The Hyatt Zilara Cancun, formerly known as THE Royal Cancun, changed ownership and was rebranded in Nov. 2013.  There haven’t been too many major changes since the switch in ownership–many of the same staff are still there, restaurant names are recognizable, guest rooms and public areas appear similar in layout with the replacement of bedding and some furniture items.  New features include the following:

• addition of the Tequileria Beach Bar Lounge with swing seats–right on the white sand beach
• a designated “Romance Concierge”
• 3rd floor infinity lap pool
• renovated fitness center
• hair straighteners upon request
• addition of La Adelita Cantina

This resort has always offered its guests a level of luxury, service, and resort amenities difficult to replicate, and the Hyatt is attempting to maintain this well-deserved reputation while adding a few touches of their own.

This white, eight-story Mediterranean-style resort lies horizontal to the beach giving most guests an expansive ocean view from its balconies.  Looking at the resort from the beach, the Hyatt Zilara Cancun appears to be honeycomb-like in appearance, but upon closer inspection the large columns and arched fronts help to create this illusion.  Guest rooms are one of the resort’s biggest assets with their in-room dbl Jacuzzi tub with a view, a large bathroom (some with a steam shower), swivel flat screen TV’s for easy viewing, a “Magic Box” for discrete room service, in-room liquor dispensers, the inclusion of hammocks on most balconies, and a reserved beach cabana for more upgraded room categories.  Although swim-up rooms are a popular guest room choice, there is no direct access to the main pool just a very inviting but small private pool with full loungers.  Access to the main pool can be had by walking down the half dozen steps provided from each of the semi-private pools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interior public spaces are also spacious–the open-air lobby initially stuns with its stained glass ceiling panel while high ceilings open to guest room corridors for the first four floors in the center of the resort.  Marble floors with a raised wooden platform host evening cirque du soleil performances, while multiple seating areas with cozy sofas and armchairs are perfect for conversations or relaxation.  Continuing to move through the center of the resort is the stage area where guests can dance following the show, while the large lobby bar with its multiple horse sculptures offers a sea view beyond.  Top-shelf liquors are served at all bars while fresh fruits are used for many mixers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since entertainment options may be somewhat limited, especially for those who don’t enjoy cirque du soleil-type options, guests will find the 24-hr. Lounge a reprieve with its pool tables, table tennis, table games, flat screen TV’s, mini-buffet, and self-serve bar and drink stations.  While water sports are not offered onsite, guests can stroll down the beach to find parasailing and wave runner options.  Additional evening entertainment can be obtained by visiting the popular clubs located at Plaza Forum which is a quick cab or bus ride away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those looking for a more quiet and relaxing way to spend time can always choose The Spa, a Mayan-inspired, “eco-holistic” facility which features a complimentary hydrotherapy circuit, hot and cold plunge pools, steam rooms, and a Temazcal steam hut.  The renovated Sky Gym has all new equipment for fitness buffs as well as a new outdoor infinity lap pool with a great view of the lagoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While many vacationers come to Cancun for its beautiful beaches, guests of the Hyatt Zilara will not be disappointed with its magnificent stretch of soft white sand–the resort’s beach is long and wide with an easy ocean entry.  Loungers and cabanas provide sunning and dozing opportunities, but shade palapas or umbrellas are non-existent (guests can find some natural shade on the south side of the property since the hotel planted more palm trees).  Guests do need to be aware that some cabanas are reserved for certain upgraded guest rooms; however, these are easily identified via attached signs with  designated room numbers on them.  Others are first-come first-served; the wooden two-storied daybed structures are an extra charge.  For those wanting to try a beach bar with swings, check out the Tequileria Beach Bar; it is open until midnight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the more popular areas of the resort is the freeform main pool.  While there is a swim-up bar, it is in a somewhat awkward location behind Pelicanos restaurant with no ocean view.  The surrounding sundeck is filled to capacity with cabanas and some loungers, most of which are “reserved” by 7 a.m. (these are first-come first-served).  Perhaps the most well-attended event at the resort is the Tuesday pool foam party–a live DJ provides the tunes while guests have the option of ordering a special package which includes a bottle of Taittinger champagne with ice bucket, sushi platters, Evian water, misters, and personalized service for an extra cost.  Guests wanting to get away from poolside “action” will want to visit the secluded Jacuzzis, fountain, and hammock area outside the spa in the resort’s courtyard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those who are curious about the new family-friendly Hyatt (Hyatt Ziva Cancun which replaced the old Dreams Cancun on the point) are able to visit the resort for dinner; arrange the visit with Guest Services beforehand.

Type of Resort:  Adults-only (age 18+)

Pro:  Large suites with ocean views, lots of cabanas, wide beach, free WiFi, dinner at Hyatt Ziva

Con:  Pricey, cabana-claiming starts early, thin walls in connecting rooms, small balcony, no A/C in the lobby area

Best Suited For:  Affluent couples celebrating a special occasion, honeymooners, destination wedding location, those who like an adults-only atmosphere.

