Ocean Spa Hotel

Set on pretty grounds full of trim green lawns peppered with palm trees, this mid-range resort is well maintained, with plenty of outdoor areas to relax in and soak up the sun, be it on a lounger around the pool or on the small stretch of beach. Interiors are decidedly average and uninspiring decor-wise, but though the spaces lack character, they're clean, pleasant, and inoffensive. The lobby is light and airy, with white walls and gleaming tile floors contrasted by some colorful accents like a red wall and bouquets of fresh flowers sprinkled here and there. Padded wicker furniture provides seating, while walls of windows overlook the greenery outside. Dining spaces, too, feature the same type of generic yet pleasant enough style. Overall, it's still a decent pick for the price, and past guests have plenty of good things to say about the friendly and attentive staff -- but some travelers might be disappointed by the generic interiors and bland, almost clinical guest rooms.

The hotel occupies a beachfront location in the northern part of Cancun's Hotel Zone, at KM 3.5 on Boulevard Kukulkan. There are lots of other mid-range hotels nearby, as well as some eateries, shops, a church, and other services like car rentals, marinas, and tourist agencies. The ferry terminal to Isla Mujeres is just a six-minute walk from the property. The main nightlife area with clubs like Coco Bongo, Senor Frog's, and the Cancun ICC, as well as more restaurants, shops, and attractions, can be reached in about 10 minutes by taxi or bus -- lots of buses run up and down the Hotel Zone. Downtown Cancun is about a 10- to 15-minute drive from here, while the airport can be reached in 20 to 30 minutes.

Like the hotel's public spaces, rooms are nothing special decor-wise, with a generic, bland look that verges on clinical: simple white-walled spaces with beige tile floors and plain wooden furniture. They could definitely use a refresh and a dose of color, but they're clean and spacious. Glass doors open onto private balconies or patios, and fill the spaces with natural light. Rooms have either ocean, pool, or garden views. Bathrooms are equally plain and simple, with small walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and a supply of toiletries. Spa Rooms have jetted tubs in the bedrooms, as well as nicer toiletries in the bathrooms, magnifying mirrors, and hydrotherapy showers. Standard amenities are limited to flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, electronic safes, telephones, and free Wi-Fi, but no minibars or mini-fridges. Note that guests have complained of various maintenance issues, including plumbing problems and poor AC.

The hotel's pretty, well-maintained grounds include a nice pool surrounded by a large sundeck with padded loungers. There's also a small kids' pool and a wading pool. A small playground on the grass nearby includes swings and slides, but that's about it as far as kid-friendly amenities go. Besides the pool, guests can also relax on the hotel's small stretch of beach, which offers sunbeds shaded by palapas, a beach volleyball court, and a wooden pier in the water. The hotel offers various activities, including water sports like windsurfing, kite surfing, and kayaking (all included). Paddleboarding is available for an additional fee.The hotel offers several dining choices. Terraza Caracol is the main buffet restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while a la carte options include Mexican, Asian, and Italian restaurants that are open for dinner. There's also a brick-oven pizza spot that's open for lunch, but note that overall, food here gets mixed reviews. Besides poolside and beach bars, there's a Mexican bar serving tequila and other drinks, as well as a beach club. All-inclusive rates cover unlimited meals at both the buffet and a la carte restaurants, as well as drinks at the poolside and lobby bars. Reservations are required for the a la carte restaurants. The hotel's Ya’ax Ché Spa offers various body treatments and facials, as well as a hot tub, Swiss shower, sauna, and steam room. There's a beauty salon on-site as well. There's no fitness center, but the hotel does offer free classes like yoga, Pilates, and aqua aerobics, plus there are tennis courts on-site.