The Grand At Moon Palace

After arriving to a security checkpoint, guests take the turn leading to The Grand at Moon Palace. The lobby sets the stage for the atmosphere here: elegant, luxe, and typically bustling. Hallways off either side of the lobby are filled with shops and dining outlets, and outdoors, sidewalks meander through nine pools, water elements, garden grounds, and a water park. The whopping 1,316 rooms are spread among low-rise buildings, though some may be a bit far from the main building. Fortunately, the hotel created the property in a way that guests never have to walk far to reach one of the pools, bars, and dining options. The design throughout is classically sophisticated, done in largely neutral tones, tons of sleek marble, striking light fixtures, and some velvet touches. Numerous restaurants and bars do showcase their own color palette and decorative touches, such as distressed shutters and yellow armchairs at the Italian eatery, and patterned lancet windows at the Lebanese restaurant. Guests here have full access to the facilities at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, with golf cart shuttles available between the two properties. Also convenient, visitors can download the hotel's app, which allows them to order room service, make reservations, and more. Although an adults' only pool and restaurant are available, tons of kid-friendly features and entertainment mean this hotel attracts lots of families with children. Couples wanting a more romantic atmosphere should look into the adult-only and luxurious Excellence Playa Mujeres, though it's an hour from the airport. Families, meanwhile, that want to be closer to the action of the Hotel Zone may prefer the Panama Jack Resorts Cancun.

The Grand at Moon Palace is within the Moon Palace complex, located a quick 12-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. There are few resorts in the immediate surrounds, giving the property a more exclusive feel, and the long stretch of white-sand beach is beautiful. Two golf courses are just a short drive away, as is the Xoximilco theme park for kid- and adult-friendly fun. Cancun's Hotel Zone, home to popular nightlife spots such as Coco Bongo and Señor Frogs, is a roughly 35-minute drive away. Playa del Carmen and Tulum are 50 and 90 minute drives, respectively.

All of the rooms at The Grand at Moon Palace are done in the same elegant, classic, and understated style. Beige marble floors, walls, and leather headboards combine with dark-wood furniture and minimal neutral-tone decorations for a look that's sophisticated but a bit generic and underwhelming for a luxury property. Also on the downside, none of the rooms have ocean views here, and some past guests have complained of noise issues. Nevertheless, amenities are excellent, consisting of comfy double or king-size beds, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, minibars, free liquor bottles (guests can choose their alcohol preference), and free Wi-Fi. Sunken levels house two-person whirlpools and dining tables and chairs. These areas lead out to the furnished terraces, which are swim-out on the ground floors. Marble bathrooms have big showers, dual sinks, Chi bath and hair products (including a straightener), and separate water closets. Family units are double and king rooms that connect and offer Xbox systems and kiddy beach toys. Meanwhile, each Presidential Suite adds a middle living room unit with an eight-person dining table and a microwave.

The all-inclusive rate here covers the 10 restaurants, various snack spots, and bars. Top-shelf liquor is included. Most activities are also covered, though bowling and some alcohol like upgraded wine cost extra, as does dining at the gourmet Chef's Kitchen. Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service are free, as are unlimited phone calls to the Continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico.Guests are given a resort credit -- amount varies by length of stay -- that they can use on bowling, spa treatments, wedding services, scuba diving, chargeable wine, golf courses, and more. However, the tax must be paid. 

Guests here will not get bored thanks to the numerous features on-site for both kids and adults. The long, lovely beach is lined with loungers and umbrellas, plus a section houses cozy modern wicker furniture. Non-motorized water sports are available for free, but they're at the other property. Nine pools include kiddy and adults' only options, all of which have a swim-up bar except for the adult-only Unique Day Club pool. The Wellness Pool offers aqua aerobics, while the Fun & Sports Pool has family-friendly activities such as water volleyball. All are surrounded by chic cushioned loungers and umbrellas. A highlight is the well-sized water park, which has waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and various fountain features. Next to here is the hotel's highlight, at least for kids: the state-of-the-art Playroom. The multi-story club has a neon mini-golf course, arcade games, mirror maze, video games, snack bar, and a room for little ones. It's open until late and free to use. Babysitting is available for a charge, as is the bowling alley. In addition to a variety of daytime activities, nightly entertainment is provided at the large theater. For late-night adult fun, Unique Night Club has live DJ performances, a bar, and adjacent Cigar Room that's soundproof. Another wow factor at The Grand is the large spa, which has separate areas for men and women, an extensive array of hydrotherapy pools, relaxation areas, sensation showers, a beauty salon and barber shop, saunas, and steam rooms. Its menu offers an array of massage, body, and beauty treatments. Across the way is the decently sized gym packed with modern equipment, a cycling studio, and aerobics and yoga studio. Bikes can be rented to take around the resort for free. The 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course is popular but requires a fee, though resort credits can be used to pay for a round. Boutique and souvenir shops, and a jewelry store are on-site, as are spaces for meetings and events. 

There are officially 10 restaurants at The Grand at Moon Palace, not including the various snack bars spread across the property. All dining options are free, except for the gourmet Chef's Kitchen experience. Chocolate and tequila tastings in this space also require a fee. Aside from a large all-day buffet eatery, options consist of Lebanese, Japanese, steakhouse, Peruvian, and Italian restaurants. A wine and tapas bar is located by the buffet eatery, and a 24-hour Boulangerie is popular for gelato, coffee, paninis, and crepes. For Mexican fare, La Cantina serves street food in a casual setting, while Cielito Lindo offers upscale contemporary dishes. A traditional French restaurant is the only adults-only option. Food across the board receives positive reviews.A dozen bars can be found throughout the property, serving top-shelf liquor, soda, beer, and wine. Room service is provided 24/7.