Moon Palace Cancun

Entrance to the massive Moon Palace Cancun compound is just off the highway. After passing through a small guard gate, guests will have to travel over a mile to reach their designated lobby. There are two sections at the Moon Palace Cancun resort – Nizuc and Sunrise – and the property sits adjacent to The Grand at Moon Palace. With its massive marbled lobby, giant pool, and hefty assortment of other features, Sunrise is the largest of the two sections. The vibe here is always buzzing and people are everywhere, giving it a bit of a party atmosphere. Next-door Nizuc is the older section and has its fair share of people filling the chic and stylish spaces, but it's not quite as bustling, and the vibe tends to encourage strolling or lounging. Its glamorous and gorgeous lobby isn’t tough to look at either. Travelers wanting a more modern and luxe stay should opt for The Grand at Moon Palace. While there are dozens of features, from large outdoor pools with swim-up bars to buffet and a la carte restaurants to daytime and evening activities, many guests have been disappointed by the beach. Like many resorts in the Cancun area, the Moon Palace is heavily affected by seaweed, which has a foul odor and often prevents travelers from swimming in the ocean. Resorts in Cancun’s Hotel Zone tend to have better beaches.

Historically, the Riviera Maya begins farther south down at Playa del Carmen, but for want of tourism, areas several kilometers on either end of the famous coastline's traditional stretch are being marketed as part of the Riviera Maya's tourist route. The Moon Palace Cancun falls into this boundary line, even though it is in Cancun and just a 15-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. Away from the main drag of the city's Hotel Zone, Moon Palace Cancun is located just off the 307 freeway, about a 25-minute drive south from the popular tourist area. While its location certainly gives it the space it needs and a private, secluded atmosphere without any direct neighbors, the hotel unfortunately sacrifices the idyllic stretch of beach and perfect Caribbean blue waters found slightly to the north. Like at many Cancun resorts of late, the beach here suffers from foul-smelling seaweed that often restricts travelers from swimming in the ocean. Because the Moon Palace's closest lobby is around two miles from the hotel's street-side entrance, the hotel is not walking distance to anything off-site. Likewise, there aren't really any restaurants or bars within easy driving distance, but you will be 30 minutes closer for day trips to Tulum, Coba, Xel-Ha Park, and Playa del Carmen.

Guest rooms and suites are bright, spacious, and modern, each featuring marble floors, furnished balconies, and two-person whirlpool tubs. Amenities include minibars stocked with wine and soft drinks, liquor dispensers, smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. Higher-tier accommodations may offer ocean views or access to exclusive pools. Rooms are located across the resort’s two sections, so travelers can choose proximity to specific amenities or a quieter location.

Guests enjoy access to an enormous range of amenities. Dining spans more than a dozen international restaurants, including Italian, Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, and seafood. Bars pour unlimited premium drinks, and room service is available 24/7. The O Spa offers hydrotherapy, massages, and salon services, while the AWE Fitness Center provides modern equipment and classes. Active travelers can tee off at the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course or try the FlowRider® Double Wave Simulator. Families have The Playroom Kids Club (ages 4–12) and Wired Lounge for teens. Nightly shows, live music, and Noir Nightclub keep evenings lively, while weddings, events, and conferences are well supported with on-site venues and staff.