Catalonia Riviera Maya

We have stayed at a number of all-inclusive locations and this is in the top 2. We did upgrade to the Privilege for 25$USD person/day and it was the BEST decision. This gives you unlimited access to the B'Loved restaurant which offers menu service for breakfast/lunch/dinner on a walk-in basis. You also get unlimited access to 24 hour room service. There is a separate pool and bar that the Privilege upgrade gives you access to – they will refuse you service at that bar if you do not have the upgrade and this did upset some patrons. The resort itself is extremely well maintained and clean. Large number of staff are always on site. You are able to book as many al a carte restaurants as you want during your stay - they have Japanese, Italian, Mexican and Steakhouse. We did not try the Japanese but ate at the other 3 more than once and they were all great. They also have a burger location that does not require a reservation. There is a snack type buffet for lunch and it had a good selection that was always tasty. All the restaurants have a very good menu and wonderful service staff. Around the beach and pool there are very few staff for drink service so you have to get your own. There are limited bar locations but you can access the sister resort (Yucatan) which also has a Crepe/ice cream wagon and a snack wagon. The least impressive part of the resort was the main buffet - it never changed and the food was quite bland. You could go over to the one on the Yucatan side but it was exactly the same. There were also people who complained about the bar opening at 1100 and closing early. The reservation system for the al a cartes is ONLY on-line. It opens around 09:00 and you have to be fast but once we realized the timing we were able to book easily. In a 12 day stay we ate at the al a cartes 7 times. We liked the beaches which were in a cove-like location - great shallow waters for kids. Snorkeling could be done from these beaches which was a nice option. Tons of lounge chairs in multiple type locations - both beach and pool. People do reserve but if you are out by 9:00 you can find a spot. We would return to this resort. [Details]

The good:
-Hotel has a very easy footprint to familiarize yourself with after a few hours.
-Food and service were really good, better than many of the 5* hotels I've been to.
-Short walk to see the dolphins and other marine life.
-Snorkeling on site was surprisingly good.
-On site kayaking was nice, especially when you go under the road onto the adjacent properties.

The bad:
-Two-tier system at this hotel sucks. You're not made to feel welcome unless you upgrade to 'privilege', and the facilities for privileged guests only are all over and placed in the most convenient spots. This is done deliberately so guests will pay extra and upgrade once they arrive. Very poor practice.
-Customer service is not great.
-Entertainment at night is poor.
-Hotel shop is insanely overpriced.
-Minus the 'Privileged' bar, you have long walk if you want drinks while enjoying the beach at the Riviera side.
-Bus ride to/from airport is longer than expected, I would definitely recommend hiring transportation.

The ugly:
-Multiple thefts throughout my stay. What I learned is that you're always being watched, so it's best to speak & mingle with other guests on the beach prior to going for a swim. DO NOT simply put your stuff on a chair and go snorkeling unless you have someone with you, or you take the time to chat with guests nearby first. In the first two days here, I had the following items go missing from the beaches (New hat, New sandals, New travel mug, tipping cash, diving fins, diving knife, travel bag, new shirt). The beaches are small and only staff & guests have access so use your own judgement on this scenario. This is my 36th all-inclusive since 2001 and by far the worst experience with theft.
-Taxes and service charges upon leaving could only be paid with cash. Front desk claimed their machine was down and that I would need to withdraw money from the ATM downstairs to pay.
I thought this was very odd, but complied. Things escalated when I asked for a receipt and they refused, stating that the receipt machine is tied into the same system. I know better than this, so I started recording with my phone while asking questions. The lady at the front and her strong-arm accomplice clearly weren't used to getting pushback. This was a clear case of corruption [Details]

