Our food was absolutely delicious the men had brisket that was tender.

Although the hotel has many specialty restaurants, I almost always go to the buffet, since it has so much varied plantbased food.

- Grande Marche (Buffet)
- Taj 
- Armadillo (only dined at lunch)

Sadly, we didn't have great experiences at:
- Agave - our food was really cold which put us both off.

The main buffet restaurant had amazing range of offerings, and services was excellent.

The food was super delicious and flavorful.

We loved the food at Hunter so delicious.

As soon as we got out of the airport shuttle bus at the resort, we were whipped with a foul smell of rotten eggs.

Now the staff at the buffet gave us cake to celebrate our anniversary and my birthday, which was really sweet.

I always think the food looks great at buffets

At the start of the holiday it was fairly quiet so we felt we could actually relax and take our time to go to breakfast and then out to the pool and find somewhere to sit.

but the buffet had so much choice it was brilliant.

Most of time we went to buffet , the only buffet , breakfast was very good , lots of varieties , lunch and dinner was ok.

Marche, the only buffet restaurant that open for breakfast and lunch is always hot.

Special shout out to Yeni, Gorreti, all the bar staff near the splash pool & vibe team situated there and the best of all for me Pedro who worked in the buffet and then sports bar on an evening he really went above and beyond for us all holiday!!

but it was clearing towards the end of our Holiday,I really Enjoyed the Beach Bar had a great laugh with Uriel and Fermin Brilliant Cocktails they Made really enjoyed a Caribbean Sunrise for Breakfast,you could take your snacks from Nibbles to the beach bar and eat there.would we go back definitely Thank You All At The Royalton Gracias

There is always plenty of choice of food in the buffet restaurant.

The buffet restaurant at breakfast was brilliant, so many selections to chose from and all tasty!

The food was delicious, Noe our server was so attentive.

Visited this hotel in September until oct, wow we had an amazing holiday.

Thank you for making our holiday very special!!

I went with my boyfriend for a little vacation before baby ( 3/4 month’s pregnant) 
The resort was absolutely beautiful.

Diamond Club:
I wanted to touch on this as before our holiday it was a little unclear what the differences were from a standard/ diamond club/ hideaway stay.

We also loved the gym, very well equipped - I got there 5 days out of 7 during the vacation - that has never happened before on vacation.

This was the best aquafit class Gabby is aswome, she have a lot of energy, and she dance great, she make a go job👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

We will take all her classes, and enjoy de gym on this vacation, we going to dance zumba tomorrow..

Marco is an amazing trainer and I will be attending every class he is doing whilst I am on holidays.

My mom and I came to this hotel for a vacation, and got very lucky to have Eleazar as our guide when we got there.

Thanks x all the fitness staff ( Carlos, Marco , astrid y gaby x make me this vacations so incredible.

Enjoyed the fitness center, kick boxing class and aqua spinning class during our vacation.

Can not fault this hotel, yes needed painted and repaired in small areas and they were doing all this in bits when we left, all staff were amazing and friendly from Jose at the DC pool and Alejandro ( i think was his name he went on vacation after 1st week)

Was a good price for 2 weeks and had a great holiday.

We are just back from having a lovely holiday at the hotel and meet some lovely people and made friends with them.

The ppl who made it worth it was my family and meeting ppl on vacation.

A holiday is what you make it and we really enjoyed ours .

The trip so far is amazing
All spent in the gym and the team are very helpful and attentive to the family 
Gabby
Astrid
Marco 

We enjoyed all the bars and restaurant we enjoyed the shows and the kids enjoyed the pool parties 
……………………………………………………………………..

Gustavo the absolute best entertainer in the Royalton 
Gives 100% to all of his guest absolutely amazing, very helpful very friendly can not do enough for all guests fantastic personality great with the kids and adults xxx

Our kids absolutely loved the nightlife, the place was hopping - even the parents got into it.

There was so much entertainment for my children,  for my fiance and I.

Also the guys at the swimming pool bar (can't remember the name, the swim up bar next to the kiddy pool) were fantastic!!

The entertainment girls were very friendly

Shows every single night for both kids and adults.

We saw baby sea turtles on the beach near the hotel which was absolutely magical, we had so much fun there and met lots of lovely people so it was a great trip,

my kids were scared, crying and as a mom, I was very powerless because I was feeling the same.

I would recommend this resort to anybody with adults & kids!

the resort staff  Leonardo were doing a great job making sure all baby turtles properly taking care of !

