JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

The grounds and beach made it easy to settle in, with plenty of loungers in both sun and shade. There were cabanas on the property and beach too, for an extra fee, and the beach was easy to reach and well kept. We’ve stayed at many Marriott properties as Platinum Elite members, and this JW Marriott Cancun is a standout. At check-in, we were upgraded to a mini suite without asking. It had its own balcony and an ocean view. Everyone we dealt with gave wonderful service. Lourdes(Lulu) greeted us at breakfast each morning with a smile and real interest in how things were going. Gustavo and Hidalgo took care of us by the pool, and Freddy looked after us while we listened to live music at the lobby bar in the evenings. We had a fabulous visit and would happily return.

I chose the Marriott because I wanted a hotel without an all-inclusive plan, and that worked well for me. In Cancun, you spend so much time on the hotel grounds, and this one delivers on most things. For a winter getaway, it was a good choice in a reasonable price range for a luxury resort. The pool area is fabulous, with a great layout, plenty of chairs and fresh towels. Free sunscreen at the towel desk was a nice touch. The gym was well stocked, and the ocean view from the treadmills was fantastic. My room was elegant but comfortable, very clean, with a balcony and the direct ocean view I’d booked. The bathroom was spacious and lovely. Staff were friendly, eager to help, and consistently professional. The restaurants offered a nice range of good food, though they were a little expensive, as you’d expect at a resort. The Thai dishes and Gustino were especially good. The downsides were mostly about the atmosphere and winter sun. Pool music was far too loud, with the same nonstop disco beat every day. I’d have chosen a party hotel if that was what I wanted. At breakfast, the food was so-so, and every table was under the thick thatch roof, with no spot in the sun. In January I wanted that option, so I usually walked up the beach to the Kempinski, which had the sunny breakfast terrace with umbrellas I’d imagined. The Marriott’s Southern wing also blocks the sun by mid-afternoon, so I had to move around several times to follow the remaining rays. Maybe that’s no problem in summer, but in winter I wished for more sunny corners. Inside, it was too cold for my taste, especially the lobby bar, which always felt freezing. The spa seemed a bit like a rip-off. My pedicure cost about three times the usual price and was only half as good. I had a similar experience with a pickleball coach I hired through the hotel.

We come here every year for a family getaway, and everyone loves relaxing at the resort so much that we never seem to leave for sightseeing. The breakfast is fantastic, and the food overall is great. We go to Sasi Thai twice each visit and never tire of the poolside dishes either, they’re all so good. The staff are loyal, attentive, and exceptionally kind. Juan gives fantastic massages, and Javier makes sure you have what you need by the pool.

The pool was my favorite place to spend time, with plenty of beach chairs around, and even the poolside food was surprisingly good. Our room was modern and comfortable. We also loved eating at Gustino, one of the best Italian meals I’ve had, and 750 pizzeria was great too. From the moment we arrived at the JW Marriott Cancun, we felt looked after. Miguel made our visit even better, and Cesar went above and beyond with his hospitality. The resort was both fun and relaxing. I can’t wait to return, and I’m already planning another trip for the end of this year.