I chose to stay at this hotel for my wedding anniversay and my husband's birthday. We both liked the architecture of the hotel. The lobby was very nice. We had been upgraded to a junior suite due to our celebrations. Room was very spacious. Bathroom came with double sink. We had a jacuzzi tub in the balcony but it took forever to fill up the tub. We received a bottle of champagne on our anniversary.
Buffet breakfast was sumptous with a vast variety of pastries, tacos, fruits, sausages and omelets. We also dined at the hotel restaurant, Ku-nah on 2 different nights. The restaurant manger, Oscar Coto, was most helpful. He had taken the time and patience to explain the menu and did wine pairing for us. Food was delicious. Shrimp guava and spicy turkey tosadas were excellent. Service was superb at Ku-nah.
Unfortunately, the service level of the hotel did not match on several occasions. We had asked to take a tour of the spa but was rejected. Did not even offer an option to come back at a later time when the spa was less busy.
We returned for a 1 night stay after we had toured Valladolid and was offered to upgrade our room with a nominal fee. I kindly declined the offer and was immediately met with some rude attitude. I heard people in Cancun would chase after money but I did not expect to experience it first hand at a so-called "Leading Hotel of the World".
The worst part of our stay was the vacation club presentation. In order to obtain a 100 USD food and beverage credit, we had agreed to go to the Sol Melia vacation club presentation. We were actually in a hurry to leave for Valladolid. We had politely asked to skip lunch provided by the vacation club representative and went straight to see the rooms. We were handed the 100 USD coupons after the presentation with an ok from the manager and we went to check out. While I was checking out, one of the vacation club sales came to harrass my husband because we did not stay long enough at the presentation. In other words, she wanted her coupons back. In my opinion, the whole act was rude and unprofessional. I would not expect such behavior at a "Leading Hotel of the World".
All in all, the room was good and the restaurant, Ku-nah was nice but the service level had yet to match up with the title " Leading Hotel of the World".

Let's start by saying this. The bad reviews of this hotel must be coming from people who would not be satisfied regardless of the conditions and treatment.

I was confused about several of the Gran Melia bad reviews, but booked anyway when an RCI rep talked me into changing my vacation dates and trying this resort. She said she stayed there and it was the best resort on the strip. She was spot on accurate. The beach is nearly pristine. By far the best on the strip. I know because my wife and I walked several miles of the hotel zone beachfronts. Yes, there are some rocks, maybe about the size of a basketball, and I did see one large boulder. People, its not a pool. If you don't like a rock or two, swim in one of the beautiful pools on the property. My wife and I had very little trouble getting a palapa, although some days we waited a bit. As for waiting to get a drink brought to you on the beach at the pool, your HAVING a drink BROUGHT to you. Whats your hurry? It'll get there. This is a laid back society.

The price of the food at dinner, in my opinion wasn't that bad at the resort. Your on vacation. It's going to be a bit more than your going to spend locally. The meals we did eat at the resort were really good. Breakfast was very expensive, so my wife and I took advantage of the little market/deli on premise. good coffee, fruit and baked goods. There are many good establishments in the plazas, including american cuisine.

Now for the stairs. Outside the lobby there are exactly 60 stairs leading to ground level. not a big deal. I walked them twice a day. Buy bottled water at the 7-11. It's only @ $1.15 for 1.5 liters. The cabs are pricey, but the bus is only @ 65 cents on week days and 75 cents Fri, Sat, and Sun. They run the whole strip on both sides and are an adventure in and of themselves. But pay attention, because the drivers aren't exactly going to let you know your at your desired destination.

The parasailing is great. I suggest using FLY vs. Aquaworld. FLY has harnesses and can be booked through Expedia in the hotel lobby. Aquaworld has a big lounge chair thing you ride in and you can't see much. Book a tou to Isla Mujeres at the hut in the north pool area. Do the snorkeling, you won't be disappointed.

The check-in was smooth as silk. Tell the timeshare people you own 1 or 2 even if you don't and that your not interested in their spiel and they will generally not bother you. The staf is very accomodating and friendly and the lounge is great. The drinks are pricey, but the entertainment and ambiance make up for it. Our room was a lagoon view and was very nice and very clean. The mint on the pillow is always a nice touch. I never met a rude person the entire stay, including staff, guests and locals.

Down around plaza forum gets a little seady after 9:30 or so, because of the night clubs, but overall, the people don't bother you too much. And, if you go near the flea markets, expect everyone to invite you to buy in their shops. ALways try to bargain i the flea markets and little shops. Be a hard sell and you'll get rewarded. There is no dickering in the Resort shops.

As for ruins, there is a small ruin on the strip and several within a 45 minute to 2 hour bus ride. If you've never been, don't miss Chichen Itza.

