All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Waterpark

The family-friendly All Ritmo is decorated with Mexican colonial and hacienda-style touches with modern accents. The lobby's brown tile floors are topped with lime-green sofas and colorful coffee tables, while an adjacent lounge bar has dated orange and blue seating. A lovely space has a mosaic-tiled fountain and greenery dangling from the second story. Restaurant decor varies from modern white couches at the VIP Beach Bar, to old-fashioned yellow and orange cushions atop wooden chairs at the main restaurant. Lush grounds are well-manicured, and the property consists of two buildings on opposite sides of a road that are connected by an underground tunnel. Given the number of kid-friendly amenities -- pools, kids' club, beach -- the resort draws mainly families, although couples find their way here too.

The All Ritmo Resort & Water Park is located on Punta Sam Beach in Puerto Juarez, a northern area of Cancun. It's a 10-minute drive from the Hotel Zone, a 15-minute drive from downtown, and a 25-minute drive to the main nightlife area. The hotel's area includes several condo-hotels, beach houses, marinas, villa rentals, and residences. There isn't much within walking distance -- the closest convenience store is about a five-minute drive away. Puerto Juarez's public beach is a five-minute drive south. There are two ferry terminals to Isla Mujeres within five minutes by car of the resort, and 15 minutes away is the resort area of Playa Mujeres. The pretty towns of Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen are 50 and 80 minutes away, respectively. Cancun International Airport is a 30-minute drive. 

There are two types of rooms at the All Ritmo Resort and Water Park, distributed over two-story towers. Junior Suites are on the beach side of the road, while Standard rooms are on the opposite side and have garden views. Spacious Standard Rooms have Mexican colonial furniture with curlicue accents and decor in neutral tones. There are artwork on the walls, but overall the spaces are underwhelming. Junior Suites, on the other hand, have a more cheerful design that includes orange accent walls, pink sofas, and detailed headboards in teal, pink, orange, and white -- a palette echoed in the artwork.

All rooms have furnished balconies or patios. Air-conditioning is individually controlled, and rooms include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and safes (fee required). In-room Wi-Fi comes with a fee, but the signal is weak. Standard Room bathrooms are small, equipped with showers and toiletries. Junior Suites add sofa beds and kitchenettes with wet bars, plus bathrooms have separate showers and tubs. Some rooms show wear and tear.

All Ritmo Resort and Water Park doesn't lack for activities. There are three swimming pool areas, one on each side of the resort and one in the water park. The main pool area overlooks the ocean and has a snack and pool bar. Another is located across the street, with a family pool and a kids' pool. The water park features slides, a water playground for toddlers, swimming pools for children and adults, and a giant bucket-like fountain.

The beach area is not as large as those in the Hotel Zone, but the Caribbean water is beautiful. Loungers and large daybeds are both available. Sports facilities include a full-size soccer field, gym, tennis court, and two multipurpose courts. There are also a large indoor theater with nightly shows, a kids' club, and game room.

There are several on-site dining options, including a lobby bar, a main buffet restaurant, a specialty restaurant on the pool deck, and snack bars at the pool and water park areas. The all-inclusive meal plan does not include premium liquor.

There's a gift shop in the lobby, plus two ATM machines. WiFi is free in the public areas only.