Vacationers who enjoy a large beachfront resort with loads of entertainment, one of the largest pools in Latin America, and a young, party-loving crowd as fellow guests will love the Grand Oasis Cancun.  This resort is nicknamed the “Entertainment Resort” with good reason–live music, DJ’s, a popular nightclub, and burlesque shows keep the party going until late (guests and the Ibiza Beach Club have also been known to keep the party going until the early morning hours as well).  No less than 50 entertainers perform impromptu skits, acrobatics, and generally entertain guests all day every day.  The resort is so well-known for its entertainment and party vibe that MTV has repeatedly used this property as their spring break headquarters in the past; students from all over the world continue to flock here every spring (February-April) despite MTV’s absence.  Oasis has attempted to curb the onslaught of partyers by imposing a year round Student/Youth resort fee of USD $30 (cash only) and stating that spring breakers are not allowed, but to no avail–young people still come to party and the resort still allows them to stay.  While students and other guests wanting a less expensive resort experience would typically book Oasis Cancun, that choice no longer exists as of 2016.  Instead, there is a new alternative, Oasis Cancun Lite, which provides a budget-conscious choice for those who want to stay at this resort; however, there is restricted access to amenities.  On the other hand, for those wanting an upgraded resort experience, The Pyramid is the resort section to book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The resort consists of 32 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, a quarter-mile long meandering swimming pool with three swim-up bars, multi-use sports and tennis courts, a complimentary 9-hole Par 3 golf course onsite (equipment rental is an extra cost, however), and access to non-motorized water sports across the street at Aquaworld  The property is located on a particularly gorgeous stretch of beach which guests must access via stairs and walkways.  There are numerous shade palapas, round day beds, cabana beds (some are complimentary), and regular loungers, but no natural shade.  Ocean entry is smooth, but as is common for this part of the Hotel Zone, rip currents can be frequent and powerful.  The Ibiza Beach Club is located on the north side of the property and is considered to be “party central” day and night, while the more exclusive Sian Ka’an Beach club further south is definitely more sedate (for Pyramid guests only).  Those looking for a pampered and comfortable party experience can always pay to use the Ibiza Beach Club cabanas which are located just off the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just as the north side of the beach is full of guests looking to party, the north side of the main pool is the same–avoid the swim-up bar here if you are looking for a quiet place to drink and talk to other guests.  As swimmers move south, the atmosphere gradually calms down–more families can be seen poolside, and guests can actually find it quiet enough to enjoy a good book or a well-deserved nap.  There aren’t many shade umbrellas, but that is because the entire pool area has plenty of mature plantings and palm trees which provide natural shade.  Padded wooden loungers can be found south of the bridge walkway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it’s time to move indoors, guests will find that many rooms have been renovated with new bedding, painting, and furniture; renovated rooms also are less minimalistic in décor with wall artwork and pops of color throughout.  While rooms are on the small side, all have a terrace or balcony with most ocean view rooms having spectacular turquoise water vistas.  Try and avoid beachside rooms on the north side if you want more quiet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of special note is the centrally located, eight-story skylight pyramid building filled with trees, exotic garden areas, waterfalls, fountains, and hanging philodendron.  Despite the pyramid’s interior beauty, however, it has limited A/C which may affect one’s desire to spend time here.  Check-in typically occurs in this building (those with Pyramid rooms or Sian Ka’an upgrades have a private check-in), while student groups have previously used the alternative check-in on the north side.  Besides being an introduction to the beauty of the resort grounds, the pyramid is also the site of evening acrobatic shows–book a reservation at the new Red Circus amenity for an additional cost which includes a three-course dinner to accompany the evening show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upgraded Pyramid bookings include more attractively decorated rooms, free safe and WiFi (limited devices per room), coffee maker in all rooms, robe and slippers, premium toiletries, access to an additional beach club, VIP amenities such as private check-in, and access to all restaurants and bars.  Those who book Pyramid rooms, however, should be aware that there may be the possibility of getting placed outside the actual pyramid building; room assignments have been given in the party section on the north side within this room category.

Sian Ka’an upgrades continue to be a mystery since outwardly they appear to be very similar to The Pyramid amenities (Sian Ka’an upgrades also include a complimentary bottle of wine in the room upon check-in and spa discounts).  There are some well-known travel websites which advertise Sian Ka’an upgrades with Grand Oasis Cancun room bookings–rooms will be allocated in buildings other than the pyramid while access to resort amenities will be equivalent to or minimally superior to pyramid stays.  Clearly, Grand Oasis Cancun is in a state of transition and like most large resorts, it will take some time before amenities and services are defined and clarified for its guests.

Type of Resort:  Family-friendly

Pro:  Large pool, entertainment options, beach, many dining options

Con:  Weak A/C in some rooms and common areas, extra costs, small rooms, rationing of some supplies and amenities (room towels, in-room water bottles, beach towels, certain liquors)

Best Suited For:  Party crowd ages 18-30.  This resort has been a popular spring break destination for years.

