Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa: Was a good resort
We had a nice time, service was a little lacking and drinks took long. The room was nice but the jacuzzi tub on the rooftop didn't work so what was the point of having it.
The main hallways of the hotel were quite dirty and it was hard to get pool chairs if you were not down by 6am.
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Sandos Playacar Beach Resort: Great time!
My family of 5 just got back from our stay at Sandos Playacar in Riviera Maya. When we arrived at the hotel we were given a room with a broken toilet. We were told that we wouldnt get a new room until the following day. We were very disappointed but after they realized the toilet couldnt be fixed, the offered us another room. That rooms air conditioning was broken. We went back to the front desk and were assisted by a lovely lady who then upgraded us to a King suite. The upgrade made us very hap[... read more]py and made up for the hiccups at the beginning of our stay. The food at the buffets was good but the a la carte restaurants were amazing, particularly the Brazillian steakhouse. We really enjoyed the picanha. The Mexican restaurant that doesnt require reservations is absolutely amazing as well...we were sad to have only discovered it on our last day. Its beside the cupcake café. The cupcake cafe made delicious strawberry smoothies and nice cappucinos. The pools were nice however we were disappointed that the swim up bar closed at 6pm. The shows were entertaining and well done. We particularly enjoyed the 80's show, the Beauty and the Beast show and the Michael Jackson show. The hotel is very big and could use some more trains...we were often waiting more than 20 minutes for a train and ended up walking most of the time...which is not a bad thing but would be disappointing for people with mobility issues. The monkeys and iguanas were a highlight for our children. They loved watching the monkeys swinging through the trees and seeing all the wildlife around the resort. The staff was great and worked very hard to keep the resort running smoothly. The beach was beautiful! White sandy beach with turquoise waters. Absolutely lovely. The water park was fun but my kids said it was really cold so they didnt stay there for too long which was a bit
disappointing. Overall, it was a really nice family vacation and we made some great memories at Sandos!
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Hyzq25 -
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Bahia Principe Explore Tulum: Great family vacation
We had a wonderful family vacation. Nice room and property, good food, beautiful resort and lots to do with the kids (ages 4 to 9). Kids pool area/splash pad/mini water park was nice. Staff were also amazing. We had what was advertised as a 2 bedroom unit however it was really a bedroom plus a living area that has a sofa bed. However the sofa bed did come apart and we managed to sleep all three kids on it. Another thing to be aware of is the distance from Cancun airport - over an hour drive.
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Sandos Caracol Nature Resort and Water Park: Great resort!
Our family of 5 had a blast! Food was good. À la cartes were great. The grounds were beautiful and there was a lot to explore. Lots of things to do for the family. .
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Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: The Smell of Seaweed and Cigarettes .
firstly, it was seaweed season, so the beaches were practically un-swimmable for the whole week, and smelt terrible. this was also, quite obviously, a very smoke friendly resort, with ash trays on top of every trash bin, and smokers puffing away everywhere. including poolside.
i rarely got a hot shower in my room, even the friends that i went with were all complaining about the inconsistent water pressure(if any) and temp of the showers in their rooms as well.
the rooms themselves were n[... read more]ice, bedding was very comfortable, but the doors allowed for a lot of noise from the resort to come through, making ear plugs a necessity for a good nights sleep.
the buffet food was pretty good, though the steakhouse was disappointing. thankfully, the italian and mexican restaurants were very good. the app kept failing on us and we were not able to book the french restaurant, but we heard great things.
the pools were great, the staff was incredibly kind and overall our experience was really good. though, i doubt id ever go back due to the amount of smokers literally everywhere.
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Excalibur1 -
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Grand Palladium Colonial: Would definitely recommend.
Nothing bad to say, resort was beautiful, staff were friendly, rooms were clean and stocked daily, a la carte and buffet restaurants had a selection of great food and impeccable service. Would like to specifically mention Zenaida at the pool who was always smiling and attentive.
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Bahia Principe Explore Coba: A great resort for families!
We loved our stay! Nice shallow pool and beach for the kids, variety of foods and shows, and we really enjoyed the kids' club. The lobby was breezy and clean, and lots of game options for the kids. We would come back!
