Gran Bahia Principe Riviera Maya - All Inclusive Complex

It was very nice hotel to stay at. We were in Coba, which is farther away from the beach than Akumal or Tulum portions of the complex. They are all part of one major facility, which is big in contrast to resorts one would visit in Cancun along the hotel boulevard. With that in mind, the Coba area had its own major pool facilities and minor quiet pool facilities available if you didn't feel like the beach. Every Pool had a bar and there was always food available at the buffet or the pool snack bars. One of the snack bars, the Casita was open 24 hrs for full convenience. There was no problem finding a lounger at the beach as that area is massive, however the pool area of course were limited to first come first serve seating. The unwritten travelers code of placing a beach towel or bag on a lounger was the accepted method of reserving a spot by the pool, and was widely respected by most travelers. Pools were clean and activities were available for the kids and adults alike. Safety at the resort was excellent as far concerns over the current state of affairs elsewhere in Mexico. In fact the general area of Cancun/Mayan Riviera was better than I had seen it in past years. We took a day trip to Xplor, via a taxi ride rather than a tour which offered the flexibility of leaving whenever we felt like it. There was also the option of going to the highway and catching a transit van/bus if you wanted to save a bit more cash. 3$ a person one way, was by far the cheapest way to get to Playa Del Carmen if you wanted to do some serious shopping on 5th avenue. If you wanted to pick up some gifts, there was also the Hacienda Dona Isabel area of the resort that had stores and a small market that offered prices that were acceptable. Staff at the resort were friendly and courteous, I mean everyone, even the guy cleaning the pool said Hello with a smile. Spanish of course is the primary language of the area, I didn't seem to have much trouble communicating english to anyone as long as it was simple questions like, wheres the bathroom...etc. Travel to and from the Airport was new experience for us, as we ussually loaded on to one the larger buses and went with a group that stopped at various hotels along the way. This time we booked with Grayline and had the personal shuttle to and from the resort. Well worth the premium as we avoided the stops along the way and as a bonus, the line ups at the hotel for check in and the airport for flight departure. Will definitely do that again. Tipping at the resort was not required, however a few pesos here and there during the stay always maintains a happy atmosphere, specially after an afternoon of tequila volleyball.

Just got back from 6 day vacation in Coba. Rooms were big and very clean. This resort has the most beautiful beach with coral reef right by the shore. You can actually touch it! Food was good for a 5 star resort. Buffet had a lot of options. Shows at Coba were entertaining. Will definetly go back.

the resort is huge. If you dont like having to walk few minutes to make your transfers, or waiting for the trolley to bring you to your destination, then this hotel is not for you. If you have kids consider that trolleys are like little open trains: they are fun to ride. I found the hotel to be very well organized, everyone seemed to be very happy from the guests to the hundreds of people working there. The beach is perfect also for kids, especially along the Coba area. The food is okey, nothing to die for, but totally decent for an all inclusive. I would definitely recommend it.

Really liked the resort for the value. Food was good (not outstanding) but I haven't been to a reasonably priced resort where the food was off the charts. That being said, the breakfast and lunches were very good. For dinners, thought the Japanese restaurant and Don Pablos was the best. Staff was outstanding, friendly, and very helpful. We know to avoid the time share and pitch for vacation club, etc... We stayed in a Hacienda suite in Tulum. Was much more quiet on that end of the resort which we liked.

When we took the $100 USD, 80 minute taxi ride, we were surprised to hear our driver ask, which complex are you staying at? We had no idea and said Akumal. We came to find out that the complex is enormous with multiple reception areas. We found our room would not be available until 3:00 so we changed in the workout room. When we got to our room it was the type of room you'd expect at a Super 8. 2 single beds and a bath. The pools were ok, but the DJ was absolutely terrible. They blasted mexican music. We could only make 2 reservations for dinner and the dinner times were less than ideal. The breakfast buffet was almost the same every day. The quantity of food was incredible, but the quality was poor. (think of the Old Country Buffet). Beach chairs are filled by 10:00 with people who claim a chair by placing thier stuff on the chair. The beach was not swimable. There was coral rocks all over the beach with huge sand bags to protect the beach. Our room was next to the looby bar and the entertainment complex. The first night the music and the annoying mexican DJ blasted Karoke music until past midnight. I went to ask for a room change and was told they couldn't make a change until the morning before our departure. I would not recommend this resort to anyone. The beach, food, staff, and rooms sucked. My wife and I have been to Playa over 10x and this destination and resort is not a good reflection of the Playa region. We are in our 30's and would not recommend this resort to any age.

Overall, it was very good. It is family friendly resort. I would suggest TV's in the bars and a sports bar w/TV that is open during the day.

The only thing the beach is far from Coba, we have to take the train to go there. The food is great in the restaurant and very well presented. The red and white wines are not very good. We took the home made drink and those were very good. Fantastic getaway, many family with young children.

Best resort complex chain for the money both mexico and punta cana

location is paradise, top notch chef quality food, al la cart restaurants great, tram takes you around all 3 hotels. long beach with good snorkeling right there. great pools. jungle setting. shuttle takes you to highway shuttle which is only $3US.

This hotel is really large but rooms are clean and grounds well kept. It is quite a walk to the beach and our building was more near than other buildings . Maid service was poor, almost non-existent. Buffet selection was lousy and service was the same. All restaurants were booked. couldn't get a seating until 9 or 10pm and it was just 2 of us. We did get one seating at 7pm at the Mediterraneo and it was really good. I'm happy we were able to get a great deal however. We would have been really bummed if we paid more.