No. of Rooms:  1,454 Grand rooms, 290 Pyramid rooms, 192 Oasis Cancun Lite rooms

Room Amenities:  King or two dbl beds, A/C, balcony/terrace, small table and two chairs, in-room safe, flat screen TV, mini-bar, telephone, radio alarm clock, hair dryer, tub/shower combo, and toiletries.  Room service is available 24-hrs. a day and has a delivery charge per order for all guests.  Here is a brief rundown of Grand Oasis Cancun, Pyramid, and Oasis Cancun Lite guest room categories:

(Oasis Cancun Lite)  WiFi, safe, room service, and telephone calls are an extra cost.  These are the rooms previously allocated for Oasis Cancun.

• King or two dbl beds, non-digital safe.  Golf or garden view.

(Grand Oasis Cancun)  Golf course, garden, and ocean views.

• Grand:  King or two dbl beds, coffee maker, iron/ironing board, iPod dock.  Resort, garden, lagoon, pool, or ocean view.  Safe, telephone calls, WiFi, and room service are an extra cost.
• Grand Plus:  King or two dbl beds, digital safe, coffee maker, iron/ironing board, iPod dock, USB ports, free WiFi, up to 20% discount on certain spa treatments. Room service and telephone calls are an extra cost.

(The Pyramid)  Free WiFi for a limited number of devices, free room safe, iPod dock, USB ports, coffee maker, robe and slippers, use of beach bag, daily mini-bar refill, and upgraded toiletries are included.

• Lagoon View:  King or two dbl beds, armchair.
• Ocean View:  King or two dbl beds, armchair.
• Oceanfront with Terrace
• Oceanfront Jr. Suite
• Master Suite Lagoon View
• Master Suite Ocean View

Physically Challenged Rooms:  This Oasis property is not designed for the physically challenged, there are too many stairs and a lack of railings.

Resort Amenities:  The quarter-mile long pool with three swim-up bars is the hallmark of this resort.  Other outdoor amenities include a 9-hole Par 3 golf course, tennis courts, multi-use sports court, select fitness equipment/workout area, non-motorized water sports at Aquaworld, outdoor stage, beachfront bars, and two beach clubs.  Unless one is paying for a cabana at one of the beach clubs, there is no wait service.  The resort also has a spa, beauty salon, fitness center, disco, nightclub, sports bar, Smart Car use, access to other Oasis resorts (see the Oasis Plus Concierge for more information on the Oasis Runaway program), Kid’s Club (ages 4-12), playground, concierge, gift shops, photography shop, tour desk, and ATM.

Restaurants/Bars:  Oasis Cancun Lite has access to nine restaurants and nine bars including the following:

• Tatish (buffet)
• Mr. Whimpy
• Taco’s
• Happy Chicken
• Joy’s Trattoria (Italian a la carte)
• Ibiza (hamburger and sushi)
• Sports Bar Diner (sports bar and pub food)
• Hacienda Sarape Restaurant and Grill (tex-mex a la carte)
• Dragon Wei (Chinese-Mexican fusion buffet)

Bar options for Oasis Cancun Lite guests include Scirocco Sports bar, Coyote Loco, Ibiza Bar, Sands, all swim-up bars, and both coffee shops (Coffee and Me, Coffee and You).

In addition to the restaurants listed above, Grand Oasis Cancun guests have access to the following additional restaurants:

• Tun-Kul (buffet)
• Maria Bonita (Mexican a la carte)
• Dos Lunas (Italian a la carte)
• Il Forno (pizza and pasta)
• Bahia Rodizzio (Brazilian Rodizzio a la carte)
• Sevilla (wine and tapas bar)
• Coyote Loco (Mexican restaurant)
• Akeru (sushi bar)
• Hippie Chic Grill (grill and BBQ at the beach)
• VIP Bar (continental food)
• Red Circus (three-course dinner while watching the evening show at The Pyramid–an extra cost and reservations are required)

In addition to the bars and coffee shops listed above, Grand Oasis Cancun guests have access to the following bars: Agave, Barlovento, Fontainebleau, Havana Cigar Bar ($), Hippie Chic bar, Joy’s Trattoria Terrace Bar, Kinky Night Club ($), Maria Bonita, VIP Bar, and the Kin-Ha Health Bar.

Dining options exclusive to The Pyramid and Sian Ka’an upgrades include the following:

• Careyes (gourmet a la carte–reservations required a day in advance)
• The White Box Gastrobar (fusion dining, reservations required a day in advance)
• Cocoa (grill and seafood)
• MakiTaco (Mexican-Japanese fusion)
• Sian Ka’an Beach Club (wraps and ceviche for lunch)
• Market Place (designed like a food market with Peruvian, Japanese, and Arabic cuisines along with an additional buffet)
• VIP Lounge Bar for breakfast and lunch

Bar options exclusive to The Pyramid/Sian Ka’an upgrade includes Careyes, Sian Ka’an Beach Club/Cocoa Bar, and Villa Paola.

Entertainment:  There are many entertainment opportunities at this resort, including scheduled live music and boxing performances throughout the year.  Beach clubs provide DJ’s while the disco and night club offer music and dancing along with occasional foam parties.  There is a nightly show in the pyramid building which features acrobats, actors, and dancers, while various skits, songs, and brief shows are featured daily at various locations throughout the resort.  There is also karaoke at Coyote Loco.  Some restaurants have live music/dancers.  Plaza Forum (the site of Cancun’s most popular nightclubs) is only a 10 min. bus ride north.

Website:  http://oasishoteles.net/hotels/grand-oasis-cancun and http://oasishoteles.net/hotels/the-pyramid