Holiday Inn Club Vacations The Royal Sands by IHG

The beach was lovely, and it’s a resort that works well for kids. Finding a seat can be hard at busy times, though. The grounds were very well kept, our rooms were clean and well appointed, and the whole place had a joyful feel. We were a family group of 20 and spent five great days at The Royal Sands Resort and Spa. Our children and grandchildren treated us to the trip for our 80th birthdays and 60th anniversary. I’d read some negative comments about the food beforehand, but we found it good and nicely presented. Service can slow down at peak times. The staff work hard and are accommodating, but the crowds can be a lot to manage. As Omar, our greeter, said when we arrived, people come to Cancun for EDS, eating, drinking, and sleeping. He was right, and then you add your own spice to the time there.

We’ve owned here since 2007 and love the place. The restaurants on site are good, housekeeping is great, and check-in and checkout are easy. The one issue is that the hotel does nothing to stop guests from claiming pool and beach chairs ahead of time. It’s total BS, especially with security guards right there all the time.

It’s a calm, relaxing resort, so don’t expect the usual Cancun party scene. It’s very quiet and tranquil, which is great if that’s what you’re after. The location is just off the hotel zone strip but still close to the action, and the service was top tier. The rooms are a nice size and very well maintained, though the decor is dated. The buffet and restaurant food was really good, and it was consistently well prepared every day.

The views were beyond beautiful, and hearing the waves was calming. The pool was very clean, with perfect seating, and we always had drinks in hand. I liked the chicken sandwich, and the guacamole and chips were perfect. Breakfast buffet was really good, with plenty to choose from.