GR Caribe by Solaris used to be known as the Caribe Tower; within the last three years this resort has been fully renovated in a blend of Moroccan and Mediterranean styles with arched windows and doorways, hand carved furniture, iron chandeliers with colored glass fixtures, and open-air courtyards filled with sculptures, seating areas, and fountains–the lobby has recently been enclosed and air-conditioned as well.

This is a quiet resort with many places to comfortably lounge or read a good book. There are two courtyards or “plazas” where guests often gather (Socorrito and Zeferino Plazas) as well as the inviting space by the reception area with its sofas, lounge chairs, and chic lobby bar.

There is only one small pool (with no swim-up bar), but the real highlight are the two elongated beachfront Jacuzzis which have the best ocean views of the property.  Those who have some mobility issues may have difficulty getting into and out of the pool since there are two wall ladders for guests to use rather than stairs for pool access.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taking the flight of stairs from the pool down to the beach guests will find that beautiful turquoise water and white sand for which Cancun is known.  There is some occasional sea grass which is gathered when necessary.  There are loungers, a few cabana beds, palapas, and slatted shade structures placed far back from the ocean along the retaining wall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two huge advantages to staying at the GR Caribe include the ability to enjoy its sister resort, Royal Solaris Cancun, which is conveniently located next door, as well as being able to use the complimentary non-motorized water sports across the street at the marina on Nichupté Lagoon.  Most Royal Solaris’ amenities are available to GR Caribe guests including the following:

• use of the activities pool
• children’s water park
• beach area
• all bars including the swim-up bar
• dining at Marco Polo, Rosmarinus, Las Fuentes, and the snack area
• Kid’s Club
• teen game room
• spa
• fitness center
• evening entertainment

Although this is a family-friendly resort, most children’s amenities are located next door at the Royal Solaris.  (There is a mini-golf course on-site for the whole family).  Also, for those family members (children or adults) who still wish to be “plugged-in” via the internet while on vacation, the WiFi charge is USD $16 per device/per day.  However, every Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., WiFi is free throughout the resort.  This is not a well-advertised fact for obvious monetary reasons, but it can save guests some money who don’t need to have WiFi throughout their stay.

There is a very nice photo gallery of this resort on Flickr at the following link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Resort:  Family-friendly

Pro:  Enjoy two resorts for one price, stylish Moroccan décor.

Con:  No swim-up bar, lots of stairs, very few balconies, WiFi $ (except on Wed. from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.), lack of sound-proofing in guest rooms.

Best Suited For:  Singles and couples who want a quiet, stylish retreat, or those who want the option of having a more lively atmosphere on a limited basis.

No. of Rooms:  200

Room Amenities:  King or two dbl beds, A/C, in-room safe, mini-bar, flat screen TV, ceiling fan, coffee maker, desk, alarm clock with iPod dock, robes, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, shower, toiletries, and 24-hr. room service.  WiFi is an extra charge.  Here is a brief rundown of guest room categories:

• Deluxe:  King or two dbl beds.  Courtyard or lagoon views.
• Luxury Ocean View:  King or two dbl beds.  Some rooms include a separate seating area with a sofa along two walls, and windows which open to let in the ocean breezes.  Partial ocean view.
• Premier Class Oceanfront:  King or two dbl beds.  Some rooms include a separate seating area with a sofa along two walls, and windows which open to let in the ocean breezes.  Ocean view.
• Superior Two Bedroom Villa:  King bed in one bedroom, two dbls in the other.  This room category also includes a separate seating area with a sofa, balcony, kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator.  Ocean view.
• NOTE:  There are very few rooms with balconies, and these are typically reserved for timeshare owners.  If balcony space is important for a good vacation experience, this is not the resort for you.

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Not available

Resort Amenities:  Beachfront pool (no swim-up bar), two oceanfront Jacuzzis, tennis, pool and beach wait service, complimentary non-motorized water sports across the street at the Marina, mini-golf course, massage hut, games room, concierge, and access to amenities at the Royal Solaris next door.

Restaurants/Bars:  GR Caribe offers a breakfast buffet at Café Solaris (no A/C), and two a la carte restaurants which do not require reservations.  The a la cartes include the Veneto (Italian) and the Bogavante (seafood and Mexican fusion–no A/C).  There are snacks and deli items offered by the pool, while the Socorrito Plaza offers coffee service, pastries, crepes, flambéed coffees (“tea time”) in the later afternoon–approximately 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m..  There are two bars–the pool bar and the lobby bar.  Guests may also dine and drink at the Royal Solaris next door.

Entertainment:  On-site entertainment is limited to live jazz music, a master Story Teller, belly dancers, and other live entertainment acts.  Guests are free to enjoy evening shows over at Royal Solaris and the Mayan show which is held once per week on the beach between the two resorts.

Website:  http://goo.gl/cwkibI