In closing; it's vacation, people. Relax and enjoy. And start out knowing you will pay more for some things and wait a few minutes for some services, as the people are laid back. I waited 20 minutes for my check at Carlos and Charlies, because the waiter was dancing with other patrons. So what. If you have any questions on anythin I left out of my long winded review, contact me and I'll try to clarify.

Recently stayed at the South Seas for 3 nights with our 3 children, ages 4, 7 and 8. We were looking for some days of swimming and relaxtion.

The Area. Cancun is extremely built up. There are miles and miles of high-rise hotels along the stunningly lovely beach. This is NOT the spot for a low-key holiday. You can eat, shop, arrange tours and more. We visited after the spring break rush, so the crowds weren’t bad, but I can imagine the place turns into a virtual madhouse during peak times.

Check-in. Uneventful and easy, although it could have been a bit speedier. Again, this could really be an annoyance if the place was busy.

Property Description. This hotel boasts a large number of rooms, but the layout is very manageable and easy to walk. We stayed in a 1-bedroom suite in the main building, which consists of a beautiful vine-draped atrium. If noise is an issue for you, I would HIGHLY recommend avoiding this main building. There is live music nightly which echoes up through the atrium. I am talking air conditioning had to be on FULL BLAST so you couldn’t hear it! The music ended most nights by 9:30, but again, it may go later during Cancun’s peak season.

Accommodations. The suite, a king bedroom and completely separate living room with pull-out sofa bed, was very clean and well-appointed with modern furnishings that were well-maintained. There were wonderful patios off of each of the 2 rooms to enjoy, as well. Bed linens were very fine quality and the mattress nice and firm (our preference!). Bathroom was well-done and quite clean. My only complaint was that when the roll-away bed arrived for our 3rd child, its frame was rather dusty, it seems from lack of use. I gave it a good wipe-down, but this was truly something that should have been taken care of before it arrived to us.

The Staff. Housekeeping was hardworking and did a fine job of pleasing the guests. The rest of the staff was just fine. I didn’t feel they went over the top to make your stay enjoyable, but they were responsive to our needs and pleasant. Nothing special.

Kid Services. There is a great shallow pool at the very end of the property, as well as a separate baby pool in the same area which was great for the younger crowd. There are plenty of palapas for getting in the shade, but again, I would worry about their availability during the peak season. Further, the area boasts of a small outdoor kiddie “room” where there was the occasional puppet show or movie being shown.

Food. We ordered lunch at the pool 2 of the days. Food, albeit expensive, was just fine for a casual, kid-friendly lunch. The only draw-back was that there weren’t many waiters around, probably because the hotel wasn’t that crowded, so you had to “find” someone to order for you. Got breakfast of coffees and pastries each morning at The Market, a nicely-stocked convenience store inside the hotel. We left the resort for all our dinners since there are a gazillion to choose from in Cancun. I you want to avoid the tourist traps or the same old American chain restaurants, I suggest you head up to El Centro to find some authentic local cuisine.

Hard Sell. The Sol Melia group which owns this hotel offers a world-wide vacation club. Salespeople try to sell this program in a ridiculously hard-core manner—from pouncing on you in the lobby right after check-in, to leaving you phone messages, to inquiring if you are interested when you call housekeeping for extra towels! We put our foot down in a bit of a rude way because we were fed up—but it did stop thereafter.

In summary, I would absolutely try this brand of hotels in the future. However, because my family prefers a somewhat quainter vacation, I probably would not choose Cancun again.

