The hype
Families love the endless activities and water park, but couples often find it too loud and sprawling.
Moon Palace The Grand Cancun All Inclusive
$700-1100/ night
Book this if You want a 'cruise ship on land' experience where the kids disappear into a water park for 8 hours a day and you never leave the property.
Why People Love It
- The Grand section is a massive upgrade over Nizuc/Sunrise with better booze and food
- The water park is legitimately world-class, not just a sad slide in a corner
- Access to all three Moon Palace properties means endless dining variety
Quick Take: A massive, frenetic family paradise that feels like Las Vegas on the beach—minus the actual beach.
Reviewed by @TravelcationClub: My husband and I just got back from Moon Palace The Grand and wow. The Presidential Suite made us feel like royalty, and having exclusive access to the 'Grand' side meant better food and way less crowding. Definitely worth the upgrade for a romantic trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will walk miles. The resort is massive, and waiting for golf carts can be an exercise in frustration during peak hours.
- You have active kids aged 6-16 who need constant entertainment
- You prefer pools over the ocean
- You want a high-energy, bustling resort vibe rather than quiet seclusion
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally good, but inconsistent. Some reports of missed requests for blankets or towels.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are marble and generally clean, though grout in older sections can show wear.
- Maintenance: The property is huge, so you'll see constant maintenance. Some wear and tear on furniture in high-traffic rooms.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality. Not ultra-luxe, but clean. Complaints about dampness due to humidity are common.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like signature fragrance (pleasant). Beach area smells of sulfur/seaweed (unpleasant). Some rooms have a musty AC smell.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Echoing hallways with tile floors
- Late-night returnees from the bars
- Maintenance carts in the early morning
Before you book
Good to know
- Download the Palace Resorts app immediately—it's the only way to book dinner and check activities.
- The 'Environmental Sanitation Fee' is roughly $4.50 USD per room/night, charged at check-in.
- Room service is 24/7 and actually decent, especially for late-night munchies.
What to pack
- Insulated tumbler (Yeti/Stanley) to keep drinks cold at the pool
- Rash guards for the water park (sun is intense and you'll be there all day)
- Comfortable walking shoes—you will easily hit 10k steps a day just going to breakfast
Room Genie
Best picks
- Building 88 (Ground Floor) for easy access to pools without waiting for elevators
- Swim-Up Suites in the adult-only area for a quieter reprieve
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms facing the main pool or water park if you want to nap during the day
- Ground floor rooms near high-traffic walkways (privacy issues)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Request a room in a building away from the main lobby for reduced foot traffic noise, preferably on an upper floor to avoid humidity issues.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach really that bad?
Yes. It is often plagued by sargassum (seaweed), the water is brown/murky, and it smells of sulfur when the seaweed rots. Do not book for the beach.
Is the bowling alley free?
No. It costs ~$50 USD per hour per lane, or you can use Resort Credits (but you still pay the 16% tax).
Can I eat at the other Moon Palace resorts?
Yes. Staying at The Grand gives you full access to Sunrise and Nizuc. Guests at Sunrise/Nizuc cannot access The Grand without buying a day pass.
How bad is the timeshare presentation?
Brutal. They will promise resort credits, spa treatments, and tours. If you say yes, expect to lose half a day. A firm 'No, thank you' at check-in is your best defense.
Is the water park included?
Yes, for guests of The Grand, the water park is fully included and unlimited.
How far is it from the airport?
Very close—about 15-20 minutes south of CUN airport, making it great for maximizing vacation time.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Secret' Speakeasy (The Library) is behind a bookshelf in the lobby—ask a staff member for the code/entry.
- ✨
Order breakfast room service the night before via the app to avoid the morning buffet chaos.
- ✨
If the Grand pools are too loud, take a golf cart to the Nizuc section for a much chiller, quieter pool vibe.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Resort Credit' shops have massively inflated prices (e.g., $40 for sunscreen) to offset the 'free' credit.
💡The humidity in ground-floor rooms can make sheets feel perpetually damp.
💡You can rent bicycles for free to get around the massive property—often faster than the shuttles.
💡The churro cart near the pool appears at random times and is the best snack on the property.
💡The 'adults-only' pool at The Grand is technically adults-only, but noise from the nearby family areas still bleeds in.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Moon Palace The Grand Cancun All Inclusive is located and what's nearby.