The hype
Families love the kids' facilities and the price, but everyone complains about the dated rooms and humidity.
Oasis Palm
$170-250/ night
Book this if You're a family with young kids on a budget who prioritizes a calm beach and a massive kids' club over luxury.
Why People Love It
- The 'KiddO Zone' is genuinely massive with its own pool and slides
- Beach water is shallow and wave-free (perfect for toddlers)
- Captain Hook pirate ship shows are right next door
Quick Take: A budget-friendly family crash pad that smells faintly of mildew and compromise.
Reviewed by @Sigita: We took the whole family here and it was exactly what we needed. The kids were obsessed with the pool slides, which meant I could finally relax with a drink in the ocean hammocks. Totally stress-free vacation where everything is taken care of.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely smell mold or sewage at some point during your stay, especially on lower floors near the elevators.
- You have children under 10 who need constant entertainment
- You want a beach where you don't have to worry about strong waves
- You are on a strict budget and just need a base for sleeping
Cleanliness & Maintenance
4.5
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Daily service is provided, but floors often leave feet black and dust accumulates.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Frequent reports of sewage smells, mold in grout, and slow-draining sinks.
- Maintenance: Aging property. Peeling paint, broken elevator buttons, and flickering lights are common.
- Linens & towels: Worn and sometimes stained. Towels are thin and in short supply.
- Odors & scents: Distinct musty/mildew smell in many rooms; sewage odor in some hallways.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway traffic and slamming doors
- Elevator mechanical noise
- Neighboring plumbing sounds
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Grand' upgrade is often worth it just for the better restaurant access
- Wifi is free but can be spotty; often limited to one device per person
- Dinner reservations for à la carte restaurants are required and the app is glitchy—book immediately upon arrival
What to pack
- DampRid or moisture absorbers (rooms are very humid)
- Insulated bubba keg (cups are small and plastic)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required for eco-parks)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Family Suite (two connecting rooms) for space
- Higher floors (4th+) for less noise and better views
- Lagoon View rooms for amazing sunsets and slightly less pool noise
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms (humidity and noise issues)
- Rooms near the elevators (stronger sewage smell reported here)
- Standard rooms if you have more than 2 people (they are tiny)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room on a high floor (4th or above) facing the Lagoon for sunset views. Please ensure the room is FAR from the elevators to avoid mechanical noise and foot traffic.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the beach full of seaweed?
It varies, but this location (North Hotel Zone) is often more protected than the eastern beaches. However, the water is more 'lagoon-like' and less turquoise than the main strip.
Can I eat at the Grand Oasis Palm restaurants?
No. If you book the standard Oasis Palm, you are restricted to about 4-5 basic restaurants. You will be turned away from the 'Grand' exclusive spots like Careyes.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, an environmental tax (~$4.50/night) plus a specific 'Student/Youth' fee ($30+) if you are 18-25 during spring break.
Is the pool heated?
No, and it can feel chilly in the winter months (Jan-Feb). The kids' splash park water is also unheated.
Is there an elevator?
Yes, but there are only two for the main building, they are slow, and one is often out of service.
Is the safe free?
No, expect to pay a daily fee (approx $3-5 USD) to use the in-room safe.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'coffee shop' near the lobby has the best drinks and pastries on the property—skip the buffet desserts.
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes to 'El Embarcadero' to catch the ferry to Isla Mujeres for a day trip—it's right next door.
- ✨
Tipping the bartenders $1 USD early on will get you stronger drinks and faster service all day.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'ocean view' is actually a view of the channel between the ocean and lagoon, so the water isn't that electric blue you see in photos.
💡The 'Student/Youth Fee' is strictly enforced—if you look under 25, have your ID ready to prove your age or pay up.
💡The timeshare sales pitch at check-in is aggressive; they will try to lure you with 'welcome gifts'—just say no firmly.
💡You can hear the pirate show explosions from Captain Hook's ship next door every night around 7-8 PM.
💡The 'Standard' rooms are shockingly small—barely enough room to walk around the bed.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Oasis Palm is located and what's nearby.