Royal Service At Paradisus Cancun

This hotel draws primarily couples with its adults-only policy, butler service, and beautiful beach setting south of the buzzing Hotel Zone. Unfortunately, while the atmosphere on-site is relaxed and sophisticated, many of the available features are located at the next-door, kid-friendly Paradisus Cancun. In fact, even the main pool is nearly connected to the family-friendly pool, with just a small barrier between the two. Nevertheless, the surrounding cabanas and loungers lining the sand provide a peaceful spot, and grounds are well-manicured. 

Inside, the pyramid-shaped building is reminiscent of a cenote -- water-filled sinkholes popular for swimming in Mexico -- thanks to an atrium-style lobby filled with cascading greenery over water features. Carved wood, koi fish, and Mayan sculptures in sand create a natural and traditional feel, while a vanilla scent pumped through the property hangs in the air. The lobby and hallways are in sharp contrast to the 2017-renovated rooms, which are done in a modern, bright style incorporating lots of white wood with blue and green accents.

For a similar alternative, consider the adults-only Iberostar Cancun Star Prestige, where all rooms are ocean-facing and have tubs on the balconies.

The Royal Service at Paradisus Cancun has a gorgeous beachfront setting, in a quieter area of the city's Hotel Zone. It's about halfway up its renowned Kukulcan Boulevard, a long stretch of road lined with numerous hotels and separating the Nichupté lagoon on one side from the Caribbean sea on the other. A drug store, some eateries, and the Museo Maya de Cancún y Zona Arqueológica de San Miguelito are within walking distance, and the Kukulcan Plaza shopping mall can be reached in a five-minute drive. Nightlife hotspots such as Coco Bongo and Señor Frog's are in the Hotel Zone. Cancun International Airport can be reached in 17 minutes by car, while downtown Cancun is about 30 minutes. Tourist attractions like the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Tulum are a couple hours away at least by car.

Thanks to renovations completed in 2017, the majority of rooms are done in a fresh, modern style. White wooden furniture, beige marble tiles and walls, and white linens create a bright palette, while blue throw pillows, green accent walls and headboards, and hanging bedside light fixtures add beachy and fun touches. All rooms have furnished balconies, with either ocean or lagoon views -- the latter of which some past guests have said actually overlook the tennis courts. Note that a handful of suites still have traditional decor and warm earth-tone palettes. 

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free minibars that are refilled daily, kettles and espresso machines, free Wi-Fi, small round tables and chairs, and couches. Laptop-sized safes, closets with ironing facilities, and robes and slippers are also provided. Peek-a-boo windows are between bedrooms and bathrooms, with shades for privacy. Entry-level bathrooms have spacious rainfall showers, swish toiletries, and hairdryers. Some units add freestanding tabs. Suites may add separate living spaces, whirlpools, and/or dining tables.

There are some lovely features within the Royal Service property, but many of the restaurants and wellness facilities are located next door at the kid-friendly Paradisus Cancun. Certainly the highlight here is the wide stretch of white sand lined with loungers and palapa-style umbrellas. Waiter service is available. Just back from here is the winding main pool, which is well-sized and has a large hot tub. Unfortunately, it's right next to the Paradisus Cancun's family-friendly pool, so kids aren't completely out of ear shot. Additionally, there's no swim-up bar here, though there's one next door (accessible via a glass door by the pool), and waiter service is provided. Butlers can reserve daybeds for guests around the pool, plus there are loungers. Off to one side near the ocean-view wedding gazebo is a hydrotherapy pool with built-in loungers.

Royal Service guests also receive free access to the hydrotherapy circuit at the Yhi Spa, which is located on the Paradisus Cancun side. It includes a jetted pool, sauna, steam room, and relaxation area. Treatment rooms are available here, plus there's a massage hut on the Royal Service side, though it's right by the pool. A modern, large fitness center has tons of cardio and strength-training equipment, and it's also located at the kid-friendly property. 

Dining-wise, there are a couple of options within the property. In the lobby is a lounge that serves buffet breakfasts, afternoon tea, cocktails, and evening appetizers. More popular is the ocean-view and open-air La Palapa restaurant by the pool, which serves well-regarded a la carte fare for breakfast and lunch. Expect menu items such as steak quesadillas and seafood. For dinner, travelers will have to head next door, where several options include fine-dining, Latin, Mediterranean, buffet, Mexican, and Asian. Several bars are also located on the Paradisus Cancun side. On the downside, food here receives largely average views and kids are allowed. Room service is available. 

The all-inclusive packages covers all meals at the two eateries on-site, as well as all those located at the Paradisus Cancun. Drinks at any of the bars are included, consisting of soft drinks, top-shelf liquor, coffee, and tea.