A popular destination for spring breakers and families with young children, Gran Caribe Resort is a Mediterranean-inspired hotel situated within walking distance to popular malls and nightclubs.  The hotel is one of the older properties in the Hotel Zone and, as such, is in need of a renovation which is slated to occur in 2017.  This hotel, along with its sister property Gran Porto Resort in Playa del Carmen, are part of the Playa Resorts chain which recently struck a business deal with the travel retailer, Panama Jack; the renovation will reflect the spirit of the retailer with a “retro-hip vibe” designed to reflect the lifestyle of a traveler–think vintage surfboards, classic beach cruisers, living walls, and community dining.  The hotel will be rebranded with the Panama Jack name (Panama Jack Gran Caribe) and receiving travelers under this name by the end of 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easily the best asset of Gran Caribe Resort is its quarter-mile long stretch of impressive white sand beach; it’s wide, too, with lots of room for beach games, lounging, and long walks in either direction.  Since the last couple of rainy seasons have resulted in some beach erosion, there is a small discrepancy in sand height in certain areas when approaching the water’s edge.  Once there, water access is easy–parasailing and Jet Ski availability is just a short stroll away.  Beach loungers are plentiful, while shade is provided by cabanas, palapas, and man-made structures which cover two loungers each.  While cabanas used to be first-come first-served, some are now reserved for Beachfront Walk-Out Suites while others can be rented on a daily basis for around $50.  Beach bar lovers are in for a treat since there is a popular bar on the edge of the beachfront area with several swings as seats.  Since this resort is a popular spring break destination, expect possible stages set up on the beach with DJ’s and techno music during the months of February through April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right above the beach is the main pool with its multiple ledges perfect for keeping cool while tanning in the hot Cancun sun.  It’s on the small side, though, for 487 guest rooms and lacks a swim-up bar.  Loungers surround the pool while several cabanas are nestled in the background and man-made shade structures provide respite for two loungers at a time–there are no poolside umbrellas.  Guests who desire more space between loungers or a more quiet environment overall may want to check out the second pool on the front side of the resort facing Nichupté Lagoon.  Although it’s often referred to as the children’s pool, it is deep enough for adults to enjoy as well.  Next to this pool is the water park with its pirate ship and castle full of water slides; the resort sign says everyone from age four to 60 are welcome to play here, so both kids and adults can have a good time together on the slides or splashing about with younger children in the adjacent area.  The nearby Kid’s Club has an additional pool and water slide for young children.  Looking for more fun?  Find the nearby giant chess set and mini-golf.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it’s time to get away from all the action and daily activities, guests can retreat to their guest room complete with mini-bar, digital safe, flat screen TV, coffee maker, and large shower.  A definite plus at the Gran Caribe Resort is its ability to accommodate families of five thanks to a bunk bed with a pull-out trundle; those who want to be as close to the beach as possible will want to book the Beachfront Walk-Out rooms, and there are in-room double Jacuzzi Suites for the romantic-minded.  Rooms are decorated in a more contemporary fashion with dark wood furniture, white linens, and maroon/red accents.  Those fortunate enough to book the one-bedroom or Presidential suites can also enjoy access to the private lounge on the 6th floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The open-air lobby is a great place to make friends while enjoying a before or after dinner drink at the large lobby bar.  Evening entertainment is held here as well which includes live shows and Casino Night.  Those who come back to the resort late from the clubs will also appreciate the 24-hr. self-service snack bar complete with hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and self-serve alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks.

It would be remiss not to mention the lovely Catholic chapel, Our Lady of Guadalupe, which has stellar ocean views and keeps busy with weddings and vow renewal ceremonies.  Even if guests are not at the resort to get married, this chapel is worth a visit for some quiet contemplation and a spectacular view of the sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Resort:  Family-friendly

Pro:  Excellent beach, walking distance to malls and nightclubs, water park, family of five friendly, chapel with ocean view, free WiFi

Con:  Popular spring break resort, small main pool, noisy balconies on lagoon side, no swim-up bar

Best Suited For:  Families with young children and spring breakers during the months of February through April

No. of Rooms:  487

Room Amenities:  King or two dbl beds, balcony/terrace, A/C, mini-bar, digital safe, flat screen TV, telephone, ceiling fan, coffee maker, radio alarm clock, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, shower, and toiletries.  There is complimentary room service from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and complimentary WiFi.  Here is a brief rundown of guest room categories:

