Table of Contents
Overview
The Paradisus Cancun All-Inclusive Resort is located in the bustling Hotel Zone along Mexico’s sparkling Yucatan Peninsula. This 5-Star AAA 4-Diamond resort features five pyramid-inspired towers overlooking the beautiful blue water and white sand of the Caribbean Sea.
If you’re the type who craves serenity and lush relaxation, you’ve come to the right place. Bali-inspired décor and tropical plants provide a calm and elegant ambiance form the lobby onward. Outdoors, you’ll find thatched roof cabanas, swim-up pools, beachside Bali beds and palm trees.
Some of the towers, and the fitness center, are “scented” with aromatherapy. While certainly fancy-sounding, if you have a fragrance trigger to migraines, this is definitely not the place for you
If you’re looking for Melia Paradisus Cancun reviews to plan the perfect all-inclusive family vacation to Cancun, keep reading to get in-depth info and helpful tips.
What We Love
- All-Inclusive rates make budgeting easy
- Family suites are spacious and provide nightly milk and cookies
- Family concierge services offer personalized activity recommendations and preferential dining reservations
- Large variety of restaurants and bars for gourmet and family-friendly dining
What We Don’t Like
- Breakfast buffet can be crowded and overwhelming
- Reservations are pretty much required at the restaurants
- Some balconies only have a partial sea view
- Timeshare, or Club Membership, presentation solicitation is hard to avoid
Location and Layout
Address: Kukulcan Boulevard, Km 16.5, 77500 Cancun Hotel Zone, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Phone Number: (888) 774-0040
Website: Paradisus Cancun All-Inclusive Resort
Things to Consider Before Booking
Budget
It’s easy to go overboard when it comes to vacation planning and budgeting. I always want to stay in all the places and do all the things. But having a budget, and sticking to said budget, helps things go much smoother in the long run. Tally up a general idea of necessities like airfare, accommodations and food. Then add in activities, attractions and off-site entertainment.
Packages
Bundling airfare, food and accommodations into an all-inclusive package really helps to stay within your budget. Most resorts offer resort credit that can be used toward tours and activities not offered in the all-inclusive package.
The all-inclusive package at the Paradisus Cancun includes the standard things like accommodations, dining (all meals and drinks), live entertainment, a fitness center, non-motorized watersports, 24-hour room service and activities like pools, a kids club, tennis courts and a 9-hole par-3 golf course. Unlimited domestic and imported beverages are included with dining.
Family Concierge offers all the benefits of all-inclusive with added luxury amenities for parents and kids. Suites include a Paradisus Welcome Kids Beach Kit, a family book and video library, babysitting services (for an additional fee), milk and cookie turn-down service and kids’ activities.
This package includes a butler who can make restaurant reservations and bookings for tennis, golf and excursions. This is an excellent way to avoid stress on a family vacation. You can also borrow PS2, Xbox or Wii game stations for 24-hour use. I could have used this amenity on my last vacation.
If you’re traveling with your kids over 18, you might want to try the Royal Service package. It offers luxury amenities and services like a personal butler to help with plans and reservations, shoe shining and clothing ironing, wake-up calls and a personalized pillow menu. Other exclusive services include a private adults-only pool and beach area and dining at La Palapa restaurant. This package is only available for the over 18 crowd.
Family Interests
I always take a poll among my family members to get an idea of what everybody wants to do. Likewise, find out what they don’t want to do. If your crew likes the water, the Paradisus Cancun Resort & Spa is the perfect choice for its pools, beachfront location and access to watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Check-in Time
Check-in is at 3: p.m. Check-out is 12:00 p.m. (noon).
Features & Benefits
Amenities
- Golf
- Pool
- Kitchenettes
- On-site Dining
- Babysitting
- Children Programs
- Connecting rooms
- Cribs
- DVD
- Family Room 5+
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Game Room
- Kids’ Pool
- Kids’ Theme Meals
- Refrigerator
Golf
There is a 9-hole par-3 golf course across the street from the resort.
Pool
The Melia Cancun has four lagoon-inspired pools.
Kitchenettes
Rooms with kitchenettes are like a gift from the heavens when traveling with kids.