Catalonia Riviera Maya is a beautiful resort. We stayed in the family privileged suite which was perfect for our family of 5. The room was clean and the beds were comfy! We enjoyed using the deck for afternoon relaxation. There are a few different animals to be seen here which was great also. I do think there needs to be more seating in non food places to relax outside without feeling the need to have food or drinks to be there. (At least on the Mayan side, didn't spend a lot of time on the other side.) The game room definitely needs an ugrade or another as there are few things to do and little chance to use the pool table or air hockey unless you get there at just the right time. Definitely could also be more teen activities, my kids don't swim a lot so it was a little hard to find things for them to enjoy. The theatre was very nice and we enjoyed the nightly shows. We really liked the interactive games before the shows. The staff was kind and helpful. The restaurants upstairs that we went to (Bloved and the hamburger restaurant were our favorites) were very nice. Buffet was decent. There is a short walk to the Marina to see the little shops, restaurants and dolphins/manatees. Also worth renting a golf cart to check out the area although it would be nice if the hotel rented them out rather than trying to locate other golf cart services that we weren't sure of. Overall it is a nice hotel and beautiful beach with fish and other wildlife that I enjoyed a lot. [Details]

The attractive Mexican architecture/ decor and helpful staff welcomed us for a memorable week of great food, professional music & dance shows, a variety of activities: aquafit, yoga, snorkelling, kayak. Excellent value! The "Privileged" category rooms have a separate seating area & classier decor, but the basic rooms are just fine, complete with iron & board, hairdryers, TVs, mini fridges & outside terraces. compact, so that everything is easily accessible. Location within the gated, mainly ex-pat community of Puerto Aventuras, meant restricted public access & a safe, stress-free environment - best visited by golf carts. (but no nearby colourful Mexican villages to explore.) 1 1/2 hours from Cancun airport, 20 mins south of Playa del Carmen.
All info is on their website - nothing on paper...so phone and/or tablet is essential. Wifi very good...even on the beachfront. We highly recommend Catalonia Riviera Maya!

We are 3 Canadian women: Mom, her friend & adult daughter all LOVED this place & it will be our first choice when next needing a Mexican fix! [Details]

Our recent experience at the Catalonia was very good .Our room was good bed was comfortable and the cleaning staff made the cutest little animals out of towels.Food was decent the Ala cart restaurants were a bit tricky to book had to be up early and quick to book . We did manage to go twice for the week we were there once to Italian restaurant which was ok . Portion size was a little small but overall was good . Steak house was excellent. Buffet had something for everyone and was good .Burger restaurant was very good . Only real criticism is you had to really get up early and reserve chairs if you wanted a spot at the pool or beach never any chairs and not much to do for night life . Sports bar closed at 11 and disco was way to loud for socializing so no place to get a drink after 11 except disco to sit visit with friends. Overall experience 8 out of 10 [Details]

It was ok. If we could have tried out restaurants more would help. Glad we had privileged with the Bloved restaurant or we would have had to eat at buffet all the time.

Staff are great. Not good beach but knew that going into it. At places we were able to eat it food was good.

Rock show entertainment night was amazing. Rest of shows were just ok.

Not sure if we would return. [Details]

Overall a pleasant trip. Good quality food and drink, with some inconsistencies (undercooked and also overcooked steaks at BLoved). Room service prompt. Very good wifi. Sound proofing in villas is poor. Spa is woefully overpriced. Staff are very pleasant with the exception of the currency exchange personnel, who were dismissive and unhelpful in providing change for larger denomination bills. Out of 5 attempts to request change: 4 refusals (I was told to "go ask a bartender for change").
Room cleanliness excellent, beautiful large shower w/great water pressure. Both pools at on the Riviera Maya side of the resort were overcrowded, noisy and challenging to find a lounger unless before 8am. The pool at the Yucatan side is large and not at all crowded, no loud music or staff yelling into microphones ~~ much MORE relaxing. Creperie excellent, Ayami restaurant excellent, Italian restaurant very good. Buffets offer very good quality food as well. Beach is small and rocky, water shoes a must. [Details]