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El Dorado Royale: Excellent Eldorado Stay
My spouse and I just enjoy a 2nd visit to the Eldorado Royale in March of 2026, we visited last year in 2025 at the same time. We had such a great experiences last year, we jumped at the opportunity to return.
Highlights are the amazing pools, great services in all areas of the resort, mature and lush grounds, and fantastic food. The Royale has the best all-inclusive food that we have experienced (we travel once or twice a winter). We really enjoy the variety of the food options for all me[... read more]als - that there are 4 or 5 places to have breakfast and lunch, and then all the different a la quarters for evening. The bar staff are excellent and have top of line spirts available and definitely remember to visit the lobby/martini bar - best drinks.
The resorts if very spread out, which we enjoy as it makes us walk a lot, but for other there is a constant stream of customized golf carts to deliver you where you need to go.
The beach is limited unfortunately from past hurricanes, but there are spots to swim and sit on the beach in many locations.
More inclusive options - Lomas Hospitality provide several activities / excursions at no cost - at day at Maroma Beach, where you can stay at the beach club with a fantastic beach and beach club with great food and drink or you can add a half day snorkelling excursion to this (rays, turtle, large variety of fish) as well as a lot of fun and drink on the trip. There is also activities such as bike rides and horses to explore.
This is a great adults only resorts, not a party place, but a resorts to relax, enjoy the pools, the water, the food and great conversations with people from around the world.
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Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: The Valentin Imperial Resort
With our 4th return trip, but with our grown chikdren and plus ones. The resort did not let us down at all.
The Entertainment waas the reason for rebooking as the knock it out the park with connecting to their guests.
The food, the room ad servoce were 5/5 rating.
It is very hard to compare any resort in the area that competes in all areas.
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Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya Suites: lovely resort- beyond shitty experience booking with trip central and west jet vacations
The hotel was almost perfect. Great fitness facilities, pickleball courts, pools, rooms, grounds, coffee shops. My only complaint is very hard to get dinner resos anywhere and walk in was almost impossible. So Buffett dinners were common back ups. The beach is very seaweedy but they work all day long trying to clean it. Ocean was hit or miss to swim in .
The booking process was filled with errors and credit card charges and west jet cancelled our flight and rebooked a day later but did not com[... read more]pensate for the lost day. So our 7 day all inclusive turned into a 6 days all inclusive. No apology, no hotel vouchers, no food vouchers. West jet left us high and dry.
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Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: Peace and tranquility
I cannot say enough good things about this resort. The grounds are beautiful and extremely well maintained, the resort has a very authentic Mexican vibe. Staff are very friendly and helpful, food is delicious no reservations required at any restaurants.
The resort is extremely clean and there are lots of walking paths but also lots of golf carts to get you around this large resort.
We travelled during March Break, but this resort ( adults only)was quiet but the largest pool had lots of acti[... read more]vities and noise if that’s your vibe.
I would definitely rebook this resort again.
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Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya: Family of 5 trip to The Grand Sirenis
We had a fabulous holiday over March break. Although there was a lot of hype about the sargassum at the beach, this did not hinder our trip. Maybe because we live on the East Coast of Canada, we know that beaches have a ‘smell’ and seaweed happens. We layed by the beach regardless and snorkeled in the protected cove near the ruin. The hotel staff worked tirelessly to remove the sargassum, and still more came in each day. Oh well.
The water is blue, the sand is white, the weather is gorgeous [... read more]and drinks are brought to you anytime/anywhere. We spent our mornings at the beaches everyday. We did at least one lazy river ride each day and often several per day, we never had to wait for inner tubes. Meandering through the jungle with a drink in hand, watching the wildlife and connecting with my teenagers was amazing!
The food … wow. The food was incredible and there was so much variety. I’m a ‘mean’ mom, and my kids were raised to eat “all the foods” … and they did. My 15 year old, made it his mission to bring some unknown food to try at every meal. Proud mom moment. I can’t imagine anyone not finding “something” they like … and if they don’t, I feel like that’s a YOU problem. The staff were incredible at all buffets and we made several friends who we had to take photos with at the end of the stay. Our concierge in the lobby of our block (1440) was fabulous and booked everything.