The hotel is massive, with four different sections, kids, main, diamond and hideaway.

And he was such an amazing wedding so we thought let’s bring him our kids !!!

My little boy loved it and learnt to swim under water which he couldn't do before this holiday.

We elected to have most of our food in the well stocked fresh buffet and the personal touch from particular waiter Moisis Morono stood out.My son loved him and could stop talking about him!

Hard worker and brilliant customer service, made us laugh, great personality and great with our son!

Can’t wait to go back with the kids as it is also super kid friendly.

Went to Cancun and Playa del Carmen and was surprised that there was no algae and people were enjoying the ocean.

We also used hotel taxi and went into Playa del Carmen to visit.

I also want to mention Judith the taxi driver who took us to Playa del Carmen.

We had a day trip to Playa and the beach there was being tended by guys with wheelbarrows and was clear.

We took the ferry ($24 round trip) across to Isla Mujeres and rented a golf cart for the day ($50 all day) drove  around to the shops and enjoyed a day at Playa Norte beach.

Cab rides to Playa Del Carmen are $100 round trip.

Well turns out the driver took us to down town Playa del Carmen not the marina in Cancun.

If you’re looking for beautiful turquoise water, spend a few days at Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, before coming to the Royalton, that’s our plan next trip. 6.

However very good food in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

We have stayed at about 7 other resorts in Playa Del Carmen area.

Most of the staff travel from Playa del Carmen to come to work which is an hour from the hotel.

Want a chilled day out, shopping, dining, try Playa Del Carmen.

Check out resorts in Playa Marlin area, it is very beautiful.

Taxi - we used Sylvio (driver from hotel) for day trips to Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.

This was to Cancun centre & Playa de Carmen for shopping.

but to stay at the huge hotel area..  We will definetely come back but once again mix it with another hotel close to playa del Carmen where we spent our second week.

but the sunwing/nexus team kept trying to get them to go to the playa del Carmen location even though it was further.

Choose a hotel close to Playa Del Carmen and you will be just fine.

We wanted to upgrade to diamond club paid 900 dollars for the pleasure only to be roomless for the day and to be told we only have lounge access and nothing else, when trying to talk to reception she did not want to hear it.

This added 5-10% to the cost of our vacation, and this was something we had never experienced at the Paradisus.

We had paid a lot of money for this 'luxury' hotel and were very disappointed by the lack of good service.

I told him I could have paid less money and gotten the swim out for what I paid for this room and the refrigerator was leaking water all over the floor.

For me, Mexico has inherited a tipping culture which I feel is unacceptable in an all inclusive resort, as the staff are incentivised by certain individuals to provide a service we have already paid for and ignore those that are not willing to do so.

Pls avoid  this resort.Since we arrived they said ohh you are all diamond than they said oh no sorry you have to pay an additional $1000.

We did not expect for the little extra we paid how much better the room would be, the jacuzzi was brilliant, the issue I had with this room

We paid nearly £7000 for two weeks here, don’t waste your money we were desperate to come home.

We paid extra money to not be inconvenienced.

Carribbean restaurant gave an evening menu to my wife and a lunchtime one to me, I asked for a glass of house red, was told they had run out yet curiously all of the bottles costing 30 plus dollars were available, hmm.

Shop is expensive
Everything in the shop is quite pricey.

However, at best we should have been provided with at minimum what we paid for.

It’s important to note that during our stays in previous  years, the prices were $500-700 more per person per week.

We paid over $500 for the diamond club upgrade for the

but i truly believe that you should get what you pay for and that holiday descriptions should be accurate.

We paid for the diamond club extra so our check in area was separate.

If I had my time again I would pay to change the hotel in a heartbeat, it’s just not what is promised, by royalton, Tui or it’s 5 star rating.

Message to Royalton management: "Saving money can be an expensive choice"

I spent 8 days with my wife in Dianond Club room with Ocean View.

I tried to upgrade (pay out of pocket)to a different room and they said they couldn't upgrade us.

No air conditioning in any of the restaurants had 14 of the most uncomfortable dining experiences of my life in the understaffed over rated hotel, for a holiday that cost me around £7000 via TUI shocking on every level.

We love the competitions and fun games in the pool.All the facilities at the hotel are fantastic for everyone and the food and drink keeps flowing.

The food was exactly what we expected and it was full of flavour and we were not disappointed.

