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Riviera Maya, Mexico, just screams all-inclusive paradise. The warm breezes, the sunny beaches, the friendly people, the delicious food…there's nowhere on earth like it. We experienced our first all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, and the country will forever hold a special place in my heart.
We vacationed in Riviera Maya for 4 straight years, and our last year we went twice. We've stayed at 3 different resorts, and while there are wonderful things about all of them, Royalton Riviera Cancun comes out on top as our go-to. We love the location (15 minutes from the airport), we love the amenities, and we love the staff. In fact, we love it so much that we stay at Royalton properties whenever we can. The brand is consistent, so that means what you get at one, you'll get at the rest. That's huge, in our eyes.
Keep reading for more on everything you need to know about Royalton Riviera Cancun, and why you need to experience this wonderful resort for yourself!
The Basics
Royalton is a family-friendly resort, though there's also an adults-only section, called the Hideaway at Royalton Riviera Cancun. Booking Hideaway gives you access to everything on the Royalton side, but it doesn't work the other way around. So, if you're looking for adults-only, Hideaway is where you want to be!
Both Royalton and Hideaway also have upgrade packages, called Diamond Club. While you can certainly have a wonderful vacation without it (we've gone without twice), Diamond Club is just that extra step up. You get a few extras, but the big draw is the butler service, the ability to make restaurant reservations (great for groups), and a private pool and beach area.
One of the best things about Royalton is that the room keys are bracelets, so there's no digging in your pockets.
Atmosphere
Royalton Riviera Cancun is a large resort with a fairly modern/contemporary feel. There are plenty of elevators, but you will be doing a fair amount of walking, especially if you're staying in Hideaway. Leave the heels at home, or stash a pair of flats in your bag.
There are lots of hammocks to relax in, lots of great spots to catch a quiet moment or two, and lots of activities to keep you busy.
One night a week, vendors come in and set up an impromptu market, so you can pick up souvenirs without having to leave the resort. Bargaining is perfectly acceptable.
The service is consistently top-notch, some of the friendliest staff we’ve encountered anywhere, and you can tell they work hard. The food is outstanding (read the post on that here). The entertainment is fun, with some sort of show every night.
The bars stay open late, and there are plenty of things to do, whether you want to sit in the sports bar and munch on french fries, sip martinis in the lobby bar, or find a quiet spot to play a board game.
Pools
There are something like 7 pools at Royalton, plus two in Hideaway, and another in the Diamond Club area. The main pool is where everything happens.
The infinity pool has the best view of the beach, and is generally pretty quiet.
Families with kids will love the children's area and water park.
Adults who want to party will enjoy Hideaway, which can get a little spring-breakish at times, but is absolutely a lot of fun. Definitely don't miss the foam party or the chocolate party. (If you want adults-only solitude, try the pool on the back side of Hideaway, away from the main swim-up bar.)
Beach
The beach isn't quite as stunning as the Cancun hotel zone, but it's nothing to scoff at. Being a little farther south along the coast, you've got great opportunities to see fish just out in the water.
The chairs are comfy, the service is great, and you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn for a decent spot. It's also a pretty good sized stretch of beach, but the chairs are relatively close together so you don't have to hike a mile in the sand.
If you're into water sports, the snorkeling isn't bad, but the real fun are the paddle boards.
Make sure you bring a couple bucks to pay the reef fee, and do that early in your stay. It's one small cost for the entire trip - unless you lose the bracelet they give you!
Rooms
The rooms - whether you go for a Junior Suite, Family Suite, Swim-up Suite, Presidential One-Bedroom, or the Chairman's Suite - are incredible. Royalton and Hideaway really focus on the creature comforts, and making you feel as comfortable as you do at home. That means they've paid attention to the little things, like having enough outlets by the bed so you can charge your phone without having to unplug something. The bathrooms are spacious, and the toiletries are adequate, if not better. (For those of you with sensitive hair and skin, definitely bring your own.)
Speaking of the bathrooms, one of the absolute best things about Royalton and Hideaway, are the double rain showers. You won't want to leave, I promise.
Royalton has also put a lot of effort into making sure the beds are comfortable. The bed is their signature, created just for their resorts. They're designed to limit motion transfer, so if your partner gets up, you won't feel it. And somehow, magically, they've managed to work it so the sheets stay cool all the time. Delightful.
What's also nice is that no matter what category you get, you'll always have a separate sitting area, so there's plenty of room to relax. The closet space might be a little bit small, but you do have several sets of drawers to store your stuff in. (Though be careful - in multiple trips, we've found someone else's belongings under the drawers. Pull the bottom one out and check before you leave to make sure nothing's fallen!)
And for those of you who love the Caribbean but hate the humidity, you'll be happy to know that the air conditioning works incredibly well.
Want to hear all about the food? Or are you convinced?! Give us a call, find us on Facebook, or send us an email to experience all Royalton Riviera Cancun has to offer!