My wife and I live in Merida, Mexico so we go twice a year for a short trip to the Caribbean coast…read moreto use our Hilton FNAs and Aspire resort credits.
We used to regularly visit the Hilton Adults Only AI in Playa del Carmen, but since that property was sold to Hyatt, we've been checking out the other resorts and decided to try the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort for the first time
Check-in - 4/5
We arrived at the hotel around 4pm, and check in was quick and professional. I had booked the lowest room category, but as a Diamond member, we were upgraded to an ocean view room. Unfortunately, it overlooked the children's pool area, with the ocean visible only in the distance.
Room - 4/5
We stayed in room 665 - The room was ok, at other resorts we would get upgraded to a suite so this room felt a little on the small side but it was comfortable enough. The room was modern and nicely styled. The large bathroom featured a walk in shower, giant bathtub and double sinks. There was a balcony with loungers. The mini-fridge was stocked with beers, soda, water, plus coffee and some bags of chips. Towels were a little rough
Pool & Beach - 4/5
The hotel has a large pool that winds around a bar/restaurant and multiple other smaller pools for soaking. There is also a separate children's pool area with water slides and other fun things for kids
We have a pool at home so we didn't really spend any time using their facilities
We did spent a few hours on the hotel beach loungers. There's a beach bar for drinks, but if you want food, you have to go back up to the main pool bar. There was some sargassum but not as bad as in previous visits to the Caribbean coast
Food & Drinks - 3/5
The resort has five themed restaurants that require reservations. Unfortunately, everything was fully booked on our first night, and the only reservation we could get for the second night was for 6pm at the Asian restaurant (our third choice).
Buffet: We had dinner here the first night and lunch the next day. There was a large selection, but the food was average to poor. Drink service, however, was excellent and our glasses were never empty.
Noriku (Asian, second night): My wife had sushi, which she thought was just okay. I ordered the lamb vindaloo, which was surprisingly good.
Room Service (breakfast both mornings): Food was okay and arrived in about 30 minutes.
Lobby Bar: We stopped in a few times for afternoon and evening drinks, and the service was consistently excellent.
Location - 5/5
Beautiful, lush, well-maintained grounds and nice beach area
Staff - 5/5
Hardworking, friendly, and always smiling
Mixed feeling on returning - We tend to prefer an adult crowd and most of the other guests were families with children. The room and staff were excellent, but the dining experience was pretty disappointing. I don't think we'll return.