Formerly known as the Avalon Grand, the NYX Hotel Cancun has been undergoing some serious renovations since its buyout in 2012 including all guest rooms, the lobby area, fitness center, and the addition of the snack bar.  Renovations are scheduled for completion at the end of 2015.  The property sits adjacent to Beach Palace in the middle of the Hotel Zone and shares some of the best beachfront real estate in this part of Cancun.  Guests arriving to the resort will notice the massive staircases and large, glass-paned façade flanked by two Romanesque columns.  The lobby is actually on the second floor which guests will need to climb up to via a ramp or lengthy sets of stairs.  Since these are not the only stairs to be mastered, NYX Hotel Cancun is not recommended for individuals with mobility problems; indeed, elevator access is only available in the central building and the north tower.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vacationers will find the new lobby quite attractive with its mosaic-tiled urns, multiple private seating areas, and large viewing windows with a wonderful view of Nichupté Lagoon.  There is a lobby bar which is a welcome addition to a smaller hotel, while the pool table adds an additional entertainment opportunity.  Those looking for additional evening entertainment will find a Cuban band playing every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.  Club-goers can easily catch a bus to Plaza Forum, or it is a five minute cab ride to Coco Bongo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While live entertainment is a pleasant surprise for a budget-friendly property, daytime activities are also available–aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, and bingo are some of the planned activities.  Those not looking to be quite that busy will find the pool area to be more than adequate for long hours spent lounging and working on that tan, or watching the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea from the beachfront infinity-edge pool.  There is a second pool located on the south side of the property next to Beach Palace–not much of a view, but it would be a great place to go for some peace and quiet or to be near the large, tri-level shaded Jacuzzi.  There aren’t many loungers and no poolside shade umbrellas, but having a quieter option for swimming is another surprise from a budget-friendly resort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beach is the star here with its soft white sand and turquoise ocean waters beyond.  What’s especially unique to NYX’s beach area is that it has some natural shade which is very uncommon for east-facing Hotel Zone beaches.  There are plenty of loungers, some shade umbrellas, and Bali beds ($) for guests to use, while walkers or joggers will find endless stretches of sand in both directions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With their recent renovations, guest rooms have become comfortable havens with Mexican tile floors, new furniture, area rugs, neutral colors, and upgraded bathrooms.  Prime ocean views and large balconies are available in some room categories–keep in mind, however, that most balconies have solid half walls (no plexiglass for optimal viewing), and while small refrigerators are included they are not stocked.  If you are planning on booking NYX Hotel Cancun prior to the end of 2015, make sure you request a room that has been renovated in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shoppers will love NYX Cancun due to its incredibly convenient location to both Flamingo Plaza to the north (it’s a five minute walk at most) and La Isla Mall to the south (this one is a ten minute walk).  In addition to its individual shops, Flamingo Plaza also has big name American restaurants such as Margaritaville, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Outback Steakhouse.  La Isla Mall offers both souvenir shops as well as famous brand name clothing stores in addition to an interactive aquarium (swim with the dolphins here), a cinema, and access to non-motorized water sports.

Type of Resort:  Family-friendly, allinclusive-optional

Pro:  Budget-friendly, beach, room renovations, free WiFi

Con:  Many stairs, limited dining options, some guest rooms haven’t been renovated yet

Best Suited For:  Budget-minded travelers looking for an all-inclusive resort close to nightclubs and shopping, for independent vacationers who don’t plan on spending an inordinate amount of time onsite.

No. of Rooms:  142

Room Amenities (for renovated rooms):  King, queen, or two dbl beds, A/C, armchair, ceiling fan, flat screen TV, small refrigerator (not stocked), digital safe, coffee maker, telephone, radio alarm clock, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, shower-only, and toiletries.  While WiFi is complimentary, room service is an extra charge.  Here is a brief rundown of guest room categories:

• Basic:  This is a smaller room with a queen bed, no balcony.  You could have a view of a neighboring wall out of a small window.
• Standard:  King or two dbl beds, balcony/terrace.  Garden or lagoon view.
• Jr. Suite:  King or queen bed, sitting room area with sofa bed, balcony/terrace, dining room table and three chairs.  Lagoon or ocean view.
• Master Suite:  King bed, separate sitting area with sofa bed, dining table and two chairs, desk and chair, kitchenette with sink and microwave, balcony/terrace.  Ocean view.
• NOTE:  The only elevators are in the main guest room building and the north tower.  Otherwise be prepared to tackle sets of stairs.

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Available; however, this property is not ideal for those with mobility difficulties.

Resort Amenities:  Beachfront infinity pool and second pool (no swim-up bar in either), Jacuzzis, small fitness center, small spa with limited services, beach massage tables, beach and pool wait service, beach Bali beds ($), concierge, tour desk, convenience/gift store, tobacco shop, ATM.

Restaurants/Bars:  The Bellavista buffet restaurant is only open for breakfast, while the new Deck restaurant serves lunch, snacks, and dinner beachfront.  The lobby bar and pool bar are the only onsite bars at the NYX.  All-inclusive guests are limited to domestic alcohol, while international and premium brands are an extra cost.  Bars close at 11 p.m.

Entertainment:  Live Cuban band several nights per week.

Website:  http://en.nyxhotels.com/