Prior to departure, I became aware through online reports that the hotel’s main pool might be closed for renovations. I contacted Tripcentral, the agency through which we booked, and they reached out to Air Canada Vacations and the hotel directly. We were advised there were no notices or advisories regarding any pool closures and were reassured there would be no issues affecting our stay.
Unfortunately, upon arrival, we discovered the hotel’s main pool was completely closed and under active r[... read more]epair. It resembled a construction zone or skateboard park rather than a functioning resort amenity. This was a significant issue because this property does not have a swimmable beach, making the pools one of the primary reasons guests choose this resort. Had we been properly informed prior to departure, we would have changed resorts or reconsidered travelling altogether.
In addition to the pool closure, the resort experience was far below what would reasonably be expected from a 4.5 to 5-star all-inclusive property:
* The resort appeared to be operating at less than 25% occupancy.
* Restaurants were frequently closed, sometimes leaving only the buffet available.
* The LandShark restaurant was closed every evening during our stay.
* Entertainment was minimal or nonexistent despite advertised activities and events.
* Promised activities such as a pickleball tournament and silent dance party never occurred.
* The Mexican night entertainment was extremely underwhelming.
* Bars ran out of basic products, including Smirnoff vodka.
* Lounge beds near the pool remained blocked off as “reserved” despite sitting empty for entire days, while staff enforced policies preventing guests from reserving chairs.
* Restaurant reservations were allegedly “full,” yet the restaurants themselves were nearly empty, clearly indicating staffing limitations rather than capacity issues.
* Service throughout the resort was consistently inadequate due to apparent understaffing.
Additionally, one day a guest vomited in the SOS pool, resulting in the closure of that pool as well as the connected swim-out areas for chemical treatment. This left both the SOS pool and the 5 O’Clock Somewhere main pool unavailable at the same time, severely limiting access to essential resort amenities.
Our return airport transfer experience was also unacceptable. We were picked up without any Air Canada Vacations representative or greeter. The driver did not appear to know where we were going and stopped at another hotel to wait approximately 30 minutes for a no-show passenger while we remained in the vehicle.
Overall, this vacation experience did not remotely reflect the premium five-star all-inclusive product we paid for. We paid full price for a resort experience that was clearly compromised due to renovations, closures, low occupancy, reduced staffing, and lack of services.
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Goo2026 -
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Great resort
This hotel was clean, rooms were all centrally located. Food was amazing. Service was great, both in restaurants and pool side and front desk and concierge.
Only downfall for some is there is no beach. We are pool people, so knew this when choosing this resort. Lots of areas to sit and get a lounge chair.
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Private -
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Margaritaville never disappoints!
Our second time going to a Margaritaville and they always impress. Every detail is taken care of, and the theming is top notch. Great food, incredible staff, and the place is spotless and smells fantastic! Can't wait to go back!! Other than the beach being destroyed by a hurricane the place is perfect.
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Private -
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Nice resort, but no beach!
Overall the resort is very nice, rooms are clean and modern. Almost all rooms will have a partial ocean view with the rooms either facing the sunrise or sunset. The food is decent - the breakfast buffet left a little bit to be desired, much few options then other resorts with things like bacon being behind the counter being limited by the egg chef. The Landshark brewery being onsite is a nice touch, the lunches were excellent as was the draught beer. The pool area was very nice, with the ser[... read more]vice around the pool being one of the best I've had - wait staff were very attentive. No cards required for pool towels and you could take as many as you'd like. Entertainment was daily - there are many options to either be in the party atmosphere or within a more tranquil spot as the pool area is expansive. There is currently no beach, and the ocean water is currently a black sludge - we aren't big beach people so it didn't bother us, but were heard many folks from Europe complaining as they were unaware that there was no beach at the resort. With so many options I would be hard pressed to go back again until the beach situation is sorted.
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Private -
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No Beach
This is a well run resort. Staff were excellent, and food was amazing. The onsite upscale coffee shop was a favourite. The photo for this hotel is not accurate. There is literally NO beach. There is a sister Margarittaville hotel a few minutes away. I would suggest to the owners to offer , for a small fee, a beach pass to this hotel for a day. Unlike most all-inclusive resorts, there is no nightly show on a main stage area. The few shows that were available were at ground level inside the main b[... read more]uffet restaurant. If you want a hotel that is relatively quiet day and night, this is a good choice.
