The Westin Resort and Spa Cancun is situated at the very southern end of the Hotel Zone by Punta Nizuc, a popular snorkeling and diving spot.  Guests can either snorkel off the resort’s beach, or walk to the other side of the Point near the Club Med property and snorkel right off the beaches there.  The Westin is more isolated from the hustle and bustle of Cancun, yet off-site shopping and entertainment can easily be had by taking the local buses which stop in front of the hotel–guests should allow 20+ minutes to get to the nightclubs at Plaza Forum and 40 minutes to reach downtown Cancun.  The resort is a 5-10 minute drive from the airport making its location more accessible for Riviera Maya excursions and also allows travelers to start and end their vacations more quickly and easily.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best asset of this Westin property is its beach.  It is extremely wide with soft white sand, while the color of the ocean water is startlingly turquoise–guests should expect occasional rocks and a rather quick increase in depth once in the water.  There are many loungers and several shade umbrellas on the beach, while guests can get a fantastic view of the entire east-facing side of the Hotel Zone if one looks north of the resort.  There is a beach bar on the other side of the main pool’s swim-up bar along with several tables and chairs to enjoy the view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not only can guests relax on the Caribbean Sea beach, they can also enjoy the beach bordering Nichupté Lagoon on the other side of the resort.  Although swimming is not allowed in the lagoon (there are crocodiles in lagoon waters), guests can enjoy afternoon sunshine and the spectacular sunsets from the loungers placed on these sands.  Up a level from the beach there are two terraced pools and sundecks with loungers and shade umbrellas; this area comes in handy during afternoon hours for sun worshippers since some of the oceanfront areas become enveloped in shade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the lagoon pools there are multiple pools on the ocean side of the resort.  The main pool is easily recognizable by the white sailcloth stretched over the swim-up bar to provide shade for bartenders and guests.  In addition to the main pool, there are several smaller and shallower triangle-shaped pools (typically used by younger children) which line the beachfront area.  Loungers and umbrellas line most sides of the pool area while snacks and lunchtime venues are close by.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An additional pool is reserved exclusively for Royal Beach Club guests; this pool is located on the southern end of the resort just outside the Royal Beach Club Tower guest room building.  The Royal Beach Club is an upgraded level of service with additional resort amenities, and one of those amenities is a private oceanfront pool.  While this pool does not have its own swim-up bar, it does have its own wait service as well as an adjacent Jacuzzi.  None of the pools at this resort have gradual entries, so guests need to be adept at using in-pool ladders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With room renovations in their final stages, guests can expect more use of walnut-colored woods, more wall artwork, and less use of an overall white color scheme.  Remaining is the signature Heavenly Bed in each room along with the smaller one-sink bathroom complete with shower and separate tub.  Royal Beach Club rooms are the last to be renovated.  Not all rooms at the Westin come with a balcony; Royal Beach Club rooms in the Tower and ground level and 6th floor rooms in the main guest room buildings have balconies.  However, not all room categories are available to all-inclusive guests–only the Deluxe and Royal Beach Club rooms can be booked with this type of meal plan.  If you want an all-inclusive meal plan, chances are you won’t get a balcony unless reserving a Royal Beach Club room.  Rooms without a balcony do have floor-to-ceiling windows from which one can enjoy the view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Westin Resort and Spa Cancun attracts guests who enjoy a more quiet and isolated vacation spot, families with young children, and couples in their 30’s and 40’s.  Although most guests do not book the AI meal plan, individual food and drink pricing at the resort is quite expensive, so any significant time spent at the Westin will be cheaper with the AI plan.  The resort has a wonderful beach, great opportunities for ocean swimming and snorkeling, and is an easy bus ride away from all Cancun has to offer.

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

Pro:  Beach, beachfront and lagoon-side pools

Con:  Renovations have been slow to occur, limited room categories eligible for AI plan, signing receipts for all food and drink orders

Best Suited For:  Vacationers wanting a laid-back, quiet resort away from Cancun’s busy traffic and nightlife, those wanting access to a great beach while still being close to the airport or the Riviera Maya for excursions, those wanting to snorkel while staying in Cancun.

No. of Rooms:  379

Room Amenities:  King or two dbl beds, A/C, mini-bar, digital safe, flat screen TV, desk and chair, small table, armchair, coffee maker, telephone, clock radio, robe and slippers, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, shower, separate tub, and toiletries.  Those who book the AI plan will also receive free room WiFi and 24-hr. room service.  Here is a brief rundown of guest room categories which accept the AI plan:

• Deluxe Lagoon View:  King or two dbl beds.  No balcony.
• Deluxe Ocean view:  King or two dbl beds.  No balcony.
• Royal Beach Club Lagoon View:  King or two dbl beds, balcony/terrace, and Royal Beach Club amenities (see below).
• Royal Beach Club Ocean View:  King or two dbl beds, balcony/terrace, and Royal Beach Club amenities (see below).

(Royal Beach Club Amenities)

• private check-in/out
• private team of concierges
• access to private lounge for breakfast buffet as well as drinks and hors d’oeuvres from 5-7 p.m.
• exclusive guest room building
• access to private oceanfront pool with wait service
• balcony/terrace in each guest room

NOTE:  The AI plan has the following exclusions:  AI guests must stay three nights or longer, premium liquor and meats are not included in the meal plan, nor are bottles of wine, spirits, or champagne.

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Available

Resort Amenities:  Multiple pools (two on the lagoon side, main pool with swim-up bar, private Royal Beach Club pool with adjacent Jacuzzi, and several triangle-shaped shallower kid’s pools), spa, sauna, steam room, lagoon-side Temazcal hut, beauty salon, fitness center, two rooftop tennis courts, Kid’s Club (ages 5-12), playground, on-site arrangements for motorized and non-motorized water sports, pool wait service, beach bar, concierge, tour desk, gift shop, car rental, and ATM.

Restaurant/Bars:  One buffet restaurant (El Palmar) and two a la cartes including contemporary grilled meats and seafood (Arrecifes), and tableside grilling on “hot stones” (Sea and Stones).  The Sunset Bar offers alfresco lunches like sandwiches or burgers, while light snacks can be found at Breeze or The Place.  Most dining venues can be found by the main pool or lobby area.  Bars include a swim-up bar, beach bar on the other side of the swim-up bar, lobby bar, lagoon bar, The Place, and the Sunset Bar.  Drinks under the AI plan can only be obtained until 11 p.m.

Entertainment:  This is a quiet resort; there are some live music venues and short performances which occur, but there is no theater or regularly scheduled lengthy entertainment or shows.  There are TV’s in The Place to view sporting events, and a pool table in the lobby area.

Website:  http://www.westincancun.com/