I just returned from a short stay at the 3 ½ star all-inclusive Ocean Coral and Turquesa Resort, located in Riviera Maya (south of Cancun airport). I’m happy to report that this resort is a great choice for my clients who are looking for an inexpensive vacation option that is friendly on the budget.
With a renovation of the rooms, this resort could easily become a 4 star upscale property. However, the rooms currently are a bit “rough around the edges.” While the rooms are very large (think: junior suite with a sitting area) and include a separate shower and tub, there are some 3 star quality annoyances you must be willing to forgive. The tile is a bit scruffy, the shower mechanics are lacking (and you might get the oscillating hot/cold water effect, so be quick on the feet), and the curtains are a bit “bolder” than you would select for your own homestead. On the plus side, there is a stocked mini-fridge, a safe, and a late-model flat screen with enough channels to find *something* to watch in English.
What is really neat about this resort is that there’s always food and drink being served SOMEWHERE onsite. The poolside bar stays open ‘till late (I think 1 am), and then Route 66 (which is a hamburger joint) serves food and drink in the wee hours of the morning. Also, this isn’t one of those resorts that require you to stand in line in the morning to make dining reservations that night. The bartenders are friendly, and I love their coffee specialties. The waitstaff is a hit-or-miss, so in the restaurants expect average service.
The beach here is nice and wide, and gets raked in the morning for sea grass (which grows offshore). The pools are large and clean, and overall the energy at this resort is positive and refreshing.
The specialty steakhouse has way too many food items with surcharges , and free WiFi is located only in the lobby/main building area (and not in the rooms). However, this resort generally is priced so low, you can overlook the shortcomings.