Marriott Cancun Resort

With over 40,000 square feet of space, the CasaMagna is aptly named. From the street, the lush and well-landscaped grounds of the CasaMagna partially obscure the hotel, giving it both and exclusive and private vibe. While the outside of the hotel is large, it feels a bit dated. But once you step through the front doors, you are immediately greeted by an impressive sprawling lobby and entrance area outfitted in elegant marble floors and affluent (and horse-themed) decor. The space stretches -- like one big, long hallway -- almost the entire length of the main building, and is opened up further by two-story high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. There's ample seating area lining the space, but it's rare that anyone spends too much time here. During the day most guests can be found scattered around the pool, or trying to fill up the loungers down on the beach; at night, the lobby bar seems to be a popular spot for before and after-dinner drinks, while attendance at the restaurants can be surprisingly sparse. While there is a bit of mingling in the lobby bar (and definitely some expected rowdiness in the sports bar), overall the resort lacks a social vibe as most guests are families or couples who tend to keep to themselves.

While the vibe is contemporary, the design of the hotel feels a bit dated, with a plain stucco exterior and a layout that could be more intuitive (the elevators for all rooms are on one side of the hotel, and there are non-direct routes from point A to B). However, part of the dated design works beautifully -- the open indoor hallways. A section of the CasaMagna rooms have beautifully landscaped hallways with large, central square cutouts that are repeated through each floor -- all the way to the partially outdoor ground level. This creates a welcomed balanced and bright outdoor vibe since some other indoor spaces can be dim or brightly backlit. 

CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort is located within the first third of Cancun's Hotel Zone strip between KM 16 and 17. Neighbor to sister property, JW Marriott Resort & Spa, both properties are positioned directly on Cancun's soft sand beach with vibrant, uninterrupted ocean views. However, because the resort rests atop a long driveway off the main road, the restaurants and shops dotting Kukulcan Boulevard are not really within walking distance, leaving guests (especially those without cars) to the selection of on-site or neighboring eateries, bars, and shops. Main tourist attractions like Xcaret or the port for the Isla of Mujeres are within a 10- to 20-minute drive or bus ride, while ruins like Tulum and Coba are about 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours, respectively. Cancun International Airport is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. 

CasaMagba's 450 comfortably sized rooms feature fine decor details such as decorative woods, crown molding ceiling trim, textured walls, and area rugs. Dark woods, wrought iron, and leather in earth tones give the spaces a classic and upscale feel. Some aspects of the rooms might be too traditional, though -- namely the slightly outdated in-room technology features such as alarm clock/CD players and older generation LCD televisions. Mid-range category rooms have large marble bathrooms with separate toilet rooms and tub/shower combos, surprisingly sparse balconies overlooking the pool and sea, and open floor plans that includes sofa bed sitting areas and small work/dining tables. All rooms have minibars, 33 cable TV channels, upscale toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, and a mountain of pillows. Although the free Internet is not supposed to reach into the rooms, some people have had luck connecting, so it's worth a try. (Reliable in-room Wi-Fi is available for a fee.) Pool- and ocean-view rooms tend to be a bit noisier. 

CasaMagna has typical features and amenities found at similar 4-pearl properties as well as a few family-friendly features. Located in an adjacent wing off the lobby, guests have access to a large fitness center with contemporary equipment and materials; a quiet spa area complete with sauna, spacious locker room, and treatment areas; a simple-but-cute kids' club with indoor and outdoor space; and separate beauty salon. This area is also home to the resort's Vacation Club (similar to time-shares), and some guests have reported soliciting from agents. Outside, guests have a dual-court tennis area and free, unsupervised parking. 

Business guests can take advantage of a large events and meeting space area filled with various sized rooms, all in a classic upscale setting. Restaurants include two Asian-themed dinner spots, SaSi Thai and Mikado, a Japanese sushi bar and habachi grill; Champions, an American-styled sports bar with a large screen TV; La Capilla Argentina Steakhouse (which also doubles as a huge breakfast buffet with a la carte options); and La Isla, the moniker serving poolside, beachside, and inside the swim-up bar. On top of this CasaMagna has reciprocity of features with next door sister property JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, which doubles its restaurant and bar selection and gives guests access to a Mayan-inspired spa, a few shops, and game room. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, even as far out as the beach, but will cost you if you want reliable access in your room.