Paradisus Playa del Carmen: Big Resort , good food , great service.

The room was good and clean , the bathrooms were good too. We had a gardenview suite which means there were unobstructed views of greenery. Food was good at the buffets and lots of variety. Spa service was amazing as my wife decided to get a massage , she was treated extremely well. The forest trail to the beach was very nice. Room service was decently fast and food was good .

Krystal Grand Cancun: Just what we needed!

We escaped for 4 days to Cancun and I had done quite a bit of research on hotels ahead of time. Our priority was to find a hotel with decent food, ocean views, and a fabulous beach with good waves and no seaweed. The beach was AMAZING!! One day the red flags were out as it was super windy with more undertow than usual. But the lifeguards kept a good eye out and blew the whistle if people went too far. If you are a good swimmer, you will be fine. There were also pelicans that dove close by t [... read more]o us that day, but only when the waves were more prominent. Food - overall the food was okay. The buffet was subpar, and there was a lot to choose from, but nothing to rave about. The best restaurants were the Italian (exceptional!) and the Japanese. However, the Grill (steak and seafood restaurant) was a little disappointing. You must book on the app as soon as you can -right at 9am every morning, but as others have said, even then we had 2 out of the 3 nights where there was no availability to book and all were full. However, we would go grab a drink and put our names down for a restaurant around 7pm and were usually called within 30 minutes. Getting a sunbed always seems to be a challenge at these vacation resorts. We had to go put towels on beds by 9am or it was very difficult to get 2 or 4 together, especially on the beach. It is frustrating that people put towels on beds and then don't show up for a few hours. The room was clean and the beds were comfortable. We had an oceanview room on the 11th floor which was lovely, but extremely windy. Our friends had a room 2 doors down from us and there was hardly any wind when you went out on their balcony. On the weekend, the beach is busier as the locals come to enjoy the area a little ways down and the hotel is very close to town. We did not go into town, but there is a lot of nightlife there. In the hotel, there is very little to do in terms of the evenings, not what we are used to when we go on this type of holiday. Usually, there are shows, karaoke, etc, but this hotel just had one bar where there was a DJ for about an hour after 9pm. So, it depends on what you are looking for. Overall, I would recommend this hotel for a short stay and if you want something a little less expensive than some of the other resorts. We did not have high expectations and enjoyed our time there.

Barcelo Maya Beach Resort: Barcelo Maya Beach

Great resorts with lots to do. Our rooms were a bit dated but we expected that. They are also using key cards for your rooms, make sure not to have these anywhere near your cellphone. We went day after day because our card would not allow us into our room to the point we were beyond frustrated. It took one of the maids walking by our rooms to tell us "no cell phone" not sure why no one at the front desk mentioned this to us after the third day we went back to get a new card. They change your  [... read more]sheets only on request with a card on your bed, other then that they just make your beds. Same with towels leave them on floor or they will not change them. They never refilled our ridge in our room the whole time we were there, not sure if we had to ask or what but it was never done even on days we wanted our sheets changed. A lot of water parks across each resort for the kids but there was one that they promote most on their sites, I think it was the pirate something, that is located with the flow rider that cost money. I knew the flow rider cost extra but I couldn't find any mention of that water park in particular costing extra. But be ready at least in December, the weather is hot but the pool is COLD. The go karts are also extra $$ but knew this in advance. It is also only for children over 8 years old to ride with an adult, and you will need proof of that. We didn't bowl but they have a great bowling area with the 24 hour sports bar as well as a small arcade. Buffets were good, nothing extravagant. There was no AC in the buffet areas we visited for breakfast and dinner, which we didn't mind since the evenings were cool. We visited a couple of the a la carte restaurants, the Italian and Mexican and both were delicious. Everything else was booked and you either needed to eat super early or late. The night shows get super busy so if you want a seat get there early. Check in took forever as we got there right when a bus full of travelers landed. The front desk also gives you conflicting information every time you go depending on the person you speak to. I went to the front and asked if they would break down our American money for dollars etc. and they said no. My husband went back the next day and the gentleman did it for him. As well, you can only use cash for tipping or in the market. Everything else on the resort is credit card. The only card that would work for me was Mastercard, not sure if that was a me thing or a resort thing. The bars don't have enough bartenders around the pool areas so get ready for a bit of a line up. There was never more then 1 or at most 2 bartenders at each bar area.

