Gran Melia Cancun

Nice hotel, but marketing is overwhelming

The Gran Melia is a beautiful place. The staff was friendly, and the view is incredible. However, two of the restaurants weren’t open while I was there, and I couldn’t place a phone call from my room. The people trying to sign you up for a "free" breakfast where they try to sell you a timeshare are a little overwhelming. Also, when I inquired about taking a bus, I couldn’t get any help, they were too busy trying to sell me something or trying to put me in a cab. A little over the top.

Traveler's tip on recreational activities

I booked a snorkeling trip through Expedia to Cozumel. It was awesome - would highly recommend it!

World class

The lobby of this hotel is just amazing. It has a lobby bar with a great ocean view. The rooms are quite comfortable, and have a nice balcony with either a view to the lagoon or the ocean. The spa is one of the highlights of this hotel so save an afternoon to treat yourself. On the downside I would say the food is ok, and the prices are not cheap.

DCA to Gran Melia Cancun (6 days)

The hotel was nice and the room overlookign the ocean was very nice. It had a jacuzzi tub for two on the private balcony. The king bed was nice too. The wireless reception in the first tower was really pathetic though as was the service provided by the hotels van service for getting you tot he airport. They were very rude upon our arrival and even though I had round trip vouchers, they wanted me to get a cab. That didn’t happen. I made them take me tot he hotel and honor their voucher, however, I’m a Marine so not sure others could as been as demanding. The hotel staff were also pretty pushy about tryign to get guests to use their services for trips and events as well as the vacation ownership (timeshare crap). It was a little annoying but we just continued to tell them no and ignored them. Next time in Cancun, I’d stay at the Cancun Palace. They provided us with all inclusive passes to their hotel, back massages, three events, and more for only $75. Their hotel was nice including an infinity pool. ;) Go to Holken Park and do the zip line or segway tour. Also Chichen Itza was awesome if you like history and ruins. el Shrimp bucket has great food also; best we had while there for 6 days.

Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks

Take the R-15 or R-12 everywhere. It runs every ten minutes for less than a $1 no matter how far you go. You can also take it to the mainland off the resort row to the Wal-Mart to buy stuff for the hotel room to save money. If you stop at market 28 (like a flea market shopping area) you can offer to pay about 40% of what they ask for stuff and they generally take it with little haggling. Stand your ground and don’t waffle - they want your money so they will lower the price.