Good meals, new rooms and unimaginable ocean views: A overview of the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort

Editor’s word: The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort supplied TPG with a complimentary three-night keep to get an inside have a look at the resort and its facilities. The opinions expressed beneath are completely these of the writer and weren’t topic to overview by the resort or any exterior entity. 

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There’s nothing higher than a sunny Mexican getaway, particularly when it’s freezing chilly within the Northeast the place I reside.

Virtually all U.S. airways fly to Cancun, a favourite trip spot for Individuals searching for enjoyable within the solar. The recognition of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has solely grown previously few years. A lot in order that a number of U.S. carriers are about to launch service to the brand-new Tulum Worldwide Airport (TQO).

After I learn there was a brand new entry within the red-hot all-inclusive area, it appeared like the right time to go to a spot I’d by no means been. The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort opened late final 12 months, and I used to be excited to check it out on a brothers journey I’d been planning. It was the right alternative for some seashore time with my brother, Shane Henderson.

It’s not typically you come away from an all-inclusive saying the meals was a spotlight, however that was positively the case on the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort.

The culinary selection, plus pleasant service and trendy rooms with ocean views, left me impressed and comfortable to advocate the property.

What’s the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort?

The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort is an higher midscale resort in Cancun’s well-known Lodge Zone on what’s primarily a protracted L-shaped island referred to as Isla Cancun.

It’s about 10 miles from Cancun Worldwide Airport (CUN). A taxi will value you $40-55 every means. Alternatively, the resort can prepare a shared van service, which prices $38 per particular person (word that it’s solely out there between 7 a.m. and seven p.m.) or a personal automobile for as much as three folks in the identical get together, with no time restrictions, for $84.

Hilton took over the previous Royal Uno All-Inclusive Resort & Spa area, accomplished a intestine renovation and reworked the property into the model’s newest entry into the favored Cancun resort market. It’s Hilton’s 14th all-inclusive property globally — a market the place it’s making a significant push.

This resort provides 540 oceanfront rooms and suites, all with balconies. A number of the 81 suites provide beachfront entry, whereas others have small personal dipping swimming pools. The model of the resort is a Spanish-colonial meets California vibe, with stucco in a vaguely Mexican pueblo model. It’s fairly however pretty primary from a design perspective, at the very least on the surface.

Associated: 25 greatest all-inclusive resorts on the planet, in line with frequent vacationers

ebook the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe all-inclusive Resort

Costs for this all-inclusive are excessive, as you’d anticipate from a rebranded resort in a fascinating space of Cancun. Charges begin at $444 or 98,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening for 2 folks.

For the week I stayed in January, double occupancy in an oceanfront room like mine with two queen beds and a big balcony was going for $1,033 an evening, or 248,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening.

Keep in mind, regardless of charges being slightly larger, they cowl all meals and drinks (besides a couple of specialty dishes at some eating places and a handful of the very best top-shelf liquor manufacturers).

I used my Hilton Honors American Categorical Surpass® Card for additional costs, which earns 12 factors per greenback for eligible purchases made immediately with motels and resorts inside the Hilton portfolio. 

I earned a complete of seven,752 Hilton Honors factors for the few costs we made to the room throughout my keep — value $46.51, in line with TPG’s valuations. That’s roughly a 7.2% return on spending, primarily based on our valuations.

I additionally obtained a $50 assertion credit score. You get $50 every quarter for purchases made immediately with a property within the Hilton portfolio as much as $200 a 12 months while you use the Surpass card. 

When reserving the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort, you’ll need to use one of many bank cards that earn essentially the most factors for Hilton stays, in addition to one which presumably provides computerized Hilton Honors elite standing for value-added advantages. These embody the one I discussed above:

• Hilton Honors American Categorical Surpass® Card: Earn 12 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton motels; computerized Gold elite standing and the flexibility to improve to Diamond standing by spending $40,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar 12 months.
• Hilton Honors American Categorical Enterprise Card: Earn 12 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton motels; computerized Gold elite standing and the flexibility to improve to Diamond standing by spending $40,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar 12 months.
• Hilton Honors American Categorical Card: Earn 7 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton motels; computerized Hilton Honors Silver standing (with an improve to Gold while you spend $20,000 in a calendar 12 months).
• Hilton Honors American Categorical Aspire Card: Earn 14 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton motels; computerized Diamond elite standing.

The knowledge for the Hilton Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.

Rooms are newly renovated, trendy and spacious

From the trendy, fashionable furnishings to the crisp white bedding and trendy wall artwork, the rooms on the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort felt model new. Mild-colored furnishings radiated heat, and the ocean-blue accents, just like the padded headboards on the beds, made for a pleasant distinction. There was additionally mild woodwork on some partitions and the ceiling, which added tropical aptitude.