We thoroughly enjoyed our vacation here and were very impressed with the attention to detail.
We upgraded to Privileged and it was well worth it! We ate at BLoved for most meals. Meals were cooked to perfection and any special requests we asked for were done perfectly. They ask you at every meal and in every restaurant if you have any food allergies which I was impressed with. The staff were very friendly and attentive in BLoved and all the a la cartes.
It's not a long beach you can walk, but you can go in and snorkel. We saw lots of wildlife. Lots of fish to see even if you don't go in the water and a BIG fish that we thought could be a permit? Or Jack Trevall?
We walked into the restaurants and markets within Puerto adventures. We saw the dolphins, sea lion and manatees without having to pay (we didn't go in the water with them).
We loved our vacation and would happily do it over again, but some things to note…
We found things quite expensive, due to changing CAN $ to US$, I'd recommend bringing US$ with you so avoid extra fees. Bring lots of small bills for tipping.
We were in one of the first rooms close to the lobby. While it was super convenient, it was a bit noisy at night. Not enough to keep us up, but if you're a light sleeper, this may be an issue. I appreciated the location of the room and felt safe in it.
Our last experience to Mexico in a different resort left us feeling like we wouldn't return here due to overly pushing staff. We did not find this at all here!!! They did offer things to us, but once we said no thank you, they went on our way. We were definitely keep the Catalonia line and Mexico in our minds for our next vacation!!
Very impressed!! [Details]

If you're looking for a family type atmosphere, this is the place, I've never been to a resort with a more friendly and helpful staff
As a solo traveller I never felt alone
Karla always made sure I was included in activities
Emilio always came to say hello
Elvira and Alejandra always joked around with me at the lobby bar making sure I'm having fun [Details]

We are satisficed with the hotel. It was clean, most of the staff was nice an provide acceptable service to customers. [Details]

We have been staying at the Catalonia Resort on and off, since 2006. The reasons we love the resort:
-Location (close to the airport).
-Smaller resort so no matter where your room is, it's close to everything. This also means you get to know the staff and build friendships.
-Restaurant choices. There's 6 total (outside of the buffets) and the food was delicious at ALL. We stayed there last year and I have to say that the food was way better this time. Great improvement.
-Entertainment staff are so much fun and the evening shows are very, very well done. [Details]

This is overall a very nice resort. My room was very comfortable ,clean with a lovey bathroom that looked and felt new.
The food was good in the buffet, nicely set out with lots of staff. The Beloved restaurant was my favourite! The staff went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect and it was. I eat gluten free because of celiac and once the staff was informed I was always given gluten free bread or rolls as well as being informed of the gluten free options they offered.
The resort has multiple pool areas all nice but sunny…take lots of sunscreen.
The theatre was nicely set up and the entertainment was great.
I would definitely return to this resort. [Details]

This hotel was very nice, I enjoyed a deluxe premium room, very new, modern and comfortable.
The staff are amazing always ready to help with anything and always with a smile! 10 plus for all staff members!
The pools were lovely, the food was good.
My only criticism would be the beach is small and quite rocky difficult to get in And out of the ocean [Details]

There is no beach to walk but can snorkel and kayak among other things. The internet connection was the best so far and the grounds are kept very clean. A decent place for a family - lots of kids. The travel time to get there was roughly 1.5-2 hours as people are dropped off at various resorts along the way. It's far to go with little ones. The staff was friendly however it seems they were short-staffed. At times only one bartender per pool bar which created lineups. Unlike other resorts, they do not serve ANY alcohol until 11am - no mimosas for breakfast which is just a fun thing to do on vacay. The sports bar and nightclub were closed and under renovation which wasn't great for the younger crowd. Not much of a nightlife if that's what you are looking for. [Details]

