Krystal Grand Punta Cancun, formerly known as the Hyatt Regency Cancun, opened in 2014 as the “sister” resort to its immediate neighbor, Krystal Cancun.  Despite their being “sister” resorts, guests of the Grand may visit Krystal Cancun and enjoy its amenities, but Krystal Cancun guests do not have reciprocal privileges.  Both resorts are all-inclusive optional and family-friendly with the Grand being more upscale and less party-oriented than Krystal Cancun.  Since the Grand is situated a bit further from the nightlife and club scene, it also stays quieter at night than Krystal Cancun–no earplugs needed.  The resort has made some significant renovations since 2014 including the completion of an adults-only beachfront infinity pool, kid’s club with playground, a new lobby bar, and two additional a la carte restaurants (Asian and Italian).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Grand has a phenomenal location in the Punta Cancun area of the Hotel Zone and is just a short walk from popular bars, restaurants, and nightclubs like Coco Bongo, The City, and Mandala.  It is also within easy walking distance to local transportation, a grocery store for those who may have forgotten necessities, and Plaza Caracol for shopping opportunities.  Its location in Punta Cancun also guarantees a relatively calmer stretch of ocean due to the manmade concrete block “pier” next to the resort which provides a break to the strong Caribbean Sea surf.  Swimming and snorkeling is therefore possible at this location; beach walkers can head south for miles past many of Cancun’s more popular resorts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Krystal Grand Punta Cancun is immediately recognizable with its unique circular exterior.  Guests entering the resort will note the stained glass-like ceiling, the circular lobby space on the second level, and the lobby bar in-the-round on the main floor below.  Although it gives a rather futuristic look to the space, the circular design acts like an echo chamber which makes this space somewhat noisy when lots of guests are present.  Guest room entrances are located in this circular interior on floors above; looking down at the lobby bar while walking to or from one’s room can produce either exhilarating or terrifying reactions depending on one’s fear of heights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guest rooms, while on the smaller side, include a separate sitting area and plexiglass balcony panel to maximize the view.  Many non-suite bathrooms have a tub/shower combo with a shower curtain, while the general décor is relaxing with its basic whites, crèmes, and chocolate brown color scheme.  All-inclusive guests should be aware that despite paying for all-inclusive privileges, many mini-bar items are not complimentary (re. snacks, bottles of wine or liquor), so be sure to ask at check-in what the current policy is in regards to included items.  Also, while room service is available at all hours for guests’ convenience, there is a delivery charge per order (approximately USD $6).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When not enjoying the view from one’s balcony, check out the multiple pools including an adults-only beachfront infinity pool along with the separate main pool.  The main pool, while not beachfront, is divided into two sections–the smaller upper level and the lower level which includes built-in tiled loungers and tables, a swim-up bar, and a waterfall which cascades from the upper level pool.  A small children’s pool is located immediately adjacent to the lower level area making it incredibly convenient to grab a drink at the swim-up bar prior to watching over a swimming or splashing child.  Padded  loungers and shade umbrellas surround all pool areas along with scattered and minimal natural shade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As previously mentioned, this is a great area in which to swim or snorkel, but it is still possible to get red flags from time-to-time due to rip currents or high surf.  There are loungers, shade palapas (no natural shade, however), and Bali beds on the beach, while servers will take drink and food orders from here as well.  While Bali beds are offered, the resort has experimented with charging for their use (USD $120 for two days along with a “bottle of choice”), so inquire about its current reservation policy with a staff member prior to getting settled in for the day.  Those interested in non-motorized water sports will have to check them out at Aquaworld which is located halfway down the Caribbean Sea portion of the Hotel Zone on Nichupté Lagoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Grand Punta Cancun or Krystal Hotels and Resorts (if booking online) for the time being.  Also, some have booked  the Altitude upgrade thinking it to be the all-inclusive package when it is not–it is merely an upgrade which entitles guests to upper floor rooms along with continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres/cocktails in a private lounge.  Guests may book the Altitude upgrade in addition to their all-inclusive package.

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

Pro:  Beach, stay at one play at two, walking distance to nightclubs, free WiFi

Con:  Noisy lobby, some amenities are an extra charge

Best Suited For:  Guests who want to be close to nightlife without a spring break resort atmosphere

No. of Rooms:  252

Room Amenities:  King or two dbl beds, A/C, balcony/terrace, table and two chairs, mini-bar ($), digital safe, flat screen TV, two telephones, coffee maker, robes and slippers, alarm clock, hair dryer, shower, toiletries, 24-hr. room service (delivery charge), free WiFi.  Here is a brief rundown of room categories:

• Deluxe:  King or two dbl beds, tub/shower combo.  City or lagoon view.
• Deluxe Ocean View:  King or two dbl beds, loveseat, tub/shower combo.  Ocean view.
• Altitude Deluxe:  King or two dbl beds, chaise lounge, armchair, small work station, iPod dock, shower-only with rainforest showerhead, upgraded toiletries, iron/ironing board, flashlight, access to the Altitude Lounge (see below).  Rooms located on the top three floors.  Ocean view.
• Altitude Suite:  King bed in separate bedroom along with chaise lounge, armchair, small work station and flat screen TV, living room with sofa, footrest, dining table and four chairs, flat screen TV, bathroom with tub/shower combo and upgraded toiletries, iron/ironing board, Nespresso coffee maker, access to the Altitude Lounge (see below).  Lagoon or partial ocean view.
• Eternity Suite:  King bed in separate bedroom, living room, kitchenette area, Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, upgraded toiletries, rainforest showerhead, work area, access to the Altitude Lounge (see below).  Ocean view.
• Infinity Suite:  King bed in separate bedroom, living room with large sofa, two loveseats, two armchairs, flat screen TV, kitchenette area, dining table with seating for 10, Jacuzzi tub, large shower, upgraded toiletries, rainforest showerhead, massage room, access to the Altitude Lounge (see below).  Ocean view.

(Altitude Lounge Amenities)

• located on the 14th floor with great ocean view
• private check-in/out
• water, coffee, and tea available
• continental breakfast
• evening hors d’oeuvres and cocktails
• access to free WiFi and printer
• flat screen TV

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Available

Resort Amenities:  Three pools (bi-level main pool with swim-up bar, adults-only beachfront infinity pool, and children’s pool), spa, beauty salon, fitness center, water sports available at Aquaworld, Deli ($), pool and beach wait service, Bali beds, Kid’s Club (ages 4-12), small playground, complimentary WiFi, concierge, gift shop, jewelry store, clothing and sundries store, computers and printer available outside the Deli ($), tour desk, car rental, ATM, and access to Krystal Cancun’s amenities.

Restaurants/Bars:  This resort offers one buffet restaurant for breakfast and dinner (“O”), a la carte poolside lunch and dinner service (The Grill), snack/appetizer and grilled specialties (The Beach Bar and Grill), the Deli (sandwiches, salads, desserts at an extra cost), a sushi bar open for lunch and dinner at The Lounge and Terrace, Asian a la carte (Ayami–teppanyaki show tables), Italian a la carte (Risotto), and access to a nearby local Mexican restaurant for dinner (Hacienda el Mortero).  Reservations are required at Ayami, Risotto, and Hacienda el Mortero.  Guests also have access to the restaurants at Krystal Cancun.  There are four bars including the swim-up/poolside bar, lobby bar, the Beach Bar, and the Lounge and Terrace bar.  Guests also have access to the bars at Krystal Cancun.

Entertainment:  Although there are no scheduled evening shows and no theater, there is live music which occurs in the lobby bar area.  Easy walking distance to local nightclubs.

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