On-Site Dining
With nine on-site restaurants, and several bars and snack areas, there’s something for the whole crew. It’s nice to be able to walk to a restaurant rather than worry about a taxi or shuttle service. Plus, it’s all included with all-inclusive. You can’t beat that!
All of the restaurants but Tempo are fine for families and kids. Tempo is adults-only.
Babysitting
If you opt for the Family Concierge service, you can get babysitting services for an additional fee.
Children Programs
The Kids Zone is for kids ages five to 12. Parents can stay and play or drop them off for supervised activities. Be sure to sign up in the morning for activities. There’s also a Baby Zone for ages one to four.
Connecting Rooms
If you have a large group, try to get adjoining rooms so everybody has room to spread out and relax.
Cribs
Cribs are available upon request.
DVD
Borrow books and videos from the resort’s collection with the Family Concierge package.
Family Room 5+
The Paradisus Junior room sleeps two adults and two children. Since cribs are available, this is a good choice for a family of five.
Free Breakfast
Breakfast is included in the all-inclusive package.
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Paradisus Hotel in Cancun, Mexico. The kids can chat with their friends back home while you post shots of that jet ski adventure.
Game Room
The kids area has a pool table and musical instruments. Family Concierge guests can request in-room Xbox, PlayStation and Wii game consoles.
Kids’ Pool
There is a kids’ pool at the Paradisus Cancun.
Kids’ Theme Meals
The Paradisus is a great place for kids to expand their palates. Or not. Even picky eaters can find something tasty among the Italian, Asian, American and international choices.
Be sure to let the desk know about any special requests or dietary restrictions at check-in. There are gluten-free, vegetarian and dairy-free menus items available.
Refrigerator
A mini refrigerator is always a welcome addition to a hotel guest room. Keep drinks and small snacks on hand for those inevitable late-night requests.
Family Activities
Beach
The beach at the Paradisus Cancun has beautiful sand and usually calm waves. There are times when the current is strong and the red flags are out. If your group prefers the lounging and sunbathing side of beach life, this won’t be a problem.
YHI Spa
Kids and their parents can get pampered in the kid-friendly section of the spa.
Playground
The playground is a great place for the little ones to work off some energy.
Parties and Entertainment
There are weekly beach and foam parties.
Tours
Off-site tours and activities are always fun. If you don’t have a rental car, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus or some other form of transportation. The Hotel Zone is bit of a distance from the popular archaeological sites of Chichen Itza and El Castillo. It’s well worth it for a memorable day trip.
You can try snorkeling and diving at Punta Nizac or sailing at Nichupte Lagoon. Other adventurous activities include canopy tours, cenote excursions, dolphin experiences and a ton of watersports at Aquaworld. El Rey Mayan Ruins and the Mayan Museum are not too far away.
For Mom and Dad
Dinner at Tempo
Set aside some time to try the gourmet, and adults only, Tempo restaurant. Created by six-star Michelin chef Martin Berasategui, it features contemporary Basque cuisine in an elegant setting. It is not included in the all-inclusive package, but it makes an indulgent treat for Mom and Dad.
Shop
There’s lots of shopping choices along the Hotel Zone.
Bars
There are several bars, including swim-up bars, to try tequila and other craft cocktails. Top shelf beverages aren’t included with all-inclusive, but there are a variety that are.
Spa
After you’ve gotten that parent and child manicure, go back for a relaxing massage or facial.
Dining Options
Foodies will flip for the dining options at Paradisus Cancun. There’s everything from Mexican, Indian and Mediterranean to Asian, Italian and Brazilian.
Room Information
For spectacular sunrises, choose an east-facing ocean-side room. For sunset views, request a west-facing lagoon-side room. If you really don’t care, north or south-facing will suit you just fine.
If you have limited mobility or very young kids, you’ll want a tower closer to the main building. This gives you easy access to the restaurants and beach. The other towers are a bit of a walk.
Family Concierge Junior Suite
If you’re looking for a family suite, you’ll enjoy 595-square feet of space in the Family Concierge Junior Suite. Choose from one king or two double beds.
