I talked about visiting Mexico last year a few days after my birthday. It was the first time I took a warm, tropical trip around my birthday, and it was heaven. Even though I was there for work, my client only needed a total of 4 hours the entire time, so I had more time to relax and enjoy my mini vacation, which kinda felt like a solo trip. The last time I was in Mexico, it was Tulum, and I went with my friend Indira during grad school. I’m really happy I got back and visited Cancun this time around. Because I was there for a client, I didn’t have to pay for my room or flight, but I still wanted to review this hotel in case you’re looking for a spot in Cancun to visit.
THE HOTEL
Just a 20 minute or so drive away from the Cancun Airport, and you are at the hotel. We stayed at the Hideaway at the Royalton Riviera Cancun, which is an all-inclusive resort. Meaning we didn’t have to pay for any of our food and drinks. I know one of the cons of staying at an all-inclusive resort is being stuck if you don’t the food isn’t great. But I honestly prefer them because the one thing you don’t have to work about when traveling is food and drinks, which can really add up when you look at costs.
I didn’t realize until dinner on the first night that it’s technically two hotels in one – the Hideaway where we stayed, and the Royalton Chic Suites Cancun. I kept wondering where all these children were coming from for an adult only hotel. The Hideaway is the adult only side and you can pretty much avoid seeing any families until you left the Hideaway. So if you’re traveling with a big group that includes families, I think this would be a great hotel to stay. But if you’re looking for strictly adult only resorts, this is not for you. I didn’t mind because I was just happy to be somewhere warm and I stayed on the adult size for most of the trip.
I shared a room with my client’s videographer, which was cool because I live by myself, and it was nice to have someone to talk to again. Our room was located on the less fancy side. Not overlooking the pool or with a swim out pool. We overlooked the trees on the side of the entrance. It honestly didn’t matter to me because I didn’t spend too much time in the room. I didn’t get any pictures of the room because when I thought about it, all of our stuff was everywhere, and I didn’t want the burden of making it tidy just for pictures. But the photos on the website is pretty accurate of how the rooms look.
The Hideaway has 3 adult only pools which is great for variety. And depending on how rowdy the crowd gets – mixing drunk people with party music means things can get a little crazy – you have 2 other options to sunbathe in peace. If the pool isn’t your thing, the hotel has a private beach that is on the property. At the last resort I stayed, we had to take a taxi to get to the beach that was available for the hotel guests. I was really happy that I didn’t have to worry about taking a trek just to enjoy the beach. Also, there was a bar on the beach so you had quick access to drinks without having to walk back and forth from the hotel.
COVID PROTOCOLS
ENTERING MEXICO
I’m sure this has since changed since Omariciron has been ravishing the world. But at the time of my travel, I had to complete a health screening no more than 12 hours of the exact time of your arrival and departing flight. Though, when I arrived I did not have to actually show proof of this health screening. However, when I was leaving Mexico I had to show proof of the health screening for my departure and proof that I paid the VISITAX that the state of Quintana Roo introduced on April 1, 2021, for all departing foreign tourists. It’s only $10 and you can pay it online or at the airport.
ENTERING THE US
At the time of my entering the US, I had to show a negative COVID test no more than 2 days prior to my flight. Great for us, the hotel offered complimentary onsite COVID testing. All you had to do was schedule a time and show up. I flew Southwest so I’m not sure if the following information is applicable across the different airlines. Southwest required to submit an attestation form that shows the proof of your negative COIVD test. This form isn’t available for you to complete until you are within the 72-hour window of your flight departure. Additionally, for contract tracing purposes, we were required to submit contact information. You won’t be able to board with submitting it.
WHERE TO EAT
The hotel has 11 restaurants! I didn’t get to try all of them, but I sure did try. The first night we went to the buffet because we couldn’t decide what to eat and didn’t want to wait. The buffet was not my favorite for dinner, but it did what it needed to do the first night. However, the buffet was really good for breakfast because there was a wide array of options, and you could have had hot items prepared for you.
The entire time I was there, I ate at Zen the Japanese restaurant, Hunter Steakhouse, and Dorado a seafood grill. The rest of the time, I order food at the pool. My favorite sport was Dorado because I love seafood. Also, whenever I’m that close to the sea, I always opt for fresh seafood since I don’t really have access to fresh seafood now that I live in Cincinnati. Zen was a bit disappointment because the sushi was filled with vegetables rather than fish. I love sushi, and you can imagine my annoyance.
THE AMENITIES
BARS
I wouldn’t necessarily count this as an amenity at an inclusive resort, but I am because of the number of bars on the property. The hotel has a whopping 10 bars. I definitely did not hit all of them up, only the ones at the pool or the swim up bars. The thing about resorts is they tend to water down your alcohol so it’s either shots or champagne. My first grad program ended my career of doing shots so I stuck to the champagne. When I wanted to switch it up, I would ask for a frozen, flavored margarita and mix it with the champagne. Because the flavored margaritas were way too sweet, and I don’t think they put any alcohol in them.
SPA AND CASINO
I didn’t get a chance to visit the Royal Spa, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. It is a luxurious full-service health facility with a hydrotherapy circuit and a full range of massage, body, and facial treatments located at Royalton Riviera Cancun. The beauty center at The Royal Spa offers luxurious manicures, pedicures, waxing, make-up, and hairstyling services. I also don’t like losing money in casinos, so I didn’t even attempt to step foot in there. But if you are, the Casino del Mar includes 50 slots machines and Roulette, and Blackjack tables.
I definitely enjoyed my stay at this hotel for the nature of the trip. However, I don’t have plans to return unless I’m taking a trip with family or friends with kids. Since I don’t have children, I would prefer my solo trips to be kid free.
WOULD YOU STAY AT THE HIDEAWAY AT THE ROYALTON RIVIERA CANCUN?
**Restrictions will change and this was true as of December 2021**
