Yucky stuff first. This is a 90-minute drive from Cancun airport. After a six-hour flight, we were bombarded with 'choose a scent' for your room.
I had a few communications via e-mail, noting that we would be there over the Christmas holidays and my birthday; I requested a room on the fourth or fifth floor after reading reviews on this site. As a former corporate travel agent, I understand a 'specific' room might not be available. However, I find it difficult to believe that there were NO rooms available on either the fourth or fifth floor and it was not until 4 PM the next day our 'new' room was ready. By the way, the best room (#4512) for us. The resort was at less than 50% capacity.
· No instructions on how to operate the thermostat, it was a constant 'hit a button' and hope it works.
· The television channels are very sparse. Plenty of sports channels, however, no HBO or other premium channels. No closed captioning.
· The Nespresso coffee offerings were Strong, Stronger, and Curl-Your-Hair! If you're a tea-drinker, not sure of your options.
The seating in the lobby and Balam Bar is not accommodating for anyone over 40, over 6' or overweight. They are so low-to-the-ground and the leather sling chairs aren't comfortable for anyone. Watching their Legendary assistants (timeshare salespeople) making their pitch while hunched over the lobby tables to communicate was actually sad.
· The paper bags used at Inez (Cafe/pastry shop) constantly came apart while transporting food. There's a perhaps 5' empty space against their wall which I think would be a great spot for a 'free library' (take a book/leave a book).
· I never saw a menu for wine offerings at any restaurant. House red or white. If you're looking for more variety, they do have some wines at an additional cost.
· Not offering sake for sipping at Mura House (Japanese) seemed odd. I did discover a 'sake menu' however, the prices were over-the-top and our favorite (Jumani/Ginjo) wasn't offered. BTW, Angel is the manager. He made it a point to walk out and greet us whenever we passed Mura House. On our last night, we opted for the hibachi. After the meal, Angel brought me a friend ice cream dessert with a Happy Birthday candle!
· Cueva Siete (Mexican) was very noisy. The music overpowering the conversation. Our ceiling light reflected onto the glass of a framed print. We only ate there once.
· The NYE dinner show was over-the-top. Decorations, food, entertainment. all set in a stunning space through a garden. Reservations were required. We were told the garden would be open at 6 PM and were turned away and told it would be 6:30 PM. In fact, less than 50% of tables were occupied by 8:00 PM and no appetizers were offered. I asked a server for some bread to absorb the alcohol. The 'salad' consisted of a few greens chopped - no tomatoes, garnish, croutons, etc. My salmon was perfect.
· While the performers were first-rate, I might have spellchecked the various platitudes displayed on the projection screen beforehand ("Don't let little THIGS, etc.")! Photos of the property or of Cancun may be more interesting and colorful.
Guest are assigned a ' Local Host' for their duration. Arturo was simply amazing! When you're instructing 'local host' candidates, Arturo would be the standard-bearer.
We were guests for two weeks over Christmas. I mentioned my mattress seemed 'lumpy' - (perhaps all hotels should have a policy where mattresses are rotated and flipped twice-a-year)? Arturo arranged for our mattresses flipped and rotated. I asked how to procure a different pillow and Arturo brought me the perfect size.
I lamented, while sitting by a pool, that my one-week-old iPhone 11 wouldn't keep a connection and I was so frustrated. Arturo asked if he could take my phone and charger and check it out. Ten minutes later, "I've got some good news and bad news. The bad news - your phone is fine, bad news, it's your connecting cable; good news, we have one available in our gift shop, would you like me to purchase one for you"? Done and done. He was what a Major Domo should be: prompt, courteous, efficient, and non-cloying.
There is a hand-drawn postcard that is a map of sorts. Not at all helpful. I was sad to discover the Escondido pool (adjacent/behind 20 87) after a week.
We took the Tulum/Lagoon tour consisting of going to a 'pharmacopeia' which was teeming with vendors selling most anything. Our guide gave us a little sticker with his name; he gets a cut of whatever is purchased. This is an outside agency affiliated with many other resorts in the area. I did purchase a silver and opal ring ($200 USD down from $500) and I love it.
I took the Zipline Express tour. Hilarious to find WiFi in the middle of a jungle. I did it. Over 70 and ziplined for my birthday! Oh, Yeah!
Stop one of the falconers and gently pet a falcon. The falcons are used to keep the blackbirds at bay. read more