Budget-minded vacationers looking for a great beach during the day and a pillow to rest their head at night may find Solymar Cancun Beach Resort a good match. Located towards the southern end of the Hotel Zone approximately ten minutes from the airport and a decent starting point for Riviera Maya excursions, Solymar Cancun is one of the older resorts in the area. Guests may not realize that the resort actually consists of two sections–the half-circle formation of guest room buildings around the pool area, and the oceanfront villas and condos which are privately owned (these can be rented through their owners–check out reviews of Solymar Condos on tripadvisor). This resort has definitely seen better days and is plagued by the need for many different types of repairs and renovations–exposed wires, holes in walls, torn bedding, tile repairs, the list goes on. Not all areas and guest rooms are in need of such major attention; in fact, there have already been some room renovations, but booking a room here is like gambling at a casino–you never know, you could get lucky and get a room which anyone would find acceptable. It depends on how much of a gambler you are, and how important surroundings are to a great vacation.
Aerial view
Getting to a guest room is just as much of an adventure as discovering its condition. Sets of stairs lead to different levels of the resort, while the room numbering system seems arbitrary in comparison to other resorts. Trying to find a room can seem like one is navigating a maze. Stairs are everywhere at Solymar Cancun, including the 24 stairs which lead guests from the transportation drop-off to the reception area. For this reason alone, the resort is not recommended for those with mobility issues.
Most guest rooms are decently sized, but not all have balconies (or closet doors, or in-room safes for that matter). Decide what is important for a comfortable stay and request a room with those amenities–be sure to visually inspect the room prior to its acceptance. Tile floors and shower-only bathrooms are standard, while newly renovated rooms have accent walls and colorful accessories. These are bare-bones guest rooms for the most part, so be sure to bring your own bathroom amenities (and maybe an extra towel or two).
Standard room, courtesy Solymar Cancun
Since Solymar Cancun is a smaller resort it has a limited number of amenities, including the following:
- complimentary lobby WiFi
- tennis court
- two pools (one has a shallow section perfect for young children)
- one swim-up bar and adjacent pool bar on the other side
- one beach bar and grill
- one buffet restaurant (no a la cartes)
- pool towels
- pool and beach loungers (not enough though)
- massages available
- tour desk
- child care at an extra cost
- complimentary parking
- ATM
There are a limited number of loungers at both the beach pool areas with no real poolside shade opportunities, but there are palapas on the beach. The resort lacks an official activities team, but pool and sand volleyball are offered. There is no nightly entertainment, but the resort is on the major bus route which makes it incredibly easy (and cheap) to get around Cancun for shopping and nightlife.
Pool area and restaurant
Beach area, courtesy Solymar Cancun
Type of Resort: Family-friendly, allinclusive-optional meal plan
Pro: Beach, free lobby WiFi
Con: Needs major resort renovations, too many stairs, layout is confusing
Best Suited For: Budget minded travelers who like quirky resorts, beach lovers who only need a bed and a bathroom to have a great vacation.
No. of Rooms: Although the resort’s website says it has 294, I believe that number may be including the oceanfront villas and condos which are not available to regular resort guests.
Room Amenities: King or two dbl beds, A/C, TV, telephone, and shower only. There is no room service or mini-bar; request a hair dryer and room with a safe. Here are the room categories:
- Standard: King or two dbl beds. Grounds, garden, or pool view. Not all rooms have a balcony. Ask to see if they have any renovated rooms available.
- Ocean View: King or two dbl beds. Some of the rooms are nicely updated and have a balcony or terrace.
- NOTE: Check the assigned room first prior to its acceptance.
Physically Challenged Rooms: Not available. Those with mobility issues are advised to avoid this resort due to its many stairs.
Resort Amenities: Main pool (swim-up bar), second pool with shallow section, tennis court, massages available, beach bar, complimentary lobby WiFi, tour desk, and ATM.
Restaurants/Bars: There is only one restaurant (buffet) which adjoins both pools. The Beach Bar and Grill serves light fare from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. including hamburgers, nachos, and fries. Onsite bars include the swim-up bar, adjacent pool bar on the other side, and the beach bar. NOTE: Be aware that allinclusive guests do not have free access to more premium alcohol, that is an extra charge.
Entertainment: There is no regularly scheduled evening entertainment, and not many organized activities during the day.
Website: http://www.solymarcancun.net/english.htm