In May 2024, we had the pleasure of staying at the newly renovated Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive Resort. The Cancun Marriott is the first resort in Marriott’s collection to officially carry the “Marriott” all-inclusive branding, transitioning from a traditional non-all-inclusive Marriott hotel to a fully inclusive luxury experience. With the resort just opening its doors in 2024, we were eager to see what it had to offer.
Overview of Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive
The Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive is somewhat smaller compared to many other all-inclusive resorts, offering a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere. Designed in a “U” shape, the resort’s layout surrounds the central area with three pools: a main pool, an adults-only pool, and a kids’ pool. While it may not be sprawling like some other resorts, the Cancun Marriott has all the amenities you need for an unforgettable vacation.
Our Arrival at Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive
The Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive Resort is only 10 minutes from Cancun International Airport, so our commute was quick and easy with USA Transfers. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a fruity berry mocktail and escorted to the check-in desk. Check-in was fast, and we were provided with a wristband to indicate we were resort guests. After check-in, a bellhop escorted us and our luggage to our room, which was a one-bedroom executive suite with a partial ocean view. Our bellhop was friendly and showed us the room amenities.
Rooms at Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive
We enjoyed staying in our one-bedroom executive suite with a partial ocean view. Since this resort was renovated from a traditional hotel, the room layout was typical of a traditional Marriott suite, which we liked. Sometimes, we find that resort rooms (especially bathrooms) lack privacy, but we did not experience that issue. The bed was comfortable, the living room was spacious, the closet offered plenty of hanging space and shelves, and the bathroom was large enough for our needs. The only possible downside I want to mention is that our bathroom did not include a bathtub. This isn’t surprising given that this was originally a traditional hotel, but it is worth noting if you are someone who loves a relaxing soak in the tub. Our room also included a mini fridge and two balconies, since the bedroom balcony and the living room balcony did not connect. Our in-room amenities included branded slippers and robes, a coffee/tea maker, a mini fridge, an iron/ironing board, and a safe. In the bathroom, a hair dryer was provided along with shower gel and shampoo. Overall, we found the room to be very clean and comfortable, with all of the amenities we needed for our vacation.
The Pools at Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive
The Cancun Marriott features three pools: the main pool, an adults-only infinity pool, and a kids’ pool (which was still under construction during our visit but is now complete). The main pool includes a swim-up bar and a hot tub. We spent most of our time at this pool because you can choose loungers that face the ocean, and there is a permanent thatch roof over a section of the chairs that provided shade. The adults-only pool didn’t offer much shade, although there were a few loungers with available umbrellas.
The adults pool was an infinity-style pool with clear views to the ocean but not many chairs. As previously mentioned, umbrellas were provided for some loungers at the adults pool, but those were the first chairs reserved in the morning. The pool also offered a swim-up bar that wrapped around to include traditional non-pool seating. Due to the lack of guests during our visit, the swim-up side of this bar wasn’t always open during its designated hours. However, servers came around both pools regularly for drink and food orders. It’s important to note that there isn’t separation from the adults pool and main pool, so if the resort ever featured pool parties in one pool, you would hear the party from wherever you sit. If you walk past the pool toward the stairs to the beach, there is a deck with daybeds. At the time of our visit, these were complimentary. They were quiet and offered ocean views. A server checked on us regularly and quickly delivered food and beverages.The kids’ pool area was still under construction during our visit, but it is now complete and offers a lazy river, two small water slides, and a shallow pool with different fun water activities like buckets and palm trees that have water running off the faux palms.
The Beach at Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive
As for the beach, the resort’s stretch of sand is smaller compared to others in the area, but there was a decent amount of loungers in relation to the resort’s size. The beach area includes a few showers to clean off before heading back to the pool deck. We often enjoyed the views from the pool deck rather than heading down to the beach, but we did go from beach walks and enjoyed sitting at Sacbe, which is on the beach level. Cancun has a pretty constant seaweed problem, so there was seaweed at the beach, though the staff worked hard to keep the seaweed under control throughout the day.
Dining at Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive
Champion Sports Bar
This is your typical resort sports bar, dark with neon details, multiple TV screens, and a small selection of arcade games. We stopped in for churros and drinks on our first day at the resort. Both were good! The atmosphere when we were there in the late afternoon was pretty subdued, but I expect it has a more lively atmosphere at night. While it wasn’t exactly our scene as far as what we wanted to enjoy at the resort, the drinks offered some fun mocktails, and the bar had a good selection of standard sports bar fare. If you’re looking for a place to catch a game or hang out, it’s a solid choice.
ONO Japanese Teppanyaki Cuisine
We had a great time at ONO, enjoying the teppanyaki experience. This was the only time we needed to make dinner reservations at the resort. While the show wasn’t the most dazzling we’ve seen, the food was great. We were treated to sushi before the main course, followed by a delicious array of grilled meats and vegetables. For dessert, the options were unique and featured bright flavors.
ONO Izakaya Asian Cuisine
For me (Destinee), ONO Izakaya was the highlight of the trip. This restaurant offers a blend of Asian cuisines. The sushi was fresh, and the yakitori was grilled to perfection. The Yuzu Shio Chuhai was a dangerously delicious cocktail. This was hands-down my favorite restaurant of the trip, so we ate there twice during our five-night stay.
