We stayed at the Gran Melia in Cancun. It is a very large resort built to look like a series of pyramids and offers a par-3 golf course out front. The inside is gorgeous; the marble and wood grand atrium is exquisite. The Spa, restaurants, pool and beach areas are brand new so everything looks fresh.

Speaking of the pool area, there are 3 pools that we saw. There may be more. On the right is a large pool up to 6 feet deep with a swim-up bar. I can see that as a busier pool during the peak travel season. On the left are two slightly smaller pools. One has a sports cabana and the other a snack bar. The pool furthest left is for adults only. The beach area is very long because the hotel owns a great deal of property. There are many grass hut-style umbrellas along the beach. At the time of my visit, the beach was about 30+ yards wide with clean white sand next to the turquoise surf. During our stay the water was very rough with a strong undertow.

The rooms are nice with tile and marble throughout. They are big enough to offer a small sitting area for viewing the plasma TV which offers movies but limited channel selections. Our room had two double beds which we felt were too small for two people; a queen or king room may be more comfortable. Each room has a mini-bar filled with whatever you would need. Dresser space is limited but the closets are big. You have your own iron, board and hair dryer. The toilet is in a separate room and includes a bidet. Maid service was frequent and thorough. Room service was fast. The best part of the room was the very private balcony filled with hibiscus flowers. You could sunbathe there with the utmost privacy and a beautiful view of the sea.

Gran Melia Cancun offers about six restaurants. Two are upscale and dedicated to dinner: Tempo offers an international menu, while Ku-nah has traditional Mexican cuisine including dishes unique to this hotel. Try the beef! There is a main buffet style restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The remaining restaurants are open only during the day. I found breakfast and lunch to be pricey but dinner about the same as back home. Drinks cost the same as in most resorts, so be prepared to spend a few pesos. The exchange rate at the time was 10.90 pesos to the dollar. By the way, a gratuity is automatically added to every bill for food and beverages purchased at the hotel. In the lobby/atrium area you’ll find several shops; the prices are not as competitive as the flea market.

The Gran Melia Cancun also has a convention center which will accommodate a large meeting. The staff is very friendly and anxious to be of service. If you have the opportunity, do not miss the spa and gym. While the gym is small compared to what you may be used to at home, it has the latest equipment and trainers there all of the time to help. The spa is first rate with every service you will expect plus a very relaxing environment. The spa is popular so make your appointments as soon as possible. It is a little more expensive then other spas I have visited.

The Gran Melia is located about a 5 minute cab or bus ride to the nearest shopping. The bus is $.65 and a cab is about $8.00. The closest mall is small but upscale with a Cartier and Louis Vuitton. It also has a Harley Davidson store, a Nike Store and some other less expensive stores. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is in this mall. For real bargains, take another 10 minute drive to the heart of the resort area in Cancun and stop at the Flea Market. Silver is about 30%, or more, less there than in traditional stores. Keep in mind you have to deal with the hawkers and if you are a good negotiator, you can get real bargains. I recommend Plateria Roca; ask for Victor, he offers good prices on silver. Be sure silver is stamped .925 before buying it. Nearby are places like Senor Frogs, Planet Hollywood and many clubs and restaurants.

There is plenty to do during the day if you don’t want to hang on the beach or go to the pool. Visit Isla Mujeres, or tour Mayan ruins at Tulum or go to the eco-park Xcaret. You can swim with the dolphins, go hang gliding, play golf and much more. I was especially impressed with the professional level golf courses available to play.

It is time to rediscover Cancun. It is an easy plane ride, and filled with warm friendly people. Cancun has lost its “spring break” reputation; you may get the college crowd in the older resort area while the newer hotels attract a different clientele.

Please contact the travel agent below to book your perfect Cancun vacation:

Ed Plog
Empress Travel & cruises
1711 Union St.
Schenectady, NY 12309
800-653-0231
www.travelempress.com
eplog@travelempress.com

“Where Destination Knowledge, Service and Value Exceed Expectations”

GOGO Recommends GRAN MELIA HOTELS AND RESORTS

Tags: Add new tag, Cancun, Destination Wedding, golf resort, Gran Melia Cancun, Mexican Caribbean, MEXICO, Quintana Roo, Sol Melia, spa

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