Hotel Review: Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

Beautiful things often come in smaller packages.

That’s what I discovered during my recent stay at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, a 144-room hotel that offers a luxurious alternative to the gigantic, all-inclusive beach resorts that dot Mexico’s Caribbean coast. 

And now, the hotel is bound to find a higher profile in the marketplace, as it becomes the inaugural property of Registry Collection Hotels, a new luxury brand just launched by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is described as a “flagship property” for Registry Collection Hotels, a brand designed for independent luxury hotel owners looking to tap into global brand recognition and marketing support while still maintaining their properties’ individuality. 

The most upscale property in the Royal Resorts portfolio, Grand Residences Riviera Cancun offers an ideal location for vacationers looking for convenience without the crowds; it’s located between Cancun and the Riviera Maya, just minutes by car (or bicycle, as I found out during my visit) from the charming beachfront town of Puerto Morelos.

The airport arrival process is part of the pleasure when staying at Grand Residences. All room rates include a private airport transfer, and my ride in a sumptuous black SUV — furnished with water, a hygiene kit and even Wi-Fi access — provided a wonderful setting in which to relax after a hectic flight and prepare for the even more relaxing experiences that awaited at the hotel.

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A decidedly upscale vibe is evident throughout the property; in some areas, the hotel exudes the elegance of a traditional hacienda (think: terra-cotta architectural elements, soaring arches and dark wood furnishings), but with beautiful contemporary contrasts, such as glass sculptures reminiscent of the work of sculptor Dale Chihuly, and plenty of high-tech amenities, including waterproof wristband IDs that serve as room keys and resemble a Fitbit device. And, thanks to the property’s manageable size, guests are never more than a few steps from one of the multiple swimming pools or the sparkling beach. No need for golf carts here.

The attractively traditional decor theme extends into the accommodations at Grand Residences. I stayed in a 1,789-square-foot, ocean-view master suite with 1.5 bathrooms, a large living and dining area (with a table for eight people) and a large, fully furnished kitchen, complete with a full-size refrigerator, an oven, a stove and a laundry room. The most visually stunning feature, however, was the spacious balcony, which provided me with a mesmerizing view of the beach and Caribbean Sea; the open-air Jacuzzi was an especially pleasant place to take in the scenery. 

A big selling point at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is its ability to cater to small groups. There were two murphy beds in my living room and one in my bedroom, upping the potential capacity of my suite to eight people. Various guestrooms and suites throughout the property can be interconnected, making it easy for families and friends to stay close. In addition to fully outfitted master suites, options include junior suites that have mini-kitchens with a microwave and a minifridge. And, unlike most luxury beachfront resorts in the region, Grand Residences has parking directly adjacent to the accommodation buildings, which is ideal for travelers who plan to rent a car to explore attractions in and around Cancun and the Riviera Maya. 

Gourmet cuisine is another draw at the property. Guests can choose either a European or all-inclusive dining plan, and culinary options are varied. I savored multiple meals at El Faro Grill, a lovely restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating that specializes in fresh seafood and steaks, as well as a memorable dinner at Flor de Canela, the elegant Mexican-themed restaurant, and a delightful lunch of fish tacos at Heaven, the picturesque, open-air beach bar. Theme nights bring even more diversity to the menu, with culinary evenings focused on seafood, barbecue, French and Italian cuisine among the offerings.  

To help guests work off those delicious calories, access to the 24-hour fitness center is free (the facility is staffed until 11 p.m.; after that time, guests enter by using their room key). I also indulged in a much-needed massage at Grand Residences Spa, a small but handsomely designed facility that offers an impressive array of treatments including facials, body wraps and milk baths.

While relaxing at the pool or on the beach might be enough for many people, Grand Residences offers a wide-ranging schedule of activities every week, including Zumba classes, tequila tastings, Spanish-language lessons and cooking classes, to name a few. The children’s club offers a robust array of activities, too. My personal favorite outing was a guided bike ride to Puerto Morelos, which provided me with plenty of time to explore the town’s shops, restaurants and photo opportunities. Like the hotel itself, Puerto Morelos is smaller and more relaxing than many other destinations in the area. 

And that’s a very good reason to visit. 

The Details
Grand Residences Riviera Cancun