Akumal Bay Beach and Spa Resort: One Word - Incredibly

We stayed at Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort (ABBWR) from March 7-14, 2019. This was our third visit to this resort. With a big smile and an even bigger hug we were welcomed back by one of my favourite people on the resort, Luis. Check in was a breeze, and were assigned room 3121. I had emailed in the resort about 2 weeks in advance requesting a higher up corner room with a king bed in building 3 or 4. That’s exactly what we got. Building 3 and 4 are quieter and further away from the a [... read more]ction. All rooms face the ocean and most have a really nice view. There may be a few that aren’t as good as others on the ground floor, but even those rooms face the ocean and have nice views of the grounds. There really isn’t a bad view here. There are robes and slippers in the room on arrival for use during your stay. You also get a reusable bag in your room that is great to use at the beach or on excursions. There is a hair dryer, loofah as well as the usual shampoo’s and that sort of thing. The beds are very comfortable with lots of pillows. There is flat screen TV in the room and books with lots of info in them. The sofa could easily be another bed. The mini fridge is well stocked. There is a small coffee maker with all the required amenities for your morning cuppa. Our room was kept spotless all week. There are four a la cartes, one buffet, a snack bar and the sushi bar. The buffet is always good. I can’t say enough about how well stocked up they keep the trays. Nothing is empty for long - ever! Morning bacon, never a problem unlike most other places we have been. We love the new smoothie bar and brick oven pizza station! We ate at the Gourmet and Rodizzio this trip. Both were great. The Gourmet is the only a la carte where men need long pants, which was great. Basically other than that one place the evening dress code would be casual summer dining. Drinks are fantastic. If they don’t have your drink of choice, tell them how to make it and they will look after you. I really like that you can get Dos Equis Amber, my beer of choice in Mexico, on request. There are three bars right on the beach/pool area as well as a bar at the snack bar, the main bar and the Patio bar. There are wait staff on the beach and at the pool area to look after you. When we booked this resort the first time it was the snorkeling that drew us here. We had visited Akumal Beach for snorkeling a number of times before actually staying here. My husband just loves it. It makes him so happy to explore the reefs and see the turtles. Nightly, there is live music up at the main bar area. No cheesy resort shows here. The staff here are part of what makes this resort and the guest experience so special. They are amazing. I have to mention Emanuele and Corinna, they made this trip extra wonderful for us. So many little things that just made our week so special. We used to be people who never returned to the same place twice but now it seems we have found a home away from home.

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Ok resort

It was too big staff rarely said hello had to avoid time share people when we to the buffet. I got a stomach flu where I was in bed for 2 days and it never really went away. Entertainment was good room was big food was Ok until I got sick then I couldn't eat at all. Also to many smokers near the lobby. I was expecting better service for a 4.5 star. Over all I would not go back.

Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo: Best kids resort in Mexico!

Everything about this resort was perfect! First of all for the parents they have the 24hr coffee shop with lattes, cappuccinos, and all the sweet treats. The bars and waitstaff are eager to please and the drinks and alcohol selection is excellent. The buffet food is amazing with lots of selection and quality offerings; prime rib, sirloin roast, tacos, sushi, pasta, pizza, local and international fish, pad thai, ribs, salad bar, bread bar and dessert bar. There are numerous a la cartes as well an [... read more]d booking is seamless through the concierge located in each building. The kids have endless things to do; wave pool, lazy river, pirate ship water park, and kids club. The kids club is brand new and absolutely phenomenal with indoor and outdoor playgrounds, trampoline room, gaming consoles, stage with costumes and even a DJ booth for the older kids. Everything is clean and safe and staff are excellent both in the kids club and all over the resort, they'll make you and your kids feel like royalty, especially the highly energetic entertainment team, I dont think they even sleep! The grounds, pools and common areas are absolutely immaculate and manicured to perfection. Even the wildlife love this place with birds, coati and capybara wandering about for all to enjoy.

Barcelo Maya Colonial: Awesome Resort

Food and staff were great. Beautifill grounds and amazing facilities only 2 complaints too long to walk to the beach was promissed a bottle of tequila in my room. It never arrived even after requesting it 3 times

