Matteo P.
Google
I debated whether to write this review because, on the surface, we truly had a wonderful vacation at this resort. There are many positive aspects to the property. That said, if asked objectively, I would not return nor recommend it.
What follows is detailed feedback intended to be fair and fact-based, rather than centered on isolated or personal one-off experiences. We are generally very positive travelers and maintained that mindset throughout our stay. While there are several five-star reviews here, I also encourage prospective guests to read some of the lower-rated ones, as they (like this review) contain important information that may help you decide whether this resort is the right fit for you.
POSITIVES -
The resort is set within the jungle, which is quite unique and different from the typical beachfront resort experience. The design, built along a hillside with long pathways, prevents the property from feeling crowded. Multiple pools are spread throughout the resort, which helps distribute guests and avoids congestion in any single area.
Some reviews mention difficulty accessing golf carts, but the resort is fully walkable. We enjoy walking and never used the carts during our stay. In fact, we appreciated the size of the property, as it allowed us to stay active and burn off the spicy margs. Unlike some reviewers, we viewed the vastness and walkability of the resort as a positive.
The beach itself was in good condition and felt relatively private compared to the larger public beaches nearby. That said, access to the beach is an important consideration.
WEAKNESSES/IMPROVEMENT AREAS -
Unfortunately, the food was a major disappointment and felt well below the standard expected of a Marriott property. There is only one à la carte restaurant, and reservations are highly competitive. The remaining options consist of two buffet restaurants for breakfast and dinner, both of which were very limited in variety. Food was often lukewarm, unappealing, and at times simply inedible. We are not picky eaters.
Perhaps most surprising was the lack of Mexican cuisine. Over the course of our week-long stay, none of the buffets featured Mexican food, and the sole à la carte option was Japanese. At a resort in Mexico, we expected both higher quality and a stronger representation of local cuisine.
The resort does offer a beach club; however, it requires transportation via shuttle. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m. and holds approximately 16 passengers. Given that the resort has over 250 rooms, this quickly becomes an issue. The shuttle fills up almost immediately, making access to the beach frustrating and competitive. We were fortunate to have rented a car, which allowed us to reach the beach independently. By the time the second shuttle arrived each morning, most beach chairs were already taken, leaving later arrivals to sit directly on the sand. If beach access is a priority for you, this is an important factor to consider.
While the staff was friendly and clearly doing their best, the service level did not align with what one would expect from a 4- or 5-star resort. The property appeared understaffed, and employees often seemed overwhelmed. Orders were frequently forgotten, and service lacked proactivity or attentiveness. Overall, the experience did not feel polished, thoughtful, or particularly special.
The resort does not offer room service. Instead, guests are directed to the “Delta Pantry,” which was presented as a convenient alternative. In reality, the pantry consisted of ice cream, boxed cereal without milk, Jell-O, instant ramen noodles, and basic ham-and-cheese sandwiches on white bread. This did not meaningfully compensate for the lack of room service or limited food options.
There were also several smaller operational details that detracted from the experience. Guests are issued towel cards and may only pick up or exchange towels at two locations on the property. Entertainment offerings were underwhelming compared to other resorts and minimal, offered on only about 3/7 of our nights.