentive and accommodating; glasses were always filled and empty plates were aptly cleared from the table. I really liked Ciao, the Italian restaurant in the Heaven section, and really enjoyed my cheesy risotto while a violinist and accordion player performed romantic songs by the table.

Hard Rock Maya Riviera cheat-sheet

Overall, my experience at this resort was quite pleasant; I would go back on a personal vacation for sure! Here are some specific details about the property that I think you should know:

• Complimentary WIFI throughout the property. It even reaches the beach!
• Complimentary unlimited long distance phone cards
• $1800 Limitless Resort Credit *20% service fees apply
• Carts run all day to transfer you to and from the Hacienda and Heaven section
• Fender guitars and amps available to sign out on deposit (CC needed)
• 1 hr 10min transfer from airport (Non-stop)
• Loads of music memorabilia of popular artists throughout resort
• Kids club on site
• Conference room on site
• Very accessible for the physically challenged. Wheelchair accessible rooms

Who should go: Families, couples, singles and groups.

Hard Rock Cancun

The drive up to the front entrance is shaped like a guitar, so how could I not like this place? The Hard Rock Cancun is where it’s at! This hotel is located right on the main strip in Cancun and is kind of like a compact resort feel to it. I hope you like waking up to beautiful sunrises, because this hotel has a lot of ocean view rooms! Gorgeous picturesque views out into the ocean that make you forget about real life.

I caught a quick look in one of the rooms: pretty basic hotel room in my opinion, but has nice décor. Rock Royalty rooms come with aromatherapy and pillow menu complete with a spa tub that can be turned on by request!

The pool area is pretty active all day with plenty of ways to relax, eat, drink and enjoy! Everyone loves swim-up bars and infinity pools; this hotel has several tiers of those leading down to the beachfront. I thought the beach itself was pretty great and wide, the sand looks like its a light golden in colour.

I wish I could’ve experienced the nightlife! I can imagine that it gets quite happening at night! At the center of the hotel on the main floor is a nice bar and lounge area where guests can get some premium drinks and have some fun! Or, you can enjoy a tasty margarita out on the back terrace.

Hard Rock Cancun Cheat Sheet

This place is paradise, I will be staying here in the near future and hopefully get a better feel for it. I know I will love it. Here’s some things to note:

• Complimentary WIFI throughout hotel
• Complimentary unlimited long distance phone cards
• $1800 Limitless Resort Credit *20% service fees apply
• Fender guitars and amps available to sign out on deposit (CC needed)
• The Kids club is great, it has its own splash park
• On-site fitness center and yoga studio

Who should go: Families, couples, singles and groups