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.

Cancun - Moon Palace by Mike

I have just returned from a stay at the Moon Palace in Cancun. I highly recommend this all-inclusive resort. Prior to my trip, I probably would not have recommended an all-inclusive in Cancun, but this resort changed my tune.

All of the rooms (suites) have oceanviews, marbled floors, huge bathrooms, balconies with hammocks, refrigerator and a 2-person jacuzzi. The service is fantastic, no lines, and people waiting to serve you at every turn. There are about 10 restaraunts, countless bars and 2 huge, and I mean huge, pools.

This property is for 3 types of customers -- meeting and incentive groups, couples, and families. The resort is about 7 miles south of the Cancun airport and is secluded. You can't really walk to anything, because it is so far removed. It is ideal for honeymooner's or couples wanting to get away and relax. Although there are 2 discos on property, I wouldn't suggest it for singles or people looking to party all-night long. It's about a $11 cab ride to downtown or to the heart of the Zona Hotela. Because it belongs to the Palace group, you can visit the other palace properties and use their facilities at no additional charge. There is even limited free-transportation to the other properties.

The only down-side is the water at the beach. Because of heavy see-weed growth, the beach is not great for swimming, nor is the water as dramatic as it is in at other beaches in the Yucatan. The beach itself is certainly nice enough with sand so fine it sticks to you like flour. I think this is a small trade-off in the grand scheme of the property, but something you need to notify your clients about, so they will be prepared.

All in all, it's great, one of the best resorts I've stayed at in all the world -- and certainly the best in Cancun. I highly recommend it! This property, even though priced higher than most, represents a great value.