Along with all the perks of the Family Concierge package, special room amenities include turn-down service with milk and cookies, a kids’ beach kit and video games on request. There are mini bath products for kids and luxury ones for parents
Family Concierge
This room features 650-square feet of space for you and your crew. It has a king-size bed and a separate room with a lounge and a sofa bed.
Paradisus Junior Suite
The Junior Suite is between 474 and 570 square feet with a private terrace and ocean or lagoon view. Choose from one king or two double beds. There’s a 32-inch flat screen TV and a 50-inch TV so nobody has to fight over what to watch.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The Paradisus Cancun has wheelchair accessible rooms, but many of the public areas have stairs.
Customer Reviews
I’ve done some searching around the web for real opinions by real people. Here they are.
Alternatives
Are you in love with the Paradisus Cancun? Or are you thinking it’s not for you? While some people compare Paradisus Cancun vs Playa del Carmen, here are some other alternatives to check out:
Grand Palladium
The Grand Palladium is located north of the more touristy Hotel Zone along Costa Mujeres beach. It’s close to the Mayan city of El Meco and the fishing village of Puerto Juarez. If your family is into nature, watersports and eco-tours, the Grand Palladium is the place for you.
Don’t let the elegant and spa-inspired décor fool you. The Grand Palladium is very kid-friendly. Play at Palladium features a popular Emmy-Award-wining cast of characters, including Raggs the dog and his musical friends. There are air hockey tables and video games for the older kids in the group.
- Located in a secluded and natural setting yet about 10 miles from downtown Cancun
- Near the island of Isla Mujeres and Garrafon Natural Reef Park for day trips
- Spacious pool with built-in lounge chairs
See the newest deals at Grand Palladium.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
The Hyatt Ziva Cancun is located in the bustling Hotel Zone. If you like lounging by the pool or beach and want lots of on-site activities and entertainment, you’ll be happy at Hyatt Ziva.
There’s a kids’ club with activities and play areas and a teen/tween hangout. I love it when a resort offers this sort of entertainment for the older kids.
The resort has a fitness center, three infinity pools, a spa, lots of dining options, watersports and dance classes. Other unique offerings include a microbrewery, a dessert parlor, private piers and a roof top bar.
If you prefer nature and cultural attractions, you’ll want to keep looking as the Hotel Zone is quite a distance from sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum.
- KidZ Club with a mini waterpark and a Teen @Moods Lounge with video games and night time party zones
- The Hotel Zone is more touristy and “Americanized”
- Full line-up of activities such as dance classes, Spanish lessons, water polo and live entertainment
See the newest deals at Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Dreams Riviera Cancun
Dreams Riviera Cancun is a luxury retreat along the Mayan Riviera. Activities include yoga sessions, tequila tastings, dance lessons and family-friendly entertainment. Adventurous types will want to book snorkeling, diving or sport fishing excursions.
Guest rooms feature garden, pool or ocean views. Some even have a plunge pool. If you have a large family, you’ll love the fact that this resort has suites for up to seven guests.
If it’s culture and history you’re seeking, you probably won’t be happy at Dreams Riviera. Archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum are more than an hour away.
- Explorers Club has themed activities based on science, nature and exploration for kids ages three to 12
- Family suites for up to seven guests
- Small dogs (under 22 lbs.) are welcome and receive their own special amenities like food and water bowls, beds and toys
See the newest deals at Dreams Riviera Cancun
Conclusion
With tropical ambiance, an elegant setting and gourmet dining, the Paradisus Cancun is a winner on many levels. I recommend it for foodies, waterside loungers and families with older kids.
While the resort is kid-friendly, it may not be the best choice if you have really young kids. Even though there is a kids club, there aren’t a lot of activities geared exclusively toward babies and toddlers.
The 5.5-foot depth of the main pools, with no shallow end, also leads me toward the older kid crowd. If you’re looking for a true “kid’s resort” with waterslides, fountains and tons of activities, you’ll want to keep looking. Though that milk and cookie turn-down does sound enticing.
If you like a leisurely and unhurried breakfast, you might want to try somewhere else as the buffet is often quite crowded. Apparently, though, the omelets are worth the wait.
See the newest details at Paradisus Cancun.