No. of Rooms:  307

Room Amenities:  All suites include a king or two dbl beds, A/C, balcony/terrace with hammock, in-room dbl Jacuzzi, mini-bar, liquor dispensers, welcome bottle of red wine and fruit, digital safe, “Magic Box” for 24-hr. room service delivery, swivel flat screen TV, Bose speaker system, table and two chairs, desk and chair, ceiling fan, coffee maker, telephone, robes and slippers, iron/ironing board, pillow menu, hair dryer, hair straightener (upon request), two sinks, shower with rainforest showerhead, toiletries, 24-hr. room service, and complimentary WiFi.  Suites are divided into the following three categories (Standard, View, and Premium):

(Standard)

• Jr. Suite King:  King bed and above amenities.  Suites may be on lower floors.
• Jr. Suite Dbl:  Two dbl beds and above amenities.  Suites may be on lower floors.

(View)

• Jr. Suite King Ocean View:  King bed and above amenities.  Upper level floor.
• Jr. Suite Dbl Ocean View:  Two dbl beds and above amenities.  Upper level floor.
• Jr. Suite King Oceanfront:  King bed, personalized concierge service, access to Chef’s Plate restaurant, Nespresso coffee maker, and above amenities.  Unobstructed ocean view.  These suites have a connecting door.
• Jr. Suite Dbl Oceanfront:  Two dbl beds, personalized concierge service, access to Chef’s Plate restaurant, Nespresso coffee maker, and above amenities.  Unobstructed ocean view.  These suites have a connecting door.

(Premium)

• Swim-Up Suite:  King bed, in-suite check-in, direct access to a semi-private pool (does not directly connect to the main pool), steam shower, telescope, personalized concierge service, access to Chef’s Plate restaurant, Nespresso coffee maker, reserved beach cabana, complimentary domestic and international calls, and above amenities.  Ocean views can be obstructed.
• Oceanfront Luxury Suite King:  This is a corner suite with a king bed and wrap-around balcony, steam shower, personalized concierge service, access to Chef’s Plate restaurant, Nespresso coffee maker, reserved beach cabana, and above amenities.  Unobstructed ocean view.  These suites have a connecting door.
• Presidential Suite:  Separate bedroom with king bed, living room with sofa, loveseat, armchair and ottoman, coffee table, telescope, extended balcony, kitchen area with full-size refrigerator, dining table and five chairs, bar sink, microwave, fully-stocked bar with premium alcohol, glassware, Nespresso coffee maker, steam shower, dbl vessel sinks, bidet, personalized concierge services, access to Chef’s Plate restaurant, reserved beach cabana, complimentary domestic and international calls, and above amenities.  Penthouse floor with unobstructed ocean view.  These suites have a connecting door.
• NOTE:  Major causes of noise in the rooms:  lower floor rooms located near the center of the resort tend to be noisy due to pool activities during the day; rooms on the first four floors with corridors open to the lobby can get quite noisy from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. due to lobby entertainment; rooms with connecting doors have been described as having “thin walls”.  Those who want more quiet may want to request a room on the south side.

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Available

Resort Amenities:  Infinity edge freeform pool (swim-up bar and Tuesday pool foam party), integrated Jacuzzi, 3rd floor infinity lap pool, spa with complimentary hydrotherapy circuit and Temazcal ceremony and hut, small Jacuzzi and hammock area by the spa, beauty salon, fitness center, rooftop tennis court, bicycle tour, pool and beach cabanas, pool and beach wait service, beach butlers, 24-hr. Lounge with games room, romance concierge, concierge, gift and clothing shop, tour desk, medical services, car rental, and ATM.  Guests may visit Hyatt Ziva Cancun to enjoy that resort’s amenities and have dinner there as well.

Restaurants/Bars:  There is one buffet restaurant (Spice), and five a la cartes including seafood (Pelicanos, no A/C), Mexican (Maria Marie), Asian (Asiana–teppanyaki show  tables), casual cantina-style Mexican cuisine (La Adelita Cantina), and Chef’s Plate restaurant which is a complimentary dining experience for upgraded resort guests.  There is also a coffee house which serves desserts, pastries, ice cream, and chocolate covered strawberries, fondue night in the lobby area, and the 24-hr. Lounge which offers a mini-buffet and self-serve drinks all day and all night.  Dinner reservations are only necessary for Chef’s Plate and the teppanyaki show tables at Asiana; reservations should be made as soon as possible following check-in.  There are five bars onsite including the lobby bar, swim-up bar, pool bar, beach bar, and the self-serve bar at the 24-hr. Lounge.  Guests may also have dinner at Hyatt Ziva Cancun.

Entertainment:  Nightly shows in the lobby, live music in the lobby, casino night, and the pool foam party every Tuesday.  There is a games area in the 24-hr. Lounge including pool tables, table tennis, and table games.

Website:  https://cancun.zilara.hyatt.com/en/hotel/our-hotel.html