Golden Parnassus All Inclusive Resort & Spa Cancun

The Golden Parnassus All Inclusive Resort & Spa Cancun opened in 1990 and looks like it hasn't been updated much since. The low-ceilinged lobby has brown marble tiling and simple black-leather seating, while rooms are decorated in old-fashioned furniture and minimal embellishments. Restaurants are designed with their cuisine in mind, such as the nautical-themed Pier 12 restaurant with anchor-motif booths, the red- and Asian art-filled Sumo restaurant serving Japanese fare, and rustic OldBarn with antler chandeliers. Wear and tear is evident, and the resort could use a full renovation. 

On the upside, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, attracting adult couples and groups of friends wanting a simple all-inclusive on the beach. Entertainment staff running poolside activities and evening shows are well-regarded, as are friendly bartenders who reportedly remember names and drink orders. Travelers rave about "tequila volleyball," but there are limited quiet areas during the day aside from the beach. Also on the downside, the pool lacks a swim-up bar, though poolside service is reportedly attentive. 

Limited in-room amenities and added fees hurt this hotel's value, so it's worth considering the pricier Hyatt Zilara for another adult-only option, or the Panama Jack Resorts, which offers a great bang-for-your-buck, but does accept kids. 

The Golden Parnassus is one of many all-inclusive resorts in the Hotel Zone, nestled between the Mexican Caribbean and secluded Nichupte Lagoon on Cancun Island. The hotel faces a stunning white-sand beach with turquoise waters on the eastern side (great for sunrises), and a tranquil lagoon on the western side (great for sunsets). It's set a bit back from the main road, next to the Ritz-Carlton. A few restaurants are across the street (five-minute walk), while La Isla shopping mall and an aquarium are a seven-minute drive. Nightlife hotspots Coco Bongo and Senor Frog's are about 12 minutes away by car. Boating excursions depart from the area, but guests will need a rental car or taxi to get to central Cancun and area sites. For local culture, head to downtown area (known as Ciudad Cancun). A cheap local bus does run from the Hotel Zone to downtown in about 30 minutes. Cancun International Airport is a 25-minute drive.

Puerto Morelos, with quiet beaches and great snorkeling spots, is a 45-minute drive, and it's an hour drive to Playa del Carmen, a laid-back and bustling town with great shopping and a well-heeled crowd. Tulum and its ruins are an hour and a half away by car, and the Chichen Itza ruins are two and a half hours.

The 214 rooms are outfitted in old-fashioned decor that's showing wear and in need of an update. Traditional wooden furniture, beige floors and walls with little artwork, and patterned bedskirts complete the bland look. Also on the downside, entry-level rooms don't have mini-fridges or coffeemakers, and none include free Wi-Fi. Additionally, note that some past guests have complained beds are on the short side. Travelers wanting to avoid poolside noise should request a higher-floor unit. All rooms do have sliding glass doors that open to furnished balconies -- some with gorgeous ocean or lagoon views. Standard amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, desks, small sitting areas, closets with safes, and ironing facilities. Travertine-tiled bathrooms have roomy showers, toiletries, and small wall-mounted hairdryers. Upgraded units add two-person hot tubs in the bedrooms, bathrobes, minibars, and coffeemakers. 

Most activity at the Golden Parnassus takes place around the well-sized outdoor pool. It overlooks the ocean and is surrounded by plentiful loungers and umbrellas. Although it lacks a swim-up bar, poolside service is attentive. Lots of activities are held poolside, so travelers wanting a quieter spot to relax should head to the beautiful beach area. It's lined with sunbeds and palapa-style umbrellas, plus a volleyball net that gets a good amount of use. A simple spa is on-site, housing treatment cabins, a sauna, steam room, and hot tubs. A gym is available, but equipment is old. 

Eleven restaurant and bar options are covered by the all-inclusive rate, and food overall receives positive reviews. Paradise is the all-day buffet serving international fare, while Sumo serves Japanese, Pier 12 offers seafood and pasta dishes, and Creperie has crepes and coffee drinks. Bars are sprinkled throughout, and one late-night option includes Sixtie's, which shows sporting events on TVs and has pool tables. Room service is available 24/7, but past guests report limited options and poor quality. No restaurants require reservations, but some are closed on certain nights.

Wi-Fi requires a fee.