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Private -
Verified Purchaser
The best 4 day vacation to recharge
The resort was everything we expected for our short 4 day stay. We needed a recharge and it was perfect. Although small, it offered the amenities we needed as well as assistance in understanding our Prestige membership. We are not beach people so we did not feel we missed out at all. At times, the pool was cool -- refreshing but would have been best to be a little warmer.
The food and customer service was top notch. We enjoyed all restaurants equally. The buffet was nice for breakfast and lot[... read more]s of variety. We felt safe and taken care of -- went off the resort once for a golf game and the amazing weather helped.
The best was the bracelets -- no more key fob or card to search for when going into your room.
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Pick-2 -
Verified Purchaser
Amazing Resort!!
Beautiful resort, nicely laid out and everything is near by. Christian at the pool bar is excellent. The Land Shark is the place to go to in the evening, always something going on and the food is great. We really enjoyed the Margaritaville theme with Jimmy Buffet lyrics all over surf boards and along the walls. No complaints about the resort itself, but it has no beach at all and also they could be better organized for the transportation to and from the resort. We were left waiting on both oc[... read more]casions and the hotel staff weren't sure if we would have to hire a taxi to bring us to the airport, luckily after they made a few calls someone finally arrived to bring us. Like I said, the resort is amazing and has a beautiful atmosphere,amazing food and friendly staff, would
definitely go back.
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Dean -
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Amazing Resort
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cancun is a fantastic resort. The grounds are meticulously kept and the gorgeous beach is just steps from your accommodations. The staff here is phenomenal especially José and Hector.
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Private -
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OK Resort but had not noticed there was no beach.....
Although this hotel was new (2023), there were a few issues. It was a nice hotel, clean. What was disappointing was the there was always something no longer available, whether it was drinks, (menu removed after the order was placed), certain main food items at the A La Carte restaurants (ex: Osso Bucco, etc). Certain wait-staff at non A La Carte restaurants were non attentive - for example : Other customers would come in after us, served by their wait-staff, and departed before we were served. T[... read more]hen, Half of our table was served and either received their main course before the appetizer, and were finished well before the others got their meals. Reason for this was the restaurant was full - which it was not.
I've been to a lot of All-inclusive resorts and this one was unfortunately not up to standards.
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Jaye -
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Nice laid back resort for relaxation
Resort is very nice. New and clean. Always felt safe and all staff were always very welcoming. Entertainment team is pretty good and pool bars have good drinks and service. Restaurants are pretty good. Buffet is ok but Italian was excellent and Landshark pub was great. Breakfast was always fantastic and great service. Luis was amazing to us. Some things that fell short for the price was their reservation system is not good and hard to get times. Pools are cold so most adult resorts we'v[... read more]e been to have heated pools so this was disappointing at times. Joe merchant's which is coffee house and sweets was always amazing. Snacks were great. One last thing is it's theeeee most expensive resort we've ever been to. We've been lucky enough to travel the past 10 years and mostly to Mexico. Things that are included in other resorts like specialty drinks, bud lite, gift shop etc is by far the most expensive we've ever been. Their spa is crazy expensive and we live spas. We've been to grand moon place spa and other top ones with hydrotherapy etc and this place was wayyyyy more money which was surprising. Over all for a place to relax, have good food, great service and a nice e vibe and great cleanliness this would be for you.
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Beckie79 -
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What a great resort!!
My husband and I loved this resort so much! The staff could not do enough for us - they were so attentive and friendly. It was the little things that we loved so much - the modern touches like wristband room entry, housekeeping requests through the Margaritaville app, the automatic lights and the housekeeping/do not disturb buttons really add up to a nice experience. The food was incredible! We loved Frank & Lola's the best (Italian cuisine). But JWB Steakhouse was delicious as well. We loved ha[... read more]nging out nightly at the Landshark Brewery listening to the live bands and DJ and watching sports on the big screens. Didi was the best server, we loved him!! There was no shortage of delicious foods at the Breakfast Buffet as well. The rooms are new and clean and the shower head was incredible!! I would take the longest warm showers because I loved it so much! There is no beach front yet, but once there is this place will be even better. But for now, the pools are great with a decent amount of entertainment. The foam party was a blast! Book this resort, you will not regret it!