Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa

The Dreams Sands Cancun Resort and Spa meets all the expectations of both a family-oriented and party-loving all-inclusive resort. Couples, families with kids, and groups (many celebrating on-site weddings) all have a place here, where two pools, calm ocean waters, and over a dozen bars and restaurants provide the necessities for a beach getaway. However, because both pools are by the beach, the whole area melds into one and can feel a bit congested. Most guests don't seem to mind, though, instead taking advantage of the top shelf booze-slinging bars and daily activities provided by raved-about staff. The atmosphere is certainly lively but not rowdy, though nightly entertainment such as singing performances can be heard from rooms (it ended around 10 p.m. during our stay).One big upside to this property is its "Unlimited Luxury" experience, where guests are not required to wear wristbands or trade in cards for pool towels (a rarity for area all-inclusives). Reservations also aren't required for the restaurants, though they have a dress code that many guests find pesky at times. The resort is older, and despite renovations since the Dreams brand took over in 2014, some wear is evident and not all decor feels modern -- think patterned chair slipcovers in the lobby and bed runners. Themed restaurants have atmosphere touches such as large vineyard photos at Bordeaux and draped ceilings with lanterns at Olio, a Mediterranean spot.All in all, this is a great upscale value, but this is a smaller resort for Cancun and currently lacks some of the "wow" factor guests may expect from a Dreams property. Couples may prefer Secrets The Vine Cancun, an adult-only luxury property, though it costs more. Families, meanwhile, may prefer the massive Paradisus Cancun, which has a huge pool and similar rates.

The Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa is located in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, right on the Caribbean Sea and with views of Isla Mujeres from some guest rooms. Cancun’s lively clubs and nightlife scene are within walking distance; the popular Coco Bongo and Mandalay Beach Club, for example, are about a 15-minute walk away. In addition, there are shops, chain restaurants, and local vendors just minutes away on foot.Playa Mujeres Golf, a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole course is about a 20-minute drive away. The Cancun Convention Center is within a 10-minute drive. Beyond that, the entire stretch of the Hotel Zone is available via taxi, or the R1 and R2 buses. Plus, travelers can be in downtown Cancun within 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, via the same transportation routes. Cancun International Airport is a 25-minute drive.

The 436 rooms were updated after the hotel became a Dreams property in 2014. They feature modern, elegant decor in earthy, neutral tones (browns, whites, oranges, and greens), marble tile floors, and dark laminate furniture. Patterned bed runners and generic artwork feel a bit outdated, however. Also on the downside, travelers may be disappointed that not all rooms have balconies, though all offer at least partial ocean vistas. Be aware that rooms may suffer noise from nightly entertainment.Rooms are spacious across the board and outfitted with comfy beds, small sitting areas, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars with free beer, soda, water, and juice, and coffeemakers. Closets come stocked with electronic safes and ironing facilities. Marble bathrooms are attractive and most have shower/tub combos, though upgraded units have tubs and separate showers. Toiletries are provided but expect conditioning shampoo instead of two separate products. Hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers are included. The hotel added 11 Preferred Club Honeymoon Suites in 2015, each with a king-sized bed and oceanfront views. The Honeymoon Suites also have a whirlpool tub on the terrace, and an outdoor Bali bed looking out over the ocean. 

The Dreams Sands Cancun Resort and Spa is set on a beautiful white-sand beach with beach volleyball nets, sunbeds, a beach bar, outdoor hammocks, and rows of loungers under palapas. All non-motorized water sports are included. This is probably the best part of the resort, and the calm, shallow water means that guests can walk out quite far into the sea. Many beaches in Cancun are rockier and have rougher water and more seaweed accumulation, so this is a big draw.Two pools include one with a swim-up bar and one meant for relaxing, both with plenty of loungers and cabanas for all-day lounging. Given the number of rooms and that the pools are next to each other, the area can feel a bit crowded. Three hot tubs dot the area and daybeds at the pool and beach are available for rent. Daily activities and nightly entertainment can take place around the pool, and they largely receive positive reviews from past guests. The spa offers a variety of treatments, including hot stone and Ayurvedic massages, and pedicures. There are rooms for both individuals and couples, including outdoor cabanas. The fitness center is small and not open 24/7 (it closed at 9 p.m. during our visit).Dreams can be somewhat party-oriented during high season, but several amenities are geared toward families. The Explorer's Club has a full program of activities for children ages 3 to 12. There are an area with games for infants, a small playground, and activities such as movie nights, sandcastle building, and treasure hunts. During our visit, the club was open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., and kids' dinners are available if parents want a quiet evening to themselves. The Core Zone for teens is focused on ages 13 to 17 and offers a video game room and outdoor area with pool, ping-pong, and foosball tables. The "Unlimited Luxury" experience includes limitless access to all restaurants and bars, top-shelf liquor, non-motorized water sports, all taxes and tips, 24-hour room service, and on-site activities and entertainment. The Preferred Club Lounge has an exclusive check-in area on the eighth floor, complete with a small bar, meeting space, free breakfast spread, snacks, and tea and coffee. Preferred Club members also get a free newspaper delivered daily to the room and extra minibar items. 

A whopping 14 restaurants and bars are packed into the Dreams Sands, though some past guests have found food average. A la carte restaurants include Italian, French, Mexican, and Asian options, and there's also an international buffet serving all meals. The cafe serves both ice cream and coffee, a grill serves snacks and light bites, and a bar serves sushi and ceviche for lunch. Other bars include the lobby bar, swim-up bar, beach bar, and a sports bar. Unlimited top-shelf spirits are included in the rate. No reservations are needed anywhere and guests do not need to wear wristbands. The dress codes may be too restrictive for some; men cannot wear sleeveless shirts, even at breakfast, and trousers are required at the a la carte venues. Note that the dinner-only Waves & Sands is for adults only.