The hype
Families love the wildlife and the never-ending pool, but the rooms feel damp and dated compared to newer resorts.
Iberostar Paraiso Beach All Inclusive
$180-280/ night
Book this if You want a massive, jungle-themed playground with one of the Riviera Maya's longest pools and don't mind sacrificing some luxury for value.
Why People Love It
- The colossal 3,000+ foot interconnected pool that winds through the entire property
- Genuine jungle vibes with free-roaming peacocks, coatis, and flamingos everywhere
- Full access to the neighboring Paraíso del Mar facilities, effectively doubling your dining and pool options
Quick Take: It's a budget-friendly beast of a resort where you'll battle humidity in the open-air buffets and fight the 'Star Prestige' upsell at check-in.
Reviewed by @themigonikitchen: I honestly didn't expect the wave pool to be such a hit, but my kids were obsessed. The resort is super lively, but escaping to the beach for that insane sunset was my favorite part. It’s the perfect mix of chaotic fun and chill vibes.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'moldy smell' in the rooms is the #1 complaint—bring DampRid or ask for a dehumidifier immediately.
- You are a pool person who wants a different swim spot for every hour of the day
- You are traveling with kids who will be entertained by the wildlife and Star Camp
- You want a large resort experience without the $500+/night price tag
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.8
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Daily service is provided, but they often miss dust on fans or sand in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional but dated. Grout lines often show age/discoloration, and water pressure can be weak.
- Maintenance: Showing its age. Peeling paint on building exteriors and 'out of order' signs on public restrooms are common.
- Linens & towels: Towels are often scratchy and thin. Pool towels run out by 11am—grab yours early.
- Odors & scents: The pervasive 'jungle dampness' smell is real in the rooms. Public areas smell like tropical vegetation (and occasionally sulfur from the mangroves).
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Nightly theater shows (loud until 11pm)
- Golf carts and shuttles beeping on the walkways
- Thin connecting doors between rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Download the Iberostar app immediately—you need it to book à la carte dinners, which fill up days in advance.
- The beach is rocky in spots; water shoes are recommended for entering the ocean.
- There is a mandatory Environmental Sanitation Tax of approx. $30-70 MXN (~$2-4 USD) per room, per night, payable at check-in.
What to pack
- Insulated Bubba Keg/Yeti cup: The plastic cups they give you are tiny and melt instantly.
- DampRid hanging bags: Essential for combating the room mustiness.
- Biodegradable sunscreen: Strictly enforced to protect the local reefs.
Room Genie
Best picks
- Building 30, 31, or 32: Closest to the beach and pool, minimizing the long walk in the heat.
- Top floor rooms: Better breeze, vaulted ceilings in some units, and less noise from the walkways.
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the main walkways: Zero privacy and constant foot traffic noise.
- Rooms facing the 'Galaxy' disco or theater if you sleep before midnight.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room in Building 30 or 31 on an upper floor. We prefer to be closer to the beach and away from the theater noise. Please ensure the room has been recently dehumidified.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Can I use the wave pool and lazy river?
No. Those are located at the Paraíso Lindo/Maya section. You can buy a day pass to access them, but they are not included in your 'Beach' stay.
Is there free Wi-Fi?
Yes, Wi-Fi is free and surprisingly strong throughout the resort, even reaching parts of the beach.
Do I need reservations for dinner?
Yes, for the à la carte restaurants (Japanese, Steakhouse, etc.). Book them via the app the second you check in (or before if allowed).
Is the minibar included?
Yes, it's restocked daily with beer (Dos Equis usually), sodas, and water at no extra charge.
How far is the airport?
It's about a 30-40 minute drive from Cancun International Airport (CUN).
Is there an elevator?
No. The buildings are 3 stories high with stairs only. Request a ground floor room if stairs are an issue.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Shopping Center' on site has a taco spot and a crepe shop that are included in your plan—often better and faster than the main buffet.
- ✨
Walk to the Paraíso del Mar lobby for a change of scenery; you have full access to their bars and pools too.
- ✨
The beach bar makes the best 'Dirty Monkey' (banana cocktail) on the property—ask for it with extra rum.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'jungle' means coatis (raccoon-like animals) will steal food right off your plate if you leave it unattended.
💡The lobby bar is the only place with reliable AC and premium-ish liquor; the pool bars pour the cheap stuff.
💡There is no indoor air-conditioned buffet for dinner—you will be sweating while eating soup.
💡The 'train' shuttle that loops the resort is painfully slow; walking is almost always faster.
💡Bird droppings on lower-floor balconies are a common issue due to the heavy tree canopy.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Iberostar Paraiso Beach All Inclusive is located and what's nearby.