Krystal Cancun Hotel is a family-friendly all-inclusive optional resort right in the heart of the Hotel Zone at Punta Cancun and across from Cancun’s convention center.  Fortunately (or unfortunately–it depends on how you look at it), the resort is situated a stone’s throw from Cancun’s famous clubs so the sound and activity level can go up a notch or two late in the evenings.  The closest club is Mandalay, so their Tuesday night beach party can go until 3:30 a.m.  Guests staying in Tower B should be forewarned that you will get the brunt of Mandalay and party zone noise.

If one puts the nearby partying aspect aside, Krystal Cancun offers a stellar beach section–it’s wide, lengthy, and is protected from some of the harsher ocean conditions that other eastern-facing Hotel Zone beaches deal with–the man-made rock and concrete breakwater wall helps out a lot with this issue.  Ocean waters are calmer here overall, yet on some days swimmers have enough wave action to bodysurf or boogie board.  There are beach loungers for guests, but any beach Bali bed comes with an extra cost.

The pool area offers several different swimming sections including the main pool with its very small swim-up bar and waterfall, the infinity Jacuzzi with a great ocean view, and another small Jacuzzi which is commonly referred to as the kid’s pool.  There is a circular poolside bar with a great ocean view (it’s not actually a beach bar but it is very close to the beach), some hammocks, and some poolside loungers but be aware that shade opportunities are lacking.

In terms of dining opportunities, the best restaurant is actually off-site but it is a short walk and is called Hacienda El Mortero Restaurant.  It caters to both Krystal Cancun guests as well as the general public so reservations here are a must.  Most people rave about the restaurant because of its food, mariachis, large margaritas, and quaint Mexican ambiance of the place.  On-site restaurants include a buffet, Mediterranean, and Italian restaurants, a poolside venue which serves ceviche and fish tacos, and a sushi counter in the lobby bar area which don’t require reservations.

For those who want better rooms, make sure to consider the Club Krystal category; these rooms have great Caribbean Sea views with access to a private lounge.  Family Studios are available with sofa beds to accommodate families with children.  Be aware that some rooms only have Juliet balconies–standing room only.  Also, this resort seems to have recurring problems with elevator breakdowns so be prepared for that possibility.

Overall, vacationers can get a fairly good all-inclusive deal here but keep some things in mind before you book.  Mini-bar snacks are not included in the all-inclusive optional plan, nor is upgraded liquor.  if you ask for upgraded liquor in your drinks you will be charged extra for it.  If you decide to go ahead and make a reservation, make sure to book on the resort’s website–you will see the “All Inclusive” option there.  Booking the option with a third party is questionable in terms of actually getting the all-inclusive meal plan.

Here’s a short video highlighting various aspects of the resort–would you consider this resort as a vacation option?