Camino Real Zaashila: Decent quiet place

We liked some and noticed room for improvement. Staff: Most of the staff are very nice and welcoming. People work at the hotel for many years, a sign that are happy with the job. We had one reception staff not really paying attention to our inquiries like we could be ignored without consequences. On second attempts with other staff present our request was honoured. I think that the hotel policy is to accomodate any requets and seems to be followed. Restaurant and beach waiters are [... read more] very nice helpful and personable. There seem to be only one shift for staff, as a result they will be tired or very tired by the end of the day. Rooms: The rooms need upgrading. The A/C in some rooms is only on or off, the temperature control is not working. There is a prevalent problem with the bathroom floor drains, they all smell when there is no flow (e.g. in the morning) like there are no smell traps installed, and probably are not. The hotel is working on upgrading the wifi network. April is the tentative month to finish the upgrade. Cleanliness: Also needs more attention. The sheets and towels are changed diligently and clean. The eating areas are not closely monitored for cleanliness. Probably more staff is needed for this to happen. I've got a bowel infection that is hard to trace back to its origin. I suspect a spinach salad. Food and drinks: The food is generally well prepared. The choices are limited but satisfactory. Food waste is not an issue at this hotel, a good thing in my opinion. Attention to cleanliness is due. Beware of possible contamination. They usually have only one restaurant open for a meal. Buffet in the morning and occasionally for Lunch, Azul Profondo for Lunch ad Dinner, Chez Bini for Dinner three time a week. There is a second bar that opens at 5PM for evening drinks. The drinks are decent, wines are good and the cocktails are not short on alochol, quite the oposite actually. Beers are from the can and bottles Coronas at the restaurant, no draft beer. Bottled water is available in the rooms, at the beach bar and the restaurants. The pool: The pool is long and of safe depth (4ft). It's not very busy. No pool bar, which is awesome in my opinion. You won't have the manatees huddled around the bar all day long. Clean enough. They scrub it every morning. Does not seem to have a permanent filtering system, they seem to use portable vacuums to clean it. Therefore at night and early in the morning it may not be very clean. There is a jaccuzi, not much used. Also they have a kids pool with puddle depth water. The beach: The beach is clean quiet and well shaded with palapas. We liked the quiet although the odd music enthusiast would feel the need to share their music with others, at low volume generally. There is a policy to not have amplified music on the beach, headphones only, but it's not enforced. Beach towels are plenty available. The ocean is generally good for swimming and snorkelling. Quite a bit of marine life to see while snorkelling. There is a swim perimeter but no life guard on duty. The water sports staff could play life guard if needed. One should be comfortable with water to get into the ocean. There a steep drop, more noticeable at low tide. On occasion the waves could get high, but once passed the break it's fine to swim or just float. The weather is always good in Huatulco. According to the locals, it rains about five times a year. The Oaxacans are very friendly and welcoming people. A trip or two in town for dinner or shopping is reccommended. Coming in, beware of the Taxi sharks at the airport. No car trip in the area should exceed 200 pesos (~ 10 USD), these people would try to charge 30, 40 USD.

Decameron Los Cocos Guayabitos Ramada: Amazing time!

This was our first time to this resort. Staff were amazing! They were friendly and always available to help even if their English was not so good. We went on a TranSat tour of a little coffee plantation, a leather factory, a OLD Catholic church while in Compostela. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Drove thru the mountains, stopped at a fruit stand, and ice cream shop and ate at a mexican restaurant in Compostela. We went on the resort's catamaran, rented a seadoo [... read more] from someone on the beach ($40US or 700 pesos), swam in the ocean, enjoyed the buffet meals, walked a lot exploring the little town of Rincon de Guayabitos and all its little shops. Enjoyed the true Mexican town while staying at a resort, much better than going to a large resort where everything is totally cement, manmade, and 'perfect'. The market in Guayabitos takes place each Monday. Prices are often up to double for the same item that you will find at a little shop on the street. Vendors at the little shops will often lower their prices that day. When buying vanilla go to the grocery store (145 pesos for a 1 litre) rather than buying at the market (300 pesos) or buying at the airport (double that yet or more!) The resort was very clean, weather was perfect, ocean was warm for swimming, and the food was good!

Crown Paradise Club: Great resort

I liked it , great place and service I found was great, maybe lobby bar could be a little more inviting or happier but other then that I loved it . Great for kids and I didn’t have any , but the beach bar was amazing and service in the beach was better then any I have been at .

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: 3 star hotel at best

Very disappointed . Rooms are old and worn as are other parts of the resort. Stayed one night and changed hotels. Food was ok, drinks terrible, beach is not nice. Definitely not four stars. Staff were nice, There is a membership tour..those units are closer to the beach and looked nicer but require investment.

Secrets Huatulco: Great resort!!

Great resort, Beach was great, pools were large and nice. The resort was very clean. Rooms were comfortable with a great view of the ocean and whales passing through. The service staff were outstanding, friendly smiling attentive and efficient. Restaurants were all very good. Steaks aren’t like home, very thin. The Mexican restaurant...not so great. Overall, though it was wonderful 2 weeks, will be returning.

Palacio Mundo Imperial: Great Resort

It was our 20th anniversary trip and was also our first ever trip to southern resort area. It was great. Actually we're planning to go back in December. So much variety of food, we had to make a meal plan every day. There were over 10 restaurants we could go in the three resorts, Palacio, Pricenss, and Pierre. We tried 8 and they were all good, 4 buffet and 4 a la carte. Workers there were very friendly. We stayed at the Palacio. The location was great too. It was not even 5 minutes from  [... read more]the airport. Conveniently a huge super market and a mall were across the street. Walmart was also 5 minutes away by bus. Only downfall was there were not many people speak English. That's all. We're planning to take some Spanish lessons before we go back.

