Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort & Spa- All Inclusive

“Wonderful vacation! I’ll be back!”

Wonderful Vacation – I Will Be Back! I would happily give Catalonia Riviera Maya a 4 1/2 star rating. My only small disappointment was that there wasn’t more sandy beach area. That said, the swimming pools were excellent, and there were always plenty of very comfortable loungers available at any… more

Wonderful Vacation – I Will Be Back! I would happily give Catalonia Riviera Maya a 4 1/2 star rating. My only small disappointment was that there wasn’t more sandy beach area. That said, the swimming pools were excellent, and there were always plenty of very comfortable loungers available at any time of day. I especially enjoyed the quiet Privileged pool and its private little beach area. Before arriving, I had requested a room in Buildings 9 or 10 in the Privileged section. While that wasn’t available on my first night, the staff offered to move me the following day. However, the suite they had assigned me in Room 8303, Building 11 was so lovely, peaceful, and spotlessly clean that I decided to stay. It was perfect. The housekeeping staff were exceptional. The room was immaculate every day, the linens were sparkling white, luxurious, and changed daily. I also loved coming back each afternoon to find a beautiful new floral surprise in my room. Room service was prompt, and the breakfast menu was both plentiful and delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed every restaurant, including the buffets. There wasn’t a single meal where I couldn’t find something delicious to eat. My favorite was the Steakhouse. Being from Alberta, I know a good steak! I wasn’t disappointed. I highly recommend the tenderloin—I ordered mine medium-rare, and it was cooked perfectly. The nightly entertainment was outstanding. Don’t miss Moana—it was one of the highlights of my stay! The only other small thing I missed was having servers circulating around the pools with drinks and snacks. On the other hand, it really wasn’t many steps to the nearby bar, so it certainly wasn’t a major issue. Thank you to the entire staff for a wonderful vacation. Your hospitality made my stay truly memorable. I will definitely be back—and next time, I’ll be bringing my family!

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“Great smaller resort”

Check-in was efficient and hassle-free. Upon arrival, we were provided with a brief overview of the resort before being directed to our room in Block B2. Access involved two flights of stairs, which may be challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. The room itself was modern, sp… more

Check-in was efficient and hassle-free. Upon arrival, we were provided with a brief overview of the resort before being directed to our room in Block B2. Access involved two flights of stairs, which may be challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. The room itself was modern, spacious, and well-equipped for two guests. It featured a large, comfortable bed, ample storage with cube-style units, a wall-mounted television, a filtered coffee machine, and a minibar stocked daily with beer, soft drinks, and water. Additional amenities included an iron and ironing board, a safe, and a hairdryer. The bathroom was equally impressive, with double sinks, a large shower cubicle, and soft towels replaced daily upon request. The room benefited from both air conditioning and a ceiling fan, ensuring a comfortable environment throughout our stay. A small balcony with two chairs was a nice addition, although a clothesline for drying swimwear would have been appreciated. Housekeeping was excellent, with daily cleaning and thoughtful touches such as towel animal displays. Evening turndown service was offered, but on one occasion it was respectfully withheld due to valuables being left unsecured—a reassuring indication of the staff’s professionalism and integrity. As beach enthusiasts, we were aware in advance of the seaweed issue, which is common in this region at certain times of year. While staff worked diligently to clear it each day, it would inevitably return. This is a natural occurrence rather than a reflection on the hotel, and guests are advised to research seasonal conditions prior to travel. Our upgrade included access to the Privileged beach area, which offered a quieter and more relaxed setting with sunbeds and shaded areas. We found it peaceful and never overcrowded. Many guests preferred the main pools, where the animation team provided lively entertainment throughout the day. The team was energetic, engaging, and contributed greatly to the atmosphere. The pools themselves were well-maintained and cleaned daily. The swim-up bar was popular, though consistently occupied, while the main activity pool was busier. Guests also had access to the neighbouring sister hotel, which offered additional quieter facilities and a popular crepe station. The beach bar was a highlight, offering a wide selection of drinks and prompt, attentive service. The Privileged bar, however, was somewhat underwhelming in comparison, with limited drink options and a small seating area. The sports bar in the sister hotel was quieter and featured complimentary pool tables. While staff across bars and restaurants were hardworking and friendly, there appeared to be occasional understaffing, particularly during busy periods. The on-site spa offered a range of treatments, although prices were relatively high. We opted instead for a beachside massage service nearby, which provided excellent value and quality. Dining overall was good, with the buffet restaurant offering a wide variety of food. Breakfast included fresh juices, cooked options, pastries, and made-to-order eggs, catering to a range of tastes. Lunch was particularly enjoyable, with a strong selection of hot dishes, salads, and local cuisine. Evening dining at the specialty restaurants was more variable. The Italian restaurant served good food, although service and accuracy of orders could be inconsistent. The Teppanyaki experience depended heavily on group participation, which impacted the atmosphere during our visit. The steak restaurant was disappointing due to long wait times, high temperatures (lack of air conditioning), and limited service. Although the food was acceptable, the experience did not meet expectations. Similarly, the Bloved restaurant offered a limited menu, with mixed food quality during dinner service, although breakfast and lunch there were excellent, enhanced by the comfort of air conditioning. Room service, ordered late one evening, was underwhelming, with cold food despite the kitchen’s proximity to our room. In hindsight, the Privileged upgrade did not offer significant additional value beyond access to the Bloved restaurant and a smaller pool and bar area. Evening entertainment was a standout feature of the resort, with high-quality shows ranging from themed productions to live performances. These were consistently well-attended and among the best we have experienced. The resort’s location provides easy access to a nearby marina and small gated town within a five-minute walk. This area offers additional bars, restaurants, and attractions, including a dolphin and manatee sanctuary—well worth a visit. We also booked an excursion to Isla Mujeres, which was excellent value and a highlight of our trip. The island’s beaches and vibrant town provided a memorable day out. Overall, while the resort is relatively small and the upgrade did not represent good value for money, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The staff were exceptional, and we made the most of our experience despite a few shortcomings.

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“Make sure you book a privilege room or suite”

To enjoy this resort you need to book Privilege thankfully we did as it meant we could use the Beloved restaurant for all meals. The buffet is terrible! And the restaurants are not great. Choose a different hotel if going to Mexico