Great place , clean, I'm Celiac and the team was great. They guided me in the buffet . They brought me GF bead with my breakfast. Rooms are very clean. Snorkeling in front of the resort is great. Saw some: Perrot fish , Puffer, Rays, Kong's, and many more. yes like any resort in the winter the chairs are a hard find but not impossible. Always found one on the beach. I would return next week if I could. The walk to the Marina is fun about a 8min walk. You will find restaurants, Gelatos(MMMMM very good one may I say) If you ask the bell-boy he can find you a golf cart.(60USD$) for 24h rental and some available by 2h slice. VERY Safe place. BEST WI-FI ever its all over the place with full bars. [Details]

Everything was 'ok'. Not the best and not the worst. The fact we had excellent weather saved this place. I feel like if the weather hadn't been so nice, we would have been irritated at the little things (not the room we booked/paid a premium for, the second room leaking and the staff not caring, the small beach/not ideal for swimming, the food being ok, lots of frozen/rethawed). Wouldn't rush to return, but wouldn't advise against booking either. [Details]

great great great. [Details]

This property is located about a 2 hour drive south of the Cancun Airport (1 hour by taxi) The staff are always friendly and attentive. The buffet restaurants (2) were very good but had trouble getting coffee at dinner service unless you wanted expresso or cappuccino.
The room was spacious and cleaned daily. Out room had a nice balcony overlooking the pools and included a small table snd 2 wicker chairs. The grounds were kept very clean and the beach area too was well kept. [Details]

The experience was incredibly pleasant. The staff at the resort went out of their way to accommodate. The staff was very knowledgeable and very pleasant and always smiling. The resort was spotless and the variety of food was excellent. We had an amazing time and will return to this wonderful resort [Details]

We stayed in the Privileged section and the room was great, nice rainfall shower head, patio with plunge pool, mini fridge was stocked daily. All of the restaurants were good, we ate a lot at Bloved, which had a more relaxed atmosphere and had beautiful views and excellent food. The a la cartes were excellent we had the steakhouse, Mexican and Japanese. The burger bar was also exceptional. Check-in and out was painless and quick. The grounds were well cared for and the Privileged beach and pool were nice and relaxing. [Details]

After 35 years of visiting Mexico Catalonia is the worst. Unless you buy the top packages you are stuck with bland boring food in a buffet, breakfast lunch and dinner. There are taco and hotdog, burger stands but you're told to try at 6am daily for a spot in specialty restaurants. In two weeks I was never able to book. Lounge chairs are premium and, again, you must grab what you can at first daylight. Overall this place is frustrating and stressful. Noisy activities programs that require loud pulsing sound from 11 to 4. Not recommended for seniors like us who wanted a peaceful getaway in the sun. [Details]

This was our second time at this resort. We came back with our family this time and loved it as much as the first time we went. The place feels like you are in a smaller resort but not too small. Lots of pools and bars. The beach is great to walk in and do some shore snorkelling. It's very clean! The food is good if sometimes a bit slow to be refilled. The restaurants are lovely as well but their reservation system could use a bit of help. It is very difficult to navigate to get a reservation. This time I visited the spa and wasn't disappointed. The staff were friendly and my massage was heavenly! My daughter loves the different snack options throughout the day. The kids club is present but never loud or in your way. It's a great place for family! [Details]

This resort only serves the elite guests who pay the most money. There are fights over lounge chairs which are rare. You're pretty much stuck eating in the buffet always because reservations aren't available at speciality restaurants. The food is very basic and for the money spent you'd be better going to Cuba which is a quarter the price. [Details]

Great resort, we had a great time!
The size of the resort was very good for us with two little kids.
The service was great most of the time.
The food was delicious. [Details]