The Al La carte’s were delicious. We ate at the Mexican, Butcher’s and Tepanyaky show cooking and every restaurant was a hit. Again, our three kids are not fussy eaters, so even the cucumber and seaweed salad was devoured in seconds!
The drinks were excellent and always flowing. My youngest (9) loved moseying up to the swim-up bar to order his daily strawberry daiquiris, pina coladas and mango breezes. The adults enjoyed mojitos, seaside sangria, Paloma’s and Hawaiian breezes (among many others).
The wildlife and jungle scenery were highlights. We loved seeing the geckos, iguanas, white nose cotis, raccoons and of course the monkeys (outside the breakfast buffets) … but do us a favour and DON’T feed the wildlife. Several people brought fruit from the buffet and then staff had to intervene. The monkeys especially become aggressive when they are being fed and too familiar with people. If they “hurt” someone by accident - we all know what will happen to them. Yeah, it’s cute to get a photo of them eating your apple - but then you ruin it for everyone. Also - clean up your plates at the pools. The more familiar the animals are and bugging guests - they will be removed. If you love animals and want to enjoy them - PLEASE DON’T FEED THEM!
The evening entertainment was awesome (some people said it was lame - maybe compared to Broadway or the Ballet… but enjoy it for what it is). We watched countless practices during the day. These dancers are trying their best. Have a drink and enjoy the show. We watched The Lion King, the cabaret/broadway one and the around the world (I forget the proper names). They were all fun and enjoyable (but yes, I’m from a big city and have seen higher quality entertainment - so what?!).
The market /artisan booths. Thursday nights only. We arrived at 8pm on Thursday and didn’t purchase anything not realizing that would be our only opportunity. The stores out front by the OXXO have lovely staff and reasonable trinkets.
The pools. We loved all three pools. I forget the names. But the one outside “salt and nut” seemed rowdy. lol. We stayed near the one out front of Butchers. (Our preference). Also the quiet pool snaking through the jungle was amazing. Reserve your loungers with towels before breakfast if you want a spot. The lazy river was enjoyed by everyone!
The kids club. … uuummm… kinda lame. It’s inside, so for our fair skinned 9 year old, a few hours outside of the sun was great. I thought/hoped it would be more activities, but it was iPads and video games :(. But the staff were lovely and take the kids for a walk for lunch each day. The kiddie pool out front needs to be parent supervised - so not the kids-club fun we had hoped for. Oh well, I’m the parent, so I parented.
The beach bar b que and lunches were fun and delicious. Try to catch paella day if you can!!! Tips: we brought many 50 peso bills and tipped every few drinks. It’s not expected but appreciated. We tipped $150 pesos at suppers. Maybe you get better service, but genuine kindness will also earn you great service.
Our rooms were fabulous. Fourth floor, at the absolute farthest villa away from anywhere - so we walked - A LOT. The rooms were clean, large and the air conditioning was excellent. We leaned some key Spanish phrases while we were there, and the staff seems delighted that we were trying.
I would certainly recommend this property. It was a third Mexican vacation and first time to Sirenis. We thought it was wonderful. Previously stayed at Bahia Prinicpe and Palladium for reference.
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BrwntfromtheHammer -
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The Sens Riviera: Loved this place!
Just the right size with great facilities, rooms, restaurants, and pools. The staff were friendly and very helpful. The timing was a little off as there was a lot of seaweed on the beach for the first few days but the pools were great and never too crowded.
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Barcelo Maya Tropical: Great resort
This was our 7th time to this resort. I think that clearly indicates we are always pleased with our time there! The beach is long and there are many places to walk in the water without coral. Seaweed was cleared every morning. (We met people at the airport who stayed at another resort and they could only go knee deep in the water as the seaweed was so bad.) The pools are also fantastic and you can sit by the pool and still see the ocean and feel the ocean breeze.
We will definitely go back for[... read more] visit number 8!