Casa Madre Mexican Cuisine
Casa Madre offers breakfast and dinner, and we tried both. The breakfast buffet was one of the standout meals of the trip and Alex’s favorite dining experience. The buffet had many offerings with a great variety of locally inspired dishes. There was even a Mexican coffee station where you could enjoy coffee made with cinnamon and dark sugar, served in cute terracotta mugs. Dinner was table service, and the menu offered traditional Mexican cuisine. While it was good, it wasn’t as exciting as the spread of the breakfast buffet.
Botanika
Located in the open-air area near the center of the resort, Botanika offered light, fresh Mexican fare. We ordered fish tacos and a poke bowl to enjoy by the pool. Botanika also offers fresh juice, and the watermelon juice was very refreshing!
Cevicheria by La Isla
With ocean views and a laid-back vibe, Cevicheria is the perfect spot for ceviche lovers. The restaurant is open-air and located near the adults-only pool and stairs to the beach. You can enjoy table service, but you can also order ceviche to be delivered to your lounger or cabana. The ceviche was fresh and flavorful, and we loved that there was even a vegetarian option available.
750 Pizzeria
Although the signage for 750 Pizzeria is a bit misleading (it’s actually located in the Organic Café), the pizza was quite tasty. We enjoyed sitting by the lobby area and savoring some pizza while relaxing out of the sun.
Pizzeria by La Isla
This restaurant wasn’t open during our visit, but it is an open-air pizza restaurant near the main pool.
Sacabe Beach Shack
Located on the beach, Sacabe offers the best views in the resort because it is basically on the beach. It is underneath the main pool deck and has a bar with swing chairs, tables, and many beach-club style lounge couches. We enjoyed a break from the sun and sat at the bar. The drinks were delicious. We didn’t try the food here, but they offer a variety of options.
Hana Polynesian Grill & Buffet
Hana offers breakfast and dinner. For breakfast, you can enjoy a buffet with both traditional breakfast items and some Polynesian-inspired dishes. Dinner service is tableside, and we liked their Polynesian-inspired menu and thought our meals were quite good. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available for both breakfast and dinner. While the breakfast buffet at Casa Madre was our favorite, we appreciated the traditional options at Hana, and we enjoyed our dinner too!
Organic & Co Cafe & Bakery
This coffee shop and bakery always had beautiful pastries and it features a grab-and-go area where we snagged fresh juice before heading to the pool since we were often there before food and beverage service began. The coffee offerings are not expansive, but they can make cappuccinos and lattes with a few flavor options.
Mo’s Burgers & Shakes
Located near the lobby, Mo’s serves up a classic burger and shake combo. While the burgers were just okay, the milkshake was a highlight, so we recommend it if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.
Bars at Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive
All of the main resort bars, such as the lobby bar and pool bars, had a similar menu with traditional offerings, but the restaurant bars offered unique artisan cocktails that we enjoyed more. The Sundown Somewhere at Sacabe and the Yuzo Shoio Chihai at ONO were my favorites of the trip. If you are particular about brands, I would say that you may struggle to find your favorites. The liquor, beer, and wine selection is limited when it comes to brand variety. For non-alcoholic options, the sports bar and Botanika have the best selection of mocktails and fresh juices.
Activities at Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive
The resort offers a few daily activities, including wellness sessions such as yoga, pilates, and intense workouts. During our visit, yoga was held every morning, and when the weather allowed, it was held on a deck overlooking the ocean. We appreciated the knowledgeable and friendly fitness team, and the morning yoga sessions were a perfect way to start the day. We noticed a discrepancy in the activity schedules in our room vs. the one at the concierge, but the schedule at the concierge was more accurate.
Unlike other resorts we’ve visited, we didn’t find a jam-packed activity schedule. However, this didn’t bother us because we prefer a more relaxing vacation. Spanish lessons were offered near the main pool, and now that the kids’ area and Kids’ Camp are open, the resort likely has more kid activities. Since we visited close to the resort’s opening, they may have added more activities.
Since the spa and gym weren’t open during our stay, we weren’t able to experience those amenities, but you could book a beachside massage in one of the cabanas on the beach and we were permitted to use the gym at the adjoining JW Marriott. The spa and gym at the Cancun Marriott are both open now, but you can still opt for a beachside massage if you prefer.
Customer Service at Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive
The customer service at the Cancun Marriott was great. Nearly every staff member we encountered spoke clear English, and everyone was friendly and eager to help. Our room was always tidied up while we were out, thanks to the “out” button to signal when the room is available for cleaning. The concierge was helpful with questions, especially regarding fitness schedules and restaurant hours. The servers at the pool were attentive, and we never felt like we were waiting an exceptionally long time for our order.
To Wrap it Up
Overall, the Cancun Marriott All-Inclusive Resort offered us a fantastic, relaxing getaway. We look forward to returning in the future to see how the resort has evolved. If you’re interested in booking the Marriott Cancun All-Inclusive or exploring more Cancun resort options, don’t hesitate to reach out via our website. We are travel advisors, and we will be happy to help you plan your next vacation!
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