Krystal Cancun

While there is a thin gloss of contemporary luxury at the Krystal Cancun, at its core this hotel is a slightly worn, but still modern, upper-middle-range property. It's a place where people on a budget can feel like they aren't really on a budget. The entrance lobby's large white tile floors, staircase lightly accented in marble, white walls, and white draping fabric create a feeling of sophistication, while just above the lobby on the main floor, the Lobby Bar's hip modern furniture and reflective surfaces create a chic, lounge-like feel. However, there are subtle details betraying the hotel's actual 3.5-pearl standing, such as bits of visible wear and tear, and the general quality of the IKEA-esque furniture. Despite being decorated with so much white, the hotel is remarkably clean. Guests hustle and bustle through the halls, restaurants, and bars, and the lobby almost always has a scattering of people milling around, all leaving the hotel with a slight buzz of energy. Outside, the vibe is more relaxed and a bit social, especially near the La Cascada pool bar. It seems that most people at the Krystal Cancun have come to both relax and get a little loose, even if they are on a budget or traveling with kids. 

The Krystal is located in the heart -- or rather tip -- of central Cancun on Punta Cancun, giving it an ideal position. Flanked on one side by some of the area's best beach and on the other by some of the area's best nightlife, this resort is in an ideal spot for both relaxation and rambunctious recreation. Just slightly off of the main drag of Boulevard Kukulkan, the hotel is walking distance to a plethora of shops, restaurants, nightlife and entertainment, yet remains a relaxed place to stay. Adventure and outdoor attraction Xcaret and underwater world Xel-Ha are both about 20 minutes by car. The ruins of Tulum are an hour and 45 minutes by car, and Coba can be reached within about 2.5 hours. Cancun Airport is about a 30-minute drive. 

Although there is no casino at Krystal Grand, until the resort-wide updates are complete, room quality is a gamble. This is particularly true for Krystal Club Rooms, where there is a high discrepancy between the non-updated and renovated options. Higher-tier suites should present less of an issue, and are chic, contemporary spaces with ocean-facing outdoor areas and even, in some cases, private pools. Honeymooners should be aware, however, that the Honeymoon Suite is merely a Krystal Club Room with a few extra touches (such as more luxurious bathroom amenities, rose petals, and champagne) added for the occasion. Walls can be I-can-hear-my-neighbor-cough thin, but you can always drown them out with any of the cable channels on the LCD TVs. All rooms have marble tile floors with simple contemporary furniture (think IKEA), comfortable beds, minibars, and lots of light. Not all minibar items are included in the all-inclusive plan, so take note. Typically bathrooms are average-size but are outfitted with prefab showers partially enclosed by glass and an exceptionally thoughtful variety of toiletries (it's rare to see a mini medical kit in this level hotel).

While Krystal isn't breaking any new ground with surprising features, we like the variety of what they do have available. One of their best features is the natural beach that extends from the back of the hotel. With sugar soft sands and undeniably beautiful blue water, its surprising that more people aren't clogging up the assortment of loungers (with palapa "umbrellas") or the handful of cabanas. There's even a cute kid's playground on the sand near the pool. The raised pool area stretches along the back of the hotel and includes a water fountain, bridges, a pool bar, and infinity section. Its funky shape matches the vibe of the hotel and ensures it never feels too packed (at least, it didn't during our visit). A higher concentration of loungers can be found closer to the hot tub and La Cascada palapa hut bar. Other outdoor restaurants and bars include the Las Velas Restaurante Italiano, an Italian a la carte dinner spot; the Las Velas Pool Bar, which has both a swim-up and covered bar area; the Snack Fisheria, way at the other end of the pool deck; and the seasonal Beach Bar. Inside, the sort-of chic Lobby Bar has a lounge atmosphere and a few pool tables, and shares space with Sushi Bar, while Aquamarina is a buffet and a la carte restaurant open for all three meals. There is also a separate (and fantastic) traditional Mexican restaurant called El Mortero Hacienda that is open for dinner -- a special treat if you love specialty tequila or mariachi music. Other resort features include the Kamp Krystal kids' club, 24-hour room service (though the late-night menu is sparse), events like poolside barbecues or themed dinner nights, and live entertainment. Wi-Fi is free, although the need to switch back and forth across multiple networks while roaming the grounds is annoying. There is no business center, but there are an ATM machine, convenience store and gift shop, tour desks, and photography studio.