Bahia Principe Explore Coba - All Inclusive

Eder, Hanna, and Antonio from the entertainment crew were full of energy and always greeted us warmly. They seemed genuinely interested in chatting, too. We also went out of our way to sit in Manuel and Marcela's section after our first buffet meal with them. They were great servers, with friendly smiles and a warm manner. The practical stuff was easy, including check-in, housekeeping, getting towels, and the room. My one complaint is that when returning towels, they ask whether you're interested in excursions. It got frustrating after we'd been asked a couple of times. There's a free coffee machine toward the northeast as you enter the lobby, with hot drinks available anytime. The hot chocolate was really good, so it's worth trying. We had a very good stay, and the value felt right.

We're still here and hope management will take our concerns seriously. We'd like to speak with someone from guest services before we leave. The food has been disappointing: repetitive, limited in choice, and sometimes less fresh than we'd expected. We couldn't get reservations at any of the à la carte restaurants, either. Our confirmation said room service was included, but on arrival we were told it wasn't available to us. That mismatch was particularly frustrating. There hasn't been much going on in the evenings, and the entertainment has felt mediocre. Service overall hasn't met our expectations for the price. We appreciate the staff's efforts, but the hospitality hasn't felt consistently warm or attentive. Given the resort's place in a Hyatt-affiliated portfolio, we expected a higher, steadier standard.

The food was a real highlight, especially at the French and Italian à la carte restaurants. There was plenty to choose from at the buffet, including gluten-free items, and the coffee was very good. You can get a hot drink from the lobby machines at any time. The pools, lobby, toilets, and hotel were very clean, and repairs to the shower and safety issue were handled quickly. Shuttles were essential for getting to the beach. It was also possible to snorkel right from shore, and the Akumal hotel pool was pretty and easy to access. We liked the pools, poolside buffet, entertainment, friendly staff, good room service, and the weather. The beach bar was welcome despite the line. A few things made the stay less convenient. The drive from Cancun airport took four hours total, so Tulum airport would be a better choice. We paid a US$24 eco-tax on arrival, plus an excursion eco-tax, in cash only. Shuttle waits were long on weekends, perhaps because fewer were running. There's just one beach bar, and it was always busy. Table service varied by restaurant and by where you sat at the buffet. The beach is crowded because the hotels all use this beautiful spot, and you need water shoes for the rocks and coral. It was hard to change money for 20 or 50 pesos. The app showed all the à la carte restaurants booked in advance; we only got in because people cancelled.

The gym has all the equipment you need, plus towels, water, and fresh fruit. Ronaldo gave good service there. The kids club was a hit with our kids. They were excited to go each day, and the staff were so kind. There are lots of activities from 9 to 5, and I liked that the children could join the evening theatre shows. They rehearse together and perform a few nights each week. The staff also take your number and send photos and updates on WhatsApp. I'd definitely recommend it.