Wow...excellent review. My wife and I are heading there in January to celebrate both our birthdays., and now I feel very good about my decision to book this hotel. Your video seems so professional...maybe you should consider a job doing this? LOL
this was most definitely helpful. I'm headed there in June now that I've watched this video. I've been trying to decide for a week. thank you @cruisehabit. how was the trip for you & your wife?
Nice video, thanks for the tips. We're staying at the same hotel this Saturday, plus also reserved the happy shuttle. Question, on your return trip to the airport, how much time before your flight did you arrive at the airport, and also how long did it take to get to the airport? Tia
Fantastic! When you're getting picked up from the airport on arrival, they'll coordinate and schedule your return pickup time. Per their recommendation, we were picked up at 0930 for a 1249 flight. The ride back took about 30 mins. This turned out to be plenty of time (even with some road closures due to a triathlon that morning) - we even had time to have an oddly-timed meal at the airport before boarding.
Great video! Are all of the restaurants in the hotel included in the all inclusive? Could you recommend me to any other all inclusive resorts for a honeymoon on a budget ?
All of the restaurants are indeed included in your fare. As far as a resort for a honeymoon on a budget, I'd honestly say the best bet is to use a good travel agent that is familiar with all-inclusives and is part of a travel consortium. This is because these types of resorts often have additional incentives and special rates just available to some agencies - and those specials are often enough to make it so you can enjoy a property you'd not have thought would be feasible. I talk about what to look for in a good agent at the link below. While it's largely talking about cruising, the same circumstances apply to all inclusives. www.cruisehabit.com/should-i-use-travel-agent-or-book-directly-cruise-line
How was the food quality compared to Royal Caribbean? Also, is this resort more inclusive than a cruise ship? What was the room service like at this resort?
I stayed at Rui Palace Kukulkan but visited this place pretty often since my friends booked this spot. The food at both hotels seems pretty similar but it is a hit or miss on some things. Buffet will have things that you like but things that you think aren't good and bland and the same with the restaurants. Can't talk about room service but my friends did say room service did take a while but I wouldn't blame them since this hotel is pretty big.
We carried around a bunch of singles for when we'd get drinks or other services, and left a bit more for sit down dining, also for the room attendant. This didn't seem expected, but is a small price to pay for those working hard - especially given the struggles lately. At the time of our visit, there were no special entry requirements (COVID test, health visa, etc) for MX - but of course this could change. For returning to the US you need to show your airline that you've had a recent negative COVID test, and the resort will help you schedule this, perform the test onsite, and get you the printed and emailed results (all at no additional charge).
One of the pool areas was definitely the more lively one, with a DJ, and sometimes games or other activities going on. They did a good job of making it so there was plenty of areas in and around the pool for those looking for activity, and plenty of areas in and around the pool for those looking to relax in peace.
@@CruiseHabit Great! I’m thinking this Resort or the palace Costa mujeres. I like the location of the Las America’s but dislike the outdated rooms. Prefer modern/new. Any resort suggestions? I’m in my low 30’s
On our trip there was a wide variety, though not quite as many kids as we'd expect. That was before vaccines were available to children, so I'd suspect now a more even distribution. Many young adults though, in addition so more senior parties.
During covid is visiting other RIU resorts still allowed ? I called the customer service and they mentioned we’re not allowed right now due to covid, thanks!
We were there just a few months ago and it was allowed without any issue. I'm not aware of any changes to this policy, but I can't confirm it's not the case either.
Absolutely. In addition to a sundries shop in the resort, there are plenty of places in the hotel zone. In fact, the Chedraui (grocery store chain) there is my favorite anywhere. Plenty of small closer shops, too.
When we were there no PCR was done on arrival. Testing was done near the end for re-entry into the US, but it was rapid (as the US doesn't require a PCR for re-entry). I'm not sure if any countries require PCR for re-entry, but if that's the need, I'd contact the hotel and see if they can accommodate you or refer you to a local site.
Absolutely. In addition to hotels taking security seriously, Mexican Federal Police patrol the beaches all along the area. This property, like many others, is in the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) - which is strip of land that is pretty much exclusively resorts and tourists, isolated from much else. Cancun in general is a pretty safe place. Sure, you can find news stories of incidents, just as you can for violence and other crime in Miami, or any other big city. I think you'll find things in Cancun surprisingly safe and friendly.
COVID testing was included/complimentary when we visited. Based on the wording on their website, this seems to still be the case, though it's not 100% clear (it just say's it's provided).
The villas are adult only, so you may see rooms listed as "Villa Suite" - but it should also describe them as adult-only. I'd recommend using a conventional travel agency, rather than something like Priceline. You'll be able to talk to an actual person, who may have experience that this or similar properties, they can help customize other parts of your trip, etc. This helps avoid miscommunication, enhances your trip, and sometimes even saves you money. As an added bonus, you'll be helping a small business. If you'd like to talk to an agent, and help support the channel, the same folks who book our travel can help you too. Fill out the purple form here: CruiseHabit.com/help
Drinks were strong and well made, though they didn't have a wide selection of top shelf liquors. The food was fine. We actually preferred the buffets in some ways, but didn't have anything we disliked in any of the restaurants.
@@IamElana I don't think we tried or asked, but researching this it looks like you can for lunch, and for dinner it may not technically be allowed, but may not be enforced either.
We have used happyshuttlecancun.com/ a few times with good results. The resort has options as well, but always make sure you're clear on whether you'll be sharing a ride and making other stops, or if you'll have a private transfer.