In Mayan culture some people believe that when you take a picture of someone’s face, you steal a little of their soul. I learned of this religious belief while staying at Park Royal Cancun Beach Resort. Fortunately for us, the Park Royal Beach Resort Cancun is not camera shy. In this Cancun hotel review, I’ll share what to expect at this four star all-inclusive resort in Mexico and how you can visit a Mayan ruin steps from this beach resort.
Mexico’s Caribbean Sea
While Mexico’s Caribbean Sea plays a starring role in this Cancun resort review, two pyramid-style buildings play supporting roles. The 310 room beach resort has something for couples seeking a romantic escape, families hoping to recharge and reconnect with loved ones or friends looking to kick back and relax in the Mexican sunshine.
Park Royal hotel rooms
My husband and I were fortunate to stay in room 2615, one of the hotel suites on the 6th floor. At 1,216 square feet, our spacious 2 room Presidential Suite was a splurge, but would be ideal for families or friends traveling together. With two bathrooms, bath tub, shower, two double beds and a Murphy bed, the suite felt spacious. The outside balcony overlooked the Caribbean Sea and featured its own private Jacuzzi! Air conditioning kept the rooms cool, as did the marble floors.
As mentioned, the Caribbean Sea is the focus at this all-inclusive beach resort. Beaches are federally owned in Mexico and guests swim at their own risk. Winds were high on our visit, so we opted for the adult-only pool, one of two swimming pools on property. In addition to karaoke, dancing and bingo there’s a kid’s beach and children’s pool area.
Family experiences
The Park Royal offers an on-site water park for kids and is introducing experience packages focusing on family, culinary, romance and relaxation. With the Mexican Family Memories packages guests have the option for a dinner on the beach with the ninos or drop them at the Kids Club and enjoy a dinner without the little ones.
There are daily pool activities and a DJ, but I recommend a visit to the small Mayan ruin next door and then taking an excursion to Tulum and Coba. We used Alltournative for a Tulum and Coba all day Maya village tour, including swimming in a Cenote, an underground fresh water cave. Park Royal offers concierge service and will assist in making your tour arrangements.
Park Royal Cancun dining
As with an all inclusive resort, all meals and alcoholic drinks are included with your Mexico vacation, including gratuities and taxes. Breakfast buffets are standard. Our lunch at La Veranda featured baked grouper & grilled grouper in garlic sauce with black beans and cheese, a typical and delicious example of local, authentic seafood. If this is a special celebration vacation, arrange with hotel staff to have dinner served on the beach or perhaps on your hotel room balcony – for an additional fee. Executive Chef Moises Ortiz oversees all restaurants at Park Royal Cancun including Andiamo restaurant with live violin music and Frida, featuring Mexican cuisine.
Cancun Mexico happy hour
Be sure to visit Ekinox Bar and order the signature cocktail, Mango Temptation. Ekinox sky bar is the best place for a sunset photo overlooking Cancun Bay and to listen to the Cuban Musical Band.
Park Royal Cancun hotel room pricing
Rates range between $199 – $399 per night, double occupancy, all inclusive. Our Presidential Suite cost 50% more. For example, if the rate for a deluxe room was $199, the Presidential Suite would rent for $299. Suites similar to the Presidential, without terrace are 20% above deluxe room pricing; a good value for families wanting more room, multi-gen travelers or girlfriend getaways. There is a government fee for sanitation services of $1.35, but no resort fees.
Park Royal Cancun vacation tips
Make sure to visit the Mayan Ruin next door and take a picture behind it. You will feel as if you were a Mayan King vacationing in the Caribbean. Don’t miss the Cuban Musical Band at Ekinox Rooftop bar with gorgeous views of Cancun Bay. If you are traveling with kids or those who like to shop, La Isla Mall is just across the street from the hotel. Stop in for an ice cream or beer by the pier and catch a dramatic sunset.
My final Cancun vacation tip is near and dear to my heart. When I travel, I like to purchase art made by locals. Park Royal Cancun just opened Kiwik (the Mayan word for market) the store with a cause. All of the products sold in the store were crafted by Mexican artisans and women from small Mayan communities with amazing survival stories. I love, love, love the sandals that I purchased in Cancun! For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and Park Royal Hotel & Resorts on Instagram.
If You Go:
Park Royal Beach Resort Cancun +52 (998) 885-1333
Kukulcan Blvd., Km. 12.5, Lote 18, Fracc. 1-B
Zona Hotelera, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, CP 77500
Park Royal Cancun Beach Resort review and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. As is typical in the industry, I received a complimentary media stay, however, all opinions are my own.