This post may be a bit convoluted, but then Ocean Riviera Paradise has a fairly complex set-up as an all-inclusive.

First of all, Ocean Riviera Paradise is a family-friendly resort in the Ocean H10 resort chain just north of Playa del Carmen–it’s about a 40-min. drive south of the Cancun airport.  It has a somewhat rocky ocean entry, but the resort itself has many amenities that attract new visitors and make for repeat vacation stays.  Here are some of those amenities:

• one of the few resorts which has a bowling alley
• this resort has a casino, another rarity
• 10 restaurant and 12 bar choices, plus separate coffee and ice cream areas
• 5 pools, one of them is oceanfront
• a good Kid’s Club program and facilities, plus a dedicated teen space
• a large children’s water park
• gym is open 24-hrs
• on-site disco

The resort is divided into four sections–closest to the beach is the Eden section, across the main pathway from Eden is the upgraded Privilege section, while closer to the lobby area is the adults-only El Beso section and the kid-friendly/family section with the great kid’s water park called Daisy.  (FYI:  If you want to book a suite in the adults-only El Beso section, you’ve got to go to a separate website exclusively for this section–get the link here.)  Suites with rooftop terraces can be found in three of these sections–Eden, El Beso, and the Privilege sections.  Jr. and Master Suites are the room categories from which to choose when you want to book a rooftop suite.  Here is a list of the actual room categories which have rooftop terraces:

• Rooftop Jr. Suite Eden
• Rooftop Master Suite Eden
• Privilege Rooftop Jr. Suite
• Rooftop Jr. Suite El Beso

All rooftop terraces have a Jacuzzi right next to the clear plexiglass panel to optimize one’s view, padded loungers, a full bathroom with shower and toilet, and some sort of additional seating area.  Master Suite rooftop terraces also have a much larger seating area.  In terms of rooftop terrace privacy for all categories, other guests adjacent to your room can see what’s going on in your Jacuzzi if they stand next to their plexiglass panel.  The rest of the rooftop terrace space can give you more privacy.

So, which one to choose?  If you want more overall space, book the Master Suite.  If you don’t want to be bothered by children in your resort section, choose El Beso.  If you care more about your rooftop terrace view, here are your options:

• Eden section:  Jr. Rooftop Suites have side sea views, pool, or garden views.  Master Suites have sea or garden views.
• Privilege section:  pool or garden views.
• El Beso section:  pool or garden views.

Don’t forget that guests staying in Eden Rooftop Master Suites also have access to Privilege amenities including the Privilege Lounge and Chill-Out Zone in addition to other VIP amenities.  If I were going to book this resort today I’d book the Eden Rooftop Master Suite and enjoy most of the amenities I would have if I’d have booked the Privilege upgrade.  Plus I would request a suite with a sea view (remember that room requests are just that–a request and never a guarantee).  In your original booking (if not booked with a travel agent), specify your view request, then 7-10 days prior to arrival send an email to the reservations dept. reminding them of your original request.  You are more likely to get your request if you book directly with the resort and if you send a reminder email.  It’s still not a guarantee though.

Below is a video of the  Eden Rooftop Master Suite which I previously posted several years ago; I guess I must really like this room category!  What do you think, would you stay here and in this room category?  Which rooftop terrace suite would you choose?