Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
We had the pleasure of staying at this property for 5 nights with our family, and we're excited to share our experience with you!
Arrival and Location: The resort is about an hour and fifteen minutes drive from the airport, which can feel long after a flight, but in a private transfer, it goes by quickly. Upon arrival, we were briefly greeted, and our luggage was swiftly taken care of. *Cheyenne's Notes: If a warm welcome with a steamed towel and glass of champagne is of high importance to you - this may not be the right resort for you.
Resort Overview: This resort is BIG. Probably one of the biggest we've personally stayed at, but doesn’t feel quite as big as it is. If walking the property seems daunting, they do have golf carts that run back and forth often. With a larger size comes many pros and cons. If you typically enjoy small, intimate properties with a high attention to detail, this would not be my recommendation for you. If you are traveling with a group, multi-generational family, or kids that need to be entertained, it has much to offer. This resort is a popular destination wedding resort, and the "adult-only" side to the resort is definitely a selling point!
Accommodation: Initially, we checked into a Deluxe Gold room, which is the lowest room category on property. We did encountered some issues, which the resort's staff was quick to resolve. However, the location of this room is not great for those with small children or travelers that like sleep! When we realized the room wasn't suitable for our needs, we decided to upgrade to the Deluxe Grand Sky Terrace Two Bedroom, which was a fantastic choice. The room was spacious, comfortable, and offered a beautiful view from the private terrace. However, the jacuzzi water did not get hotter than luke warm, which was disappointing for the cool evenings.
Dining: We would consider the food here "good," not "excellent." Though we didn't have a bad meal, the options were a little limited, and the food didn't wow us most of the time. *Cheyenne's Notes: If you enjoy Asian cuisine, be sure to dine at Zen! We really enjoyed everything we got at that restaurant. So much, that the kids wanted to go back a second time. So we did! The teppanyaki tables do require reservations. And for poolside eats - the tacos and ceviche are the best!
Drinks and Snacks: Poolside drinks are again, "good," rather than "great," but as day turns to night, be sure to visit the lobby for drinks made by the mixologist. These are sure to "wow" you! The lobby also has a coffee shop and snack bar where you can consume caffeine and ice cream to your hearts content!
Pools: The pools at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya were a highlight. With multiple pools to choose from, including a shallow one for kids with activities for them, and a loud and vibrant one for water aerobics, and hanging out. The negative is that they were not heated, and thus quite cold. But a selling point is that we never once had to fight for a pool chair - even when we moved from the beach to the pool in the middle of the day!
Beach: The beach at this resort is small, but quite honestly perfect for kids. The rocky barrier between the ocean and beach block these small coves from the large waves, making these man-made beaches calm, and crystal clear for littles to enjoy. *Cheyenne's Notes: Check out a snorkel board, which has a small glass window, and let your kids enjoy viewing the fish without having to deal with a mask and getting water in their snorkel!
Waterpark and Activities: The waterpark at the resort was a hit with both kids and adults. The variety of slides and pools kept us entertained for hours. You do need to be at least 3' 5" to enjoy the large waterslides. Additionally, the resort offered a range of activities, from lively shows to fitness classes, and even a bowling alley! If you're bored at this resort, it might be you. If a slower paced activity is more your style, join the walking eco-tour around property where you'll see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys!! This was a big hit with the kids!
Fitness: Don't miss a beat from your workout routine with a fully equipped gym and fitness classes. If you are a runner, one of the coolest features of this resort is the running path that circles the property. As an avid runner, I loved using the running path for my morning runs!
Overall, our stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya was great. The resort's attention to detail, excellent service, and plethora of amenities made it a perfect choice for a family vacation.
