Sign in with Facebook"Cancun how come I never knew it was so beautiful?" Cancún by keida84
Cancún Travel Guide: 1,927 reviews and 3,713 photos
Back about 40 years ago the resort town of Cancun was born. The Mexican government wanted to make a "new" Acapulco. Bolstered by Walt Disney's success of transforming swamp land in Florida, the government pinned their hopes on a tiny spit of an island called "Cancun." They took a huge gamble and the payoff was immense. Club Med was the first major hotel to sign on choosing one of the most southern spots on the island. The major hotels slowly began to build their mega hotels and voila, a Mexican resort town, now more popular than Acapulco, was born.
It is simply mind boggling how the architects and builders were able to transform this small island into a tourist friendly, mega resort almost like Las Vegas south, resort town. We had a laugh and proclaimed a cruise ship must have run aground and they just built the town up around it, for it does seem like these huge resorts are all land locked cruise ships.
Don't let the "touristy" atmosphere throw you, it really is not very hard to find the Mexican culture in and about the area. It is right in your hotel. It is the people of Cancun who serve your meals, bag your groceries, check you into your hotel. All you have to do is stop and talk to them. They are excellent people and if you simply say hello or "good day" in their native tongue you will be the recipient of a brilliant smile and a warm greeting in return. Don't forget to learn how to say words like, "Please--por favor" and "Thank you--muchas gracias" in Spanish just learning a few basic phrases will help you get along very well in Mexico. Oh yes and here is one more: "Donde esta el bano, por favor? Where's the bathroom, please?"
I brought with me a $100 in one dollar US bills, I came home with about $65 of them. Although we stayed in an all inclusive resort where tipping was included in the price we still tipped a dollar or two to the maid on a daily basis, we had twice daily maid service so we felt it was appropriate. We also tipped the room service waiter and when we went to the restaurants if the service was above and beyond we tipped the waiter as well.
Tipping up is at your discretion. We met several people there that did not tip as they felt this was already included in their package and so they did not tip extra. To each their own. We had really top notch service so we felt it appropriate. By the way, things like tours and spa visits that are not a part of your all inclusive package should be tipped, 10% of the service price is fair.
We tipped both our tour guide and driver on the Grey Line Tour to Chichen Itza.
- Pros:Caribbean blue water, great people, beautiful town
- Cons:Not enough resources given to the outer communites who need the help
Reviews (12)
Buffet and Show Cooking
Restaurants
(5)
We finally tried this restaurant a day or two into our stay. Generally I am not big on buffets because I don't like the... more travel advice
All Luxury All the Time
Hotels
(1)
"All inclusive" now that is what I like to hear. "Upgrade Mrs M" even better! Such was the case at The Royal in Cancun a... more travel advice
Spa, Spa and more Spa
Things to Do
(2)
In our hotel is a beautiful spa called "SpAzul" or Spa Blue. Situated oceanfront, you can sit in the outdoor jacuzzi,... more travel advice
Hand over heart
Local Customs
(1)
The Mayan culture embraces a custom of placing their hand over their heart, giving either a nod of the head or a slight... more travel advice
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Comments (9)
I just saw a special deal on the Royal, hmmm, thinking about Cancun in December....
Hi Kat, the Royal looks like a fab place to stay. Maybe I should try it next time. Oh right, hotel points heeeheeeee! Enjoy Iowa, my dad's homestate :-)
Hi Kat! we are going to be in the Cancun area in February, but staying north of Playa Del Carmen. That hotel looks FAB! -- makes the all inclusive look extremely tempting now ... :o)
Excellent hotel tip. My parents stayed at a Royal Resort too, the Royal Sand - is it the same as yours??
Excellent tips and pictures Kat, the hotel was certainly luxurious. I have to confess I absolutely hated Cancun when we visited in 1996.
wow wow wow! What a fabulous place,great pics too Kat,hope you are doing well,luv Lynda xx
Wow, you really had quite a stay in Cancun!! It is amazing how the place was developed and has recovered from hurricanes. My wife and I were very pleasantly surprised by Cancun when we visited in 2003.
Wow, sounds and looks absolutely superb Kat, I would so love to come here one day!!! I'd float on the sea all day long.... :)
The Royal is the newest & best hotel there now. Great food pictures.