The hype
Repeat guests adore the staff and the chill atmosphere, often returning 10+ times despite the aging rooms.
Excellence Riviera Cancun
$400-700/ night
Book this if You want a laid-back, adults-only all-inclusive that feels more like a hacienda than a Vegas nightclub, and you prioritize pool lounging over ocean swimming.
Why People Love It
- The 'Lazy River' pool winding through the spa section is a legitimate oasis
- Service is consistently warm and personal, with staff often remembering drink orders
- The Miilé Spa hydrotherapy circuit is world-class (and free for Club guests)
Quick Take: A beloved aging beauty that delivers fantastic service and pool vibes, but struggles with humidity in the rooms and seaweed on the beach.
Reviewed by @jetsetjeni: I loved how this place balances the vibe. One minute I'm watching a high-energy show, and the next I'm totally alone in a hammock watching the sunset. The service was top-tier from the second we walked in.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
If you are a beach snob, you will be disappointed; the water is often murky and the seaweed barrier ruins the view.
- You prefer pooling over beaching
- You want a quiet, romantic trip without thumping bass until 3am
- You enjoy a 'colonial' aesthetic over modern glass-and-steel minimalism
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Consistent and friendly. Daily service is thorough, though they sometimes miss dust on high shelves.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean grout and glass, but 'semi-private' layout means sounds/smells are shared.
- Maintenance: Showing age. Reports of peeling paint on balconies, crooked lamps, and slow-draining showers.
- Linens & towels: Clean and crisp, though towels can feel a bit thin/worn from heavy rotation.
- Odors & scents: The biggest issue. Rooms often smell musty/damp due to humidity. Dehumidifiers are frequently requested.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Entertainment noise near Building 6
- Hallway chatter due to tile floors
- noisy in-room AC units
Before you book
Good to know
- Download the 'The Excellence Collection' app before you go to view menus and activities.
- Men need long pants and closed-toe shoes for dinner at Chez Isabelle and Basmati.
- Excellence Club upgrade is worth it for the private pool areas and better liquor alone.
What to pack
- DampRid bags or a portable moisture absorber for the closet
- Insulated tumbler (Yeti/Stanley) to keep pool drinks cold
- Lots of $1 and $5 bills for tips (staff appreciates it hugely)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Excellence Club Junior Suite Ocean View (Building 7/8) for best views and Club perks
- Junior Suite Swim-Up in Building 4 for quiet lazy river access
Rooms to avoid
- Building 6 if you hate noise (it's right by the main pool and theater)
- Ground floor non-swim-up rooms (less privacy, more bugs)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Request a room in Building 1 or 2 for maximum quiet, or Building 4 to be near the lazy river but away from the main pool noise. Ask for a dehumidifier to be set up in the room prior to arrival.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach swimmable?
Often no. The sargassum (seaweed) is a major issue here, especially in summer. They try to clean it, but the water is often murky.
Is the Excellence Club upgrade worth it?
Yes. You get access to two private pools, a private beach area, upgraded room service menu, and significantly better in-room liquor.
Do I need dinner reservations?
Only for the Teppanyaki table at Spice. All other restaurants are first-come, first-served (expect a wait at Chez Isabelle).
Is the wifi good enough for work?
It's decent in common areas and the lobby, but can be spotty and slow inside the rooms. Don't rely on it for critical Zoom calls.
Are the pools heated?
Some are. The main pool and Excellence Club pools are heated in winter, but the lazy river can be chilly.
How far is it from the airport?
About 20-25 minutes. It's much closer than the Playa Mujeres location.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Order the 'Mexican Candy' shot at the bar—it's a secret menu favorite.
- ✨
Room service menu is hidden under the 'Suites' tab in the app, not 'Restaurants'.
- ✨
The spa hydrotherapy circuit is free for Excellence Club guests—book it early!
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Swim-Up' suites often just have a wooden deck that steps out onto grass, not directly into water.
💡The 'House' tequila is Jose Cuervo Especial (mixto), not 100% agave. Ask for Don Julio specifically.
💡You can order food from one restaurant to be delivered to another if you ask nicely.
💡The 'Lazy River' isn't actually a flowing river; it's just a long, winding pool.
💡Mosquitoes can be fierce near the mangrove side of the resort at dusk.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Excellence Riviera Cancun is located and what's nearby.