Bahia Principe Escape Sian Ka'an: Nice beach , staff were accommodating

We had an amazing week at all of the Bahia resorts! We were a bit surprised when we arrived. The resort was all couples. Not many singles. lol! Adult only was nice though. Having access to the other resorts made a big difference for us as we were looking for a variety of night time festivities. We enjoyed the private adult only beach and infinity pool was great! All of our restaurant reservations did not disappoint. Great food! Love the Bahia resorts!

Bahia Principe Explore Akumal: Amazing Trip at Akumal

My husband and I went to Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal for one week over the holidays. We had an amazing trip and I’m honestly surprised by the recent negative reviews! The only complaint we had was that the pools were quite cold for the majority of our stay. They warmed up on our second last day, but it was unfortunate that we could not enjoy the pool. Fortunately the resort is right on the beach. You could always find chairs and there were a few bars along the beach too. The beach is nice an [... read more]d we went on a few beach walks to visit the other Bahia resorts. It is true that the ride from the airport is long (around 2 hours). We also happened to be the last stop. There were delays at the airport and we didn’t arrive at the hotel until midnight. The check-in process was easy though. My husband and I were given an upgrade (building 82 in the adults only section - very nice!) upon arrival. The room had two singles instead of a king, but they pushed the beds together and put on a mattress topper so we were happy with that. Especially since the room was much nicer than the standard room and it was in a great area! The bed was comfortable and we were given memory foam pillows. The bathroom was large and our room had a nice view. We were pleased that the manager Brian tried to help us figure out our room situation. He was so kind! The grounds are beautiful. There are four Bahia resorts in total and Akumal is definitely the nicest. You can take a trolley to get from one resort to the other or to get around this resort. We rarely used the trolley since you could easily walk the grounds. Akumal has three large pools (one is adults only). There is a swim-up bar in the main pool closest to the lobby and bars right by all of the other pools. My husband and I thought the food was incredible. I am not a foodie and I can be a picky eater, but I was so happy with the food options. My parents and some family friends joined us for our trip and they also really enjoyed the food. When you stay at Akumal, you can eat at all of the ‘a la carte’ restaurants. TIP: download the app and book your dinners in advance! It’s super simple to sign-up and download their app. We made reservations three days before our stay and booked all of our dinners. I’d recommend booking within a week of your departure. The people that work at Akumal are very friendly. I ended up falling on my trip and had to go to the hospital. The staff were very accommodating, got us a taxi to the hospital (the fees at the hospital were incredibly reasonable, even though we were worried about the cost!) and checked in on me a lot in the days following my accident. We were treated so well and everyone was happy and kind. I would highly recommend Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal for a vacation. I’d be happy to answer any questions about the resort. I can’t wait to go back!

Dreams Natura Resort and Spa: Great family Resort

Overall good resort felt safe food was good. Great for family trips. This is a high wedding resort with at least one per day. Sometimes without advance notice they kick you out of the pool area for the rest of the day for a wedding and at a resort low on chairs you will then not have one. Slides were fun. Roller glider has a weight limit max of 198lbs. Drinks were decent by the end of the week the bars were running out.

