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Marriott Cancun – Photo credit: Marriott Hotels
Marriott has officially launched its first-ever, fully-conceptualized, all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico.
Though the concept is a first for the Marriott family of brands, Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, isn’t exactly brand new. The resort is a transformation and re-branding of the former Marriott Cancun located in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone with the multi-hued turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean serving as the backdrop.
Marriott Cancun-All Inclusive Resort – Photo credit: Noreen Kompanik
The resort officially opened to guests in February 2024, it’s complete finished-and-ready Grand Opening Celebration took place in September of this year.
Guests at this time can take a complimentary Marriott shuttle from Cancun International to the resort and arrive at within 20 minutes. A surcharge for additional guests applies.
Accommodations
Marriott Cancun Resort offers 450 spacious and stylish rooms (doubles or king) which also include 34 suites ranging from resort, lagoon, partial and ocean view and premium ocean views. All room types include balconies. Accommodations feature soft neutral design elements that include marble, wood and textures in sea tones, the theme carried out throughout the stunning lobby.
Marriott Cancun-All Inclusive Resort – Photo credit: Noreen Kompanik
Resort rooms measure 423 square feet and can sleep up to four guests with a sofa bed and include a mini fridge with complimentary beverages and snacks), a writing desk, oversized chair, large bath with shower, and a coffee and tea maker. My ocean-view room provided plenty of space with a lovely pool and ocean views.
The Executive Suite offers 588 square-feet of space with an ocean view. The Caribbean suite features 505 feet of space and faces directly oceanfront. The Magna Suite offers even more room with 835-square feet with an ocean view.
Should you decide to really treat yourself, the resort’s two Presidential Suites boast 2067 feet of living space with some of the most stunning views of the Caribbean Sea you’ll find. In addition, the suite offers two outdoor terraces, a fully equipped kitchen with dining room that can seat eight, separate living room and one and a half baths, a shower and soaking tub. Note that all suites can sleep up to four guests.
Food and Beverage
Ahh, the draw of the all-inclusive, its unlimited food and beverages selections.
Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive features nine different dining options that include sports bars, burgers and shakes to finer dining venues.
Sacbé Beach Shack at Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive – Photo credit: Noreen Kompanik
As a family-friendly property, it’s important that guests have choices to please every palate and taste of its visitors from laid-back fun foods to restaurants that offer a more refined experience.
Though the all-inclusive experience includes food, beverages and even in-room dining, some restaurants have selected items that are not included in the meal plans, however these items which include surf and turf options or specialty steaks for example, are still available to diners for an additional 250 pesos per entrée.
Restaurants on Property Include:
Press + Start: A sports bar open from 5:30 pm to 1:00 am featuring American cuisine with 1970s nostalgia-themed entrees along with other bar-type offerings with a distinct Mexican influence. And yes, visitors can enjoy a variety of video and action games for an additional charge.
Mo’s Burgers & Shakes: To the delight of many visitors, Mo’s, open for lunch and dinner, is an homage to the golden age of burger counters and shake shops. Its Mighty Mo Classic is a must-do along with its incredible shakes and classic desserts.
Cevicheria: I’ve often said that no one makes ceviche better than Mexico. And the beachside Cevicheria is a classic example of quality fresh seafood. Open for lunch and dinner, the casual eatery not only serves some incredible seafood and vegetarian-inspired ceviche, but sports an on-site taco cart with a selection of freshly-prepared taco choices.
Sacbé Beach Shack: Every beach destination needs a beach shack. And Marriott Cancun has its casual and bohemian version. The delightful eatery open for lunch and dinner features a laid-back ambience with hammocks and swings and serves a limited menu of Mexican-inspired beach bites along with a full cocktail menu.
750 Pizzeria: The shopis located outdoors poolside and serves New York homestyle pizzas for lunch and later featuring a number of varied options listed on a menu board.
Botanika: For those into healthy eating, Botanika offers a variety of healthy-eating options for those who want to stay focused on wellness during vacation.
HANA Polynesian Grill: Offers a taste of the islands. The restaurant is open for an impressive buffet breakfast (with a special section just for the kids), along with Polynesian-inspired dinner offerings with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Casa Madre Restaurant at Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive – Photo credit: Noreen Kompanik
Casa Madre: The newest restaurant to join the all-inclusive dining experience. Breakfast offers an extensive Mexican-inspired buffet while dinner has a la carte menu items inspired by the rich traditions and cuisine of Mexico. Reservations for dinner are required.
Ono Teppanyaki: Diners have the option to either eat in the main restaurant areas or reserve a place at one of four Teppanyaki tables where chefs create your dinner in full view with some fun entertainment.
Organic & Co. Café & Bakery: Open from 6:30 am to 11 pm, I’m including this bustling bakery and convenience store as it serves a variety of pre-made salads, sandwiches, bakery items, pizza by the slice, and fresh-roasted coffee.
If you’re needing a snack in between meals or you’re hungry on arrival, this is the ideal place to pick up a bite.
Entertainment and Experiences
The resort features three heated swimming pools, one adult-only, a main pool with whirlpools and the newest renovated water fun zone just for kids. However, this area that includes a slide, a bucket dump water feature and a lazy river is also popular with big kids as well.
Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive – Photo credit: Noreen Kompanik
Though the resort does not have its own spa, guests have access to the luxurious JW Marriott spa just next door. A fully renovated fitness center however was part of the renovation process as was the re-imagined CAMP Club for Kids, one impressively fun center for ages 4-12 with a variety of cultural and creative activities including making your own slime and a mini zip-line.
Though Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive Resort does not have a designated theater for shows, there’s no shortage of entertainment on site. Each of the main restaurants offers its own version of entertainment that perfectly pairs with the theming.
Mariachi Band at Casa Madre – Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive – Noreen Kompanik
At Casa Madre, diners will be delighted with the mariachi bands, Dia de Los Muertos and other Mayan-culture inspired entertainers that put on quite an impressive show during the dinner hour. Likewise, Hana Polynesian Grill and Ono Tepanyaki offer special presentations honoring the history and culture of these regions.
Guests can also sign up for ceviche-making classes, tequila tastings and other culturally inspired activities.
Early Morning Cancun Beach Walk at Marriott All-Inclusive – Photo credit: Noreen Kompanik
Closing Thoughts
Early Morning Cancun Beach Walk at Marriott All-Inclusive – Photo credit: Noreen Kompanik
The impressive, idyllic Caribbean Sea setting, newly renovated resort with a sophisticated simplicity that pays homage to the sun and sea along with the variety of dining experiences, attentive staff and kid and family-focused activities makes this an ideal resort for a family vacation.
This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.