I always try to travel with an open mind, but the truth is that I have high expectations and sometimes reality just doesn’t live up to it. The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach turned out to be another pleasant surprise. That may possibly have to do with the mindset I went into it with, though. Yes, I knew it was a 5-star hotel situated on a white sand beach with the crystal blue water that Cancun is known for. But its in Cancun, on the main drag with all the craziness, and pretty inexpensive, how nice can it really be?
THE ACCOMMODATIONS
For starters, all of the rooms are suites with a private terrace facing the ocean. Just in case you didn’t catch that: ALL OCEAN VIEW SUITES.
This is the lead-in category room (aka the lowest category – junior suite ocean view). Some hotels look inexpensive when you’re just comparing prices, but then you find out that it’s for a garden view and to upgrade to an ocean view is significantly more. And you don’t go to a place that looks like this without wanting to wake up to the view. So keep in mind when you’re shopping around and come across this property, the price you’re seeing is for this view (or similar):
BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW
I am a sucker for hotel breakfast. When you’re in a hurry to go sightseeing, it’s there to nourish you for the day. But even better, if you have time to lounge, you can sit back and enjoy all it has to offer. And at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, it had to a lot to offer, especially the view.
The only thing misleading about this photo is how delicious the drinks look. Sadly, the champagne was borderline undrinkable and only bearable after adding in various juices. The make-your-own bloody mary bar was slightly better but the spirit was Absolut and I’m a vodka snob (except when it comes to Kirkland, because it’s good).
What it lacked in the alcohol department, it made up for in the juice bar:
Those bowls of chilled cut fruit ranged from the usual strawberries and mangos to cactus pear, all of which were super fresh and fully customizable into a smoothie. The food selection wasn’t as comprehensive as the smoothie ingredients selection but quality of the fare was decent. I did enjoy the random plate of prosciutto sitting on its own pillar and the Japanese corner which offered some delicious miso soup.
THE RESORT
The beach in front of the hotel was well-maintained with ample lounge chairs and calm waves for getting into the warm Caribbean waters. Same applies to the pool which was surprisingly mellow. There were a number of kids splashing around but I think after coming from the Hard Rock, this pool seemed really tame.
From our balcony one night, we could hear what sounded like an emcee and ensuing party down by the pool. It was clearly a corporate event as the company slideshow was playing on a screen in the background. Then I realized that this place was perfect for a corporate event. By day, the hotel is large enough to support a large event with ample conference space and accommodations to house all the attendees. By night, the scene is bright and lively for an outdoor party and lots of options for an after party across the street.
OVERALL FEEDBACK
Great value for your money. The fact that every room is at least an ocean facing junior suite, you’re getting the view and clean, comfortable accommodations when you book here, yet you’re paying prices that may be a garden view room somewhere else comparable.
Location is right in the heart of the action of Zona Hotelera (Cancun’s Hotel Zone). For those looking for nightlife, this is an ideal place to stay since you’re walking distance to all the clubs. It’s also just a few minutes walk away from the UltraMar Playa Caracol location for the ferry to Isla Mujeres. Plus there are a ton of dining options for all budgets easily accessible within walking distance.
The downside for leisure travelers is the sheer size of the resort which makes it feel a little cold, corporate, and lacked character/romance. Although the impressively large fresh flower bouquets spread throughout the lobby and walkways added a soft touch to the setting, I wouldn’t recommend this property to honeymooners or those looking for a quiet retreat.
However, I would easily recommend the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach for corporate events, bachelor parties, value-conscious families, couples that enjoy going out, and younger destination wedding looking to get rowdy. Basically, those who want to take advantage of the proximity to nightlife, yet have a respite away from it all as the ocean facing side of the resort is a relaxing departure from the commotion on the street side. The crazy party won’t likely follow you back since prices will still be a barrier for the college spring breaker types (lead-in category rooms starting $250 and up). And since it’s not an all-inclusive, it’s a little more low-key on property.