The room had a full-length mirror within the entryway throughout from a espresso station with an computerized espresso maker. I requested a Nespresso maker as an alternative of the usual drip espresso maker the room was initially assigned.

There was additionally a small minifridge that was restocked every day (at no cost). Among the many choices refreshed day by day have been Mexican Tecate beer, Coke and Food plan Coke, together with a number of water.

The closet included the minifridge on the espresso station. It additionally held two spa-style robes, a protected, an iron and an ironing board. Within the toilet, there was additionally a hair dryer and a scale (not the perfect factor to see at an all-inclusive).

The nightstand between the beds had two energy shops, and USB shops have been constructed into a number of the furnishings for ample charging choices.

The flat-screen TV featured a number of cable channels, together with native information from New York, Miami and Los Angeles markets within the U.S.

Giant sliding glass doorways neglected the ocean and supplied loads of mild, however there have been additionally bedside lamps and particular person studying lights. And what a view — our room had a big balcony with two recliners.

The sound of the ocean was ever-present, and we may even hear it by means of the double-pained sliding glass doorways at evening. It was stunning.

The adjustable Honeywell heating, air flow and air-conditioning system was responsive and saved the room a cool 66 levels throughout our complete keep.

The massive toilet had a separate soaking tub, stall bathe and water closet. Water stress was robust, although it took some time to get scorching water from the taps. There was additionally a double sink self-importance, which is sweet when you’ve gotten multiple particular person within the room.

The toilet was stocked with facilities from Persea Apothecary, together with a bar of cleaning soap and shampoo, conditioner and lotion in massive pump bottles. Persea is an upscale Mexican magnificence firm that makes a speciality of skincare.

The eating places and bars are diversified and distinct

All-inclusive resorts have historically been notorious for having not-so-great meals, however many chains like Hilton and Hyatt are working to alter that repute.

Hilton Mar Caribe helps on that entrance with many appetizing meals choices, together with a copious worldwide breakfast buffet and numerous culinary choices like Asian or Italian. There’s additionally 24/7 room service out there with a beneficiant number of dishes.

There are six bars, together with a rooftop lounge referred to as Chala Sky Bar that has its personal small swimming swimming pools and bartenders mixing up cocktails late into the evening.

Listed below are a couple of of the eating places I attempted and what you may anticipate from every.

Steakhouse Flama STK

The primary evening on the resort, my brother and I loved a steak dinner at Flama STK, a steakhouse simply off the resort foyer. We began with the Caesar salad after which tried New Zealand green-shelled mussels in a marinara sauce and a lobster bisque. The appetizers have been excellent, and my brother stated the bisque was particularly tasty.

For our important course, we each opted for steak. I ordered a 6-ounce New York steak, and my brother opted for a Black Angus New York steak. The meals was tasty; the steaks have been lean, flavorful and cooked to our choice.

The place the meal fell brief, although, was the presentation; there have been no garnishes or greens served in separate dishes. Fairly, they have been positioned on the identical plate because the steak. Shane’s grilled greens by no means arrived, and the macaroni and cheese served with my steak was gummy. 

Except for the forgotten aspect, service was pleasant and environment friendly. Each my brother and I believed the meals was passable however not adequate for us to need to return instantly.

Maxal

The property’s Mexican nice eating restaurant is Maxal, and it occupies an enormous round area on the rear of the resort. At evening, it options inventive dishes from practically each area in Mexico.

The meal began with a pleasant worker bringing out an enormous rolling bar crammed with fancy tequilas and mezcals. My brother was very adventurous and had a shot of tequila chased with a fried grasshopper.

This was top-of-the-line meals we skilled throughout our keep. All of the dishes have been unbelievable. My brother tried two appetizers: shrimp tacos and marinated fried octopus served with a corn tostada. I actually loved the cheese empanadas appetizer and fajitas for my important course. My brother’s dry rooster flauta was the one miss of the night.

Noriko

The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort’s Asian restaurant, Noriko, provided dishes from Japan, China, Thailand and India.

This was an enormous restaurant with hibachi stations arrange in a number of spots for a number of eating expertise choices.

For appetizers, my brother and I shared egg rolls and sopa tom kha gai soup with coconut, cilantro, lemon grass, human chili and rooster.

My brother bought a number of sushi together with the meat teriyaki. I went with the rooster tikka masala, which was the hit of the evening.

Like the opposite eating places, Noriko had menu objects with hefty dietary supplements, like wagyu steak ($93.50) or a number of sushi, sashimi, tataki and tartar ($84.74).

There was additionally an in depth record of wines out there for a surcharge, together with choices from Mexico, California, Oregon and Washington. The most affordable Champagne on the menu was Moet & Chandon brut ($164).