Melia Puerto Vallarta: Resort and the staff were amazing

The grounds were very beautiful They need more staff to help with the keep up I loved the wild nature that was on the hotel grounds Our grand kids loved the pool The washrooms were always clean The staff was very helpful and friendly I was sad that we were not close to our children and grandkids

Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres: Amazing

Everything was perfect. Definitely a 5 star resort. I cannot think of one thing that we did not like. Beach was beautiful and clean. Grounds were updated and very clean. Food was outstanding. Pools were gorgeous. Rooms were very modern and clean. Another plus was that none of us got sick. Excellent service with wonderful staff. I highly recommend this resort!

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Trying not to be negative but will be honest.

The Barcelo Maya Colonial is one of three other Barcelo properties on the stretch of Puerto Aventuras Beach. Our family of nine booked this property with requests for two double beds for all but two of the four rooms back in July 2023 and re-requested this upon confirming with the balance of payment in early November 2023. Upon arrival, we were told the hotel was at capacity and we would have to take what was leftover. My son and his grand mother had to share a room with one king bed and a co [... read more]tt even though we had paid for two adults sharing and requested two double beds. In general, we found the hotel and staff very in-flexible to our requests such as putting a couple of tables together in the main buffet so we could eat together as a family. They just would not do it. Also, since the resort was so busy, we would have to get up every morning by 6:15 a.m. to get beach chairs. The beach was extremely rocky and treacherous. The rooms and especially the bathrooms were extremely moldy. It seems the hotel tried to camouflage the overwhelming moldiness in our room by doucing it with too much bleach. Had to sleep with the balcony door open six out of seven nights to be able breath clearly as an Asthmatic. This is supposed to be a 5 star resort and definitely had a lot of interesting amenities. However, due to the lack of flexiblity/service, moldy rooms, treacherously rocky beach, insufficient beach & pool chairs, we will never return. I rate this a 3 star property at best. We've stayed at another 5 star Barcelo property in Playa del Carmen and had the opposite of this negative experience.

Grand Sunset Princess: Not bad, not great

Pros: - Huge resort. Some might not like that, we I do as I don't feel as confined when at a smaller resort - Gardens were nice, although not as nice as other 5 star resorts we've been at. - Good drinks. Corona available both in cans and on tap. Modelo was the other beer available on tap. - Attentive staff around the pool to take your order for drinks - Entertainment staff were great in the pool (our son loved playing water polo) - Lots of wildlife. Deer, monkeys, mexican racoons, birds on [... read more] a daily basis. Cons: - We all got tired of having the same breakfast buffet each day. - Food is OK, not anything close to what you'd get at a Karima resort. Food was rarely hot, just luke-warm. - Beach was nice but always smelt like sulphur - Foam party was at the beach. We like it better when at the pool - A la carte reservations are a pain in the ass. You can only book up to 2 days in advance - Our hot water in our room wasn't very hot - Occasionally, you could smell old urine in the room. It was quite nasty at times - Nightly entertainment was average - Wet/slippy signs were everywhere. Instead, it would have been nice if the cleaning staff mopped up the wet areas. Other thoughts: - Tacos and Hamburgers stand were the best option for lunch. You're only other option for lunch is the buffet but as its the same food every day, you get sick of those options and the food there isn't great. However, be prepared to wait in line at the Hamburger and Taco stands. - For us, the biggest disappointment was the urine smell and the quality of the food.

Dreams Riviera Cancun: family friendly/not for the night owl looking to party

Beautiful location and views, I had a plunge pool room that was amazing with private access. Very great customer service, staff was friendly and always made sure the room was fully stocked and clean. The only issue i HAD WAS THAT THEY CALL IT ALL INCLUSIVE BUT THE CLUB AND ALL BARS CLOSE AT 1AM. I dont understand how it can be called all inclusive if u cant order or have access to liquor or event space after 1. the food was mediocre on the same level as Cuba, very bland no seasoning, i have had [... read more] better Mexican food in Toronto. They should offer authentic cuisine as an option instead of catering only to Americans. Location wise was not too bad but its not considered the hotel district so you dont have much options to leave the resort. its a good 20-30 min drive to get to the hotel district.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Needs a little TLC but had a great time!