Pros:
The average price for 7 days regarding the conditions ($1400 CAD/person flight and airport transfer included).
Acceptable quality food with multiple (but not too many) choices to choose what you want.
The bed and the linen set were clean.
Amazing view if you get the ocean view room.
The resort is located in the town of Puerto Aventuras at walking distance to Marina shopping stores, Dolphinarium and fruit market.
For the Comfort Room plan there are 4 restaurants available for dinner booking, and many bars that do not require booking.
Cons:
Terrible condition of the room and bathroom: heavy flaked paint on the entrance door; entrance door latch broken; blind door between my room and the next room that is not soundproof and neighbors discussion, music and every noise became very disturbing; old, worn and dirty furniture; shower plumbing parts loosen and leaking when the shower is running.
The room safe not functioning properly: slamming the safe door (by accident) it stopped working.
The balcony sliding doors get jammed very often.
Scratch mirrors with damaged paint on the frame in the bathroom.
Not enough beach chairs for all customers, people rushing in the morning by 6:00 to reserve a chair on the beach.
The majority of the chaise lounges on the beach are in bad condition: torn, dirty and greasy. Some difficulties in communication with the staff because not all the staff members speak english.
Sometimes the quality of a service is conditioned by the amount of tip.
The restaurant booking system is not working properly and there is no instruction available how to do it; a smart phone, a tablet or a laptop is required to complete a booking; the booking can be done today for tomorrow night only; the booking should be done in the morning otherwise there are no more seats available. [Details]

Our overall experience at this resort was good, although the resort was quite noisy. Grounds well maintained. The staff all friendly. Language is a barrier so download a translator app it really helps. The Yucatan side is quieter than the Riviera side. This resort seems to better suited for the younger crowd 20's - 50's not seniors. There are not enough loungers around the pools for the number of people wanting to sit. They say you can't reserve a lounger but everyone does so be out there by 8 am. A couple of shops there but no real shopping unless you go into Playa de Carmen. There is a shuttle that takes groups there that is free. [Details]

This is a great Resort! For a 4 star, we have been 3 times. The only issues I would say is that the reservation for different restaurants was a problem you had to get up at 6 their time to reserve. And also they have a beach chair or pool side chair problem people get up and reserve the chairs all day, and people were having problems finding chairs. [Details]

Overall vacation was good but due to weak points we would not return or recommend this resort [Details]

We had an 11 day booking with this hotel for 2 adults and a toddler. The resort is nice and cosy, but rooms are in need of some major upgrades. The first room that we got when we arrived was shockingly bad. It was a motel room at best, definitely not a 4 star hotel room. Dirty, old, mold on the ceiling, mold in the bathtub, cockroaches, old furniture. I didn't even want to get my stuff out of the suitcase or touch anything. No iron, no coffee maker, no hair dryer or any of the standard items you get at any hotel room. The one good thing it had was a view from the balcony. We managed to get a better room after staying 2 nights. The second room, although still dated, has been touched up a bit and was much better, although still wouldn't rate it as a 4 star hotel room, but the switch definitely improved our experience. Our room nicely cleaned every day, no complaints there. We thought the food was typical all inclusive buffet food. Nothing exceptional and we didn't think it was awful either until I got food poisoning 3 days before our vacation ended and our toddler got food poisoning on the last day. Both of us have very strong stomachs and it takes a lot for my stomach to be upset, let alone be throwing up. We didn't put much effort into getting reservations at the a la carte restaurants, but anytime we checked, they were either closed or unavailable. The beach is great for small kids. If you are looking for a big open beach that extends for miles, this wouldn't be it, but it was perfect for us, having a small child with us. There are rocks in the water, so water shoes were extremely helpful. There is a small sandy path on the side where you can get in and it is mostly shallow, so you can't really get a nice swim in. This beach is great for splashing around in the water with small children. The waves are blocked off with concrete blocks so the water is pretty calm even during a light storm. Pools are nice, not too crowded. If getting a lounge chair is important for you, that would be a challenge as they are never available unless you get up early and save one. We didn't care about day entertainment, but the night entertainment was nice. Some really nice live music at the bar and the nightly shows were enjoyable as well. Overall, it was a good stay, but we will be booking elsewhere for our next vacation. [Details]

We had a great time in this resort until 4 days before leaving. I ate something that kept sick for the last four days. The view was fantastic. They working people were very nice. Good restaurants and bars. At the bars you can ask them to add more tequila to the drink and they will do it. [Details]