Aquamarina Beach Hotel

Aquamarina Beach Hotel is a lively and casual property with a steady stream of activities by the main pool including volleyball, soccer, aerobics, trivia contests, and a ping-pong table. But sometimes it's a bit too boisterous: Guests complain the music is blaring and the MC can be a bit much. (Fortunately for those who prefer a more peaceful setting can escape to the hotel's Relaxation Pool.) Aquamarina caters to families, and they'll find multiple attractions including a children’s playground with swings and a slide and a decent-sized mini-golf course. The beach is calm as well, making swimming easy for kids. In addition to families, the hotel attracts a number of budget travelers and groups, especially locals.

Lodged in a tall, six-story white buildings that's clearly visible from the street, the hotel is on the older side, and it shows in some areas. White plaster hallways and a congested lobby with salmon-colored armchairs feel more like a drab convention center. Restaurants with plastic tablecloths could also use a facelift. But the grounds are exceptionally safe; there is security on-site and the hotel provides bracelets so staff can identify guests.  

Cancun’s Hotel Zone is shaped like a “7,” and Aquamarina Beach Hotel is located at the very top (or northern part) of the zone. Beaches up here are calmer and much less wavy compared to properties located down the main strip, a bonus for families with young kids. But guests interested in watersports or other wave-friendly activities might have to travel farther down the zone. There is a grocery-convenience store across the street from the hotel and a souvenir store nearby.

Most resorts are located on the narrow stretch of land between the Nichupte Lagoon and Caribbean Sea (the base of the “7”), making Aquamarina Beach Hotel a five- to 10-minute drive from central restaurants, shops, and attractions. Taxis are always available in front of the hotel and plenty of buses run up and down the Hotel Zone. The resort is a 10-minute drive from downtown Cancun.

• Eight-minute drive to the heart of the Hotel Zone
• 23-minute drive to Cancun International Airport
• 36-minute drive to Puerto Morelos, with quiet beaches and great snorkeling spots
• 60-minute drive to Playa del Carmen, a bustling town with great shopping and a well-heeled crowd
• 1-hour-40 minute drive to Tulum ruins
• 2-hour-10-minute drive to Chichen Itza ruins
• 2-hour-20-minute drive to Coba ruins    

Compared to the public spaces, the guest rooms have slightly more updated decor like off-white tile floors, dark wood furniture, and crisp white bedding with deep blue accent pillows. Wall-sconce lighting adds a modern touch, but neon-green accent walls feel garish. Most rooms have large closets and all have a private terrace or balcony with plastic patio furniture. The pink marble bathrooms feel particularly tired. There isn't a lot of counter space around the sink and showers feel shoehorned right by the toilets. Room sizes do accommodate families as Standard Rooms sleep two to four, and Junior Suites can sleep six. The Junior Suites have a living room and a small kitchenettes, too.

When it comes to the amenities,  rooms really show their age. The safety deposit boxes are old, rusted, and operated with a key; the shower stalls leak when in use; and the air-conditioning is noisy. And certain design choices seem odd. Suite kitchenettes have a small stove and pantry but no fridge or cooking utensils. 

Easily the most popular part of the resort, the main pool sits at the heart of the property. Consisting of two looping circles in a figure eight, the pool has a swim-up bar and a shallow children’s area. White metal lounge chairs line the perimeter and there's a shaded area by a patch of grass. The snackbar, situated by the pool, sells basic food and drinks. The Relaxation Pool offers a quieter alternative. The cobalt-blue bottom here is echoed in the fabric covering the poolside loungers. There's also a whirlpool.

The beach is small and extremely calm. Boats anchored on either side give it the look of a marina. Despite its size, the beach is scenic, with palm trees and white powdery sand. There are only a handful of loungers and chairs here, which get snapped up early in the day. A children's playground and a mini-golf course gives families more activities beyond swimming and sunbathing.    

Aquamarina has two restaurants on-site. Restaurant Las Perlas, off the lobby, serves a buffet breakfast and dinner. Restaurant Las Palapa, located by the pool, serves a buffet lunch and a la carte dinner. The hotel also offers room service. Guests report that the quality of the food is so-so overall. 

Aquamarina Beach offers an affordable all-inclusive option that includes meals and domestic beverages. The package also includes some non-motorized watersports such as kayaks, paddleboats, and snorkeling.