Our family of four (7yo and 9yo) went for a week with another family (11yo). We have travelled extensively and been in the area multiple times. Here’s our here. Pros: Friendly staff that worked whether you tipped or not (but they definitely appreciated tips) Shuttle was frequent Food was tasty, fresh, and a great selection Drinks were ample and a variety and the swing bar by the beach was my kids fav to have their virgin pina coladas. Lots of pools to enjoy and a quiet pool tu [... read more]cked in the back for those wanting to avoid the loud music Elevators was nice especially for luggage or after a long day at the beach The ac worked great, showers were warm enough, the fridge was always stocked. Decent entertainment. The kids loved it and that’s all that mattered. Cons: It’s a big resort. I don’t recommend if you have mobility issues as you will still need to walk a bit with or without shuttle The beds are older and “bouncy” and a double. They would benefit from platform bases versus screws on legs and some variety in room set ups to be more family friendly. The leg kepts falling off and they never came to fix after multiple calls. We ended up sharing a bed each with one kid as pretty small for two grown adults They are skimpy on towels and lacking spoons. They made up for it with plastic spoons but it’s weird to get a plastic spoon for a soup in a restaurant when you have regular cutlery for everything else No towel animals. This may seem silly but it’s something kids look forward to. Limited change. We brought money to tip but could never get it broken down. This made it a challenge to tip as often as we liked as some days they had no change! App wouldn’t let us make group reservations for dinner so had to go every morning to make reservation for the following night. Need more spaces for groups to hang out and play cards without loud music. This was something people kept looking for and we enjoyed but it was hot and sticky behind the black and white bar Intermittent wifi. I didn’t mind disconnecting but I know it was frustrating to send a quick message and it not send when you needed it. Chairs at the pools or beach were limited during peak season. Once people left jan 7 we could find seats much easier

Secrets Aura Cozumel: Great resort. Preferred is worth it.

Secrets was a great experience. With preferred you get access to breakfast and lunch at oceana which is definitely worth it. When we arrived we were given an upgraded room for our anniversary, champagne bottle and snacks/drinks refilled each day. Rooms and resort are clean. The chair game is strong, as it is with most resorts, but just get out to enjoy the day by 7:30/8 and you’ll have a beach chair. I don’t know how the chairs were by the pool as I didn’t use them but no one seemed to be withou [... read more]t. Staff are all lovely and the beach always had people coming to take your orders. Coco cafe has top notch coffee and snacks 24 hours. Rooms were clean as well. All restaurants were very accommodating and attentive to allergies as well as vegetarian. Beautiful sunsets on the water to finish off a day at the beach.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Disappointed

I stayed at this resort twice about 10 yrs ago and booked it thinking it was the same quality. Was very disappointed we had 11 of us and was looking for a wonderful family vacation. Start out bus picked us up almost 1 1/2 hours late with a bunch of different excuses. The rooms had some mold and we never got any refills of water or pop only the first day we checked in. Towels they sometimes did not provide any some days only one for the two of us. Called down to the desk everyday but nobody  [... read more]showed up with towels after they said they would bring them unless my daughter in law called who spoke Spanish Showers had litterly no hot water ours sometimes did not even have any water would stop in the middle of your shower. The pool and ocean had very little seating available most loungers were broken they seem to take them all away at night and than very little available the next day. Food was good not great but didn't have any issues other than they did not want to accommodate our large group. Public washrooms other than the lobby and spa were not clean toilets broken and overflowing and not cleaned properly. Was told my manager at front desk that it has been bought out and no upgrades were being done till new owner takes over. This resort should not be a 4 or 5 star.

Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres: A true 5 star resort

Everything was first class. Staff were especially helpful and pleasant. Buffet was amazing with a variety of items that changed from day to day. Beach was very nice and safe for children. Could use more shade on the beach though. Some umbrellas or more canvasses strung among palms.