IF YOU READ BAD REVIEWS - SOMEBODY IS CRAZY!
I own 3 timeshares in varous locations and traded within to try out the Gran Melia in Cancun with mixed feelings at first, reading a toss up of good and bad reviews on this location. So, I went expecting the unexpected.
The old saying you can't please everyone still runs rampid out there but still makes me wonder where and what some people expect in a foreign country. They put down the local folks and blame them for not speaking english or the pace they keep at work or whatever is not the norm where they come from is not the way it should be......well grow up, enrich your life, experience a different world than what you live in, respect the folks and they will respect you. DId you ever think they way you are being treated or the horrible time you had was partially your own self induced behavior ?
Well, I'm glad I got that off my chest after reading bad reviews. The Gran Melia is certainly a Grand Place from the moment you approach the long expansive road entry to the breathtaking Atrium off the Lobby. Five tower buildings shaped with pyramid glass tops over lush tropical atriums with fountains and just as impressive at night all lit up. The free form pools that run along the ocean side are beautiful and refreshing. The beautiful color of the ocean and pounding surf. Restaurants to please every taste and breathtaking views from the lobby lounge while you sit in mini-living room couch arrangements along the window line. And yes, the people are very friendly, most speak or understand english and don't be afraid to tip for good service it goes a long way for a buck.
The building is laid out with 5 tower buildings all atrium interiors inter connected with more atriums, extremely well maintained and beautiful. Tower 3 is where the main lobby is and most likely where all will arrive. This is the focal point of the hotel and has an 8 floor high atrium in the center with hanging plants, fountains and lounges and shows are put on nightly.
Tower 1 is for the Sol Melia Vacation Club members exclusively and more than likely most will be talked into going on a tour after a complimentary lunch. Tower 2 is for the Melia Vacation Club members which I happen to belong to and where I stayed in a Ocean View Junior Suite which had marble floors and bathroom, sitting area, king size bed, toilet and bidet, dual sinks and overhead rainshower and 6 ft towels.
Tower 4 is where the spa is located and very peaceful area, Tower 5 is the Royal Service Tower and you need a special key card to enter. You all have heard about it and if you like to be pampered, have your own butler, private pool area then go for it. I checked out the pool and it was pretty but dead with little or no activity but plentiful of balinese beds to go around and a premium in the regular areas if you don't get up at sunup to reserve one. A typical scenerio at all hotels in Mexico that is rarely enforced so get used to it !
I decided to take the All Inclusive Plan which was sounded expensive but ended up saving money in the long run if you plan on eating all meals and drinks, snacks during the day. Food is very expensive in Cancun along the strip. Note: Bottled Water is like Gold and treated like champagne and not included in your All Inclusive Plan ! Go to Wal-mart in town or go across the street to Oxxo a little market and buy a case of water that should last the whole week for the price of a couple of bottles at the hotel. I ate and drank all week and never got runs but those who are afraid bring some imodium with you. Don't forget chances are the change of diet and drinks you consume are the usual cause of problems people complain about.
The food was very good in all the restaurants and a large choice of items and tastes can be satisfied. The 2 top restaurants, the Tempo and Ku-Nah require reservations which can be made right in the lobby. Buffet style or off the menu is offered in the main restaurant. The breakfast buffet is huge and everything is possible. Even though my All inclusive plan covered tips, I always left a dollar on the table or tipped for a drink around the pool which was greatly appreciated. These people are gracious and are underpaid. Don't be an ugly American and at least say thank you if you don't tip.
The Pool is about 5 to 6 feet deep and follows the hotel winding around and make a great swim. The kids pool is down on one end and shallower and keeps the noise down at the other end. An Adult pool is also available and usually has activities going on but not necessary since the depth of the regular pool keeps kids out. Also, in the regular pool little alcoves are found with seating and water jets to message the weary. Very picturesque pool design and clean. A pool bar exists although was never crowded all week until the last day when a group of loud company party goers arrived all trying to outdrink and show who was who in the ranks of their company.
The Palapas and Balinese huts line the pool areas but go fast in the early morning. The huts go at sunrise, and the Palapas go if not claimed by 8:30 with a towel although it is stated no towels can reserve them. Just get used to it because they don't enforce it ! The beach palapas are usually plentiful and available before late morning. Beach chairs are always available. This is probably the widest and cleanest beach around. Be careful of the coral and rocks in marked areas. The undertow had the red flags out most of the week but they do have lifeguards that are very attentive at the hotel.
Tips on Travel to and from the Airport:
Good idea to arrange for airport transfers ahead of time to avoid the mass confusion at the airport. I booked online for private pickup to and from which avoided all the hassle. When you get through Customs it's all the TImeshare Hawks awaiting making you believe they are the ones who take you to your hotel. Eventually you will but not after signing up for a tour etc. They really are bad if you never went to Mexico. Usually get the scoop on where you meet your pickup ahead of time or you lose!
My ride was supposed to meet me with a sign with my name on it outside the doors. I wish I took a photo for you to see-----about 75 to 100 people with signs and names confront you as you step out the door, I had to laugh. Found out mine wasn't in the group but looked for the name on the van of the company and was all set and quickly set off for the hotel. Pickup was on time and as promised. Hotel checkout if possible can be arranged the night before and is a good thing since most flights leave around the same time and all try to checkout at once.
Get to the airport ahead of time. They all overbook and the lines even start earlier than you can imagine and take over a half hour to get through. Now for the big tip---do an online checkin from your hotel with their computer or computer room and you won't stand in line more than a few minutes. I didn't know this was possible from the Mexican end of check-in and stood in line the half hour. In the airport waiting area by the gates they have alot of food restaurants or fast food which you may want to take for the ride home on the plane. Most flights run out of provisions on the plane after reaching Mexico and don't get restocked.
Hope these tips and insights help your trip and stay at the Gran Melia, it was an excellent stay above my expectations and can't imagine how anyone can not have a good stay here. Don't lose perspective on where you are, who you are and what you can be as a visitor in a foreign land !