We just got back from a quick jaunt to Playa Del Carmen -- we were in town for a friend's wedding and opted to stay at the Fairmont instead of one of the all-inclusive options. We loved the hotel -- the staff was incredibly friendly and for the most part, completely bilingual (although I speak Spanish, which was helpful at times). We liked the main pool, and the infinity pool by the beach was great. I think we benefited from being there during low season, though, because we never had to fight for a chair, etc. There was plenty of space for everyone. The hotel is large, but they do a great job of constantly running shuttles to help people get around. That said, we found the hotel completely walkable -- we only took the shuttles to and from our room upon check in an check out when we had luggage (as a disclaimer, we do a lot of walking/running at home). We ate at two of the restaurants, and, as hotel restaurants go, the food was good and the prices were reasonable. As for the rooms, we stayed in one of the casitas on the lagoon. Our bathroom had a full-size glass window that overlooked a totally private garden which was an interesting touch. We also had a patio overlooking the lagoon. We would completely recommend a similar room, and, if you're willing to spring the $1000 (or whatever it costs) for one of the beach front rooms, they looked amazing. If we ever decide we need a beach vacation, we'd consider staying at the Fairmont again. One word of warning -- simply uttering the words Fairmont at the airport or in town results in a pretty significant price increase in cab fares, etc. Be prepared to either pay a bit more and deal with it or negotiate.

We were there June 27-July 4 and i really enjoyed the place. We travelled with 3 children , ages 6 and two 8yr olds so keep in mind my review is geared toward families. We were with a group of 17 and the hotel did a fantastic job of keeping us all together in the same area. When we arrived it was at 100 % occupancy and we heard when we left was at 20 % occupancy and I really didnt notice a difference. The place is very spread out and the pools are great. The kids pool has a slide and we loved it . The golf carts to the beach were not a big deal and the kids loved them. Advice : MUST BRING Water shoes and bug spray !! a must . The mosquitoes in the evening are merciless and the rocks in the ocean hurt. RENT A CAR- the hotel is fun but if you want to leave the hotel the taxi rates are extremely high ( $26.00 for a 5 mile trip to Xcaret) Its nice to try some other restaurants. We rented for a week for $125.00 We took an adventure to Xcaret - not sure if we would do this again because it was expensive for a family of 5. (75$ for adults/$40 for kids) It would have been great for half the price. They also charge by height and we are tall people so one of my kids was charged as an adult rate-painfull. We also went to Chichenitza and IK KIL Cenote - both were incredible and a must do . We had a rental car , left at 7 am and we on the ruins at 9. Spent 2-3 hours before the buses on tourist started to arrive . Go early !! Went to the cenote and that was a highlight too .

Worked in the hotel industry in Cancun for several years, and I have never felt so unwelcomed and ripped off until I arrived at the Mayacoba. These were our first family vacations for a long time since we left Mexico and let me tell you, even the Omni has much higher quality and service oriented standars than this hotel. Quality of food was very low and pricey, the personnel is very unhelpful, unfriendly, they make you feel like they are doing it you a favor instead of making you feel at home besides for what you are paying $$$$$$$. Only the smiling bell boys and the very sweet ladies at the Kids club are worth of working in this hotel. My experience at the Spa was awful, HILDA who book my treatment had this horrible attitude, she talked to me very loud and made me feel once again like she was doing me a big favor, treating me very rude, I thought of cancelling but I really needed to relax, that's what I thought, the cabin was so hot, that gave me a headache, It was the longest and more uncomfortable massage I ever had, even though the therapist try really hard to make me feel better. Upon check in we requested to extend our stay one more night, bad decision! . During our last day we didn't get housekeeping service, we requested a wake up call since we had to be at airport at 5 am, we didn't receive our wake up call, we woke up at 4:45 am, and almost lost our flight back home. So we didn't have time to review our bill when checking out, at home we found out all kinds of extra fees they charge you, for what???? for a one star service hotel. Do not recommend anyone to go to Fairmont Mayacoba.

This hotel is amazing! From the service to the rooms to the swimming pools... just a wonderful resort. I highly recommend it. The casitas feel like a luxury tree-house with lots of vegetation around it. The food is great with the only exception that the orange juice for breakfast is not fresh. It should be for a 5 diamond resort. Other than that it was perfect.