Hotel Review: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

How many ways can you make a margarita? Well, if you’re at the lobby bar of JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, the answer is 150.

In fact, the hotel recently debuted what might be the world’s largest margarita menu, according to Tiffany Holmes, the hotel’s multiproperty hotel manager.

“We’ve Googled it, and we don’t think there’s another place out there that offers more margaritas on its menu,” she said. “Creating 150 Instagram-worthy margaritas has been a passion project for our team of expert mixologists, and each margarita is handcrafted from fresh ingredients, including different varieties of tequila and mezcal.”

Unique, nuanced flavors are created using tequilas infused with unusual ingredients — including black tea, beetroot and serrano chili peppers — before being artfully displayed and served.

But the “150 Margaritas” menu is just one of many new offerings at the 447-room luxury beachfront resort, which has undergone a massive $40 million renovation. (The refresh is currently 90% complete and is scheduled to be fully finished by June.)

Inspired by Maya Literature
One of the most exciting features of the resort’s renovation is the new style of its guestrooms. The design team, led by Martha Gaos and Claudia Gonzalez of G+G Interiorismo, drew inspiration from Maya culture and, in particular, an excerpt in Maya literature that chronicles the creation of humankind.

Reclaimed wood accents feature meticulously carved drawings that are inspired by both native symbols and the intricate embroidery found on garments worn by the ancient indigenous people of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Authentic Mexican textiles and materials are also used in the hotel’s furniture and flooring.

All rooms have modern, oversize bathrooms with freestanding soaking tubs, luxurious rainfall showers, dual sinks and granite vanity tops. The updated rooms are decorated in warm sand tones and turquoise hues to match the colors of the Mexican Caribbean region.

“The elevated design pays homage to Cancun’s history and culture,” said Christopher Calabrese, general manager and vice president of JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. “Opening our guests up to the world around them is one of the most authentic travel experiences they can have.”

Reason to Upgrade
Clients who opt for club access can experience the Club 91 lounge, which has also been newly renovated. Booking club access makes a stay at the resort nearly all-inclusive and is a good value for the additional fee. There are five daily food presentations in the lounge, an open bar from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly, free or discounted airport transfers, exclusive check-in and checkout at the club lounge, concierge assistance and preferred reservations for the hotel’s on-site spa and restaurants.

The Details
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
www.marriott.com