La Luce

La Luce was one other tremendous memorable meal. We had fabulous service with a particular look by the chef who whipped up a meal at our desk. We sampled margherita pizza, fettuccini and creamy roasted tomato soup. All of the meals was stable, and the service was pleasant, enjoyable and entertaining.

That meal had fairly a end, with the waiter bringing over two “books” he lit on fireplace on the desk. When a web page of the ebook burnt away, we have been left with a tasty carrot cake dessert — the drama.

Once more, at La Luce, you possibly can order specialty dishes off the menu, together with a rack of lamb for an additional $73, lobster fusilli for $44 or New York wagyu steak for an additional $158.

Vela

Vela is a world eating buffet. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and provides delicacies from everywhere in the world. It was additionally essentially the most crowded restaurant on the resort. Sadly, understaffing led to overwhelmed servers, annoyed company and a frenzied vibe.

The meals was nice, with one thing for everybody, from pancakes to tamales. There was additionally an egg station with strains to get contemporary eggs made to order.

The whole lot was completely palatable, however it was only a bit too hectic for me. In the end, we have been happier with the room service breakfast. I did recognize the make-your-own mimosa and bloody mary stations on the restaurant’s bar space, although.

Azulinda for all-day espresso and treats

Azulinda is the resort’s all-day espresso store serving sandwiches and sweets.

This was my first cease every day to replenish on espresso. Service was at all times pleasant, however there was at all times a protracted line. An satisfactory staff-to-guest ratio is an space the resort wants to repair.

That stated, there have been loads of selections right here, and all the pieces is included.

Free booze, together with most top-shelf liquor

One of many issues my brother most loved concerning the Hilton Mar Caribe was the limitless booze. Most drinks on the resort are free … from cocktails to contemporary fruit juices. That features a number of styles of beer, wine, spirits and sodas.

There was a very talked-about foyer bar in addition to bars in all of the eating places, a rooftop bar, the Seasalt Bar & Grill on the pool, a swim-up bar and even a bar down on the seashore.

Further costs apply for some liquors, together with specialty booze like Casa Dragones Blanco tequila ($12), Don Julio tequila ($19) and Clase Azul Reposado tequila ($21).

The property’s facilities provide enjoyable within the solar and plenty for teenagers

There’s a lot to do on the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort. Honest warning: The swimming pools aren’t heated (extra on that beneath). Nevertheless, there are various swimming choices, together with an excellent children play pool, an enormous important swimming pool that snakes by means of the property and several other small dipping swimming pools with ocean views.

The 4 small, centrally situated swimming pools subsequent to the rooftop Chala Sky Bar every had their very own seating areas, offering a enjoyable technique to spend some quiet time throughout busy, peak durations.   

One characteristic households will love is the aforementioned childrens pool with a small water park. Close by, there’s additionally a children membership the place kids can play video games in a protected setting. All the children actions are included together with your keep.

The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort additionally has a particular space simply off the foyer reserved for teenage company referred to as Sandbar Social, with foosball and bumper pool tables alongside video video games.

After all, one of many important causes to remain in Cancun is the ocean, and this property sits proper on the water. The ocean here’s a stunning shade of blue, however these waves might be tough. There have been purple flags on the seashore throughout our keep, and the ocean swimming wasn’t for the faint of coronary heart.

There have been loads of seashore chairs throughout my keep and a surfeit of chaise lounges. There was a small seashore bar subsequent to the seashore space with each counter and waiter service.

Fortuitously, there have been no seashore distributors hawking souvenirs on the sand throughout our keep. Actually, there was a heavy police presence with armed officers strolling the seashore often.

Cabana dwelling

The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort additionally provides cabanas for hire in a number of spots within the resort close to the swimming swimming pools on the bottom ground.

The worth ranges from $150 to $250 per day, relying on what food and drinks package deal you purchase. The most affordable choice is for Vilarnau brut wine and a meat and cheese plate; the most costly choice will get you Moet & Chandon, cheese and chilly cuts and a seafood platter, together with two lobster tails.

We had unimaginable service each time we went to the pool. Our servers remembered us and saved the drinks flowing each time we had chill time on the swimming pools.

Health buffs can reap the benefits of the on-site fitness center

The Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort has all the pieces you must preserve your health routine whereas on trip. The fitness center is on the identical degree because the spa, one ground down from the foyer.

The LifeFitness tools was all in nice form and saved spotless by pleasant fitness center attendants, who additionally handed out towels and water. There have been 4 treadmills, three ellipticals, two stationary bikes and one rowing machine. I visited the fitness center 4 instances throughout my keep. Most days, there have been simply a few different folks understanding, although at some point, all of the machines have been occupied briefly.