Melia Puerto Vallarta: Never again sunwing

Go to greece for the same price. Daycare aka seeds club needs a good cleaning like toys walls floors. Gates need to be closed. Rooms smell of mold cause walls and roof have mold spurs even curtains. AC needs to be cleaned i even brought air purifier and still smelt the whole week. Got a spider bite. Tiny ants on beds. Just don’t

Grand Decameron Complex Bucerias Trademark: Great Resort in Bucerias

We enjoyed our stay at Decameron. The location was perfect! Close to town and central for day trips. It’s also not an over crowded touristy area which we like. The resort is nice, rooms are dated but not a big deal. Bed was super comfy. We stayed in building 4. Perfect location. Close to beach, main pools and buffets. This is not an over the top luxury resort. Do not expect that! Alacarte is available every night but you do have to book by 8 AM. We found the app a bit of a pain to use but  [... read more]that’s OK. I would strongly recommend doing as many à la cart as possible. I found the buffet food to be recycled and for the first time in all my years of travel, I had a hard time with the food. That being said, I don’t travel for the food, so I always did find something, the salad bar was awesome every day. There was an egg bar available every morning which was fantastic. I would strongly suggest showing up near the beginning of when the buffet is open if you were looking for more variety of food as the evening lunch service wears on the food becomes depleted and not replenished. My only complaint at this resort honestly was the recycling of variety of food. Again, I am not a picky eater. However, I did find eating more difficult than I ever have in the past. My only other complaint would be that only beer wine or nonalcoholic beverages are available in the buffet. The beach is fantastic, great location! You can walk up and down for hours if you choose. The location of the resort really is prime you can walk into downtown Barias or take indrive, bus taxi or Uber very easily from this location and it’s not very expensive. The location of the resort is a great kick off point for many day trips. Overall, we enjoyed our stay. The staff was fantastic, very attentive and kind.

Riu Vallarta: Gorgeous & fun resort

The pools, beach and bars were incredible. The location was amazing, extremely close to Bucerías and not too far from Saulita if you want to take a day trip! The food was pretty good, a lot of options. When they did have tacos and they were fresh, they were very good. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend the steak house - however, the other restaurants were pretty good! The staff were kind and helpful, and the drinks were delicious. Had a blast!

Melia Puerto Vallarta: Great food and extras

The food had a good variety and was delicious especially moles and tacos. They have nice little extras like room service for barely any charge, waiter service on the beach, providing extras for room quickly if asked, and good front door service where the men remember you and come find you when your ride is ready. The rooms are not accurately photographed- they seem quite a bit older in person than the pic that’s on their website. I was happy with my room though, maid service cleaned very w [... read more]ell. There is a small minibar with pops and beer that is restocked everyday. This is really a family resort, I went on my vacation alone. I like kids so it didn’t bother me but I found it made it hard to meet other people as everyone was part of a family or huge extended family. There are many activities for the kids like a day camp so parents can also relax and the activities were interesting and different. The beach is smaller but still beautiful. There are only a certain amount of beach chairs so I couldn’t get a beach chair for the first 2 days I was there bc everyone saves a chair early in the morning by putting a towel on it then walks away for several hours…so I started doing that too, reserving my chair, going to breakfast then returning to the beach and staying with chair I think they should make a policy that you can’t reserve a chair unless you are on the beach or maybe have additional foldable chairs we can borrow if all the chairs are taken.

Bahia Principe Escape Sian Ka'an: Just ok

The resort was nice but i have been there 3 times at bahia principe but this is the first time in the adults only at Sian Ka'an, this part of the resort was less impressive than the other ones including the rooms, lobby and beach, if i ever go back there it will be to the Tulum, the food was way better there, very mad at the staff in charge of our check out and transfers coming back to the airport, the bus left us hanging as no show when we were all waiting and had to pay our own way from playa  [... read more]del carmen to cancun for 4 of us.