It's a mid-priced all-inclusive resort. It's not 5 star. The SERVICE is outstanding and as close to 5 star as you can get in this price range. But, the hotel itself is older. The rooms are not fancy and most of them have no balconies. So don't dream about taking a nap in the hammock on the balcony, because odds are you won't have one.
The location is very close to the ferry landing to the Isla Mujeres, and, also to the club area where you can go partying and shopping. Good location.
The food is like cruise ship food--it's mass-produced. For that level of food service, I think the recipes are outstanding and creative. But, for instance, if you go to Olio for lunch and ask them to modify a dish, the waiter will tell you it can't be done. (I asked them to substitute shrimp for calamari on a salad, they said no).
I actually met the executive chef and the general manager of the hotel. They were super nice, and asked me if I had any suggestions for improvement. I was impressed that they looked for feedback. One thing I should have told them--stop using Velveeta cheese on nachos. I want REAL cheese when I'm in Mexico at a resort. Not ballpark cheese sauce.
Okay, so here's something else to know--because it is mid-priced, you get a lot of people staying there who just simply don't know how to act in public. I expect that everywhere, but there were a LOT of loud people at this hotel. Guests making loud noises in the hallway.... parents letting children run wild and/or cry uncontrollably during breakfast... and my personal favorite was the tool who brought his Bose speaker out to the beach and turned it up so he could enjoy his music while the rest of us perhaps just wanted to listen to the waves.
Also, the beach here is a little .... slimey. THe water just isn't as clean and clear as it is in some other beach spots. It's just a function of where it is.
Okay, so some good points.... lots of activities...yoga, aerobics, dancing, games, casino night.... it was fun in that regard. My favorite restaurant was the upscale Mexican restaurant. I think it was called La Patio. It was the BEST.
I would advise anyone who goes here to bring a generous supply of $1 bills. No, tipping isn't required, but you will get MUCH better service if you leave the maid a couple bucks each day. If you want to be well-cared for on the beach by the wait staff, slide them a buck with every round of drinks. They are grateful and appreciative.
I strongly suggest paying for "preferred" level. It's not that much more expensive and you get much better treatment and service. The preferred lounge is very nice to hang out in and have quiet snacks, computer access, etc. The lobby can be noisy and if you're in preferred you do all your check-in and check-out in the lounge.
Room service is very good. We used it a lot to avoid listening to screaming children at breakfast. lol
Spa prices are OUTRAGEOUS. We usually go to the spa at our hotel, but this time we took one look at the prices and said, "No way." Across the street is a spa called Arenas and we got two massages and two facials there for the price of one massage at the hotel. I have reviewed Arena separately.
I want to say, again, that the service and the employee attitude was TOP. NOTCH. The employees here try really hard and do a great job. I was impressed with that aspect of the hotel.
