Situated just minutes from popular bars, clubs, and restaurants in the Punta Cancun area of the Hotel Zone sits the Krystal Cancun (formerly referred to as NH Krystal).  During the past several years this resort has slowly been undergoing some major renovations/additions including the following:

• addition of an adjacent “sister” resort (formerly known as the Hyatt Regency Cancun and now called Krystal Grand Punta Cancun–it’s the round building to the north).  Guests of the Grand are free to visit Krystal Cancun, but Krystal Cancun guests do not have reciprocal privileges.
• addition of new Krystal Club rooms, all of which have balconies/terraces, most with expansive ocean views
• lobby bar renovations
• ongoing room renovations in older guest room buildings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite all the changes which have occurred, the Krystal remains literally steps away from clubs like Coco Bongo, The City, and Mandala; as a result, guests staying on the south end of the property are likely to inadvertently hear partying going on at the clubs until well into the early morning hours.  This is great news if one plans on actually being at the party, but bad news if one plans on getting a good night’s sleep.  (The resort does provide ear plugs for those who need them).  Since the Krystal is so close to nightlife, it tends to attract a younger clientele (ages 18-26) and is a very popular spring break resort.

Although its signs of wear and tear are slowly being addressed through renovations, the Krystal Cancun offers its guests a marvelous location, not only for nightlife, but for the relatively calmer ocean waters which it offers.  The manmade concrete block “pier” to the north provides a break to the strong Caribbean Sea surf which makes this a more swimmable area, while beach walkers can travel south for miles past some of the more popular Cancun resorts.  Ocean entry here can be difficult since there is quite a drop from the resort’s beach to the water’s edge–guests should enter either at the north or south end of Krystal’s beach.  Loungers, shade palapas, and Bali beds are provided, but there is no natural shade as is common for Cancun beaches on this side of the Hotel Zone.  Those interested in water sports can check-out boogie boards directly from the resort, but other water sports can be utilized at Aquaworld which is located halfway down the Caribbean Sea portion of the Hotel Zone on Nichupté Lagoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steps up from the beach is the freeform pool which meanders its way along the length of the property.  The pool includes a swim-up bar, waterfall, several bridges, and is bordered by a large Jacuzzi (non-heated) and the Krystal’s famous seven-column entertainment/wedding ceremony area.  A separate children’s pool is located adjacent to the main pool, while loungers and Bali beds are situated around the pool and grounds.  Guests will enjoy the pool bar with swing seats and separate hammock section, while an outdoor buffet and live entertainment holds court poolside once per week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Krystal Cancun opened its newly renovated Club room tower the summer of 2015 which showcases balconies or terraces for all rooms along with rainforest showerheads and private access to the Krystal Club Lounge.  The Krystal also offers Family Suites (two guaranteed connecting rooms) which house parties of five, while the Master and Presidential Suites offer private balcony plunge pools.  Until they are renovated, guests should try to avoid the older guest room tower since it is closer to the clubs and gets more nightly noise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Krystal Cancun not only offers a stellar location and many renovated rooms, it also offers a unique dining opportunity that many all-inclusive resorts do not–dinner in a nearby authentic Mexican restaurant which also happens to be open to the public.  While not a part of the resort, it is only a short walk to Hacienda el Mortero to enjoy the flavors of Mexico (there may be an additional cost involved depending on specific food and drink orders).  This restaurant requires advance reservations, while both onsite restaurants do not.

Caution is advised if booking this resort online since there has been ongoing confusion regarding the confirmation of the all-inclusive package.  Some guests have arrived at the resort thinking they had indeed booked the all-inclusive option when in fact they had not, so it may be best to book this option directly with Krystal Cancun or Krystal Hotels and Resorts for the time being.

Type of Resort:  Family-friendly, all-inclusive optional

Pro:  Beach, walking distance to clubs, new room tower

Con:  Noisy at night, ongoing room renovations, not all rooms have a balcony, elevator wait times, no theater shows

Best Suited For:  Ages 18-26, spring breakers, vacationers who want a more active nightlife option at their doorstep

No. of Rooms:  453

Room Amenities:  King or two dbl beds, A/C, table and two chairs, digital safe, mini-bar ($), flat screen TV, coffee maker, telephone, alarm clock, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, shower, toiletries, 24-hr. room service (delivery charge), and complimentary WiFi in public areas.  NOTE:  Mini-bar items are typically an extra charge–the only in-room drinks included in the all-inclusive plan are two bottles of water delivered daily.  Here is a brief rundown of guest room categories:

• Standard:  King or two dbl beds.  No balcony.  Ocean or lagoon view.
• Deluxe Ocean View:  King or two dbl beds with balcony.  Ocean view.
• Family Suite:  Two connecting rooms (king bed and two dbl beds).  Some of these rooms do not have much of a view.
• Romantic Room:  King bed, balcony, robe and slippers, spa discount, access to Krystal Club Lounge (see below).  Ocean view.
• Krystal Club Room:  King or two dbl beds, balcony, rainforest showerhead, access to Krystal Club Lounge (see below).  Ocean view.
• Jr. Suite:  King bed, terrace, robe and slippers, separate living room with two loveseats, coffee table, two flat screen TV’s.  Ocean view.
• Master Suite:  Two bedroom suite (king and two dbl beds), terrace with plunge pool, large living room with two loveseats, coffee table, dining table and four chairs, three flat screen TV’s, two bathrooms.  Ocean view.
• Presidential Suite:  One bedroom suite with king bed, balcony with plunge pool and full loungers, living room with two sofas and coffee table, two flat screen TV’s, Krystal Club Lounge access.  Ocean view.

(Krystal Club Lounge Amenities)

• private check-in/out
• bar area
• continental breakfast
• afternoon hors d’oeuvres
• complimentary WiFi

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Available

Resort Amenities:  Lengthy freeform pool (swim-up bar), infinity Jacuzzi (non-heated), small children’s pool, spa, beauty salon, fitness center, boogie boards onsite and remaining water sports available at Aquaworld, pool tables at the lobby bar, pool and beach wait service, Bali beds, hammock section, Kids Club (ages 5-12), playground, complimentary WiFi in public spaces, concierge, gift shop, jewelry store, clothing store, photography store, business center, tour desk, car rental, ATM, and access to neighborhood Mexican restaurant for dinner.

Restaurants/Bars:  There are three restaurants, two being onsite (Aquamarina and Las Velas) and the third a short walk from the lobby (Hacienda el Mortero–reservations required.  Fine cuts of meat, lobster, and non-house wine are an extra charge and not included in the AI plan).  A sushi bar is available in the lobby bar area and there is a weekly poolside buffet.  There are three bars including a lobby bar, swim-up bar, and poolside bar with swing seats.

Entertainment:  No theater with scheduled shows, but there is nightly live music.  During spring  break there are various activities offered beach and poolside including DJ music and various contests.  Easy walking distance to the local nightclubs.

Website:  http://www.krystal-hotels.com/cancun