There was a lot of mosquitoes especially at the Italian restaurant area.

Miguel
Derick
Raul
Henry 
Capi Lorena
We’re amazing highly recommend the service was above and beyond ask for them they will make your meal 1000 times better we will be back for sure.

Overall the food was very strong, certainly as good as any all-inclusive we have been to.

Some people deserve special mention such as Chef Paloma of the sea food restaurant Caribbean.

Delicious food and fun, lively entertainment!

The food was great for me, always so many options.

The food was very good still in many of the restaurants,

Omar stated he would plan something for us the following day at one of the restaurants.

I read some reviews that they instantly smelt an "eggy" smell, I personally did not notice this immediately,

The beach still was full of sea grass and smelly.

The rooms had deteriorated somewhat, paints chipping, moldy.

The balcony overlooking the mangroves was unusable due to the smell and it was buzzing with mosquitoes on a night.

but you build up a sweat and can feel the burn.

Beach/Seaweed - The seaweed smell was horrible the first two days we were there

Beach and sea is covered in smelly brown seaweed.

Personally I think this is the smell of the seaweed.

but same as everywhere else on Riviera Maya, seaweed galore and it does smell when ur rains, we found we got used to this after a day and as we aren’t beach fans it didn’t impact our stay.

Hit by disgusting eggy smell that actually makes you gag.

If you have anyone with mobility issues, don’t go currently, the decking is rotten and unsafe, the pool floors kept cutting childrens feet.

Arrival… As soon as you step foot off the coach the smell hits you from the seaweed, I understand beaches have seaweed at this time of year

There just was SO MUCH seaweed outside the water and inside, you just can't even walk it was FULL FULL so much that even the waves were black and the smell was horrible.

I had to figure out for myself… then my room was facing a forest.. and when u step outside it smells like sewage  DON’T VACATION HERE

butt slap with people who weren't with them.

but the beach it’s awful, stinky and full of seaweeds.

Overall no one is ever seen in the sea as it is dirty due the seaweed and most people stay clear as it can be smelly,

The rooms are damp unclean and very shoddy and broken.

The beach is totally out of use due to the piles of rotting seaweed and rubbish.

Staff here are amazing, they are always happy to help.

They were so warm and welcoming and went above any beyond for us.

They truly enjoy what they do and it shows in their interactions with their guests.

The vibe team facilitated and enhanced the experience for all!

I immediately spoke to the guest concierge who were very nice

Such nice and approachable people definitely do them again

Astro and Marcos are very very knowledgeable and kind.

the staff in royalton are very friendly always have a smile in their faces.

Staff also very friendly & service minded, such as Javier Carranza in the Gourmet Marché buffet restaurant, even remembering what I like to drink after a meal, which is quite good considering the size of the hotel and the amount of people visiting the restaurant.

The staff was amazing and we stayed in the diamond club area most days the staff was completely helpful and always ready with drinks.

Gustavo Cesar and Monserrat are very friendly and welcoming!

On checking in a couple were in a heated argument with the check in staff and I did not imagine it would be me doing the same.

Thank you to Ricardo, Miguel and Sergio plus the chef with team Johnny We appreciate you too.

He was extra attentative to ensure my partner had no concerns with regards to her nut allergy.

Thanks to all the staff that made it a great experience! !

Our favourites included:
- Hunters
- Zen 
- Zen Teppanyaki 
- Dorado (Hideaway exclusive restaurant) - made possible by our

My Favorite restaurant was Zen with great service from Erica to the Tapayki chefs I had to dine twice.

Indian and zen (Asian) both nice restaurants,  we didn’t find the Caribbean or Italian restaurants very nice at all 
The service around the restaurants and buffets were pretty poor had to wait long time for drinks which isn’t ideal when no air con!

though were Zen and Taj both delicious food and Fantastic service.

The food was good and it was fairly easy getting in places when there was only 2, we both, unfortunately, got food poisoning, from Zen (we think).

I recommend; steakhouse, zen (tepenyaki+ Japanese cuisine), and Mediterranean.

You will find also specialty restaurants like Zen (Japanese style with a show), Taj (exquisite Indian cuisine - a most try) Grazie (cannot go wrong with Italian cuisine!

The Zen;

My favorite restaurant of them all.

