Moon Palace in Cancun Fam Trip

This was an independent fam, so there were not tours or hotel inspections. I was very pleased with Allegro airlines. Check-in in Atlanta was smooth and efficient. The flight departed on time so we actually arrived in Cancun nearly ½ hour early. Mexican immigrations was an exercise in patience. But we made it through to the tour bus within an hour. Although our trip was offered by Vacation Express, the local operator in Cancun is Royale Tours. All Royale Tours representatives we encountered spoke good English and were very courteous and helpful. We were transported by bus to the Moon Palace, arriving before 10AM.

Checking into the Moon Palace was a frustrating experience in spite of the champagne provided. Since we had arrived early, I fully expected that our room would not be ready. I was pleasantly surprised when told to check back in ½ hour as the room was being cleaned and was nearly ready. I asked if the room had 2 beds as I was traveling w/a female friend. After checking with another clerk, I was assured the room did indeed have 2 beds. Wonderful! My friend and I wandered around the hotel, which is indeed beautiful. Marble floors throughout the main building and gorgeous stained glass ceilings in the lobby area. The property stretches forever and the grounds are immaculate. Approximately 45 minutes later I again attempted to check in. Again I was told “come back in ½ hour”. Nearly an hour later when I returned to check in, same ol’ story. We did not actually get to our room until nearly 3:15pm, only to discover we had 1 king bed. I returned to the lobby and spoke to the Front Desk Manager. Our room was promptly changed to one with 2 beds. However, I did not receive any apology for the check in inconvenience.

I would have preferred being told from the beginning that check in was not available until 3pm. We would have located our luggage, changed into swimsuits and been quite happy at the pool.

The food at the Moon Palace is plentiful and tasty. They offered a great variety of Mexican, European and American foods and the selections varied each day.

There are several restaurants on the property, each with it’s own style and ambiance. Within the hotel are a gym, beauty salon, gift shop, travel agency and hospitality desks for each tour operator. Also on property you may sign up for scuba and/or snorkeling lessons, parasailing, wave runner rental or off-site tours.

Although the Moon Palace is at least 20 minutes from Cancun’s “hotel row”, complimentary shuttle service is offered to other Palace hotels. However, you must reserve space at least 1 day prior to travel. Once at the other Palace resorts, you may take a local bus nearly anywhere in Cancun for $.50 USD per person each way.

In spite of the check in problems I encountered, I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting to get away from it all and still have all the luxuries of civilization.