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Melissa -
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Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Not what i was expecting
This hotel was listed with 4 star reviews. I do not agree. The rooms were dated, buildings falling apart, areas of the resort smelt like sewer, every few hours the bathroom toilets were plugged, toilet paper floating in the pool, very little night entertainment, they didn't rake the seaweed like other resorts, and not enough seating for the amount of guests.
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Barcelo Maya Beach Resort: Spectacular Resort
Barcello resorts are special…several hotels together give many options for eating and relaxing with friends and family!
Pools are amazing! They are huge, so there is a place for everyone to enjoy.
The beach is beautiful with palm trees providing shade. Great place to snorkel and see turtles.
Food was great! Staff were attentive and helpful.
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Sandos Caracol Nature Resort and Water Park: Amazing resort!
We had the Eco Family superior room which was spacious and clean. Towels were changed everyday in our room. The resort is absolutely stunning, everyday had something different to do. Between the waterpark, pools, beach, and numerous natire trails we were never bored. The food was great, the entertainment was always fun, the nightly shows were entertaining. The staff were all amazing, friendly and helpful, very quick to respond to questions or help. I would completely recommend this resort [... read more]to families, or anyone who loves nature mixed in with the resort. Such a unique experience!
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Robert Spiteri -
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Barcelo Maya Colonial: Beautiful resort 15 th visit for us we enjoy the Mexican people and enjoy spending time in the Mayan Riviera
Beautiful grounds lots of area to walk along the beach swimming with turtles and marine life, the staff are all very kind staff all very friendly have made some good friends over the years at Barcelo Milly Gonzales adults only , Lupita in Colonial and tropical ,Ceaser in Brazilian restaurant up at the palace is always very helpful a good friend, beautiful beach’s lovely grounds lots of good fresh fruits and very good food lots of things to do on the resort and also lots of tours available
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Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Would not return.
Would not return & definitely not worth the long drive from the airport. After a full day of travelling the shuttle driver said “no sleeping in here. I’ve been working 24hrs” and proceeded to splash water in his eyes during the transfer.
Be prepared to be whistled in the pool all day long just for simple water activities with the family. And the pool closes so you’re whistled out by 5:45/5:50.
No staff going around the pool areas offering drinks. Pools were a good temperature though wh[... read more]ich was nice. No welcome drink upon arrival. Long check in process even with no lines.
Terrible room cleaning. Some days they would come and give fresh towels other days they’d leave you with no toilet paper and no water.
Called the desk for water refill and they said “sorry we have no water until morning”
Buffet was terrible. Same stuff for breakfast lunch and dinner aside from the odd change up of bigger items like omelettes and chicken. Omelettes and Pizza was by far the best. The burgers were mystery meat. No poolside snack trucks only two buffets for day time snacks. Mimosas are premade for breakfast and taste like juice.
If you want in an a la carte you have to book before you even arrive at the resort as people book days to months in advance. Their response “check each day after 4pm for cancellations.” The app rarely worked to let you book even if there was a cancellation.
Forget having the staff do anything remotely customer service focused. Anytime you asked for anything “extra” it was met with a no mam or like you were asking for a huge favor. The requests? Clean towels for the pool (some days they had none first thing in the morning even), cherries for your drinks? Non existent!
Couldn’t access the ocean staying at coba unless you ventured to one of the other resorts which was no quick venture.
Minimal family activities. Kicked the youngest out of the teen club as soon as he stepped in and could not play with his brother because he was “too little” but other kids younger then him would be seen going in and out. So rather than enjoying the free activities there If you want to do any kind of family games you’re paying an arm and a leg to enjoy the arcade in the sports bar. Pool, air hockey, fooseball all costs money. Basketball outside the teens club was the highlight but be prepared for them to take the ball away when they close the club.
Minimal entertainment. Fire show? They want you to pay to go see sunset fire show. A few shows in the theater or Karioke and music at night were the only things.
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Barcelo Maya Colonial: very good resort
the service is excellent rooms very clean personnel super nice and pleasant. the beach without sargsssium is one of the best in riviera maya. been there four times and never disappointed! also very good resort for families with kids.