The hype
Staff are incredibly warm and hardworking, but the facility itself is showing its age with musty smells and worn furniture.
Gr Solaris Cancun
$170-260/ night
Book this if You want a 'cruise ship on land' vibe where the kids are busy, the drinks are unlimited, and you don't mind fighting for a pool chair at dawn.
Why People Love It
- Direct access to a stunning (though rough) stretch of white sand beach
- Family-friendly atmosphere with a dedicated mini water park and kids' club
- Budget-friendly all-inclusive rates that actually include room service
Quick Take: A solid mid-range workhorse that delivers a classic Cancun vacation if you can ignore the dated rooms and the 6 AM towel game.
Reviewed by @tracylord2004: I loved the modern white decor and how bright the rooms felt! The lack of a balcony was a bummer, but the turquoise views from the lounge and the 'jacuzzis on tap' by the pool totally made up for it. Definitely hit the beach restaurant for lunch!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely be pressured to attend a timeshare presentation (often disguised as a 'welcome breakfast')—just say a firm 'no' and move on.
- You are traveling with young kids who need constant entertainment
- You want to be close to the airport (only ~15 mins away)
- You prefer a smaller resort footprint where everything is a 2-minute walk
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable and friendly; they do cute towel art.
- Bathroom hygiene: Grout lines in older rooms show age; some reports of 'sewage' smells from drains.
- Maintenance: Peeling paint on balconies and flickering hallway lights are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Towels are often described as 'thin' and 'scratchy'—not luxury quality.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh, but some ground-floor rooms have a lingering musty/damp odor.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Construction machinery (early morning)
- Theater/entertainment noise (evenings)
- Hallway conversations due to poor soundproofing
Before you book
Good to know
- There is a mandatory Environmental Sanitation Tax of ~$76 MXN (~$4.50 USD) per room/night payable at check-in.
- The ocean here is often rough with red flags; strong swimmers only.
- Room service is included 24/7, but alcohol delivery usually stops at 11 PM or incurs a fee.
What to pack
- Insulated tumbler (bars use small plastic cups that melt instantly)
- Grip-soled water shoes (the pool deck is an ice rink)
- Small bills for tips (staff work hard and it drastically improves service speed)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ocean View rooms on floors 5-6 (better views, less pool noise)
- Panoramic Corner Suites (worth the upgrade for the wrap-around balcony)
Rooms to avoid
- Lagoon View rooms on lower floors (often face the noisy street/parking lot)
- Rooms near the elevators or theater (noise bleed is significant)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a quiet room on a high floor (5th floor or higher), specifically away from the theater and elevator banks. If available, an Ocean View unit would be preferred to avoid road noise from the Lagoon side.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the wifi actually free and fast?
It is free for two devices per room. Speed is decent for browsing and social media, but struggle-bus for Zoom calls or 4K streaming.
Can I use the facilities at the other Solaris hotels?
No. GR Solaris guests generally cannot use the Royal Solaris facilities next door, but Royal Solaris guests can sometimes upgrade to use GR. It's confusing—stick to your own resort to be safe.
Is the water in the pools heated?
Only the main pool is heated, and even then, it can feel chilly in the mornings during winter months.
How bad is the seaweed?
It varies daily. The hotel staff rakes it, but during sargassum season (summer), it can pile up faster than they can clear it.
Do I really need to tip?
Technically included, but in reality, a $1-2 USD tip gets you faster drinks and better table service in the buffet.
Is there an adults-only area?
Yes, there is a small adults-only pool and jacuzzi section, but it's not completely soundproof from the rest of the resort.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Deli' snack bar often has better pizza and sandwiches than the main buffet.
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes south to 'El Mirador' (Playa Delfines) for the famous CANCUN sign photo op without the crowds if you go at sunrise.
- ✨
If you miss the 7 AM reservation line, ask the concierge about cancellations around 4 PM—you might get lucky.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Chair Game' is brutal: guests place towels on pool loungers as early as 6:00 AM.
💡The elevators are slow and unventilated—often faster to take the stairs.
💡The 'Lagoon View' is actually a 'Street View' with a sunset in the distance.
💡You have to wear a wristband your entire stay, and losing it costs ~$50-100 to replace.
💡The lobby bar can get surprisingly rowdy with karaoke nights.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Gr Solaris Cancun is located and what's nearby.