The hype
Travelers love the fresh look and friendly staff but are frustrated by the distance to the beach and the struggle to get dinner reservations.
Bahia Principe Grand Tequila
$150-220/ night
Book this if You want a budget-friendly, adults-only party vibe and don't mind taking a shuttle to the beach.
Why People Love It
- Brand new facilities (opened Dec 2025) with fresh modern decor
- Two distinct pool vibes: one for wild foam parties, one for chilling
- Access to dining and amenities at the neighboring Grand Tulum and Grand Coba resorts
Quick Take: It's a fresh coat of paint on an old section of the Coba resort that tries hard to be a party destination but forgets it's a 10-minute trolley ride from the ocean.
Reviewed by @RomaPinnell2511231: I stayed in this suite and was blown away by how much space I had. The bathroom setup is a game-changer for couples, and I spent every evening just chilling on that balcony watching the resort lights. It felt like a total steal for the price.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'premium' drinks are often weak mixes, and the humidity in the ground-floor rooms can be overwhelming.
- You prioritize pool parties and swim-up bars over ocean swimming
- You're on a budget but want an adults-only experience
- You enjoy a lively, social atmosphere with themed events like 'Silent Disco'
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Generally good, but 'resort fatigue' is setting in early with missed dusting and inconsistent restocking.
- Bathroom hygiene: New fixtures are sparkling, but grout in ground-floor rooms is already fighting a losing battle with mildew due to humidity.
- Maintenance: Fresh paint and new furniture look great, though some guests report AC units struggling to dehumidify.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and new (2025 stock), but beach towels can run out by mid-afternoon.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh cleaning products and artificial agave scent; rooms can smell musty if the AC isn't blasted.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud music from the 'Activity Pool' during the day
- Late-night revelers returning from the Hacienda Doña Isabel nightclub
Before you book
Good to know
- Download the Bahia Principe app immediately to book à la carte dinners; they fill up days in advance.
- The 'Tequila' theme is heavy—expect Mexican bunting, piñatas, and agave-inspired decor everywhere.
- You have exchange privileges with Grand Tulum and Grand Coba, so use their pools if you want a change of scenery.
What to pack
- Insulated bubba keg/tumbler (the plastic cups are tiny and the bars are busy)
- DampRid or moisture absorbers for the closet (seriously, the humidity is real)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top-floor Junior Suites near the 'Iguana Pool' for less noise and better breezes
- Villas 30-35 are centrally located but set back enough from the main stage
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms (prone to extreme humidity and musty smells)
- Rooms facing the Activity Pool if you plan to nap before 6 PM
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Requesting a top-floor Junior Suite near the Iguana Pool (Villas 30-35 range) to avoid ground-floor humidity and the main pool noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the hotel really in Chetumal?
No. It is in Akumal, Riviera Maya. The address 'Km 250' starts counting from Chetumal, which confuses many maps.
How far is the beach?
It's about 1km away. You have to take the free resort trolley (runs every 10-15 mins) or walk through the Coba/Tulum resort grounds.
Is it truly adults-only?
The hotel grounds, pools, and restaurants are 18+, but you share the beach and some common areas (like the trolley) with families from the other resorts.
Can I eat at the other hotels?
Yes, you can dine at the buffets and à la carte restaurants of Grand Tulum and Grand Coba, but reservations are required and capped (usually 3 per week).
Is there a casino?
Yes, there is a casino at the Hacienda Doña Isabel commercial center near the entrance of the complex.
What is the 'Tequila' theme?
It's a tribute to Mexican culture with vibrant red/green decor, mariachi performances, and tequila tastings, though some guests find it a bit kitschy.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Nikkei Mashua' restaurant (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) is by far the best dining option—book it first.
- ✨
Skip the crowded 'Adults Only' beach section at Tulum and walk further south past the Akumal resort for clearer water and fewer kids.
- ✨
The lobby bar makes better cocktails than the pool bars; ask for 'Don Julio' specifically or you'll get the well tequila.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'brand new' hotel is actually a renovated section of the old Grand Coba, so the bones are older than they look.
💡The humidity in the rooms can be so intense that your swimsuit might not dry overnight.
💡You have to wear a wristband that marks you as a 'Tequila' guest, which signals security at the luxury resorts (Akumal/Sian Ka'an) to stop you from entering.
💡The 'Silent Disco' is surprisingly fun and one of the few late-night activities that doesn't involve a crowded nightclub.
💡The cheese sauce at the snack bar is notoriously watery—stick to the fresh guacamole.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Bahia Principe Grand Tequila is located and what's nearby.