Park Royal Cancun is situated in a great area of the Hotel Zone–not only is it across the street from upscale La Isla Mall, but guests can also walk out the hotel’s front door and catch a bus for a 5-10 min. ride to popular restaurants and nightclubs in Cancun.  This is an older property with limited amenities, yet it has a loyal following of visitors from many countries.

View of one of the towers and the lower pool with swim-up bar

Beach lovers will enjoy the wide expanse of powder white sand with room enough for sports, long walks in either direction, or tanning on the plastic loungers back by the property wall.  Ocean entry is easy with no dramatic sand cliffs or drop-offs, and there is little sea grass to contend with.  If you like to nod off to the sound of the surf, you are sure to enjoy the beach hammocks.  Double rows of palapas provide shade, but there are no cabanas.

Just up a flight of stairs from the beach is the terraced pool.  The octagonal-shaped, upper level pool area offers ocean views and cascades into the lower level activities pool which has a swim-up bar.  There is a small children’s pool adjacent to the upper pool area, but it tends to be empty since most children use the pool with the swim-up bar.  NOTE:  It is important to point out that pools here do not have steps leading down into the water, only pool ladders, which can create difficulties for people with disabilities or mobility problems.  There is no pool or beach wait service, so be prepared to muster up enough energy to get out of your lounger to get your own.

If you’re coming to the Park Royal for numerous dining options, you will be disappointed–there are only two restaurants on-site, the buffet and the reservations-only Italian a la carte (guests age 14+).  There is a poolside snack area with typical American fare, but food cannot be accessed at this resort 24-hrs. a day.

There are only three guest room categories at the Park Royal–Standard, Ambassador Suite, and Presidential Suite.  Both suite categories can hold families of five or six individuals (four comfortably), or friends traveling together.  The most sought-after room is the Presidential Suite (ocean view) because it has a balcony with a Jacuzzi and more en-suite amenities (two flat screen TV’s, two bathrooms, and more space in general).  All guest rooms lack room service, a mini-bar (two bottles of water are given to each room per day), and in-room safes are an extra charge.

Travelers who enjoy a handy slice of Mayan history should head over to the south side of the property to see the Scorpion Temple ruins.  The ruins are roped off, but guests can easily view the remains of the Temple.

Travel web sites have been known to post huge discount rates on the Park Royal making it one of the better all-inclusive deals in Cancun.  Despite its limitations, this resort can be a good choice for the traveler looking for a budget-friendly all-inclusive in a great Hotel Zone location.

Type of Resort:  Family-friendly

Pro:  Wide beach, central location

Con:  Limited balconies and dining selection, WiFi/safe/fitness center $, no room service or mini-bars

Best Suited For:  Those looking for a budget-friendly all-inclusive with short travel times to all Cancun has to offer, families who don’t mind not having a dedicated Kid’s Club, those who aren’t looking for lots of resort amenities.

No. of Rooms:  288

Room Amenities:  Double beds, some rooms have a Murphy bed, A/C, TV, telephone, table and chairs, hair dryer, shower/tub combo, and toiletries.  In-room safes are an extra charge, and irons/ironing boards and coffee makers are available upon request.  Here are the room categories:

• Standard:  Two dbl beds.  Garden, lagoon, or partial ocean view.
• Ambassador Suite:  Two dbl beds in one room, a separate living/dining area with two armchairs, a dining table and four chairs, and Murphy bed.  Turndown service is available upon request.  Lagoon or partial ocean view.
• Presidential Suite:  Two dbl beds, two chairs and a small table, flat screen TV, a writing desk and chair in one room, while the adjoining room has a sofa, two armchairs, Murphy bed, flat screen TV, kitchenette with small sink, breakfast bar area, and second full bathroom.  There is also a balcony with a small table, plastic chairs, and Jacuzzi.  Microwave, coffee maker, and turndown service upon request.  Ocean or lagoon view.

Physically Challenged Rooms:  Not available

Resort Amenities:  Three pools (lower activities pool with swim-up bar, upper pool, and adjacent children’s pool), non-motorized water sports at Aquaworld Marina (across the street at La Isla Mall), sauna and beachfront massage table, fitness center, on-site Mayan ruins, beach hammocks, lobby computer, concierge, tour desk, and sundries store.  There are only a few scheduled activities for children and no dedicated Kid’s Club area.

Restaurants/Bars:  There are two restaurants, one is the buffet (La Veranda) and the other is a reservations-only Italian a la carte restaurant (El Mirador–for guests age 14+).  There is also a snack bar open until 6 p.m. (Snack El Jardin), and the Le Veranda Patio which offers a continental breakfast and before dinner snacks (located on the patio area of the buffet restaurant).  There are four bars including the swim-up bar, two poolside bars, and the lobby bar which is open until midnight.

Entertainment:  Park Royal does not have a theater or offer consistent nighttime entertainment; however, it does offer bingo, karaoke, a magic show, and various contests.  Also the entertainment staff escort guests to various clubs (for an extra fee) which typically includes one-way transportation, bottle service, and seating.

Website:  http://parkroyal.mx/en/park-royal/cancun