• Standard:  King or two dbl beds, sitting room area with sofa bed, table and two chairs.  Hotel interior view.
• Jr. Suite:  King or two dbl beds, sunken sitting room with sofa bed, table and two chairs.  Lagoon or garden view.  Sitting out on the balcony in lagoon view rooms can be noisy.  Some rooms have narrow balconies.
• Jr. Suite Ocean View:  King or two dbl beds, sunken sitting room with sofa bed, table and two chairs, robe and slippers, in-room domestic liquor dispensers.  Ocean view.  Some rooms have narrow balconies.
• Jr. Suite Oceanfront:  King or two dbl beds, king bed suites have a sunken sitting room with sofa bed, table and two chairs, robe and slippers, in-room domestic liquor dispensers, 15% spa discount.  Partial ocean view.  Some rooms have narrow balconies.
• Family Jr. Suite:  King or two dbl beds, sitting room with bunk bed and trundle, table and two chairs, terrace hammock, direct access to the water park.  Grounds and water park view.
• Gran Jr. Suite:  King or two dbl beds, king bed suites have a sunken sitting room with sofa bed, Nespresso machine, robe and slippers, upgraded in-room liquor dispensers, pillow menu, nightly turndown service, 15% spa discount, access to 6th floor private lounge, access to THE Royal Playa del Carmen for dinner at select restaurants (age 18+ with reservation)–transportation not included.  No ocean views.
• Gran Jr. Suite Beachfront Walk-Out:  King or two dbl beds, direct beach access, assigned beach cabana, two full loungers, king bed suites have a sunken sitting room with sofa bed and table and two chairs, upgraded in-room liquor dispensers, robe and slippers, 15% spa discount, access to THE Royal Playa del Carmen for dinner at select restaurants (age 18+ with reservation)–transportation not included.  Oceanfront.  NOTE:  Some walk-out rooms have cabanas directly outside the terrace which blocks ocean views.
• Gran Master One Bedroom Suite:  Separate bedroom with king bed and table and two chairs, king bed suites have a living room with sofa bed while dbl bed suites have a sofa, dining table and four chairs, coffee table, bunk beds with trundle, two flat screen TV’s, robe and slippers, upgraded in-room liquor dispensers, upgraded toiletries, 15% spa discounts, access to THE Royal Playa del Carmen for dinner at select restaurants (age 18+ with reservation)–transportation not included  Views vary.
• Gran Master One Bedroom Ocean View Suite:  Separate bedroom with king bed, table and two chairs, in-room Jacuzzi tub, living room with sofa bed, coffee table, dining table and four chairs, two flat screen TV’s, Nespresso machine, robe and slippers, upgraded in-room liquor dispensers, upgraded toiletries, pillow menu, nightly turndown service, 15% spa discounts, access to 6th floor private lounge, access to THE Royal Playa del Carmen for dinner at select restaurants (age 18+ with reservation)–transportation not included, balcony hammock and two full loungers.  Ocean view.
• Gran Master One Bedroom Oceanfront Suite:  King or two dbl beds, table and two chairs, living room with two sofas, coffee table, balcony Jacuzzi and hammock, two full loungers, Nespresso machine, robe and slippers, upgraded in-room liquor dispensers, upgraded toiletries, pillow menu, nightly turndown service, 15% spa discounts, access to 6th floor private lounge, access to THE Royal Playa del Carmen’s spa and dinner at select restaurants (age 18+ with reservation)–transportation not included.  Full ocean view.
• Gran Presidential Suite Ocean View:  Separate bedroom with king bed, flat screen TV, table and two chairs, in-room Jacuzzi, living room with two sofas, armchair, coffee table, flat screen TV, large balcony with Jacuzzi, two full loungers and hammock, bathroom with dbl sinks, Nespresso machine, robe and slippers, upgraded in-room liquor dispensers, upgraded toiletries, pillow menu, nightly turndown service, 15% spa discounts, access to 6th floor private lounge, access to THE Royal Playa del Carmen’s spa and dinner at select restaurants (age 18+ with reservation)–transportation not included, reserved beach cabana.  Ocean view.

(24-hr. VIP Lounge Amenities)

• self-serve hors d’oeuvres, mini-buffet with deli meats and cheeses, fruit, continental breakfast items, coffee, top-shelf liquors, wine, soda machine
• pool table, foosball table, games table, comfy sofas, flat screen TV
• two computers to use

NOTE:  Here are a few items to note concerning guest room situations:

• some ocean view rooms are actually partial ocean views; check out the room view first before accepting the room assignment if this is an important vacation amenity
• some oceanfront rooms are actually ocean views instead of being right by the beach
• rooms at the front of the resort (facing the lagoon) can be noisy due to the main A/C fan/ventilation units

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Available

Resort Amenities:  Main pool (no swim-up bar), family-friendly pool on the lagoon-side of the resort (no swim-up bar), water park for adults and children, small pool with waterslide at the Kid’s Club (ages 4-12), T-Zone (ages 13-17), spa, complimentary access to the hydrotherapy zone beauty salon, fitness center including spinning and yoga classes, mini-golf, bicycle tour, giant chess, pottery painting, pool and beach wait service, cabanas, beach massage tables, beach bar, Catholic chapel, 24-hr. self-serve drinks and snacks room, 24-hr. VIP room on the 6th floor for certain guest room categories, concierge, tour desk, gift shop, car rental, medical services, ATM.

Restaurants/Bars:  One buffet for all meals (Albatros) and another buffet for lunch and dinner (Gaviotas), and three a la cartes including Mexican (Maria’s), Italian (Il Pescatore), and international fare (Sunset Restaurant).  Other eating options include a daily poolside/beach BBQ, poolside food carts, 24-hr. lounge with snacks and drinks, the 24-hr. VIP Lounge on the 6th floor for certain guest room categories, and casual snacks at the beach bar.  In addition to the Trade Winds Beach Bar, other bar options include the lobby bar, several restaurant bars, and the 24-hr. lounge bar (guests from select guest room categories also have access to the bar in the private lounge on the 6th floor).

Entertainment:  Nightly shows are offered along with live entertainment in the lobby area, and casino night.  Nightclubs are a 20-min. walk from the resort.

Website:  https://www.playaresorts.com/gran-caribe-resort/