The Sense Spa is the place for pampering your self

On the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort, you’ll discover a water-filled spa with an out of doors leisure space and a hydrotherapy circuit. There are numerous therapeutic massage room choices, together with a {couples} therapeutic massage room. All of them encompass a central fountain that gives a soothing pre- or post-treatment spot to relax.

The spa provides all types of hair, pores and skin and physique remedies.

Costs vary from $170 for a 50-minute Swedish therapeutic massage to $235 for an 80-minute aromatherapy therapeutic massage. The spa additionally provides nail and hair appointments and physique remedies like an age-corrective facial for $175.

I extremely advocate the outside hydrotherapy circuit, which features a steam room, a chilly plunge pool and a scorching tub (the one scorching tub on the property). You’ll want a remedy totally free entry (or $50 for a daypass). The enclosed space open air additionally options quite a lot of areas to chill out earlier than or after a therapeutic massage.

Causes the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort may not be for you

• Swimming swimming pools aren’t heated. That gained’t be an issue when it’s scorching, but when the solar isn’t out or it’s uncharacteristically cool in Cancun, taking a tip borders on icy somewhat than refreshing. Just a few instances, I heard company complaining concerning the chill of the swimming pools, together with the children pool.
• There are not any scorching tubs on the resort except for the small one within the spa. If you’re keen on a pleasant soaking scorching tub at evening, you may need to look elsewhere.
• The ocean is simply too tough right here for informal swimming. You will get into the water, however the sandy shore cabinets abruptly to deep water, and the waves are very intense on this stretch of seashore.
• Service was glorious total, however scorching spots like Azulinda Cafe and the breakfast buffets have been understaffed.

Accessibility

Accessibility is a spot the place Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort actually shines. The resort is absolutely wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking close to the entrance of the resort, ramps between most spots within the resort and wheelchair-accessible elevators in locations like the primary foyer entrance.

All the general public bogs characteristic seize bars and doorways huge sufficient to accommodate wheelchairs. Buttons in elevators have been additionally accessible.

In line with the resort, there are 10 accessible rooms and suites out there for in another way abled company. Rooms characteristic low beds, seize bars and roll-in showers, amongst different options, for individuals who want them.

Alternate options to the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort

If the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort doesn’t sound like the right match for you, there are a whole bunch of different choices in Cancun.

TPG reviewed the Hilton Cancun, and it bought excessive marks for luxurious and wonder. It’s additionally an all-inclusive, although the author didn’t love the meals. Charges there begin at $435 an evening for double occupancy or 100,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening.

It’s simply considered one of a sequence of latest Hilton motels being developed within the space, together with the close by Waldorf Astoria Cancun. The Waldorf begins at $425 an evening for double occupancy or 105,000 Hilton Honors factors.

A bit of farther afield, you’ll discover the 349-room luxurious resort Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya. Charges there begin at $315 or 100,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening.

Associated: 7 superb spots in Mexico’s Riviera Maya that aren’t Tulum

If you’re extra of a World of Hyatt particular person, the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and Hyatt Ziva Cancun are all-inclusive resorts that sit simply down the street from the Hilton Mar Caribe. These properties begin at $532 an evening primarily based on double occupancy (or 35,000 World of Hyatt factors an evening). Actually, there are 16 Hyatt choices on this a part of Mexico alone, together with entries from Breathless, Desires and Secrets and techniques.

After all, there are many Marriott Bonvoy properties (over 30) within the Cancun area, together with Planet Hollywood Cancun, considered one of eight all-inclusive Marriott resorts in and round Cancun. Whereas the Autograph Assortment property is probably not the suitable match for everybody as a result of its location and prolonged check-in course of, costs begin at $322 an evening for double occupancy or 63,000 Bonvoy factors per evening — a stable choice for these on a decent funds.

The Marriott Cancun is a comparable all-inclusive property to the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort. Charges there begin at $388 or 68,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening primarily based on double occupancy.

Testing

My brother and I beloved our keep on the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort. Plentiful facilities, an excellent spa, pleasant service and the attractive ocean simply steps away make it an excellent spot for a family-friendly, all-inclusive trip.

There’s loads to do on the resort for an entire week, however the resort can even prepare an countless number of excursions do you have to crave a while off the resort grounds. A daytrip to see the well-known Chichén Itzá Mayan ruins and a cenote was a enjoyable diversion for us.

I might have been simply as comfortable to spend the day poolside on the resort, listening to the ocean waves and having fun with a unending provide of meals and drinks.

Each my brother and I sit up for returning and doing simply that sooner or later, hopefully quickly.

Associated studying:

• The award vacationers information to Hilton Honors
• Listed below are methods to keep away from paying resort charges
• The 19 greatest Hilton motels on the planet
• Finest Hilton playing cards
• My keep at Hilton’s 1st all-inclusive resort in Tulum