(Note: Le Meridien is now a Sandos all-inclusive property.)
I recently took a mini-vacation to Cancun, Mexico for 3 nights in October. I flew American Airlines and stayed at the Le Meridien Resort right on the main hotel strip. As this was my first time to Mexico, let alone Cancun, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As you’ll see below, I had a wonderful experience, but I also didn’t wander very far or do any exploring of the local area.
Upon arrival into the Cancun airport, I immediately found everyone to be extremely friendly and courteous. An airport employee quickly pulled me aside to show me the easiest way to get to the hotel and showed me a map of the local area. Of course, it ended with a quick timeshare pitch, which I almost couldn’t turn down because of all of the freebies being offered to me for one 90-minute presentation, but I knew that declining would be best for me since my time in Cancun was so brief. So, beware- there are timeshare pitchers lurking everywhere in the airport! After we bought our tickets for the Green Shuttle, we headed straight to Le Meridien. The ride was short at 15 minutes and only one stop prior to mine. As I learned from others, taking the shuttle can be a blessing or you could end up stopping 5+ times before getting to your final destination. My trip was quick and simple, so I was very happy!
From the moment I pulled up at Le Meridien, the service was impeccable in every way. The bell captain quickly greeted me with a smile, a cold towel, and a drink. The concierge had my check in already completed and all I had to do was give my credit card to put on file for room charges. I also received an invitation to the manager’s cocktail party for that evening, which was a nice way to start off the trip.
I was assigned room 512, which is on the Starwood Preferred Guest floor. The view was pretty decent, as it looked out toward the ocean, but also looked at the back bay area. The only downsides were the view into the next hotel, although that was just a small portion of what I was able to see, and I did not have a balcony. The rooms on either side of me had a small balcony in which they could sit outside and enjoy the view. At any rate, the room was very clean and very well appointed, with marble floors throughout, a large bathroom with two showers, a large closet, and all of the comforts of luxurious linens.
Outside of the room, the resort grounds were very well maintained and manicured and there are three large infinity pools all at different levels that lend for a spectacular backdrop. As you wind your way down the levels, you then come across a wide set of stairs down to the beach, which had many cabanas and lounge chairs. There was also a water sports area for those who wanted to be active and an on duty lifeguard. The sand on the beach was soft, yet a little gritty, and the water was a crystal blue, just like the Corona commercials on TV. Back up at the pools, there is an outdoor restaurant and bar that also offers poolside service. The attendants were all perfectly dressed in uniforms and were very friendly and on the ball. They also brought cold towels and cucumbers for your eyes if you so choose to indulge.
Like the service, the food and drink at the pool was great and surprisingly inexpensive. The margaritas were around $4-$5, which to me is cheap for a resort, as I am used to paying up to $11 per drink! And, like the pool restaurant, St. Trop, the resort’s fancy restaurant, Aioli, was also a delight. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was very pleasing, and the staff was very attentive. Aioli serves breakfast (buffet or menu), lunch, and dinner. I also enjoyed room service one morning and evening as was pleasantly surprised at the timeliness of the delivery, the presentation, and the quality of the food. I can honestly say I was not let down at all with the food and drink.
I also took time out for a nice massage at the Spa del Mar. I was very impressed by the spa décor, ambience, and offerings. The massage was extremely relaxing and I enjoyed hanging around after the treatment in a calming waiting area with soothing music and various beverages. For those seeking something more active, there were various activities available through the hotel, such as snorkeling or trips to the ruins, or you can take a bus to the local markets.
I’d definitely consider staying at Le Meridien again and perhaps enjoying more of the local flavor next time around.