Not to be outdone by its sister hotel and immediate neighbor, the JW Marriott Hotel, the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort has won its own accolades–21 consecutive years as a recipient of the AAA four-diamond award as well as recognition by both Trip Advisor and Travel and Leisure magazine as a premiere family-friendly all-inclusive optional resort in Cancun. Although the resort needs some updating (room renovations are in full swing and scheduled to be completed spring 2014), it is still a beautiful property with its arched, multi-paned lobby windows, chandeliers, and beachfront pool and Jacuzzi. Although the CasaMagna pool lacks the lengthy infinity edge and overall size of JW Marriott’s, it has its own charm with a lively swim-up bar and enormous Jacuzzi which is directly centered on the pool’s beachside edge. This pool is also heated and open for swimming until 10 p.m. (bring your own towel since towel service has been known to close early); the beach is also well-lit in the evenings for guests to enjoy. The CasaMagna has never really been known as an AI resort; most guests stay here on the European Plan, so it’s important to know what’s NOT included in your all-inclusive optional stay:
- premium liquor and champagne
- prime cuts of meat and lobster
- mini-bar
- telephone calls
- gift shop
- deli
- laundry
- in-room movies
- meals and pool use at JW Marriott
A four night minimum stay is required, and everyone in the room must be on the all-inclusive package. All-inclusive packages are not applicable to groups of 10 or more.
Type of Resort: Family-friendly
Pro: Heated pool open late for use, most rooms have some sort of ocean view, WiFi for two devices, poolside lunch
Con: Needs some updates, some staff unclear about AI-optional plan
Best Suited For: Singles, couples, and families who don’t mind that this is an older property in need of some minor renovations.
No. of Rooms: 450
Room Amenities: King or two dbl beds, balcony/terrace, A/C, in-room safe, mini-bar, flat screen TV, telephone, alarm clock radio, armchair, desk, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, and tub/shower combo. NOTE: Bring your own bottled water or be prepared to go down to one of the bars to get some–bottled water from the mini-bar incurs an extra charge.
Physically Challenged Rooms: Available
Resort Amenities: Heated beachfront pool (swim-up bar), huge beachfront Jacuzzi, small children’s pool, spa, beauty salon, fitness center, tennis, motorized water sports, pool and beach wait service, Kid’s Club (ages 4-12), children’s playground, gift shop, tour desk, concierge.
Restaurants/Bars: There is no designated buffet restaurant, but the a la carte steakhouse does serve a buffet breakfast, the Sports Bar serves bar food during the day and international fare for dinner, the Japanese a la carte also offers Teppanyaki dining, and there is a Thai a la carte. Reservations are required for Teppanyaki dining and at the Sports Bar during big games. There is a coffee shop which serves as a deli and ice cream parlor, a poolside grill, and beachside seafood restaurant for lunch. Bars include the lobby bar, swim-up bar, pool, and beach bars.
Entertainment: Sports bar area offers large screen TV’s, pool table, karaoke, and DJ.
Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/travel/cunmx-casamagna-marriott-cancun-resort/