Located 20 min. north of the airport in an ideal part of the Hotel Zone, the Flamingo Cancun Resort is a clean, budget-friendly alternative to the many four and five star all-inclusives which line the beachfront in this part of Cancun.  The Flamingo Cancun Resort is close to bus stops and within walking distance to two malls (Flamingo Plaza and La Isla) and the Plaza Forum with its popular nightclubs (it’s a 10 min. walk).

No doubt about it, the beach is the star at this resort.  It’s wide and deep with just a slight drop off at portions of the shoreline–perfect for just about any activity or long strolls in either direction.  There is minimal natural shade; palapas provide the majority of shade opportunities.

One of two resort pools is just a few steps up off the beach at the southern end of the resort; guests who become tired of swimming or sunning can play a game with the giant chess set.  The other pool is located in the midst of the resort complex and is surrounded primarily by guest rooms.  This pool has a swim-up bar and snack area; pool loungers are in short supply but then there isn’t much deck space.  There are three Bali beds at this pool area, but needless to say, one has to get up fairly early to claim this type of space.  An adults-only Jacuzzi is over on the north side of the property, but it is not heated.

Guest room renovations are still being completed, so if this is an important amenity, ask for a renovated room when checking-in.  Even with the renovations, rooms here are pretty basic with some amenities also being an extra charge or absent from the room altogether.  For example, Standard rooms do not have coffee makers or safes (the front desk will be able to make a detailed list and lock up your valuables for you), while room service in all room categories is an extra charge.

This is a spring break resort, so be prepared to be entertained by college-age students from late February through mid-April.

Type of Resort:  Family-friendly

Pro:  Location to clubs and malls, budget-friendly

Con:  WiFi $ except for Deluxe guest room category, weak A/C in some rooms

Best Suited For:  Budget-minded singles and couples, those who don’t mind basic hotel and room amenities.

No. of Rooms:  260

Room Amenities:  King or two dbl beds, A/C, TV, telephone, shower, and hair dryer.  Room service is an extra charge, and WiFi is only included with a Deluxe Room booking.  Here is a rundown of guest room categories:

• Standard:  King or two dbl beds, shower/tub combo, table and two chairs.  There are 215 such rooms with lagoon or ocean view.
• Jr. Suite:  Canopied king bed, sitting room area with small sofa, coffee table, coffee maker, mini-bar, in-room safe, shower/tub combo, and balcony/terrace.  There are 13 such rooms with an ocean/partial ocean view.
• Deluxe Room:  King or two dbl beds, shower only, mini-bar, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, table and two chairs, complimentary WiFi, access to the sixth floor Hospitality Room with internet access.  There are 32 such rooms with lagoon or ocean view.
• NOTE:  Make sure you book the type of room you want if it’s not a Standard–don’t count on upgrading once you arrive.  Also, be sure to bring written confirmation of your reservation because you may need it to show at check-in to secure the room which was actually booked.

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Available

Resort Amenities:  Two pools (swim-up bar in the main activities pool), Jacuzzi, small beachfront playground and children’s pool, arts and crafts room for children(ages 5-12), small fitness center, massage tables by the Jacuzzi, giant chess, pool table, complimentary safety deposit boxes at the front desk, lobby computer access, tour desk, and complimentary dinner at Senor Frogs restaurant with a four or more night stay.

Restaurants/Bars:  There are two restaurants including a buffet (La Fuente) and a la carte (Albatros–dinner reservations required).   Both are categorized as serving “international” fare. There is also a self-serve snack bar next to the main pool which serves standard fare like hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, pizza, etc., and this area is open until 8 p.m.  There are two primary bars at the resort including the lobby bar and the pool bar; the Albatros restaurant also has bar service.  Bars serve domestic alcohol from 10 a.m. until midnight.

Entertainment:  There are two shows during the week including the Mexican Fiesta with mariachis, and the Caribbean Night show with Latin dances.

Website:  http://www.flamingocancun.com/location.html