Funnily enough our chef at the hibachi in Zen was the same as one of the times during our last visit.

but had tiny portion sizes and was very rushed to leave, Zen was our families favourite as the food was delicious and an accurate representation of asian cuisine, Hunter had a wide selection of steaks, fish and burgers cooked to taste which we enjoyed very much, Grazie was yummy, and i don't remember the rest lol.

Zen Japanese Cuisine - Need to que at 3pm.to make a booking for the evening.

Thank you 👏

The Zen restaurant also used Gluten Free Soy Sauce for the whole table, when they did their fantastic show dinner, superb quality & fantastic service.

Chef Israel from the Japanese restaurant, Zen.

Italian we thought was pretty tasteless, Agave really poor service on the occasion we went and the food not the best, Zen really nice food and service went twice, Taj had 1 great meal and 1 poor meal (was cold and rushed on the second visit), really enjoyed the Caribbean restaurant

We tried all of the a la carte restaurants and had some excellent meals, in particular we really enjoyed Zen and Taj.

The restaurants were great Zen, Armadillo, Agave, and Hunter had great service and food.

We also visited Zen, Hunters, Agave, and Taj which were all lovely

Food:
Next, throughout our stay, we visited the ala cart restaurants and noticed there was a sharp decline in the quality of the meal options offered - Zen, the teppanyaki just the show was ok

If you go to ZEN, the only way I would go is for the teppanyaki experience.

Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

smell

price

breakfast

playa

delfines

staff

restaurant

kid friendly

holiday trip

This has a great fitness centre and food was excellent for an all-inclusive.

Lastly, eventhough  this is an all inclusive resort the workers DEFINITELY be fishing for those tips.

It was my first time in Cancún and at an all inclusive.

This was our first all-inclusive and the experience was a 10 out of 10.

Cons: On top ofl the HIGH all-inclusive fee, you must shell out more $ for prime cabanas or lounge chairs with umbrellas at pool and on beach.

First time traveling internationally, as well as staying at an all inclusive resort.

A truly great experience at the best AI property we have ever stayed in.

The weather has been great, the service is top-notch, the food is the best that we have had in any all-inclusive or regular hotel.

The all inclusive is great and includes loads of cocktails and sparkling wine.

It is all inclusive and the main food option is Spices, the large buffet-style restaurant.

This time around my sister and I tried the Chef’s Plate which is a curated 6 course meal and isn’t part of the all-inclusive package.

The food is above average for an all inclusive hotels and the entertainment is the best thing.

Just the best all inclusive resort I have been in decades!!

It is the most amazing all inclusive experience you will ever have!

And the food was tasty for an all inclusive resort.

One of the best all inclusive experiences I’ve had.

I loved the breakfast and dinner at Punta Vista.

Breakfast wait staff Gardenia and Carlos Martinez in Spice were special.

The food was very good, especially the breakfast.

The culinary delights at the resort are truly remarkable, offering a diverse and delicious menu.

We got to walk around and explore the hotel every day, and we were able to try the restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Every day we had breakfast at Punta Vista with David and Ramon, who, after the first day,  remembered our preferences.

The holiday vibe was fun and the Christmas dinner celebration boasted delicious and festive food stations to cater to all tastes.

The restaurants are exceptional;  Spice, the buffet has a great selection of delicious choices for.

Thank you for the incredible food, unbelievably kind customer service, all the work and effort that went into to Christmas show and buffets.

We really enjoyed our stay the breakfast food was great at Spice.

The rooms were perfect, the view was amazing, food and drinks were delicious.

The food at the Zilara is beyond delicious.

The food offerings were diverse and delicious.

The buffet Spice is great & the restaurants are truly delicious.

but we would visit Spice each day of our trip for breakfast.

The food at Punta Vista was fresh and scrumptious.

Additionally, Jesus from Spice restaurant provided great service during breakfast time.

Watch out they will lure you with breakfast and coupons and hide what they are really up to.

Breakfast at Spice every morning was perfect.

The location is also perfect: direct access to the beach where you can walk or run for good few miles south to Playa Delfines, or north almost to the easternmost end of Mexico.

There is also many perks on the playa properties so when we travel as a couple we always get pampered.

We have stayed all over the Cancun-Playa area

I want to thank a few special people who went above and beyond: Ale and Juan Carlos (Playa Resorts, amenities), Ivan & Humberto (poolside services), Sergio (Spice), Wilberth (Spice), Marcos (Spice Mgr.

Jack Foakes from Playa Collection was a helpful and friendly staff that made our stay better too.

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