Bahia Principe Escape Sian Ka'an: Lovely resort

Resort was perfect for us. Adults only. We enjoy occasionally smoking cigars and resort is smoke friendly. Food amazing. Room and service nice. Negatives - 2 hours from airport. Restaurant reservations difficult to get.

El Dorado Seaside Suites: Met our expectations!

The atmosphere was great. Lots of greenery. Many bars and restaurants. Food as great!! Lots of options. Beach was nice, but shallow, but nice because fish swim around you. I recommend it! You can stay low key or around the party. Lots of places to hang out like you’re in a different place everyday.

Dreams Sapphire Resort and Spa: Wonderful family trip

This is a smaller resort with amazing staff. The food is great, the rooms clean and comfortable. Our room was cleaned daily before noon and nightly turn down service provided. We went to the beach each morning and spent later afternoon at the pool. There was lots of activities during the day and nightly entertainment. The favorite staff response is “it is my pleasure”.

Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda: Very nice place to visit

The food was quite good, the service was great, the staff were excellent. They made every attempt to accommodate for our needs as a young family. The pool and beach were beautiful. All in all a great resort to visit and an amazing experience to have!

Paradisus Cancun: amaing resort

hotel was fantastic. The 15 min. trip from the airport was a bonus.When we arrived we were up graded to a suit ocean view in the main tower on the 7th. floor. Great view of the beach. The pool and the restaraunts.and food was good. The only thing we wished was there was no activities around the pool.Other than that we had a great time . The weather was great 85 and sunny every day and no rain. The only issue was on the way home when we got to the airport in cancun the air transat person who giv [... read more]es us our luggage tags said we were going to toronto. we had to go to the air transat counter where they take our luggage to get it staightened out. Other than that little glitch trip was great good job on suggesting this resort .Needed more areas for smokers

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya: Great vacation

Food options are excellent in a la carte restaurants and buffet alike, good activities for kids - kayaking, basketball, volleyball, soccer. Beautiful grounds, nice beach with manmade reef to break waves and control undertow.

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Great vaca

Great resort. Family group of 10. Very clean great food and entertainment was awesome. No complaints The staff worked very hard. The grounds were well maintained. Great variety of food choices. Very conscious of food allergies

Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya: Wonderful Resort!

This place in comparison with other resorts I've visited had tremendous service, great food, great pools and a clean well maintained beach. The rooms were also top notch, although the minibar was not restocked as well as I'd hoped (it did get done, was missed twice during the week). The bars at this resort were all over the place, with some making great cocktails (especially Don Miguel) and some providing drinks that were near undrinkable (one of the pool bars, the one closest to the surf shop [... read more]).

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun: Best experience yet

The resort is smaller but really well laid out with beautiful greenery. Plenty of room by the pool if you want and lots of options for the beach. There are also nooks and crannies all over. The food is very good and the outdoor Mexican buffet on show night was outstanding. Loads of options for daytime activities if you wanted, or not - we weren't hassled to do stuff. The evening entertainment was excellent with a good variety indoor, outdoor, on the beach with earlier and later shows & always [... read more] something of quality to enjoy. All the staff were incredible! They really made us feel special. We would definitely consider a return visit.

Bahia Principe Explore Coba: Nice resort, very big, but had a few issues, and Beach not great!

We flew out of Hamilton, On, which was great. Arrived and had to wait to get our room, which was fine. Our room was on ground floor and the first thing we noticed was the room was full of mosquitoes. We had brought spray, but that really didn't do anything. They seemed to come from sink and AC unit. Every day there seemed to be more. The ground floor AC unit didn't seem to get very cold after the first day, but we lived with it. We had mentioned about the bug issue and some one said the hote [... read more]l would spray. So we called after the 3rd day, no one ever came after asking a couple times. 2nd day the maid never came. We always left a tip in fridge and a note with goodies and $ for maid everyday. she didn't come our last day either. By the end of the week the AC and bugs were getting horrible so went to front desk to ask someone to deal with them. Again no one ever came. Last night we wanted a half decent sleep before travelling so we asked to have the AC looked at again, No one ever came by. The rooms other wise were fine, pools were nice, workers around resort great, food good, Tullum resort had the better buffet. Queen tribute was awesome. drinks ok, but would have liked a bit better fancier drinks, but it was still great service and depending on what bar you were at was better selection,depended on what they could make well. I would say Mediterranean was best al a carte. Beach isn't great compared to Cuba and Punta Cana. Weather was awesome and Mexico is very nice. I think I would try a different resort next time.